Kerala PSC Recruitment 2026

How Kerala PSC Works (It's Different)

Kerala PSC doesn't hold one big annual exam like most state PSCs. It releases notifications throughout the year — sometimes dozens per month — for posts across different departments. Each notification is for a specific post in a specific department. You apply to the ones you're eligible for, appear in the exam when scheduled, and get ranked on a list that stays active for 1–3 years. As vacancies arise in departments, PSC advises candidates from the ranked list.

This means two things. First, there's no single "Kerala PSC 2026 exam" — there are hundreds of separate exams. Second, the system rewards candidates who stay registered and apply consistently across multiple notifications rather than waiting for one big opportunity.

No application fee for most posts. Registration through the One Time Registration (OTR) system is free and one-time.

Common Posts Recruited in 2026

Kerala PSC fills posts across nearly every state government department. Some of the most applied-for categories:

Each notification specifies exactly how many vacancies exist and what qualifications apply.

Eligibility

Age limits and qualifications vary significantly by post. General parameters:

Age

• Lower limit: 18 years for most posts
• Upper limit: 36–41 years depending on post

Qualification

• Group D / lower posts: SSLC (Class 10)
• LDC / clerical posts: Plus Two (10+2)
• Technical and graduate posts: relevant Degree or Diploma
• Teaching posts: B.Ed / TTC as specified

Malayalam proficiency is mandatory for most posts. For posts in Kasaragod and some northern districts, additional language knowledge may be relevant.

Application Fee

Free. Kerala PSC charges no application fee for the vast majority of posts. You need a valid OTR profile and an internet connection.

Selection Process

No interview for most posts below Group B Gazetted level. Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer.

Exam Pattern (Standard Posts)

For LDC / Clerical / Village Field Assistant and similar:

For technical / engineering posts:

75 minutes total. That's 45 seconds per question — not generous. Practice speed.

What the Exam Actually Tests

General Knowledge: Kerala content is tested more heavily than national content. Expect questions on Kerala's rivers (Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba), districts, wildlife sanctuaries (Silent Valley, Wayanad), famous personalities (E.M.S. Namboodiripad, K.R. Narayanan, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's Kerala connection), Kerala government schemes (Karunya Health, Aarogyakeralam, Kudumbashree), and political history.

For national GK: Indian Constitution (especially Fundamental Rights, DPSP, amendment history), modern Indian history, Five-Year Plans, economic institutions.

General Science: SCERT Kerala textbooks for Classes 8–10 are the most useful resource — they align closely with what Kerala PSC actually asks. Don't use generic GK books for the science section.

Simple Arithmetic: Class 10 level. Percentage, profit/loss, ratio, time-work, SI/CI. Questions are straightforward, not tricky — the constraint is time, not difficulty.

How to Register and Apply

Step 1 — One Time Registration (do this first, once)

1. Go to keralapsc.gov.in
2. Click "One Time Registration"
3. Fill personal details, qualifications, upload photo and signature
4. Complete OTR — this profile is used for all future applications

Step 2 — Apply to specific notifications

1. Log in with your OTR credentials
2. Go to "Apply Online" → browse current notifications
3. Click Apply next to any post you're eligible for
4. Confirm and submit — takes about 2 minutes once OTR is set up

Check keralapsc.gov.in → Notifications every month. New posts appear regularly.

Preparation Tips

• SCERT Kerala textbooks, not national guides, for science. The Kerala PSC question paper is calibrated to Kerala's school curriculum, not CBSE. Classes 8–10 SCERT science books cover almost everything in the General Science section.
• Kerala GK is non-negotiable. Manorama Yearbook (Kerala edition) and the Mathrubhumi Almanac are the standard references. Both come out annually and cover Kerala current affairs comprehensively.
• Previous Kerala PSC papers are free on the official site. Solve 10–15 papers for your specific post category. The question style, difficulty, and topic mix are consistent enough that past papers are genuinely predictive.
• 75 minutes for 100 questions means no time to re-think. Practice timed mock exams from Week 3 of your preparation, not just before the exam.

Common Questions

Can candidates from other states apply? Yes, but most posts require Malayalam proficiency and reservation benefits apply only to Kerala domicile holders.

How long does a ranked list stay active? Typically 1–3 years from publication, varying by post.

Can I apply to multiple notifications simultaneously? Yes — as long as you meet eligibility for each, you can have multiple active applications.

Is there any limit on how many times I can appear? No — you can appear as many times as you're within the age limit.

If I'm on the ranked list, when do I get the appointment? When a vacancy arises in the relevant department, PSC advises candidates in rank order. It can take weeks or years depending on vacancy creation.

Official Links