Kerala PSC Recruitment Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) has released recruitment notifications under Category Nos. 151/2026 to 161/2026 through the Extraordinary Gazette dated 30 September 2026. The recruitment covers several different posts, including Draftsman Grade-II, Peon/Watchman, Forest Boat Driver, Higher Secondary School Teacher, Town Planning Surveyor and Police Constable Driver/Woman Police Constable Driver.
Kerala PSC Recruitment 2026: 74 Peon, Draftsman & More Posts
A crucial point for candidates is that there is no single common examination pattern or syllabus for all these posts. Kerala PSC determines the examination and selection process according to the individual post.
Some posts require a written/OMR examination, while certain posts may also involve practical, skill, driving, swimming or other tests. Kerala PSC’s official examination and syllabus pages should therefore be checked along with the relevant Category Number notification.
This article explains the post-wise examination pattern and syllabus candidates should follow for the current recruitment.
Kerala PSC Recruitment 2026: Category-Wise Posts
The current Gazette contains the following categories:
| Category No. | Post |
|---|---|
| 151/2026 | Draftsman Grade-II, Kerala Ports Service |
| 152/2026 | Peon/Watchman, KSFE |
| 153/2026 | Forest Boat Driver, Part-I |
| 154/2026 | Forest Boat Driver, Part-II, By Transfer |
| 155/2026 | Higher Secondary School Teacher – Statistics |
| 156/2026 | Draftsman Grade-II/Town Planning Surveyor Grade-II |
| 157/2026 | HSST (Junior) Arabic |
| 158/2026 | HSST (Junior) Arabic |
| 159/2026 | Police Constable Driver/Woman Police Constable Driver |
| 160/2026 | Peon/Watchman, IV NCA-ST |
| 161/2026 | Peon/Watchman, VIII NCA-ST |
The official Kerala PSC notification page lists these categories under the 30 September 2026 Extraordinary Gazette.
Kerala PSC Exam Pattern 2026
Because the recruitment contains different technical, teaching, driving and departmental posts, candidates should prepare according to their individual category.
The broad structure is:
Written/OMR or Online Examination → Practical/Skill Test where applicable → Document Verification → Ranked List → Advice for Appointment
Not every candidate will undergo every stage.
For example, the Forest Boat Driver recruitment has previously used an OMR examination, while the Police Constable Driver recruitment includes a practical driving component. Kerala PSC also conducts separate physical and swimming tests for relevant posts.
Important Exam Pattern Note
The 2026 notification itself does not establish one common 100-mark paper for all Category Nos. 151/2026 to 161/2026.
Therefore, candidates should not prepare from a generic “Kerala PSC 2026 syllabus” without checking their post.
The following sections explain the relevant syllabus areas using the official Kerala PSC syllabus material available for the corresponding posts and earlier/current examinations.
1. Draftsman Grade-II Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Category No. 151/2026
The post is under the Kerala Ports Service, Hydrographic Survey Wing.
Kerala PSC has previously prescribed an objective-type examination based on the qualification for the Draftsman Grade-II post in the Hydrographic Survey Branch. The published syllabus covered technical surveying and drafting subjects.
Expected/Relevant Technical Areas
Candidates should concentrate on:
- Basic Surveying
- Hydrographic Survey
- Drawing Instruments and Scales
- Computation of Volume
- Levelling
- Theodolite
- Draftsmanship
- Geodesy and Astronomy
- Tide
- Modern Survey Instruments
These subjects are based on the Kerala PSC syllabus previously published for the Draftsman Grade-II post in the Hydrographic Survey Branch. Candidates should verify the final 2026 examination syllabus if Kerala PSC publishes a new category-specific syllabus.
Draftsman Preparation
Special attention should be given to:
- Surveying fundamentals
- Hydrographic terminology
- Scale calculation
- Levelling instruments
- Theodolite operations
- Technical drawing
- Survey computations
- Tides and water-level concepts
- Modern surveying equipment
2. Peon/Watchman Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Category Nos. 152, 160 and 161
These posts are departmental recruitment positions in Kerala State Financial Enterprises Limited (KSFE).
The current notification specifies recruitment from eligible part-time employees rather than creating a general open competitive examination for the public. Therefore, candidates should not assume that a conventional Kerala PSC general written examination applies to these categories.
The official notification should be treated as the primary source for the applicable selection procedure.
Preparation Areas
Eligible departmental candidates should be familiar with:
- Basic literacy and general awareness
- Basic arithmetic
- Workplace responsibilities
- Office discipline
- Safety and security procedures
- Basic knowledge of KSFE and its functioning
- Duties associated with Peon/Watchman
- Departmental rules and instructions
- Documents and service records
The exact assessment method should be confirmed from Kerala PSC’s examination programme or subsequent communication for the respective category.
3. Forest Boat Driver Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Category No. 153/2026
The Forest Boat Driver post requires specialized knowledge related to boats, engines, navigation and inland water transport.
Kerala PSC has previously conducted an OMR examination for Forest Boat Driver. The Commission has also published a detailed syllabus for the post.
The published syllabus is divided into technical modules.
Forest Boat Driver Syllabus
Module I: Inland Vessels General Knowledge
Important topics include:
- Inland Vessels Act, 2021
- Purpose of the Inland Vessels Act
- National waterways
- Waterway zones
- Functions of Inland Waterways Authority of India
- Types of inland vessels
- Baseline
- Significant wave height
- Basic marine terminology
Module II: General and Marine Engineering
Topics include:
- Types of fasteners
- Bolts, screws and studs
- Measuring instruments
- Micrometers
- Feeler gauges
- Thermometers
- Calipers
- Pressure gauges
- Valves and cocks
- Quick-closing valves
- Pumps
- Centrifugal pumps
- Positive displacement pumps
- Gear pumps
- Pipe fittings
- Welding processes
- Two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines
- Heat engines
- Petrol engines
- Engine components
- Turbochargers
- Water-cooled engines
- Bunkering
- Engine lubrication
- Cranking
- Propellers
- Rudders
- Steering systems
These topics are drawn from Kerala PSC’s published Forest Boat Driver syllabus.
Additional Preparation
Candidates should also revise:
- Boat operation
- Engine maintenance
- Marine safety
- Navigation basics
- Emergency procedures
- Waterway regulations
- Basic swimming and water safety
Kerala PSC has separately conducted swimming tests for Forest Boat Driver selections, so candidates should monitor the official physical-test notices for their category.
4. Forest Boat Driver By-Transfer
Category No. 154/2026
Category No. 154/2026 is the Forest Boat Driver Part-II By Transfer recruitment.
This category is different from the direct recruitment category because eligibility is based on the prescribed departmental/service channel.
Candidates should therefore follow the selection conditions specifically mentioned in Category No. 154/2026 rather than applying the direct-recruitment syllabus automatically.
The official Gazette identifies Category No. 154/2026 separately as Forest Boat Driver Part-II, By Transfer.
5. HSST Statistics Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Category No. 155/2026
The Higher Secondary School Teacher – Statistics post is a special recruitment for Scheduled Tribe candidates.
Kerala PSC has an official detailed syllabus for Higher Secondary School Teacher – Statistics carrying 100 marks. The syllabus places substantial emphasis on Statistics.
HSST Statistics Syllabus
Part I: Statistics
The major areas include:
Probability Theory
- Probability concepts
- Independent events
- Addition theorem
- Multiplication theorem
- Conditional probability
- Bayes theorem
- Discrete random variables
- Continuous random variables
- Distribution functions
- Probability generating functions
- Moment generating functions
- Characteristic functions
- Expectation
- Moments
- Cumulants
Convergence and Limit Theory
- Modes of convergence
- Convergence in probability
- Convergence in distribution
- Convergence in rth mean
- Almost sure convergence
- Relationships between modes of convergence
Laws of Large Numbers
- Kolmogorov’s inequality
- Weak law of large numbers
- Khinchine’s law
- Kolmogorov’s strong law
- Central Limit Theorem
- Lindeberg-Levy CLT
- Lyapunov CLT
- Lindeberg-Feller CLT
These topics are specifically included in the official Kerala PSC HSST Statistics syllabus.
Candidates should additionally revise the remaining portions of the official syllabus covering statistical theory and applications rather than relying solely on the topics listed above.
6. Draftsman Grade-II/Town Planning Surveyor Syllabus
Category No. 156/2026
This post is under the Local Self Government Department, Group IV Planning Wing.
Kerala PSC has previously published a detailed syllabus for Draftsman Grade-II/Town Planning Surveyor Grade-II carrying 100 marks.
Major Syllabus Areas
Module 1: Basic Engineering Drawing
- Drawing instruments
- Uses of drawing instruments
- Drawing sheet layout
- Types of lines
- Lettering
- Dimensioning
- Scales
- Plane geometrical construction
- Conic sections
- Projection
Module 2: Building Materials and Construction
- Engineering materials
- Building stones
- Bricks
- Lime
- Timber
- Tiles
- Sand
- Cement
- Mortar
- Concrete
- Admixtures
- Ferrous metals
- Non-ferrous metals
- Glass
- Protective materials
Module 3: Building Construction
- Stone masonry
- Brick masonry
- Composite masonry
- Foundations
- Bearing capacity
- Scaffolding
- Shoring
- Underpinning
- Damp proofing
- Waterproofing
- Termite proofing
- Arches
- Lintels
- Stairs
- RCC
- Formwork
- Columns
- Slabs
- Beams
- Footings
- Steel structures
- Doors and windows
- Roofs
- Floors
Module 4: Building Drawing and Estimating
- Building rules and bye-laws
- Building safety
- Types of estimates
- Sanctions
- Measurement methods
- Rate analysis
- Labour and material costs
- Schedule of rates
- Valuation
Module 5: Irrigation Engineering
- Irrigation terminology
- Crop water requirements
- Weirs
- Barrages
- Reservoirs
- Dams
- Canals
- Cross-drainage works
- Hydroelectric projects
- Turbines
Module 6: Surveying
Candidates should revise:
- Chain surveying
- Plane table surveying
- Compass surveying
- Levelling
- Theodolite
- Traversing
- Contouring
- Total Station
- GPS
- Modern surveying equipment
- GIS applications
The official Kerala PSC syllabus provides detailed technical topics under these modules.
7. HSST Junior Arabic Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Category Nos. 157/2026 and 158/2026
The recruitment is for Higher Secondary School Teacher (Junior) Arabic under Kerala Higher Secondary Education.
The current Gazette identifies Categories 157 and 158 as VII NCA-SC&ST recruitment.
Main Syllabus Areas
Candidates should prepare the subject at the postgraduate/teacher-eligibility level, including:
- Arabic language
- Arabic grammar
- Morphology
- Arabic literature
- Classical Arabic literature
- Modern Arabic literature
- Poetry
- Prose
- Literary criticism
- History of Arabic literature
- Arabic linguistics
- Translation
- Comprehension
- Composition
- Teaching methodology
- Educational concepts
- Relevant Higher Secondary-level Arabic curriculum
Candidates should also review the exact Kerala PSC syllabus published for their category before the examination.
8. Police Constable Driver Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Category No. 159/2026
The Police Constable Driver/Woman Police Constable Driver recruitment is under Kerala Police.
Kerala PSC has previously published an official 100-mark detailed syllabus for this post.
Police Constable Driver Syllabus
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| History | 4 |
| Geography | 4 |
| Economics | 4 |
| Indian Constitution | 6 |
| Kerala Administration | 2 |
| Biology & Public Health | 3 |
| Physics | 2 |
| Chemistry | 2 |
| Arts, Sports, Literature & Culture | 3 |
| Current Affairs | 10 |
| Simple Arithmetic, Mental Ability & Observation | 10 |
| Special Topics related to the post | 20 |
| Questions based on Driving Licence | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
This distribution comes from the official Kerala PSC detailed syllabus for Police Constable Driver/Woman Police Constable Driver.
Driving Licence-Based Questions
This is the largest single section of the published syllabus, carrying 30 marks.
Candidates should revise:
- Traffic signs
- Road markings
- Traffic regulations
- Vehicle documents
- Driving rules
- Road safety
- Basic vehicle maintenance
- Driving licence provisions
- Motor vehicle regulations
- Safe driving practices
Special Topics
The 20-mark special-topic component focuses on subjects connected with the duties of the post.
Candidates should revise:
- Police duties
- Driver responsibilities
- Vehicle safety
- Emergency driving
- Basic automobile knowledge
- Road accident prevention
- Vehicle maintenance
- Traffic management
Physical and Practical Preparation
Candidates should not limit preparation to the written examination.
Kerala PSC separately conducts physical efficiency/physical measurement tests for Police Constable Driver/Woman Police Constable Driver selections.
Candidates should therefore prepare for:
- Physical fitness
- Driving proficiency
- Vehicle handling
- Road safety
- Practical driving requirements
Kerala PSC Exam Pattern: Quick Comparison
| Post | Written/OMR Preparation | Technical/Practical Component |
|---|---|---|
| Draftsman Grade-II, Cat. 151 | Technical objective examination | May include post-specific selection stages |
| Peon/Watchman | Department-specific selection | As prescribed |
| Forest Boat Driver | OMR/objective examination | Swimming/other practical requirements may apply |
| HSST Statistics | Subject-based examination | As prescribed |
| Draftsman/Town Planning Surveyor | Technical examination | As prescribed |
| HSST Junior Arabic | Subject-based examination | As prescribed |
| Police Constable Driver | 100-mark subject examination | Driving/physical tests |
| Forest Boat Driver By Transfer | Department-specific | As prescribed |
The exact examination date, confirmation procedure, admission ticket and final pattern should be checked through Kerala PSC’s examination programme. The Commission maintains separate 2026 examination programmes for candidates who have submitted confirmation.
Kerala PSC Syllabus 2026: Common Preparation Strategy
Although there is no common syllabus for all these posts, candidates can follow a structured preparation method.
Step 1: Identify Your Category Number
First determine whether you are applying under Category 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160 or 161.
This is important because the recruitment includes general, special recruitment, NCA and by-transfer categories.
Step 2: Download the Relevant Notification
Read the qualification, selection procedure and category-specific conditions.
Step 3: Download the Official Syllabus
Do not rely exclusively on coaching-centre PDFs or generic websites.
Kerala PSC maintains an official syllabus section where detailed syllabi are published for various posts.
Step 4: Divide the Syllabus
Create three groups:
General Knowledge:
Current affairs, history, geography, constitution and Kerala-related topics where applicable.
Technical/Subject:
Your specific professional or academic subject.
Practical/Skill:
Driving, swimming, drafting, surveying or other post-specific skills where applicable.
Step 5: Practise Previous Questions
Previous Kerala PSC question papers are useful for understanding:
- Question style
- Difficulty level
- Repeated topics
- Time management
- Technical terminology
Step 6: Follow Current Affairs
For posts with a general-knowledge/current-affairs component, revise important national, Kerala and international developments.
One-Month Preparation Plan
Week 1: Understand the Syllabus
Read the complete syllabus and identify high-weightage technical subjects.
Do not begin with random question banks. First understand what Kerala PSC expects.
Week 2: Build Subject Knowledge
Spend most study time on the technical or subject-specific portion.
For example:
- Draftsman candidates should focus on surveying and technical drawing.
- Forest Boat Driver candidates should focus on marine engineering and boat operation.
- HSST Statistics candidates should focus on advanced Statistics.
- Police Driver candidates should focus heavily on driving rules and licence-based questions.
Week 3: Question Practice
Start solving previous Kerala PSC papers and subject-specific mock tests.
Maintain a notebook of incorrect answers and unfamiliar concepts.
Week 4: Revision and Mock Tests
Use the final week for:
- Full-length mock tests
- Revision
- Current affairs
- Formula revision
- Technical terminology
- Driving rules
- Practical-test preparation
Important Kerala PSC Examination Instructions
Candidates should remember the following:
- The application category number must match the post for which the candidate is eligible.
- Kerala PSC can conduct separate examinations for different posts.
- Candidates should confirm their participation when Kerala PSC requires examination confirmation.
- Admission tickets are issued through the candidate’s profile.
- Candidates must follow the examination-centre instructions printed on the admission ticket.
- Original certificates may be required during document verification.
- Candidates should regularly check the Kerala PSC website for examination programmes and updates.
The Commission’s official examination page currently contains the finalized 2026 examination programmes and modified programmes.
Kerala PSC Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Important Links
| Purpose | Official Resource |
|---|---|
| Kerala PSC Recruitment Notification | Kerala PSC Extraordinary Gazette 30 September 2026 |
| Kerala PSC Syllabus | Official Kerala PSC Syllabus Page |
| Kerala PSC Examination Programme | Official Kerala PSC Examination Page |
| Police Constable Driver Syllabus | Official Police Constable Driver Syllabus |
| Forest Boat Driver Syllabus | Official Forest Boat Driver Syllabus |
| HSST Statistics Syllabus | Official HSST Statistics Syllabus |
| Draftsman/Town Planning Syllabus | Official Draftsman/Town Planning Syllabus |
FAQs
| Is there one common syllabus for Kerala PSC Recruitment 2026? |
|---|
| No. The current recruitment covers multiple posts, so the examination pattern and syllabus are post-specific. |
| What is the syllabus for Kerala PSC Police Constable Driver? |
| The published 100-mark syllabus covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Special Topics related to the post and driving licence-based questions. The driving licence section carries 30 marks in the published syllabus. |
| What is the syllabus for Forest Boat Driver? |
| The official syllabus covers Inland Vessels General Knowledge, General and Marine Engineering and other boat-operation-related technical areas. |
| What is the HSST Statistics syllabus? |
| The syllabus is subject-focused and includes Probability Theory, convergence, laws of large numbers, central limit theorems and other advanced Statistics topics. |
| What is the Draftsman Grade-II syllabus? |
| The relevant technical syllabus includes surveying, hydrographic survey, drawing instruments, scales, levelling, theodolite, draftsmanship, geodesy, astronomy, tides and modern surveying instruments. |
| Is there a physical test for Police Constable Driver? |
| Kerala PSC has a physical measurement/physical efficiency test process for Police Constable Driver/Woman Police Constable Driver selections. Candidates should check the specific 2026 selection schedule when published. |
| Is there a swimming test for Forest Boat Driver? |
| Kerala PSC has conducted swimming tests for Forest Boat Driver selections. Candidates should therefore prepare for practical requirements in addition to the written examination. |
| Where can I find the latest official syllabus? |
| The Kerala PSC website maintains an official syllabus section where detailed syllabi are published. Candidates should always compare any third-party syllabus with the latest official material. |
The Kerala PSC Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus cannot be treated as one common syllabus because the 30 September 2026 Gazette contains multiple posts with substantially different qualifications and job responsibilities.
Candidates should first identify their Category Number and then prepare the corresponding technical or subject syllabus. Draftsman candidates need strong surveying and technical-drawing knowledge, Forest Boat Driver candidates need marine and boat-operation knowledge, HSST candidates need advanced subject preparation, while Police Constable Driver candidates need both general knowledge and detailed driving-related preparation.
Most importantly, candidates should continue checking the official Kerala PSC examination and syllabus pages for the final 2026 examination programme, confirmation dates, admission ticket and any revised syllabus or selection instructions.