Many students applying for Kerala PSC technical posts face confusion while selecting qualification equivalency in their PSC profile. This issue commonly appears during applications for LSGD Grade 3 and KWA Draftsman Grade II posts.
Although candidates hold valid qualifications like BTech Civil or Diploma Civil, the PSC portal often shows “No matching qualification in the profile”. As a result, students hesitate to proceed.
This blog explains the exact meaning of equivalency, what the PSC screens indicate, and which option BTech and Diploma Civil students should choose.
Why Does This Equivalency Confusion Happen?
PSC notifications list basic qualifications such as KGCE, ITI, or NTC.
However, PSC also allows equivalent or higher qualifications based on official Government orders.
Because of this structure, the portal may not auto-match your degree or diploma.
Instead, PSC expects you to apply using the “Equivalent or Higher Qualification” option.
Who Is Eligible for LSGD Grade 3?
Based on the official equivalency list:
- KGCE (Civil Engineering)
- ITI / NTC Draftsman (Civil)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering (Polytechnic)
- BTech / BE Civil Engineering
- AMIE (Civil Engineering)
Equivalency Explained
Official Equivalency PDF is explained here
| Sl. No. | Qualification as per Special Rule | Equivalent / Higher Qualifications Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | VHSE (Civil Construction & Maintenance) |
| 2 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | VHSE (Civil Construction Technology) |
| 3 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | ITI / ITC – Draughtsman (Civil) |
| 4 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | NAC – Civil Draughtsman |
| 5 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | NTC – Draughtsman (Civil) |
| 6 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | SCVT – Draughtsman (Civil) |
| 7 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | STC – Draftsman (Civil) |
| 8 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | Polytechnic Diploma in Civil Engineering |
| 9 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | BTech Civil Engineering |
| 10 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | BE Civil Engineering |
| 11 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | BTech (Honours) Civil Engineering |
| 12 | KGCE (Civil Engineering) | AMIE (Sections A & B) – Civil Engineering |
| 13 | Diploma in Civil Engineering (2-year course from Women’s Polytechnic) | Polytechnic Diploma in Civil Engineering |
| 14 | Diploma in Civil Engineering (2-year course from Women’s Polytechnic) | BTech Civil Engineering |
| 15 | Diploma in Civil Engineering (2-year course from Women’s Polytechnic) | BE Civil Engineering |
| 16 | Diploma in Civil Engineering (2-year course from Women’s Polytechnic) | AMIE (Sections A & B) – Civil Engineering |
Who Is Eligible for KWA Draftsman Grade II?
To apply for Draftsman Grade II in Kerala Water Authority (KWA), candidates must satisfy both the basic and technical qualification requirements mentioned in the notification.
Basic Qualification
Pass in SSLC or its equivalent
Technical Qualification (Any One)
Candidates must possess one of the following:
National Trade Certificate (NTC) awarded by NCVT in Draftsman (Civil or Mechanical) after completing a 2-year course
ORKerala Government Certificate Examination (KGCE) in Civil or Mechanical Engineering after completing a 2-year course
Equivalent / Higher Qualifications – Important Clarification
In addition to the above qualifications, Kerala PSC also accepts equivalent or higher qualifications if they are:
- Recognised through Government Orders
- Allowed under Special Rules applicable to the post
Therefore, candidates who possess higher qualifications that presuppose the lower qualification (such as BTech / BE Civil Engineering) can apply using the “Equivalent or Higher Qualification” option, provided PSC has enabled it in the application portal.
Final Advice to Students
Equivalency errors on the PSC portal often look alarming.
However, they usually indicate how you should apply, not that you are ineligible.
Before applying:
Read the notification carefully
Check the official equivalency PDF
Select Equivalent or Higher Qualification where permitted
Applying correctly at this stage can prevent rejection later.
