The Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) heads the administration of a Gram Panchayat under the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. KPSC conducts the recruitment through a two-paper written exam and a Kannada language test.
PDO at a glance
| Conducting body | Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
|---|---|
| Department | Rural Development & Panchayat Raj |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Written exam | 2 papers, 200 marks |
| Kannada test | 150 marks, minimum 50 |
PDO eligibility
Educational qualification
- A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
Age limit
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- The usual upper limits under Karnataka recruitment rules are 35 years (General Merit), 38 years (Category 2A/2B/3A/3B) and 40 years (SC/ST/Category-1). Recent 2026 notifications have added a one-time relaxation, so always check the limit printed in the notification you are applying under.
PDO selection process
- Kannada Language Test150 marks, minimum 50 to qualify — for candidates who are not exempt.
- Written examinationPaper I and Paper II, 100 marks each.
- Document verificationFollowed by the final selection list.
PDO exam pattern
Written examination
| Paper | Subjects | Questions / Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Knowledge | 100 / 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper II | General Kannada – 35; General English – 35; Computer Knowledge – 30 | 100 / 100 | 2 hours |
- Check the notification for the negative-marking rule that applies to your recruitment.
PDO syllabus
Paper I — General Knowledge
- Current events
- General science
- Geography and social science
- History of India and Karnataka
- Indian Constitution
- Rural development and Panchayat Raj
- Environmental issues
- Mental ability
Paper II
- General Kannada — grammar, vocabulary, spelling, comprehension
- General English — grammar, vocabulary, spelling, comprehension
- Computer knowledge — fundamentals, operating systems, MS Office, keyboard shortcuts, networks, internet and cyber security
How to prepare for PDO
- Study the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act and major rural schemes — they are the job, and they appear in the GK paper.
- Computer knowledge is 30 marks in Paper II; practical MS Office and shortcut questions are easy marks.
Prepare for PDO with Sadhisu
Previous year papers, subject-wise practice tests, daily current affairs and bilingual study notes in Kannada and English.
PDO — frequently asked questions
What is the qualification for KPSC PDO?
A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
What is the PDO exam pattern?
Paper I is General Knowledge (100 marks, 1.5 hours). Paper II has General Kannada (35), General English (35) and Computer Knowledge (30) — 100 marks in 2 hours. Candidates who are not exempt must also pass a 150-mark Kannada language test.
Is computer knowledge part of the PDO exam?
Yes, 30 of the 100 marks in Paper II.