Overview
The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) is the state body that recruits candidates for civil service posts in the Government of Kerala, covering everything from clerical and technical posts to teaching, nursing and academic positions. Unlike a single exam, Kerala PSC runs a continuous stream of recruitment "notifications," each tied to a specific post and category number, and each followed by its own written test and, where applicable, interview. As of September 2026, the Commission's website lists active processes such as Forest Watcher (Forest & Wildlife), Staff Nurse Grade II, and Assistant Professor in Medical Education, alongside many others, each with its own category number.
Who can apply
Eligibility (age, qualification, experience) is set separately for each post and category number in its own notification, so candidates must check the specific notification for the post they want rather than a single common rule. Kerala PSC publishes a "post-wise syllabus" for every post it recruits for.
Selection process
Kerala PSC uses a common online registration system called Thulasi, where a candidate creates a One Time Registration (OTR) profile once and then applies to individual notifications using that profile. After the application window for a post closes, Kerala PSC conducts a written examination, which may be an OMR-based (paper) test or a computer-based online test depending on the post. Answer keys are published separately for OMR and online formats.
Based on the written test, the Commission publishes a Short List of candidates who qualify, and where the post requires further evaluation (interview, physical efficiency test, practical test, or driving test for certain technical and enforcement posts), qualified candidates are called accordingly. The final outcome for each post is a Ranked List, from which candidates are issued "Advice" (appointment orders) as vacancies arise; the website separately tracks the "Details of Advice" and "Status of Advice" for transparency.
Exam pattern
Kerala PSC does not use one fixed pattern across all posts — the number of questions, subjects and marks vary by post and category, and are published in the post-specific notification and syllabus. In general, written tests are objective (multiple choice), delivered either as an OMR sheet or as a computer-based online test.
Syllabus
Syllabus content is also post-specific. Kerala PSC publishes a "Postwise Syllabus" section on its website covering the topics for each post's written test, along with previous question papers for practice.
How to apply
Register once on the Thulasi portal to create a One Time Registration (OTR) profile with personal, educational and other details.
Browse current notifications on the Kerala PSC website and apply to the specific post/category number you are eligible for, using the OTR profile.
Download the admit card when issued and appear for the OMR or online written test at the allotted centre.
Track your result through the Short List and, eventually, the Ranked List published for that category.
After selection
Selection culminates in a Ranked List for the post and category. Appointment ("Advice") is issued against actual vacancies reported to the Commission, so being on the ranked list does not guarantee immediate appointment; candidates can track advice status on the website.
Preparation tips
Because Kerala PSC recruits for a very wide range of posts, the most effective first step is to identify the specific post and category number you are eligible for and read its own syllabus rather than preparing generically. Previous question papers published on the website are a reliable way to gauge the difficulty and question style for a given post, since the general knowledge and aptitude components tend to repeat across many Kerala PSC exams.
Is there one common Kerala PSC exam for all posts?
No. Kerala PSC recruits for many different posts, each announced through its own notification and category number, with its own syllabus and written test.
What is Thulasi?
Thulasi is Kerala PSC's online One Time Registration (OTR) portal. Candidates register on it once and then use the same profile to apply for any Kerala PSC notification they are eligible for.
What is the difference between the Short List and the Ranked List?
The Short List is published after the written test to identify candidates who qualify for the next stage, such as an interview. The Ranked List is the final merit list for the post, from which appointment orders (Advice) are issued.