APPSC Group-I - Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Mock Tests
APPSC Group-I services (Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax and other posts) are filled through a three-stage process: an objective Screening Test, a descriptive Mains examination and an interview. Notification No. 07/2026 was issued by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission with applications open from 6 October to 27 October 2026 and the Screening Test scheduled for 24 January 2027. The Mains date is to be announced later.
Part of the Andhra Pradesh state guide: history, geography, government, elections, culture and every Andhra Pradesh exam in one place.
Under 10 minutes · no account needed · real percentile at the end
What is the APPSC Group-I exam pattern?
Screening Test (offline, OMR): two objective papers of 120 questions, 120 marks and 120 minutes each, at degree standard. Every wrong answer carries a deduction of one-third of a mark. Candidates are shortlisted for Mains at 50 times the number of vacancies. Mains (descriptive, 150 marks and 180 minutes per paper): a Telugu paper and an English paper that are qualifying only (minimum 40% for OC/Sports/EWS, 35% for BC, 30% for SC/ST/PBD, marks not counted), followed by five papers - General Essay; History, Culture and Geography of India and AP; Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics; Economy and Development of India and AP; and Science, Technology and Environmental Issues - totalling 750 marks. The interview carries 75 marks, for a total of 825. Notification 07/2026 states that the question paper is set in English and translated into Telugu, and that the English version is authentic.
| Section | Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Screening Paper I: General Studies (4 parts of 30 marks each) | 120 | 120 |
| Screening Paper II: Part A - General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities | 60 | 60 |
| Screening Paper II: Part B(i) - Science & Technology | 30 | 30 |
| Screening Paper II: Part B(ii) - Current events (regional, national, international) | 30 | 30 |
Full exam pattern: Tier-wise marks, timers and qualifying rules →పరీక్షా విధానం – తెలుగులో చదవండి →
What is the APPSC Group-I syllabus?
Screening Paper I (General Studies) has four parts: History & Culture; Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations; Indian and AP Economy & Planning; and Geography. Screening Paper II (General Aptitude) covers General Mental Ability with Administrative and Psychological Abilities, Science & Technology, and Current Events of regional, national and international importance. Mains Paper I is a General Essay of three essays (200-250 words each) drawn from current affairs, socio-political and cultural-historical themes. Mains Papers II to V cover History, Culture and Geography of India and AP; Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics; Economy and Development of India and AP; and Science, Technology and Environmental Issues. Read the full syllabus in Annexure II of the official notification at psc.ap.gov.in.
Complete syllabus, subject by subject →సిలబస్ – తెలుగులో చదవండి →
What is a good APPSC Group-I cut-off?
APPSC publishes category-wise cut-offs with its results; no official cut-off figures are listed here because none were available to us for the latest cycle. For the 2026 cycle the Screening Test is only a shortlisting stage: candidates are called for Mains in a ratio of 50 times the vacancies irrespective of community, so the practical cut-off is the rank at that cut. In Mains the minimum aggregate qualifying marks are 40% for OC, 35% for BC and 30% for SC/ST.
Official cut-offs and vacancies →కట్-ఆఫ్ – తెలుగులో చదవండి →
How should I prepare for APPSC Group-I?
With a one-third negative mark on every wrong answer in both Screening papers, attempt a question only when you can eliminate at least one option. Build the General Studies base (History & Culture, Polity, Economy, Geography with an Andhra Pradesh focus) first, then move to Mental Ability and Science & Technology for Paper II, and keep a running current-affairs file. Because Mains is descriptive and carries 750 marks, begin answer-writing practice and essay drills well before the Screening Test, and prepare for the qualifying Telugu and English papers. Apply only after updating your OTPR, which APPSC requires before any application.
Preparation strategy built on the marks and timers →ప్రిపరేషన్ – తెలుగులో చదవండి →
Frequently asked questions
When is the APPSC Group-I Screening Test?
Notification 07/2026 schedules the Screening Test for 24 January 2027. The Mains date will be announced later by the Commission.
What is the exam pattern of APPSC Group-I?
The Screening Test has two objective papers of 120 questions, 120 marks and 120 minutes each. Mains has two qualifying language papers (Telugu and English) and five descriptive papers of 150 marks each (750 marks), plus a 75-mark interview, for a total of 825 marks.
Is there negative marking in APPSC Group-I?
Yes. In the Screening Test one-third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
What is the application window for APPSC Group-I 07/2026?
Applications run from 6 October 2026 to 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM). Candidates must have updated their OTPR particulars before applying.
How many candidates are shortlisted from the Screening Test to Mains?
Notification 07/2026 provides for shortlisting 50 times the number of vacancies, irrespective of community.