APPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Each APPSC exam has its own pattern. Most share a common shape — a screening Preliminary exam followed by a Main exam — but they differ in the papers, the final stage and the subject focus.

Group 1

Prelims — two objective papers of 120 marks each (240 total), with one-third negative marking for each wrong answer, used to screen for the Mains (50 candidates per vacancy are admitted). Mains — descriptive papers: qualifying Telugu and English papers plus five papers of 150 marks each. Interview — a personality test of 75 marks; under the Group-I 2026 notification (No. 07/2026) candidates are called at a 1:2 ratio, and the final merit is drawn from the Mains and the Interview (825 marks).

Group 2

Prelims — one objective paper of 150 marks (General Studies and Mental Ability), with one-third negative marking. Mains — two papers of 150 marks each. A Computer Proficiency Test is a qualifying practical. There is no interview.

Group 4

A single objective written exam covering General Studies and Secretarial Abilities, with no interview. Confirm the marks and marking scheme in the notification.

Syllabus

Questions test general studies, current affairs, and the subject knowledge specific to each post, at the standard set out in each exam's official syllabus on psc.ap.gov.in.