State PSC & State Govt · Kerala · Updated October 2026
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant is a competitive state recruitment examination conducted by Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) to fill Group B and Group C executive, secretariat, revenue, audit and supervisory posts across ministries and directorates of the Government of Kerala. It offers a stable, high-impact administrative career with direct progression into senior state cadres.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- State · Kerala
- Conducting body
- Kerala PSC
Start for free with Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant exam overview and highlights
About Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant is a competitive state recruitment examination conducted by Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) to fill Group B and Group C executive, secretariat, revenue, audit and supervisory posts across ministries and directorates of the Government of Kerala. It offers a stable, high-impact administrative career with direct progression into senior state cadres. Selection is based on a Preliminary screening test followed by a Main examination (and interview/skill test where applicable).
The examination process for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant comprises 3 stages: Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination, followed by Stage II: Main Examination, followed by Stage III: Interview / Computer Proficiency & Document Verification. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — Kerala General Knowledge, History, Geography and Economy, General Studies and Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Mental Ability, Malayalam and General English Language, Computer Awareness and Digital Governance — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims serves as a screening stage. Final merit is determined by the Mains examination marks (plus Interview for interview-based Group B posts or Computer/Typing Test for clerical-cum-secretariat posts).
Key subjects
- Kerala General Knowledge, History, Geography and Economy
- General Studies and Current Affairs
- Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Malayalam and General English Language
- Computer Awareness and Digital Governance
What clearing Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant leads to
- Section Officer / Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / DySO in Kerala Secretariat
- Sub-Registrar, Municipal Commissioner, Naib Tehsildar, Inspector of State Taxes & Audit Officer in Kerala
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 6 to Level 8 (₹35,400 to ₹47,600 starting basic pay) plus state government allowances
- Direct appointment under Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) across Kerala state government departments and field cadres
- Gazetted / Non-Gazetted cadre progression, time-bound departmental promotions, and Kerala state service allowances (DA, HRA, Medical & NPS/Pension)
- District, Secretariat, Directorate and sub-divisional field postings across Kerala
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year or as per state departmental requisitions
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR / Conventional) or Online (CBT)
- Languages
- Malayalam, English, Tamil and Kannada
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (3 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third (0.33) or one-fourth (0.25) of a mark deducted per wrong answer in objective papers
- Official website
- www.keralapsc.gov.in
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant |
| Conducting Body | Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) |
| Exam Category | State PSC & State Govt |
| Exam Level | State level (Kerala) |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year or as per state departmental requisitions |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Prelims 3 months after notification; Mains 3 to 4 months after Prelims result |
| Mode of Application | Online on www.keralapsc.gov.in via One Time Registration (OTR) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR / Conventional) or Online (CBT) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | Malayalam, English, Tamil and Kannada |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (3 Papers Total): Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination → Stage II: Main Examination → Stage III: Interview / Computer Proficiency & Document Verification |
| Negative Marking | One-third (0.33) or one-fourth (0.25) of a mark deducted per wrong answer in objective papers |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims serves as a screening stage. Final merit is determined by the Mains examination marks (plus Interview for interview-based Group B posts or Computer/Typing Test for clerical-cum-secretariat posts). |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree in any discipline (or specific degree in Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Agriculture/Library Science for specialist posts) from a recognised university. |
| Age Limit | 20/21 to 38/42 years for General category, with 5 years upper-age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC and women candidates of the state. |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 6 to Level 8 (₹35,400 to ₹47,600 starting basic pay) plus state government allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 2 lakh to 8 lakh graduate applicants competing for state secretariat and executive vacancies |
| Official Website | www.keralapsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Kerala PSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Prelims 3 months after notification; Mains 3 to 4 months after Prelims result | Once a year or as per state departmental requisitions |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) |
| Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant — Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination | Prelims 3 months after notification; Mains 3 to 4 months after Prelims result | Offline (OMR / Conventional) or Online (CBT) |
| Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant — Stage II: Main Examination | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Around 2 lakh to 8 lakh graduate applicants competing for state secretariat and executive vacancies. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant recruitment advertisement published by Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard Banking & Insurance application fee slabs apply: typically ₹750 to ₹850 (inclusive of GST) for General/OBC/EWS candidates, and ₹125 to ₹175 (intimation charges only) for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates via online payment.
How to apply online for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.keralapsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on www.keralapsc.gov.in via One Time Registration (OTR).
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Malayalam, English, Tamil and Kannada), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Kerala PSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree in any discipline (or specific degree in Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Agriculture/Library Science for specialist posts) from a recognised university.
Age limit & relaxations
20/21 to 38/42 years for General category, with 5 years upper-age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC and women candidates of the state.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts within the prescribed age limit.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India.
Other conditions & standards
Proficiency in Malayalam and basic computer operations is required as per state service rules.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Kerala Domicile) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid Kerala permanent domicile and caste certificate issued by the competent revenue authority. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Kerala Domicile) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
| State Government Employees / Women / Departmental Candidates (Kerala) | Up to +5 Years as per state service recruitment rules | Applicable to regular Kerala state government servants and horizontal reservation categories notified in the advertisement. |
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third (0.33) or one-fourth (0.25) of a mark deducted per wrong answer in objective papers. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims serves as a screening stage. Final merit is determined by the Mains examination marks (plus Interview for interview-based Group B posts or Computer/Typing Test for clerical-cum-secretariat posts).
Stage 1: Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination
Offline (OMR) or Online (CBT) • 1 Paper (General Studies, Kerala GK, Aptitude & Language) • Questions: 100 to 200 • Marks: 150 to 300 • Duration: 2 to 3 hours • Objective paper testing General Studies, Kerala History, Geography, Polity & Economy, Current Affairs, Mental Ability and Language.
Objective paper testing General Studies, Kerala History, Geography, Polity & Economy, Current Affairs, Mental Ability and Language.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration General Studies, Kerala GK, Aptitude & LanguageQualifying screening stage for Mains 100 to 200 150 to 300 2 to 3 hours Stage 2: Stage II: Main Examination
Objective MCQ and/or Descriptive pen and paper • 2 Papers (Paper I: Malayalam & English Language / Essay & Drafting, Paper II: General Studies, Kerala Governance, Economy & Domain Subject) • Questions: Descriptive / Objective • Marks: 100 to 200 • Duration: 2 to 3 hours • Merit-deciding examination comprising General Studies, Kerala Administration & Economy, Language/Drafting and Post-Specific Domain papers.
Merit-deciding examination comprising General Studies, Kerala Administration & Economy, Language/Drafting and Post-Specific Domain papers.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: Malayalam & English Language / Essay & Drafting Descriptive / Objective 100 to 200 2 to 3 hours Paper II: General Studies, Kerala Governance, Economy & Domain Subject 150 to 300 200 to 400 3 hours Stage 3: Stage III: Interview / Computer Proficiency & Document Verification
In person • Personality test (for Group B gazetted/interview posts) or computer proficiency test (CPT) and certificate verification prior to cadre allotment.
Personality test (for Group B gazetted/interview posts) or computer proficiency test (CPT) and certificate verification prior to cadre allotment.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Kerala General Knowledge, History, Geography and Economy — Part I (Sangam Cheras, Kulasekhara Perumals of)
- Sangam Cheras, Kulasekhara Perumals of Mahodayapuram, Venad, Zamorins of Calicut, Cochin and Travancore (Marthanda Varma, Battle of Colachel 1741)
- Vaikom Satyagraha (1924), Guruvayur Satyagraha (1931), Temple Entry Proclamation (1936), Punnapra-Vayalar
- Eastern Highlands (Western Ghats, Anamudi 2695m), Central Midlands (lateritic hills and valleys) and Western Lowlands (coastal plains and Kayals/backwaters)
- 44 rivers of Kerala (41 west-flowing: Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba, Chaliyar, Chalakudy; 3 east-flowing: Kabini, Bhavani, Pambar)
Kerala General Knowledge, History, Geography and Economy — Part II (Kerala Model of Development)
- Kerala Model of Development: highest literacy, life expectancy, lowest IMR/MMR and Nava Kerala Mission (Ardram, LIFE, Haritha Keralam, Public Education Rejuvenation)
- Gulf remittances, diaspora economy, responsible tourism and Ayurveda healthcare
- Kerala Legislative Assembly (140 seats), High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam, 14 districts and 941 Grama Panchayats
- Malayalam language, grammar, Ezhuthachan, Kumaran Asan, Vallathol, Ulloor, Thakazhi, Basheer, M.T. Vasudevan Nair
General Studies and Current Affairs — Part I (Indian History and the National Movement)
- Indian History and the National Movement
- Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Economy, Planning and Fiscal Policy
General Studies and Current Affairs — Part II (General Science and Everyday Technology)
- General Science and Everyday Technology
- Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity
- National and State Current Affairs (last 12 months)
Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Mental Ability — Part I (Number system, simplification, HCF and LCM)
- Number system, simplification, HCF and LCM
- Percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest
- Ratio, proportion, averages, time and work, time and distance
Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Mental Ability — Part II (Data interpretation)
- Data interpretation: tables, bar charts and pie charts
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: series, coding-decoding, syllogism
- Analytical reasoning, blood relations, direction sense and puzzles
Malayalam and General English Language
- Malayalam grammar, vocabulary, sandhi, samas and idioms
- Unseen passage comprehension and précis writing
- English grammar: error spotting, tenses, voice and narration
- Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution and phrases
- Official correspondence, drafting and translation basics
Computer Awareness and Digital Governance
- Computer architecture, hardware, input-output devices and memory
- Operating systems (Windows, Linux) and file management
- MS Word, MS Excel formulas, MS PowerPoint and office productivity
- Internet, networking, email, cybersecurity and e-Governance portals
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 6 to Level 8 (₹35,400 to ₹47,600 starting basic pay) plus state government allowances. Appointments under Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 6 to Level 8 (₹35,400 to ₹47,600 starting basic pay) plus state government allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) (Kerala State Government Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (by city classification), Medical Allowance, TA, and Kerala NPS / Pension benefits.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-third (0.33) or one-fourth (0.25) of a mark deducted per wrong answer in objective papers, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across Kerala cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.keralapsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.keralapsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) declares the Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.keralapsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant mock tests
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Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Full Mock Test 1
Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination · 100 to 200 questions · 2 to 3 hours
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Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Full Mock Test 2
Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination · 100 to 200 questions · 2 to 3 hours
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Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination · 100 to 200 questions · 2 to 3 hours
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Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination · 100 to 200 questions · 2 to 3 hours
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Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant Full Mock Test 5
Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination · 100 to 200 questions · 2 to 3 hours
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant previous year papers
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Predicted questions for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant
- Build deep command over Kerala History, Geography, Polity, Economic Survey and state government schemes, which carry 30% to 40% of the GS weightage.
- Treat the Malayalam and English language/drafting paper as a rank booster—consistent grammar and essay practice easily adds 25+ marks over the average candidate.
- Solve the last 10 years of state PSC Prelims and Mains papers to identify recurring constitutional, economic and regional topics.
- Maintain crisp short notes for current affairs, state budget numbers, GI tags and recent awards.
- Take timed mock tests to sharpen elimination skills under 1/3rd or 1/4th negative marking.
- Read the official Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant FAQs
What is the difference between Group 1/PCS and Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
While Group 1/PCS recruits for top Class-I/Group-A posts like SDM and DSP via a full descriptive Mains and interview, Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant recruits for Group-B and Group-C executive, secretariat and supervisory posts with a more streamlined exam pattern.
Is there an interview in Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
Gazetted Group B posts (and Law Officer posts) generally include a short interview, whereas non-interview Group B and Group C posts select candidates purely on Mains written marks.
What is the age limit for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
The general category age limit is typically 20/21 to 38/42 years, with 5 years relaxation for reserved category domicile candidates of the state.
Are Prelims marks counted in the final merit of Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
No. Prelims is a screening stage to shortlist candidates (usually 12x to 15x vacancies) for the Mains examination.
How important is Kerala GK in Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
Extremely important. Kerala-specific history, culture, geography, polity and economy form a major standalone portion of both Prelims and Mains.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant is conducted by Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) across 3 stages: Stage I: Preliminary / Screening Examination → Stage II: Main Examination → Stage III: Interview / Computer Proficiency & Document Verification. Prelims serves as a screening stage. Final merit is determined by the Mains examination marks (plus Interview for interview-based Group B posts or Computer/Typing Test for clerical-cum-secretariat posts).
What is the age limit and educational qualification for Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline (or specific degree in Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Agriculture/Library Science for specialist posts) from a recognised university. Age Limit: 20/21 to 38/42 years for General category, with 5 years upper-age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC and women candidates of the state.
Is there negative marking in the Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant exam?
Yes — One-third (0.33) or one-fourth (0.25) of a mark deducted per wrong answer in objective papers. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant?
Pay Level 6 to Level 8 (₹35,400 to ₹47,600 starting basic pay) plus state government allowances.
When is the Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant notification released and how can I apply online?
Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant is held once a year or as per state departmental requisitions (Prelims 3 months after notification; Mains 3 to 4 months after Prelims result). Online on www.keralapsc.gov.in via One Time Registration (OTR).
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