Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — 2,200 Lower Division Clerk Kerala Government Posts
| Application Start | 27 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 26 Jun 2026 |
| Exam Date | 4 Aug 2026 |
General/OBC: ₹None (Kerala PSC does not charge fees) | All candidates: Free
Fee once paid is non-refundable. Payment via online mode only.
| Total Posts | 2,200 Posts |
| Post Names | |
| Category | State PSC |
| Location | Kerala |
| Minimum Pay | ₹16,500/month |
| Maximum Pay | ₹35,700/month |
| Pay Level | Pay Scale ₹16,500–₹35,700 (Kerala State) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 39 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: +3 yrs, OBC: +0 yrs, Ex-SM/PwD: as per rules |
Age relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD candidates as per Government of India norms. Ex-Servicemen and other special categories may get additional relaxation.
12th Pass (Plus Two/VHSC) from recognised board
The qualification must be from a recognised university/institution. Candidates in their final year may check if provisional eligibility applies — see official notification for clarity.
Objective Exam (OMR) → Rank List Publication → Certificate Verification → Appointment
Candidates must qualify each stage to advance. Final merit is based on combined performance across all qualifying stages as per the official notification.
- GS Paper I: Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment, Current Affairs (100 marks)
- CSAT Paper II: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Basic Mathematics — Qualifying (minimum 33%)
- GS Papers I–III: History, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment with State focus
- State Specific Paper: State History, Culture, Geography, Economy, Schemes, Official Language
- Optional Subject Paper I & II from approved list (Literature, Social Sciences, Science, Law etc.)
- Essay & Hindi / Official Language Paper
- State affairs, administration, current events, personality, leadership, ethical dilemmas, local language proficiency, social awareness
Note: The official syllabus is published in the recruitment notification. Always download and refer to the official syllabus document for the most accurate and up-to-date topic list for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala.
- Visit the official website of Kerala Public Service Commission using the link provided below
- Download and read the official notification carefully before filling the form
- Register / Login to the recruitment portal using your email and mobile number
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, certificates — in the specified format and size
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI
- Review all entries carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation/acknowledgement page
Keep the following documents ready in digital form before starting the application. Physical originals are required at document verification after final selection.
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, as per size specified in notification)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper
- Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate — as proof of date of birth
- Educational qualification certificates and all semester/year marksheets
- Caste/Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PwD) certificate from a government Medical Board (if applicable)
- Domicile / Residence certificate of the relevant state (if required)
- Aadhaar Card / Photo identity proof
- Experience certificate for posts requiring prior experience
- Any other document specifically mentioned in the official notification
Sponsored
Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) has published the notification for Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Recruitment 2026 for 2,200 vacancies across various departments of the Government of Kerala. This is one of the most popular state government examinations in Kerala, notable for its completely free application process — Kerala PSC charges no application fee from any candidate, making it uniquely accessible.
Candidates who have passed the 10+2 (Plus Two or VHSC) examination from a recognised board and have a basic understanding of Malayalam (reading and writing) are eligible. Minimum typing speed of 25 words per minute in Malayalam or English on computer is required. Age: 18 to 39 years (with upper age limit of 42 years for SC/ST candidates of Kerala) — Kerala's comparatively liberal age limit makes this accessible to a wider population.
The selection is based on an Objective Examination (OMR-based) with questions on Malayalam language, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Simple Arithmetic, and Reasoning. A Rank List is published based on marks, and candidates are called for Certificate Verification in rank order. Appointment is made from the Rank List for available vacancies, often over 1–3 years.
LDCs receive starting pay of ₹16,500/month under Kerala Pay Revision 2019, progressing to ₹35,700 with annual increments. Total emoluments including DA, HRA, and medical allowance approximate ₹28,000–₹35,000/month. Kerala government employees enjoy a 5-day week, comprehensive medical benefits under MEDISEP scheme, Provident Fund under EPF, and one of India's better state government service conditions.
State Public Service Commissions are constitutional bodies established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India in each state to recruit officers for state civil services. State PSCs conduct rigorous examinations for IAS-equivalent State Administrative Service (SAS), State Police Service, State Forest Service, and various other departmental services. Officers recruited through State PSCs hold key administrative positions within state government machinery, including District Magistrates, Deputy SPs, Block Development Officers, and departmental heads. A career through State PSC is deeply rewarding, offering the chance to directly impact the lives of citizens in your home state while enjoying excellent salary, status, and benefits.
Follow these expert preparation tips to maximise your chances of success in Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala and similar State PSC recruitment examinations:
- State-Specific Syllabus — Download the official syllabus from the PSC website. State PSC syllabi differ significantly from UPSC — study state-specific topics first.
- State History & Culture — Each PSC emphasises the history, geography, culture, economy, and polity of that specific state. Build deep state-specific knowledge.
- Current Affairs — Cover both national and state-level current affairs. State government schemes, budgets, recent appointments, and local developments are tested.
- Optional Subject Selection — Many State PSC Mains exams require optional subjects. Choose one aligned with your academic background and scoring potential.
- Answer Writing Practice — Practise writing structured answers in the medium of your choice (English or regional language). Clarity and structure are rewarded.
- Previous Year Papers — Analyse the last 5-7 years of papers for your specific State PSC to understand recurring topics, question patterns, and marking scheme.
Consistent preparation, regular revision, and timed mock test practice are the most reliable strategies to crack any government examination. Stay disciplined and trust the process.
A career in State PSC offers a well-defined promotion structure. Here is the typical career progression for officers selected through Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala and similar recruitments:
Promotion timelines and pay scales are indicative based on 7th CPC structure and departmental rules. Actual promotions depend on vacancies, DPC decisions, APAR/ACR grading, and departmental examinations. Benefits include annual increments (3% of basic pay), periodic Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions, LTC, medical, and post-retirement pension under NPS/OPS.
The following books are widely recommended by toppers and coaching experts for State PSC examination preparation. These cover the core subjects tested in Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala and similar recruitments:
In addition to books, subscribe to monthly current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Chronicle, Competition Success Review) and practise on online mock test platforms (Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247) to improve speed and accuracy. Quality of preparation matters far more than quantity of books — master a few good books thoroughly rather than reading many superficially.
Q1. What is the last date to apply for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The last date to submit the online application for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is 26 Jun 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the official portal, which often experiences heavy traffic close to the closing date. No applications are accepted after the deadline under any circumstances.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
A total of 2,200 Posts vacancies have been announced for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala. These positions are distributed across different categories — General (UR), OBC, SC, ST, and EWS — as per the reservation policy of the Government of India. The category-wise breakup is available in the official notification. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should check the relaxation in eligibility criteria available to them.
Q3. What is the salary offered for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
Selected candidates for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala will receive a monthly salary of ₹16,500 – ₹35,700 as per the 7th Pay Commission pay structure. Beyond the basic pay, government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city classification), Transport Allowance (TA), medical reimbursement, and other benefits as per government norms. Additionally, employees receive annual increments, periodic DA revisions, and post-retirement pension, making the total compensation package highly competitive.
Q4. What is the age limit to apply for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The age limit for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is 18 to 39 years as on the specified cutoff date. Age relaxation is available as follows: SC/ST: +3 yrs, OBC: +0 yrs, Ex-SM/PwD: as per rules. Candidates must calculate their age carefully as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification. Age proof (10th certificate is generally accepted) must be uploaded during the application process.
Q5. What is the educational qualification required for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is 12th Pass (Plus Two/VHSC) from recognised board. This qualification must have been obtained from a recognised university or institution approved by the relevant regulatory body (UGC, AICTE, etc.). The qualification must be completed on or before the last date of application unless the notification specifically provides otherwise. Candidates who are in the final year of the required qualification may also check if they are eligible to apply provisionally.
Q6. How to apply online for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
To apply for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala, follow these steps: First, visit the official website of Kerala Public Service Commission. Find the active recruitment section and click on the Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala notification link. Register yourself using your active email ID and mobile number. Log in with your credentials and carefully fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and file size. Pay the applicable application fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Review all entries before final submission. After submitting, download and print the application confirmation page for future reference.
Q7. What is the application fee for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
General/OBC: ₹None (Kerala PSC does not charge fees) | All candidates: Free. The application fee is non-refundable once submitted. Payment must be made online through the official portal using Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. SC, ST, and PwD candidates may be exempt from or entitled to a reduced fee — please verify in the official notification.
Q8. What is the selection process for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The selection for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is done through the following stages: Objective Exam (OMR) → Rank List Publication → Certificate Verification → Appointment. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative performance across all qualifying stages. Physical Standards Test (PST) and Medical Examination may also be part of the selection for certain posts. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme for each stage.
Q9. What documents are required to apply for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The following documents are generally required when applying for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala: (1) Recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format within the specified file size. (2) Scanned signature on white paper. (3) Class 10th certificate for date of birth proof. (4) Educational qualification certificates and marksheets. (5) Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable). (6) PwD certificate from a Medical Board (if applicable). (7) Domicile or Residence Certificate (if required for the post). (8) Experience certificate (for posts requiring prior experience). Documents must be clear, self-attested, and within the specified size. Original documents are required at the time of document verification after selection.
Q10. Is Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala a permanent government job?
Yes, Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala offers regular, permanent government employment with Kerala Public Service Commission. As a State Government position in Kerala, it follows the state pay structure with regular increments, DA, and state government retirement benefits. Government employees also enjoy job security, promotions on time scales, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), housing (or HRA), and various other allowances — making this among the most stable and comprehensive career options available in India.
Q11. Where can I find the official notification for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The official notification for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is published on the official website of Kerala Public Service Commission. The direct link to the official portal is https://keralapsc.gov.in. The notification document contains all critical information including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern and syllabus, important dates, application procedure, fee structure, and selection process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete official notification before filling out the application form to avoid any errors or omissions that may lead to rejection.
Q12. Is there negative marking in Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The negative marking policy for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala depends on the specific exam stage. Most Computer Based Tests (CBTs) conducted by central government bodies like SSC, UPSC, and RRB carry a penalty of 0.25 or 0.50 marks per wrong answer. State-level police and teaching exams typically have no negative marking. For banking exams, 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong answer. The exact negative marking scheme for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is mentioned in the official notification and admit card. Candidates should always verify the marking scheme before the exam and avoid random guessing when negative marking is applicable — instead, attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about.
Q13. Can final year students apply for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
As per standard government recruitment rules, candidates applying for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala must have completed the required qualification of 12th Pass (Plus Two/VHSC) from recognised board by the last date of application, unless the official notification specifically permits final year students to apply provisionally. In many central government recruitments (SSC, UPSC, PSUs), final year students are allowed to apply and appear in the exam provisionally — but they must submit proof of completing the qualification at the time of document verification or before joining. State government recruitments vary in this regard. Always read the Eligibility Criteria section of the official notification carefully to confirm whether provisional applications are accepted for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala.
Q14. Is the Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala exam conducted online (Computer Based Test) or offline (OMR-based)?
The examination mode for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is specified in the official notification. Most major central government recruitments — including SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS, and SBI — now conduct all stages as Computer Based Tests (CBTs) at NIELIT-empanelled test centres across India. Candidates log in to the test centre system, read questions on screen, and mark answers using the mouse — no pen or OMR sheet is required. State-level recruitments — particularly state police, state PSC preliminary exams, and some state teacher recruitments — may still conduct exams in the traditional OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) pen-and-paper mode. The specific mode (CBT/Online or OMR/Offline) for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala will be clearly mentioned in the official admit card and notification. Candidates must carry a valid photo ID on the day of examination regardless of the exam mode.
Q15. What is the probation / training period after selection in Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
After selection in Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala, newly appointed candidates undergo a mandatory probation and training period before they are confirmed in service. For central government posts recruited through SSC, the probation period is typically 2 years. For UPSC-recruited civil servants (IAS, IPS, IFS), the Foundation Course at LBSNAA lasts 2 years. Banking probationary officers serve a 2-year probation. Defence officers complete 1-year training at their respective academies (IMA, AFA, INA). Teaching posts generally carry 1-2 year probation at DIET or SCERT. During the probation period, candidates receive full pay and allowances as per their pay scale. They may also be required to pass departmental examinations and practical training assessments before their service is confirmed. Failure to satisfactorily complete the probation period can lead to extension or termination of service.
Q16. When will the admit card for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala be released?
The admit card (also called Hall Ticket or Call Letter) for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is typically released 10–15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official website of Kerala Public Service Commission. For SSC exams, admit cards are available on the SSC regional websites 1-3 weeks before the exam. For UPSC, it is released about 3 weeks before. For RRB, it is available approximately 4 days before the CBT date. For banking exams (IBPS, SBI), call letters are available on the official banking portal about 7-14 days before. Candidates are required to download their admit card from the official website — it is NOT sent by post. You will need your registration number and date of birth to download it. Always download and take 2-3 colour printouts of your admit card. Carrying a valid government-issued photo ID alongside the admit card is compulsory at the examination centre.
Q17. What is the age calculation cutoff date for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala?
The age of a candidate for Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala is calculated as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification — this is usually the last date of application or the 1st of January of the recruitment year, depending on the recruiting body. For SSC exams, age is calculated as on 1st January of the year. For UPSC Civil Services, it is 1st August. For RRB, it is the date of notification. For Banking (IBPS/SBI), it is the first day of the month of the notification. For state police and state PSC, it is typically 1st January or the last date of application as specified. For Kerala PSC LDC 2026 — Lower Division Clerk Recruitment Kerala, the maximum age is 39 years, with relaxation available as: SC/ST: +3 yrs, OBC: +0 yrs, Ex-SM/PwD: as per rules. Candidates must calculate their age accurately as on the specified cutoff date and ensure they are within the age limit before applying.