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 no negative marking, used to screen for the Mains. Mains — descriptive papers. Interview — a personality test; note that AP has varied the interview stage across recruitment cycles, so confirm its status in the current notification.

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.