APPSC recruits for the state's gazetted and non-gazetted services through Group 1 and Group 2 examinations. Group 1 leads to posts such as Deputy Collector and DSP; Group 2 to executive and non-executive posts across departments.
Both examinations begin with an objective screening test with negative marking. Because the screening test is only a filter, candidates often under-prepare for it; sitting timed mocks is the surest way to clear the cut-off comfortably.
How it works
Stages
- 1
Screening test
Objective paper(s) on general studies and mental ability, with negative marking. Used only to shortlist candidates for the mains.
- 2
Main examination
Group 1: descriptive papers on general studies, Andhra Pradesh history, polity, economy and science. Group 2: objective papers on general studies and Andhra Pradesh-specific topics.
- 3
Interview (Group 1)
Personality test carrying a share of the final marks for Group 1 posts. Group 2 selection is based on the mains.
At a glance
Paper pattern
| Stage / paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 · Screening Paper I (General Studies) | 120 | 120 | 120 minutes | One-third of the marks per wrong answer |
| Group 1 · Screening Paper II (General Aptitude) | 120 | 120 | 120 minutes | One-third of the marks per wrong answer |
| Group 2 · Screening test | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes | One-third of the marks per wrong answer |
| Group 2 · Mains (two papers) | 150 each | 150 each | 150 minutes each | One-third of the marks per wrong answer |
APPSC revises schemes between notifications. Confirm the paper structure and marks against the current notification on psc.ap.gov.in.
What is tested
Subjects
- History, culture and geography of Andhra Pradesh
- Indian polity and the Constitution
- Economy and planning of Andhra Pradesh and India
- Science, technology and environment
- Current affairs
- Mental ability and logical reasoning
Strategy
How to prepare with mock tests
- Andhra Pradesh-specific topics carry weight at every stage; build state history, economy and bifurcation-related notes early.
- Two-hour screening papers reward pacing: practise finishing with ten minutes spare for review.
- Use negative marking data from mocks to decide your attempt threshold before the exam.
- For Group 2, treat the mains as objective papers of the same style and keep taking mocks after the screening test.
Questions