State PSC & State Govt · Andhra Pradesh · Updated October 2026
APPSC Group 1 ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Administered by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission, the Group-I Services examination recruits top state civil officers including Deputy Collectors, Assistant Commissioners of State Tax, DSPs, RTOs, and Municipal Commissioners. The selection process features a two-paper objective Preliminary screening, five conventional descriptive Mains papers, and an oral interview.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- State · Andhra Pradesh
- Conducting body
- Andhra Pradesh PSC
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APPSC Group 1 exam overview and highlights
About APPSC Group 1
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Group 1 Services Examination is the premier state civil services recruitment exam in Andhra Pradesh. Conducted by APPSC in Vijayawada, it selects officers for the state's top executive, police, revenue, and municipal cadres including Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), Commercial Tax Officers, and Municipal Commissioners. The recruitment follows a rigorous three-stage selection process comprising a two-paper Preliminary screening test, a seven-paper conventional descriptive Main examination, and an oral Personality Test. Officers inducted into Group 1 services spearhead district administration, welfare delivery, and revenue management across Andhra Pradesh and become eligible for eventual promotion into the IAS and IPS cadres.
The examination process for APPSC Group 1 comprises 3 stages: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test), followed by Main Examination (Written Descriptive), followed by Interview / Oral Test (Personality Test). The official syllabus tests candidates across 6 core areas — History, Culture and Heritage of Andhra Pradesh & India, Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh, Polity, Governance, Law and Ethics, Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh, Science, Technology and Environment, General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Aptitude — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims is a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains. Final merit is determined by the combined marks of the five merit-counting Mains descriptive papers (750 marks) and the Oral Interview (75 marks), totaling 825 marks.
Key subjects
- History, Culture and Heritage of Andhra Pradesh & India
- Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh
- Polity, Governance, Law and Ethics
- Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh
- Science, Technology and Environment
- General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Aptitude
What clearing APPSC Group 1 leads to
- Deputy Collector (Andhra Pradesh Civil Service - Executive Branch)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP Category-2, AP Police Service)
- Commercial Tax Officer (AP Commercial Taxes Service)
- Regional Transport Officer (AP Transport Service)
- District Registrar (AP Registration and Stamps Service)
- Municipal Commissioner Grade-II & District Panchayat Officer
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
- Frequency
- Periodic (as notified by the State Government based on vacancies)
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains
- Languages
- English and Telugu
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (10 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains
- Official website
- psc.ap.gov.in
APPSC Group 1 — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of APPSC Group 1 conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | APPSC Group 1 |
| Conducting Body | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Exam Category | State PSC & State Govt |
| Exam Level | State level (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Periodic (as notified by the State Government based on vacancies) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification between October and December; Prelims in March; Mains between August and October |
| Mode of Application | Online through One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) on psc.ap.gov.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Telugu |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (10 Papers Total): Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) → Main Examination (Written Descriptive) → Interview / Oral Test (Personality Test) |
| Negative Marking | One-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims is a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains. Final merit is determined by the combined marks of the five merit-counting Mains descriptive papers (750 marks) and the Oral Interview (75 marks), totaling 825 marks. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India; specific technical degrees or physical norms apply for certain specialized posts like Regional Transport Officer or DSP. |
| Age Limit | 18 to 42 years for general civil posts; 21 to 30 years for uniformed services (DSP Civil, DSP Prisons, Divisional Fire Officer) with upper age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/BC/EWS and 10 years for PwBD. |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Starting basic pay ranges from INR 57,100 to INR 1,47,760 per month under the Andhra Pradesh Revised Pay Scales (RPS) along with DA, HRA, and official vehicle/accommodation perks |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 1.2 to 1.5 lakh applicants competing for 80 to 150 Group 1 vacancies per recruitment cycle |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
APPSC Group 1 exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for APPSC Group 1. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Andhra Pradesh PSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| APPSC Group 1 Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification between October and December; Prelims in March; Mains between August and October | Periodic (as notified by the State Government based on vacancies) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| APPSC Group 1 — Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) | Notification between October and December; Prelims in March; Mains between August and October | Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains |
| APPSC Group 1 — Main Examination (Written Descriptive) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Around 1.2 to 1.5 lakh applicants competing for 80 to 150 Group 1 vacancies per recruitment cycle. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official APPSC Group 1 recruitment advertisement published by Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard Banking & Insurance application fee slabs apply: typically ₹750 to ₹850 (inclusive of GST) for General/OBC/EWS candidates, and ₹125 to ₹175 (intimation charges only) for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates via online payment.
How to apply online for APPSC Group 1
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit psc.ap.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online through One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) on psc.ap.gov.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the APPSC Group 1 application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Telugu), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final APPSC Group 1 Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
APPSC Group 1 eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for APPSC Group 1 must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Andhra Pradesh PSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India; specific technical degrees or physical norms apply for certain specialized posts like Regional Transport Officer or DSP.
Age limit & relaxations
18 to 42 years for general civil posts; 21 to 30 years for uniformed services (DSP Civil, DSP Prisons, Divisional Fire Officer) with upper age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/BC/EWS and 10 years for PwBD.
Number of attempts
No cap on the number of attempts as long as the candidate stays within the prescribed age limits.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Working knowledge of Telugu is important for field administration and qualifying the compulsory Telugu paper in Mains. Local zone and state domicile reservations apply under Andhra Pradesh Presidential Order norms.
APPSC Group 1 — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Andhra Pradesh Domicile) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid Andhra Pradesh permanent domicile and caste certificate issued by the competent revenue authority. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Andhra Pradesh Domicile) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
| State Government Employees / Women / Departmental Candidates (Andhra Pradesh) | Up to +5 Years as per state service recruitment rules | Applicable to regular Andhra Pradesh state government servants and horizontal reservation categories notified in the advertisement. |
APPSC Group 1 selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims is a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains. Final merit is determined by the combined marks of the five merit-counting Mains descriptive papers (750 marks) and the Oral Interview (75 marks), totaling 825 marks.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
Offline (OMR sheet) • 2 Papers (Paper I: General Studies (History, Culture, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, Economy and Planning of India & AP), Paper II: General Aptitude (General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities, Science & Technology, Current Events)) • 240 Questions • 240 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • An objective OMR-based screening test consisting of two papers of 120 marks each.
An objective OMR-based screening test consisting of two papers of 120 marks each. Marks obtained in Prelims are used strictly to shortlist candidates (typically 1:50 ratio) for the Main Examination and are not counted in the final merit list.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General Studies (History, Culture, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, Economy and Planning of India & AP)Four sections of 30 marks each; counted for Prelims cutoff 120 120 2 hours Paper II: General Aptitude (General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities, Science & Technology, Current Events)Two sections of 60 marks each; counted together with Paper I for Prelims cutoff (240 total) 120 120 2 hours Stage 2: Main Examination (Written Descriptive)
Descriptive, pen and paper (or tab-based question display with physical answer booklets) • 7 Papers (Qualifying Paper 1: Telugu, Qualifying Paper 2: English, Paper I: General Essay on Contemporary Themes and Issues (Regional, National & International) + 4 more) • Questions: Descriptive • 1050 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • A conventional descriptive examination featuring two qualifying language papers and five merit-deciding General Studies and Essay papers of 150 marks each.
A conventional descriptive examination featuring two qualifying language papers and five merit-deciding General Studies and Essay papers of 150 marks each.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Qualifying Paper 1: TeluguQualifying only (40% minimum required for OC, 35% for BC, 30% for SC/ST/PwBD) Descriptive 150 3 hours Qualifying Paper 2: EnglishQualifying only (40% minimum required for OC, 35% for BC, 30% for SC/ST/PwBD) Descriptive 150 3 hours Paper I: General Essay on Contemporary Themes and Issues (Regional, National & International)Counted for final merit 3 Essays (50 marks each) 150 3 hours Paper II: History, Culture and Geography of India and Andhra PradeshCounted for final merit 15 descriptive questions 150 3 hours Paper III: Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and EthicsCounted for final merit 15 descriptive questions 150 3 hours Paper IV: Economy and Development of India and Andhra PradeshCounted for final merit 15 descriptive questions 150 3 hours Paper V: Science, Technology and Environmental IssuesCounted for final merit 15 descriptive questions 150 3 hours Stage 3: Interview / Oral Test (Personality Test)
In-person interview • 1 Paper (Personality Test / Viva-Voce) • 75 Total Marks • Candidates shortlisted in a 1:2 ratio from the Main Examination appear before the APPSC board in Vijayawada for an assessment of administrative aptitude, state developmental awareness, ethical judgment, and leadership traits.
Candidates shortlisted in a 1:2 ratio from the Main Examination appear before the APPSC board in Vijayawada for an assessment of administrative aptitude, state developmental awareness, ethical judgment, and leadership traits.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Personality Test / Viva-VoceAdded to the 750 Mains marks for a grand total of 825 marks Varies 75 Varies Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
APPSC Group 1 subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
History, Culture and Heritage of Andhra Pradesh & India — Part I (Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age)
- Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Mauryan, Gupta, and Vijayanagara Empires
- Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Reddy Kingdoms of Andhra
- Socio-religious reform movements in Andhra: Veeresalingam Pantulu, Gurajada Apparao, and Tripuraneni Ramaswamy
History, Culture and Heritage of Andhra Pradesh & India — Part II (Freedom struggle in Andhra Pradesh)
- Freedom struggle in Andhra Pradesh: Vandemataram, Non-Cooperation, Alluri Sitarama Raju's Rampa Rebellion, and Quit India
- Movement for separate Andhra State (1953), Gentlemen's Agreement (1956), and bifurcation into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (2014)
- Classical and folk arts, Kuchipudi dance, temple architecture, and Telugu literary heritage from Nannaya to modern poets
Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh — Part I (Physical divisions of Andhra Pradesh)
- Physical divisions of Andhra Pradesh: Coastal Plains, Eastern Ghats, and Rayalaseema Plateau
- Major river systems (Godavari, Krishna, Penna, Vamsadhara, Nagavali) and multipurpose irrigation projects (Polavaram, Veligonda)
- Monsoon patterns, agro-climatic zones, soils, and cyclone vulnerability along the AP coastline
Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh — Part II (Mineral resources and industrial corridors)
- Mineral resources (barytes, limestone, mica, beach sand minerals) and industrial corridors (Visakhapatnam-Chennai, CBIC)
- Port-led development, inland waterways, urbanization trends, and demographic profile of the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh
- Forest cover, Biosphere Reserves (Seshachalam), wildlife sanctuaries, and coastal ecosystem management
Polity, Governance, Law and Ethics: Indian Constitution & Union and State Executive, Legislature
- Indian Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Federalism, and Constitutional Amendments
- Union and State Executive, Legislature, High Court of Andhra Pradesh, and Judicial Review
- Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment) and Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment) with special reference to AP Grama/Ward Sachivalayam system
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014: Schedules, asset division, river water boards, and unresolved bifurcation issues
- Public policy, e-Governance initiatives in AP, Citizen Charters, Right to Information Act, and social audit mechanisms
- Ethics in public administration, emotional intelligence, probity in governance, and foundational values for civil servants
Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh
- National income accounting, fiscal policy, monetary policy, GST framework, and Fifteenth Finance Commission recommendations
- Andhra Pradesh Socio-Economic Survey: GSDP growth, per capita income, and sectoral composition (Agriculture, Industry, Services)
- Agricultural pricing, land reforms, Rythu Bharosa Kendras, zero-budget natural farming, and aquaculture/marine exports in AP
- State public finance, FRBM targets, revenue deficit challenges post-bifurcation, and externally aided projects
- Welfare schemes, women empowerment (SHGs/SERP/MEPMA), poverty alleviation, and human development indicators in AP
- MSME policy, food processing, maritime economy, renewable energy hubs, and IT/electronics clusters in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati
Science, Technology and Environment: India's space program, defense technology & Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, cyber
- India's space program (ISRO, SDSC SHAR Sriharikota launches), defense technology (DRDO), and nuclear energy policy
- Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, blockchain applications in land records and governance
- Biotechnology, genetic engineering, vaccines, public health infrastructure, and disease burden (communicable and non-communicable)
- Renewable and non-renewable energy resources: solar parks, wind-solar hybrid projects, and green hydrogen missions in AP
- Biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and solid waste management
- Disaster management framework for cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema
General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Aptitude
- Logical reasoning, analytical ability, syllogisms, coding-decoding, and blood relations
- Data interpretation from tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, and data sufficiency
- Basic numeracy: percentages, ratios, averages, time and work, profit and loss, and probability
- Administrative and psychological abilities: decision-making, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and problem-solving caselets
- Comprehension, précis writing, formal correspondence, and translation between English and Telugu
APPSC Group 1 salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Starting basic pay ranges from INR 57,100 to INR 1,47,760 per month under the Andhra Pradesh Revised Pay Scales (RPS) along with DA, HRA, and official vehicle/accommodation perks. Appointments under Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Starting basic pay ranges from INR 57,100 to INR 1,47,760 per month under the Andhra Pradesh Revised Pay Scales (RPS) along with DA, HRA, and official vehicle/accommodation perks.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) (Andhra Pradesh State Government Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (by city classification), Medical Allowance, TA, and Andhra Pradesh NPS / Pension benefits.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
APPSC Group 1 cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise APPSC Group 1 cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
APPSC Group 1 — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because APPSC Group 1 is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to a question deducted per wrong answer in Prelims; none in Mains, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining APPSC Group 1 Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across Andhra Pradesh cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the APPSC Group 1 cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
APPSC Group 1 admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
APPSC Group 1 Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official APPSC Group 1 Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on psc.ap.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the APPSC Group 1 e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
APPSC Group 1 Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on psc.ap.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
APPSC Group 1 Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) declares the APPSC Group 1 result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on psc.ap.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official APPSC Group 1 Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
APPSC Group 1 mock tests
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APPSC Group 1 Full Mock Test 1
Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) · 120 questions · 2 hours
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APPSC Group 1 Full Mock Test 3
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APPSC Group 1 Full Mock Test 4
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APPSC Group 1 Full Mock Test 5
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APPSC Group 1 previous year papers
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Recent APPSC Group 1 question papers
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Predicted questions for APPSC Group 1
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for APPSC Group 1
- Treat the Andhra Pradesh Socio-Economic Survey and state budget documents as core textbooks, since Paper I (Prelims) and Paper IV (Mains) draw heavily from official state data.
- Master the provisions and schedules of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, which frequently appears in both Prelims MCQs and Mains 10-mark descriptive questions.
- Practice writing structured 10-mark answers within 7-8 minutes because answering all 15 compulsory/internal-choice questions in 3 hours demands high writing speed.
- Do not neglect the qualifying Telugu and English Mains papers; practice essay, précis, and translation regularly to avoid disqualification despite high GS marks.
- Integrate maps of Andhra Pradesh's 26 reorganized districts, river basins, and industrial nodes into your Mains Paper II and Paper IV answers for higher scores.
- Read the official APPSC Group 1 notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
APPSC Group 1 FAQs
Are there any optional subjects in the APPSC Group 1 Main Examination?
No. APPSC removed optional subjects from the Group 1 Mains pattern; all candidates write the same five merit-counting General Studies and Essay papers along with two qualifying language papers.
Are candidates from outside Andhra Pradesh eligible to apply for APPSC Group 1?
Yes, Indian citizens from other states can apply under the open competition (non-local) quota as per the Andhra Pradesh Public Employment (Organisation of Local Cadres and Regulation of Direct Recruitment) Order, provided they also clear the qualifying Telugu paper in Mains.
Is there negative marking in the APPSC Group 1 Prelims exam?
Yes, one-third (0.33) of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer in both Paper I and Paper II of the Preliminary screening test.
What are the physical requirements for DSP and uniformed services in APPSC Group 1?
Male candidates generally require a minimum height of 167.6 cm and chest expansion of 5 cm (around 86.3 cm expanded), while female candidates require a minimum height of 152.5 cm, with relaxations for Scheduled Tribes.
Can I write the APPSC Group 1 Mains answers in Telugu?
Yes, candidates may write the five merit-counting Mains papers in either English or Telugu, though technical terms and statutory titles should be stated accurately.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for APPSC Group 1?
APPSC Group 1 is conducted by Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) across 3 stages: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) → Main Examination (Written Descriptive) → Interview / Oral Test (Personality Test). Prelims is a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains. Final merit is determined by the combined marks of the five merit-counting Mains descriptive papers (750 marks) and the Oral Interview (75 marks), totaling 825 marks.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for APPSC Group 1?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India; specific technical degrees or physical norms apply for certain specialized posts like Regional Transport Officer or DSP. Age Limit: 18 to 42 years for general civil posts; 21 to 30 years for uniformed services (DSP Civil, DSP Prisons, Divisional Fire Officer) with upper age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/BC/EWS and 10 years for PwBD.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing APPSC Group 1?
Starting basic pay ranges from INR 57,100 to INR 1,47,760 per month under the Andhra Pradesh Revised Pay Scales (RPS) along with DA, HRA, and official vehicle/accommodation perks.
When is the APPSC Group 1 notification released and how can I apply online?
APPSC Group 1 is held periodic (as notified by the State Government based on vacancies) (Notification between October and December; Prelims in March; Mains between August and October). Online through One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) on psc.ap.gov.in.
Where can I practice free APPSC Group 1 mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select APPSC Group 1 as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering History, Culture and Heritage of Andhra Pradesh & India, Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh, Polity, Governance, Law and Ethics, Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact APPSC Group 1 pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for APPSC Group 1 on SmartRank?
Select APPSC Group 1 as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering History, Culture and Heritage of Andhra Pradesh & India, Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh, Polity, Governance, Law and Ethics, Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact APPSC Group 1 pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.