1. About the Karnataka PSI/SI Exam

The Karnataka Police Sub-Inspector exam (often called PSI or SI depending on the notification and cadre – Civil, Armed or AR) is a state-level competitive recruitment for supervisory police posts.

Selection generally happens in multiple stages:

1. Physical Standards Test / Physical Endurance Test (PST / PET) – qualifying.
2. Written Examination – descriptive (language) + objective (General Studies / Mental Ability).
3. Medical Examination – fitness and medical fitness checks.
4. Document Verification – final merit list based on written marks and qualifying stages.

2. Eligibility Criteria (Typical / Common Requirements)

These are the standard, commonly issued eligibility rules. Always verify the exact age window, domicile and reservation rules in the specific notification.

• Nationality: Indian citizen.
• Domicile: Usually restricted to permanent residents of Karnataka. Check the notification for exact domicile requirement.
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (graduation) is generally required for PSI/SI posts.
• Age Limit (Typical): 21–28 years for General category candidates. Category-wise relaxations apply as per government rules and notification.
• Language Requirement: Knowledge of Kannada (reading, writing and speaking) is usually mandatory. Many exam cycles include a Kannada descriptive paper.

3. Physical Standards (PST – Typical Measurements)

Physical standards vary by post and gender. Below are typical measurements used in recent Karnataka Police recruitments (exact figures can change).

• Male (Typical Example):
  • Height: around 170 cm.
  • Chest (unexpanded): around 86 cm with minimum expansion as specified.
• Female (Typical Example):
  • Height: around 157 cm (varies by post).
• Special Relaxations: Certain categories (SC/ST/OBC/tribal or specific regions) may get relaxations in height/chest as per notification.
• Cadre Differences: Armed / AR posts may have stricter standards.

4. Physical Efficiency Test (PET / Endurance Test)

The PET is qualifying in nature. You must meet the minimum standards in each event to be eligible for the written exam.

Typical PET Events

• Running: 1.6 km / 1600 m run (sometimes 2 km). Qualifying time usually ranges around 6–7 minutes depending on gender and category.
• Middle-Distance Runs: 400 m / 800 m / 1600 m in some recruitment cycles (timings vary).
• Jumps: Long jump (e.g., around 3.25 m), high jump (e.g., around 0.90 m) – generally 2–3 attempts allowed.
• Shot Put (4 kg): Minimum distance (e.g., around 3.75 m) with three chances.

Push-ups or sit-ups are sometimes seen in other states but are not consistently part of KSP SI PET. Always rely on the exact list mentioned in the notification.

5. Documents Required for Verification (DV)

At the Document Verification (DV) stage, carry originals along with self-attested photocopies. A typical list includes:

1. Admit Card / PET call letter / application printout (as instructed).
2. Valid Photo ID – Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence.
3. DOB proof – Birth certificate / SSLC or matriculation certificate.
4. Educational certificates – Degree certificate and all year/semester mark sheets. Provisional certificate if mentioned in the notification.
5. Domicile / Nativity certificate (if Karnataka residency proof is required).
6. Caste certificate for candidates applying under reserved categories.
7. Ex-serviceman / PH / other category certificates (if claiming relaxation).
8. 4–6 recent passport-size photographs (as specified).
9. Medical certificates if demanded (e.g., eyeglass prescription / medical history).
10. Any other certificates specified – character certificate, NOC for in-service candidates, etc.

6. Exam Pattern & Marks Distribution

The written exam generally has two papers – a descriptive language paper and a multiple-choice General Studies paper. Always confirm marks and duration in the latest notification.

Paper I – Descriptive / Language Paper (Kannada & Translation)

• Type: Essay, précis, translation (English ↔ Kannada).
• Marks: Typically around 50 marks (e.g., essay 20, translation 20, précis 10).
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Paper II – Objective (OMR / Computer-Based)

• Subjects: General Studies / General Knowledge, Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Reasoning, etc.
• Marks: Typically 150 marks (150 questions of 1 mark each).
• Duration: About 90 minutes.

Total written marks usually come to around 200 marks (50 + 150). Some recruitments may add extra sections or even a viva/skill test. Final merit typically depends on written marks, with PST/PET and medical as qualifying.

7. Karnataka PSI/SI Exam Syllabus – Detailed

This is a consolidated syllabus based on recent KSP PSI/SI patterns and preparation guides. Use it as a checklist while planning your study.

A. Paper I – Descriptive (Kannada & Language Skills)

• Essay writing (about 600 words) on contemporary issues, national/state affairs, social issues, policing ethics.
• Précis writing / summary of passages.
• Translation: English to Kannada and Kannada to English.
• Kannada grammar, vocabulary and usage in official communication.
• Formal letter writing and basic official correspondence.

B. Paper II – Objective (General Studies + Mental Ability)

1. General Knowledge & Current Affairs (India + Karnataka)

• Important national and state events, major schemes (Central & Karnataka).
• Indian polity and Constitution basics, governance structure.
• Awards, sports, science & tech highlights, basic economy, environment.
• History & culture of India and Karnataka.

2. Mental Ability / Reasoning

• Verbal & non-verbal reasoning – analogies, series, coding-decoding.
• Blood relations, directions, seating arrangements, puzzles.
• Syllogisms, statement–conclusion questions, basic data sufficiency.

3. Elementary Numerical Ability / Arithmetic

• Percentage, ratio & proportion, averages.
• Time & work, time & distance, profit & loss.
• Simple & compound interest (basics).
• Simple mensuration, basic data interpretation (tables/graphs).

4. Basic Law & Policing Awareness

• Fundamental rights and basic features of the Indian Constitution.
• Very basic awareness of IPC / CrPC (at a simplified level).
• Role, duties and responsibilities of police in society.

5. Karnataka-Specific Knowledge

• State history, geography and economy.
• Important schemes, administrative structure, and major institutions.
• Prominent personalities and cultural heritage.
• Basics of Kannada language and literature highlights.

8. Strategy & Preparation Plan (3–6 Months)

A serious aspirant can aim to crack the exam with 3–6 months of consistent effort. The duration depends on your current level and whether you are working or studying full-time.

A. 12-Week Study Schedule (Template)

Weeks 1–4: Foundation

• Morning (1–1.5 hrs): Physical training – running, basic jumps, strength.
• Study Block 1 (2 hrs): Language – Kannada essay, précis, translation practice.
• Study Block 2 (2 hrs): General Studies – Indian polity basics and Karnataka GK.
• Evening (1 hr): Mental ability and basic arithmetic.

Weeks 5–8: Build & Practice

• Increase PET intensity – timed runs, jump and shot put technique.
• Start objective mock tests (1 full test every 4 days).
• Practice one descriptive paper per week.
• Daily 20–30 minutes for current affairs.
• Create an error log and concise notes.

Weeks 9–12: Polish & Mock Exams

• Attempt 2–3 full mock tests per week with proper exam timing.
• Analyse mock performance and fix weak topics.
• Last 10–14 days – focus on revision sheets (facts, dates, formulas).
• Keep PET practice light but regular; ensure adequate rest before exam/PET day.

B. PET Strategy (Practical Tips)

• Run 4–5 days a week – mix interval training with longer runs.
• Use plyometric drills and sprints to build explosive power for jumps.
• Practise shot put technique with a 4 kg shot under guidance if possible.
• Simulate test day twice – same clothing, warm-up pattern and event sequence.

C. Descriptive Paper Strategy

• Start with 1 essay + 1 précis per week; increase to 2–3 essays per week later.
• Learn common administrative vocabulary for Kannada translations.
• Always time your practice to complete within 90 minutes.

D. Mock Tests & Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

• Solve all available PYQs to understand the level and pattern.
• Attempt mocks seriously – treat them as the real exam.
• After every mock, review every question you got wrong or guessed.

9. Reference Books & Resources

Pick 1–2 sources per area instead of collecting too many books.

A. General Studies & Current Affairs

• Lucent’s General Knowledge – compact and factual.
• Manorama Yearbook / India Year Book – yearly facts and highlights.
• Daily newspapers – The Hindu / Indian Express plus a reliable Karnataka daily for state news.

B. Mental Ability & Arithmetic

• R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude & Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (selected chapters).
• Optional: Fast track or speed maths books for practice.

C. Language & Descriptive

• Standard Kannada grammar and translation guides (local publications).
• Model essays and previous descriptive papers (collect from coaching/test series).

D. Policing & Law Basics

• Concise guides on the Indian Constitution (for fundamentals only).
• Simple primers on IPC/CrPC – just enough for basic awareness.

E. Test Series & PYQs

• Enrol in a good test series (offline or online).
• Use PYQs as a benchmark to measure your readiness.

10. Quick FAQs – Karnataka PSI/SI Exam