Kerala PSC How to Apply 2026 – Step-by-Step Thulasi OTR Registration Guide

Introduction – What is Kerala PSC Thulasi Portal?

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) is the state body responsible for recruiting candidates into various civil service jobs across the state of Kerala. To streamline this massive operation, the commission created the **Thulasi Portal**. This portal is built on a **One-Time Registration (OTR)** system.

With OTR, you register your personal, educational, caste, and contact details once. Once your profile is active, you can apply for hundreds of different job notifications (ranging from Lower Division Clerk and Village Extension Officer to high-profile posts like Sub Inspector or Kerala Administrative Service) with a single click. There are no application fees for any Kerala PSC examinations, making public sector employment accessible to everyone.

However, because the system relies on a single profile, any error in your OTR registration — particularly in your uploaded photograph or signature — can invalidate your profile, resulting in the rejection of all applications associated with it. This comprehensive guide outlines the entire process of registering and applying successfully in 2026.

General Eligibility Rules for Kerala PSC Exams

While each job notification has specific requirements, certain general eligibility parameters apply to almost all KPSC selections:

• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India. In most cases, candidates must have domicile status in Kerala to qualify for state quota reservations.
• Age Limits: The general age limit is between 18 and 40 years. However, specific posts (like uniform services or senior academic posts) may have lower or higher limits.
• Age Relaxation: Standard upper age relaxations are granted to various categories:
  • OBC Candidates: 3 years relaxation (up to 43 years)
  • SC/ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation (up to 45 years)
  • Ex-Servicemen & Widows: Relaxations as per state rules
  • Differently-abled candidates: Up to 10-15 years relaxation depending on disability level
• Educational Qualifications: Candidates from various backgrounds can apply. Educational requirements range from Class 7 (Last Grade Servants), Class 10/SSLC (LDC), Class 12/HSE, up to Bachelor's, Master's, or professional degrees.

Essential Documents Checklist Before Registering

Do not start the OTR registration process without keeping these documents ready beside you. It will prevent session timeouts on the Thulasi portal:

1. Primary Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card (recommended), Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport.
2. SSLC/10th Certificate: For verifying your official name spelling, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth.
3. Academic Certificates: Marks sheets and certificates of 12th, graduation, diplomas, or master's degrees.
4. Caste/Community Certificate: Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate for OBC candidates, or community certificate for SC/ST candidates to claim reservation.
5. Disability Certificate: If applying under the PwD category.
6. Scanned Photograph: Sized and formatted strictly to KPSC specifications.
7. Scanned Signature: Placed on a white sheet with black or blue ink, scanned, and properly sized.

Step-by-Step OTR Registration Process

Follow these steps to set up your profile on the Kerala PSC Thulasi Portal:

Step 1: Access the Portal

Open your browser and navigate to the official portal: thulasi.keralapsc.gov.in.

Step 2: Start New Registration

On the homepage, look for the login box on the right. Below the User ID and password fields, click on the link titled "New Registration (Sign Up)".

Step 3: Enter Personal Identification Details

You will be prompted to enter your name, date of birth, gender, and primary ID. Select your ID card (e.g., Aadhaar) and enter the ID number. This links your Aadhaar securely to your profile to prevent duplicate registrations.

Step 4: Create User Credentials

Create a unique User ID and a strong password. Note these down immediately. Choose security questions and write down the answers as they are critical for retrieving account access later.

Step 5: Verify via OTP

Enter your active mobile number and email ID. The portal will send a verification code (OTP) to your phone. Enter this OTP to complete the initial sign-up. Your mobile number will serve as the primary channel for all communication from KPSC, including exam alerts and results.

Step 6: Fill in Academic & Personal Profile Details

Log in using your new credentials. Go through the profile steps to add your permanent address, communication address, religion, caste, mother tongue, and educational qualifications (starting from Class 10th up to your highest qualification).

Photo & Signature Specifications (Strict Rules)

Uploading the correct photo and signature is where most candidates face issues. Kerala PSC uses semi-automated photo checks, and non-compliance leads to immediate invalidation of applications.

Specification Parameter	Photograph Requirement	Signature Requirement
Dimensions (Width x Height)	Exactly 150 px × 200 px	Exactly 150 px × 100 px
File Size Limit	Maximum 30 KB	Maximum 30 KB
File Format	JPG / JPEG only	JPG / JPEG only
Background	Light colored or plain white	Plain white paper
Date & Name Stamp	Mandatory bottom white band (Name + Date taken)	Not applicable
Ink Color	N/A	Black or blue ink

How to Add Candidate Name & Date Stamp to the Photo

KPSC rules state that the photograph must have the candidate's name and the date the photo was taken printed clearly at the bottom. This is not a handwritten note; it must be digitally embedded in a white bar at the base of the image.

The rules for this stamp are as follows:

• The text must be in black font on a white rectangular background bar at the bottom.
• Line 1 of the text: YOUR NAME (in capital letters, matching SSLC).
• Line 2 of the text: DATE OF PHOTO TAKEN (formatted as DD/MM/YYYY or DD.MM.YYYY, e.g., 15/05/2026).
• The date of the photo must be taken within the timeframe specified in the notification (usually within 6 months of upload).