APPSC Group 1 2026: 166 Posts Detailed Notification, syllabus, Vacancies, Exam Pattern explained: Detailed Notification, Syllabus, Vacancies, Age Limit, Fee and Exam Pattern explained. The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada has released the Detailed Notification No. 07/2026 dated 06 October 2026 for direct recruitment to various categories of posts under Group-I Services, and the online application link is now active.
The total number of vacancies has increased from 163 (Brief Notification) to 166 vacancies across 13 post codes, including Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, District Educational Officers, Assistant Commissioners of State Tax, Divisional Development Officers and other Group-I posts. APPSC on 15th September has released 892 Posts various 20 notifications, one of it is Group 1, and the Detailed Notification of that recruitment is now out.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the APPSC website psc.ap.gov.in from 06 October 2026 to 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM. The Screening Test will be held on 24 January 2027 in offline, objective, OMR-based mode. The Detailed Notification gives the age limits, community-wise and zone-wise vacancy breakup (Annexure-I), reservation rules, application fee, scheme and syllabus (Annexure-II), instructions to candidates and physical standards for the police posts. This article covers every one of those points in detail.
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada |
| Recruitment | Direct Recruitment to Group-I Services (General / Limited Recruitment) |
| Notification No. | 07/2026 |
| Brief Notification Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Date | 06 October 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 166 (including carry forward vacancies) – 13 post codes |
| Application Mode | Online only, through OTPR login at psc.ap.gov.in |
| Application Start Date | 06 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM |
| Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026) | 18 – 44 years (PC 01, 02, 05–13); 21 – 30 years (PC 03); 18 – 30 years (PC 04) |
| Application Fee | ₹250 processing fee + ₹120 examination fee (exam fee exempted for SC, ST, BC, PBD, Ex-Servicemen, White Card families and unemployed youth) |
| Selection Process | Screening Test (OMR) → Main Written Examination (Descriptive) → Interview |
| Screening Test Date | 24 January 2027 |
| Main Examination Date | Will be announced later |
| Salary | ₹54,060 – ₹1,54,980 (scale of pay, post-wise) |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Detailed Notification No. 07/2026 dated 06 October 2026.
About APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
APPSC Group-I Services recruitment is one of the most prestigious competitive recruitments conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission for appointment to senior administrative, police, revenue, finance and development positions in the State Government. A Group-I officer typically starts as a Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, District Educational Officer, Divisional Development Officer and so on, and moves up to the highest district and State level posts.
The 2026 recruitment covers 13 categories of posts with 166 vacancies. The Commission has clearly mentioned that the vacancies and departments are subject to variation on intimation from the concerned departments, and that any addition of vacancies will be accepted only before the date of the Screening Test, with an addendum issued to that effect. Some vacancies are carry forward (CF) vacancies brought forward from previous recruitments, and selection against such reserved vacancies will be made first, before the fresh vacancies.
What Has Changed in the Detailed Notification?
Many candidates read only the Brief Notification released on 15 September. The Detailed Notification brings the following important changes and additions:
| Point | Brief Notification (15 Sep 2026) | Detailed Notification (06 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Total vacancies | 163 | 166 |
| Deputy Collector (PC 01) | 11 | 12 |
| Deputy Registrar (PC 08) | 15 | 16 (includes 01 CF vacancy) |
| Assistant Audit Officer (PC 12) | 14 | 15 |
| Age limit | Not mentioned | 18–44 years (PC 03: 21–30; PC 04: 18–30) as on 01.07.2026 |
| Application fee | Not mentioned | ₹250 + ₹120 with exemptions |
| Screening Test date | To be announced | 24 January 2027 |
| Community / zone-wise vacancies | Not given | Given in Annexure-I (Multi-Zone / Zone, Open / Local) |
| Physical standards (PC 03 & 04) | Only mentioned | Height, chest, weight and vision standards given |
| Exam centres | Not given | 26 district centres for Screening Test; 4 centres for Mains |
Vacancies for the other ten post codes (02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11 and 13) remain the same as in the Brief Notification.
APPSC Group 1 166 Posts 2026 Vacancy Details
| Post Code | Name of the Post & Department | Vacancies | Age (as on 01.07.2026) | Scale of Pay (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Deputy Collectors in A.P. Civil Service (Executive Branch) | 12 | 18 – 44 | 61,960 – 1,51,370 |
| 02 | Assistant Commissioner of State Tax in A.P. State Tax Service | 14 | 18 – 44 | 61,960 – 1,51,370 |
| 03 | Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-II in A.P. Police Service | 36 (03 CF) | 21 – 30 | 61,960 – 1,51,370 |
| 04 | DSP (Communications) in A.P. Police Service | 3 | 18 – 30 | 61,960 – 1,51,370 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer in A.P. Educational Service | 14 | 18 – 44 | 61,960 – 1,51,370 |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officers in A.P. Transport Service | 3 | 18 – 44 | 57,100 – 1,47,760 |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer in A.P. Tribal Welfare Service | 1 | 18 – 44 | 57,100 – 1,47,760 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar in A.P. Cooperative Service | 16 (01 CF) | 18 – 44 | 57,100 – 1,47,760 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Grade-II in A.P. Municipal Administration Service | 12 | 18 – 44 | 54,060 – 1,40,540 |
| 10 | Assistant Treasury Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer in A.P. Treasury & Accounts Service | 2 | 18 – 44 | 54,060 – 1,40,540 |
| 11 | District Employment Officer in A.P. Employment Exchange Service | 3 (01 CF) | 18 – 44 | 54,060 – 1,40,540 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer in A.P. State Audit Service | 15 | 18 – 44 | 54,060 – 1,40,540 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer in A.P. Panchayat Raj Service | 35 | 18 – 44 | 65,360 – 1,54,980 |
| Total | 166 | — | — | |
The above details are as per Para 1.2 of the Detailed Notification. CF means carry forward vacancies from previous recruitments (5 CF vacancies in total: 03 in PC 03, 01 in PC 08 and 01 in PC 11; the Annexure-I breakup below shows the category in which each CF vacancy falls).
Post-Wise Vacancy Highlights
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-II: 36 vacancies – the highest.
- Divisional Development Officer: 35 vacancies.
- Deputy Registrar: 16 vacancies (up from 15).
- Assistant Audit Officer: 15 vacancies (up from 14).
- Assistant Commissioner of State Tax: 14 vacancies.
- District Educational Officer: 14 vacancies.
- Municipal Commissioner Grade-II: 12 vacancies.
- Deputy Collectors: 12 vacancies (up from 11).
Posts under PC 01 to 03, 05 to 11 and 13 are organized into Multi-Zone-I and Multi-Zone-II, PC 12 is organized into six Zones, while PC 04 (DSP Communications) is a State-level post.
APPSC Group 1 2026 Area-Wise and Community-Wise Vacancies (Annexure-I)
Annexure-I of the Detailed Notification gives the full break-up of vacancies by Multi-Zone / Zone, Open (non-local) and Local quota, and by community. This is the table most candidates were waiting for. Open means the 5% non-local pool filled on combined merit of local and non-local candidates, and Local means the 95% pool reserved for local candidates of that Multi-Zone / Zone. A dash (-) means no vacancy and (CF) means carry forward vacancy.
| PC | Post | Zone | Open / Local | OC | EWS | BC-A | BC-B | BC-C | BC-D | BC-E | SC-I | SC-II | SC-III | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Deputy Collector | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 01 | Deputy Collector | MZ-I | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 5 |
| 01 | Deputy Collector | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 01 | Deputy Collector | MZ-II | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 5 |
| 02 | Asst. Commissioner of State Tax | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 02 | Asst. Commissioner of State Tax | MZ-I | Local | 4 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 8 |
| 02 | Asst. Commissioner of State Tax | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 02 | Asst. Commissioner of State Tax | MZ-II | Local | 2 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 4 |
| 03 | DSP (Civil) Cat-II | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 03 | DSP (Civil) Cat-II | MZ-I | Local | 7 | 2 (1-CF) | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| 03 | DSP (Civil) Cat-II | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 03 | DSP (Civil) Cat-II | MZ-II | Local | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 (CF) | – | 1 | 1 | 2 (1-CF) | 1 | 18 |
| 04 | DSP (Communications) | State | — | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 1 | 3 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer | MZ-I | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | – | 6 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer | MZ-II | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | – | 6 |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officer | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officer | MZ-I | Local | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officer | MZ-II | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officer | MZ-II | Local | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer | MZ-I | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer | MZ-I | Local | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer | MZ-II | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer | MZ-II | Local | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar (Cooperative) | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar (Cooperative) | MZ-I | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 2 (1-CF) | 1 | – | 1 | 8 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar (Cooperative) | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar (Cooperative) | MZ-II | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | – | 6 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Gr-II | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Gr-II | MZ-I | Local | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 3 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Gr-II | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Gr-II | MZ-II | Local | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | 1 | 7 |
| 10 | Asst. Treasury Officer / Asst. Accounts Officer | MZ-I | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 10 | Asst. Treasury Officer / Asst. Accounts Officer | MZ-I | Local | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 10 | Asst. Treasury Officer / Asst. Accounts Officer | MZ-II | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 10 | Asst. Treasury Officer / Asst. Accounts Officer | MZ-II | Local | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 11 | District Employment Officer | MZ-I | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 11 | District Employment Officer | MZ-I | Local | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 11 | District Employment Officer | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 11 | District Employment Officer | MZ-II | Local | 1 | 1 (CF) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-I | Open | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-I | Local | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-II | Local | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-III | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-III | Local | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | — |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-IV | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-IV | Local | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-V | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-V | Local | 2 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 4 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-VI | Open | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-VI | Local | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 3 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer | MZ-I | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer | MZ-I | Local | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 15 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer | MZ-II | Open | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer | MZ-II | Local | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 18 |
| Total | 85 | 7 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 18 | 11 | 6 | 9 | 166 | |||
Note: PC = Post Code. Post names: 01 Deputy Collector, 02 Asst. Commissioner of State Tax, 03 DSP (Civil), 04 DSP (Communications), 05 DEO, 06 RTO, 07 DTWO, 08 Deputy Registrar, 09 Municipal Commissioner Gr-II, 10 ATO/AAO, 11 District Employment Officer, 12 Assistant Audit Officer, 13 DDO. Scroll the table sideways on mobile.
Category-Wise Total Vacancies
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| OC (Open Competition) | 85 |
| EWS | 7 |
| BC-A | 15 |
| BC-B | 6 |
| BC-C | 4 |
| BC-D | 3 |
| BC-E | 2 |
| SC Group-I | 18 |
| SC Group-II | 11 |
| SC Group-III | 6 |
| ST | 9 |
| Total | 166 |
These totals are calculated by adding the category columns of Annexure-I and tally with the 166 total shown in the notification.
Multi-Zone / Zone-Wise Total Vacancies
| Area | Open (5%) | Local (95%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Zone-I (Zones I to III) | 8 | 63 | 71 |
| Multi-Zone-II (Zones IV to VI) | 8 | 69 | 77 |
| Zonal posts (PC 12 – Assistant Audit Officer, Zone-I to VI) | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| State-level post (PC 04 – DSP Communications) | — | — | 3 |
| Total | 21 | 142 | 166 |
Candidates from the Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Godavari, Krishna and NTR region compete for Multi-Zone-I local vacancies, while candidates from Guntur to Kurnool and Tirupati compete for Multi-Zone-II local vacancies.
Horizontal Reservation – Women and PBD Vacancies
The notification also gives the horizontal reservation (without roster points) as submitted by the Unit Officers. These women and PBD vacancies are adjusted within the vertical categories above and are not additional posts.
| PC | Post | Zone | OC (Women) | PBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Deputy Collector | MZ-I / MZ-II | 01 / 01 | 01 (VH) / 01 (VH) |
| 02 | Asst. Commissioner of State Tax | MZ-I / MZ-II | 02 / 01 | – |
| 03 | DSP (Civil) Cat-II | MZ-I / MZ-II | 03 / 03 | – (not applicable) |
| 04 | DSP (Communications) | State | – | – (not applicable) |
| 05 | District Educational Officer | MZ-I / MZ-II | 01 / 01 | – |
| 06 – 07 | RTO / District Tribal Welfare Officer | MZ-I / MZ-II | – | – |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar | MZ-I / MZ-II | 01 / 01 | 01 (VH) / 01 (VH) |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Gr-II | MZ-I / MZ-II | – / 01 | – |
| 10 – 11 | ATO/AAO and District Employment Officer | MZ-I / MZ-II | – | – |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer | Zone-V only | 01 | – |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer | MZ-I / MZ-II | 03 / 03 | 01 (VH) / 01 (VH) |
VH means Visually Handicapped (blind and low vision). As the notification clarifies, since these vacancies come under horizontal reservation, all eligible candidates irrespective of category, community or gender may apply.
APPSC Group 1 Reservation Rules 2026
- Vertical reservation applies for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes (Group-I, II and III), Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections as per Rule 22 of the A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996.
- Horizontal reservation applies for Women (33 1/3%), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD) and Meritorious Sports Persons (3%, as per G.O.Ms.No.56 GA (Ser-D) dated 15.05.2026). Horizontal reservation cuts across vertical reservation, so a selected candidate is placed in his or her own category (SC / ST / BC / EWS / Unreserved).
- PBD reservation is not applicable for Post Codes 03 and 04. For PC 02 it is restricted to HH and OH only, for PC 06 to HH only and for PC 10 to OH only.
- PBD means not less than 40% disability certified by a medical authority. Categories: blindness and low vision; deaf and hard of hearing; locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, muscular dystrophy); autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness; and multiple disabilities.
- BC-E reservation (Muslim backward classes) is subject to the outcome of litigation before the Hon’ble Courts.
- BCs, SCs, STs and EWS belonging to other States are not entitled to reservation or fee exemption.
- Candidates claiming reservation must produce all certificates in the prescribed format by the closing date. Certificates must be in the name of the applicant with father / mother / legal guardian’s name.
Certificates Required for Reservation
- BC candidates: Non-Creamy Layer certificate from the Tahsildar issued on or after 01.04.2026 (after completion of FY 2025-26) and not later than the closing date of application. Without it on the day of verification, the benefit of reservation will be lost.
- EWS candidates: EWS certificate issued by the Tahsildar in digital format only, based on income for FY 2025-26, issued on or after 01.04.2026. EWS means gross annual family income below ₹8.00 lakh and not covered under SC, ST or BC reservation.
- SC / ST / BC: Community certificate from the Revenue Authorities not below the rank of Tahsildar (G.O.Ms.No.58, SW (J) Dept dated 12.05.1997). For SC reservation, persons professing a religion other than Hinduism are not treated as SC, but SC converts to Buddhism are deemed SC.
- A subsequent claim for change of community will not be entertained under any circumstances.
Local Candidate Rules, Multi-Zones and Zones
The Presidential Order 2025 (read with G.O.Ms.No.45 GA (SPF&MC) dated 20.04.2026) governs local reservation. As per Para 13.5, the provisional list is divided into two parts: the first part has 5% of posts filled on combined merit of locals and non-locals, and the second part has the balance 95% of posts for locals only. Local reservation is not applicable to Post Code 04 because it is a State cadre post.
| Multi-Zone / Zone | Districts |
|---|---|
| Multi-Zone-I (Zone I to III) – PC 01 to 03, 05 to 11 and 13 | Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, East Godavari, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna |
| Multi-Zone-II (Zone IV to VI) – PC 01 to 03, 05 to 11 and 13 | Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Nandyal, Ananthapuramu, Kurnool, Sri Sathya Sai |
Zones for Post Code 12 – Assistant Audit Officer
| Zone | Districts |
|---|---|
| Zone-I | Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli |
| Zone-II | Alluri Sitarama Raju, East Godavari, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema |
| Zone-III | West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna |
| Zone-IV | Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore |
| Zone-V | Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa |
| Zone-VI | Nandyal, Ananthapuramu, Kurnool, Sri Sathya Sai |
Who Is a Local Candidate?
- A candidate who has studied in educational institutions in a local area for not less than four consecutive academic years prior to and including the year of appearing for Class 7 or equivalent examination. If he or she has not studied in any institution in that period, residence in that area for the four years is enough.
- If the above does not apply, the candidate who has studied for not less than seven years prior to and inclusive of Class 7 is a local candidate of the area where the maximum period of study (or, failing study, residence) falls out of the seven years.
- Study Certificate (Class I to VII) is mandatory for those who studied in educational institutions. A Residence Certificate is accepted only for candidates who did not study in any institution (for example, those who got a degree from an open university without studying Class VII in an institution), issued by an officer not below the rank of Mandal Revenue Officer.
- If a candidate resided in more than one Mandal within the same district or zone, separate certificates from each Mandal Revenue Officer are needed.
- Migrants from Telangana between 2 June 2014 and 1 June 2024 (G.O.Ms.No.161 GA (SPF&MC) dated 27.12.2022) must obtain a Local Status Certificate from the competent authority and produce it at verification.
Eligibility Conditions for APPSC Group 1 2026
As per Para 2 of the notification, a candidate must satisfy all of the following:
- Be of sound health, active habits and free from any bodily defect or infirmity rendering him / her unfit for such service.
- His / her character and antecedents must be such as to qualify him / her for such service.
- Possess the academic and other qualifications prescribed for the post.
- Be a citizen of India (a non-citizen can be appointed only with the previous sanction of the State Government).
Educational Qualification for APPSC Group 1 2026
Applicants must possess the prescribed academic qualification from a recognized University as on the date of the Detailed Notification, i.e. 06 October 2026. The date of the Detailed Notification is the crucial date for calculating experience, including practical experience.
| Post Code | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| 01, 03, 05, 07, 09, 11 | Bachelor’s Degree of any University in India established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, Provincial Act or State Act, or an institution recognized by the UGC, or an equivalent qualification. |
| 02, 06, 08, 10, 12 | A Degree of a University in India established or incorporated by or under a Central Act or State Act, or any other equivalent recognized qualification. |
| 04 (DSP Communications) | B.E. / B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering or Radio Engineering from a University or UGC-recognized institution, or an equivalent qualification. |
| 13 (DDO) | Must have passed a Bachelor’s Degree from any University recognised by the UGC. |
Open University / Distance Education: Degrees through Open Universities or Distance mode must be recognised by the Distance Education Council (DEC), Government of India. B.Tech / B.E. courses obtained through Distance Mode are accepted only if recognized or approved by AICTE. The onus of proving recognition rests with the candidate.
APPSC Group 1 2026 Age Limit and Age Relaxation
The age limits are as on 01 July 2026 as per Rule 12 of the A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996, read with G.O.Ms.No.187 and G.O.Ms.No.188 GA (Ser-A) Dept., dated 14.09.2026.
| Post Code | Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01, 02, 05 – 13 | All posts except PC 03 and 04 | 18 years | 44 years |
| 03 | DSP (Civil) Cat-II | 21 years | 30 years |
| 04 | DSP (Communications) | 18 years | 30 years |
Age Relaxation
| S. No. | Category of Candidates | Relaxation of Age Permissible |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SC, ST, BCs and EWS | 5 Years |
| 1b | SC (CF vacancies only) – Limited Recruitment | 10 Years |
| 2 | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD) | 10 Years |
| 3 | Ex-Servicemen | Deduct from age the length of service rendered in the armed forces plus 3 years |
| 4 | N.C.C. (who worked as Instructor in N.C.C.) | Deduct the length of service in NCC plus 3 years |
| 5 | Regular A.P. State Government Employees (employees of Corporations, Municipalities etc. are not eligible) | Length of regular service under State Government, up to a maximum of 5 years |
| 6 | Retrenched temporary employees in the State Census Department with minimum service of 6 months | 3 Years |
For Ex-Servicemen and NCC Instructors, the age after making the deductions must not exceed the maximum age limit prescribed for the post. The relaxation is available only to those released from the Armed Forces other than by dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency.
Date of Birth Range (Indicative)
The notification does not state birth dates. By our calculation from the age limits as on 01.07.2026, a General category candidate for PC 01, 02, 05–13 should be born between 02.07.1981 and 01.07.2008, for PC 03 between 02.07.1995 and 01.07.2005, and for PC 04 between 02.07.1995 and 01.07.2008. With 5 years relaxation (SC / ST / BC / EWS), the upper limit becomes 49 years for most posts and 35 years for the police posts; with 10 years (PBD), it becomes 54 and 40 years. Please confirm your eligibility on the official portal.
Physical Standards for DSP Posts (Post Codes 03 and 04)
Candidates applying for DSP (Civil) and DSP (Communications) must satisfy the physical requirements as per G.O.Ms.No.137 Home (Police-E) dated 01.06.1998 and G.O.Ms.No.319 Home (Police-E) dated 16.10.1995.
| Category | Height | Chest (fully expanded) | Chest Expansion / Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Not less than 167.6 cm | Not less than 86.3 cm | Expansion not less than 5 cm |
| Men – Scheduled Tribes | Not less than 164 cm | Not less than 83.8 cm | Expansion not less than 5 cm |
| Women | Not less than 152.5 cm | — | Weight not less than 45.5 kg |
Vision Standards
| Standard | DSP (Civil) – PC 03 | DSP (Communications) – PC 04 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-I | Distant vision 6/6 in both eyes; near vision reads 0.6 in both eyes | Distant vision 6/6 in both eyes; near vision 0/5 (Snellen) |
| Standard-II | Better eye 6/6, near 0.6. Worse eye without glasses not below 6/6 and with correction not below 6/24, near reads 1 | Better eye without glasses not below 6/24 (with correction not below 6/66 as printed), near 0.8. Worse eye without glasses not below 6/24 and with correction not below 6/12, near reads 1 |
| Standard-III | Better eye without glasses not below 6/24, with correction not below 6/6, near 0.8. Worse eye without glasses not below 6/24, with correction not below 6/12, near reads 1 | Only Standards I and II are specified |
- Vision is tested without contact lenses. Each eye must have a full field of vision. Squint or any morbid condition of the eyes or lids will cause rejection.
- For PC 03, inability to distinguish principal colours is not a cause for rejection, but it is noted. For PC 04, colour blindness, squint, knock knees, pigeon chest, flat foot, varicose veins, hammer toes, fractured limbs and decayed tooth are disqualifications.
- Appointment is subject to the candidate being found medically fit by a Medical Board as per G.O.Ms.No.147 Finance (HR.I Plg. Policy) Dept dated 06.08.2016 (Annexure-V). An appeal against the Medical Board decision costs ₹100 and must be filed within 21 days.
APPSC Group 1 Application Fee 2026
| Fee Component | Amount | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | ₹250 | All applicants |
| Examination Fee | ₹120 | All applicants except exempted categories |
| Total (non-exempted) | ₹370 | General / OC and other non-exempted candidates |
| Total (exempted from exam fee) | ₹250 | Processing fee only |
Who Is Exempted from the ₹120 Examination Fee?
- SC, ST, BC, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD) and Ex-Servicemen.
- Families holding a Household Supply White Card issued by the Civil Supplies Department, A.P. Government (residents of Andhra Pradesh).
- Unemployed youth as per G.O.Ms.No.439 GA (Ser-A) Dept dated 18.10.1996, who must submit a declaration to the Commission at the appropriate time.
- Applicants belonging to the above categories but hailing from other States (except PBD and Ex-Servicemen) are not entitled to fee exemption and must pay ₹120 along with the ₹250 processing fee.
As the notification states the exemption only from the examination fee of ₹120, the ₹250 processing fee appears payable by all applicants. Candidates should confirm on the payment page.
Mode of Payment and Other Fees
- Pay online using the payment gateway: Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card. IPOs and Demand Drafts are not accepted.
- The fee once paid is not refundable or adjustable under any circumstances. If the processing fee or the examination fee (in non-exempt cases) is not paid, the application will be rejected.
- Correction fee: ₹100 for each correction after submission.
- Answer key objection fee: ₹100 per objection (refunded for genuine, sustained objections).
APPSC Group 1 Selection Process 2026
The selection framework includes a Screening Test, Main Examination and Interview. The Screening Test is objective and OMR-based, the Main Examination is descriptive, and the final selection is based on merit in the Mains and Interview.
- Screening Test (Objective, OMR): two papers; used only to shortlist candidates. Candidates admitted to the Main Examination will be 50 times the number of vacancies, irrespective of communities.
- Main Written Examination (Descriptive): Telugu and English qualifying papers plus five merit papers of 150 marks each.
- Interview (Personality Test): 75 marks; eligible candidates are called in the ratio of 1:2 with reference to the number of vacancies.
- Candidates must appear in all papers of the Screening Test and of the Main Examination; absence in any paper leads to disqualification.
- The final selection is based on merit in the Main Written Examination and Interview (G.O.Ms.No.100 GA (Ser-A) dated 30.09.2022).
- The Commission may fix minimum qualifying marks in the Screening Test and may relax standards for SC, ST, BC or PBD candidates if sufficient candidates from these categories are not likely to qualify (G.O.Ms.No.5 dated 05.01.2018).
- Tie-break: if candidates have equal marks in the Mains, the older candidate is ranked higher; if the age is the same, the candidate who obtained the educational qualification earlier is preferred.
- There is no waiting list. Recruitment is made only against notified vacancies.
- Post and Multi-Zone / Zone preferences are taken online before the Mains and again at certificate verification (the latter is mandatory and final). Preferences are only indicative and do not give any right to a particular post or zone.
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness, character and antecedents verification.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Aggregate) |
|---|---|
| OC, Sports Persons and EWS | 40% |
| Backward Classes | 35% |
| SCs, STs and PBDs | 30% |
Mere securing of minimum qualifying marks does not give any right to be considered for selection. For the Telugu and English qualifying papers, the same percentages apply to each individual paper (40% / 35% / 30%) and the marks are not counted for merit.
APPSC Group 1 Screening Test Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies (4 parts A, B, C, D of 30 marks each) | 120 | 120 Minutes | 120 |
| Paper-II | General Aptitude (Part A – 60 marks; Part B(i) – 30 marks; Part B(ii) – 30 marks) | 120 | 120 Minutes | 120 |
| Total | 240 | 240 Minutes | 240 | |
- Paper-I General Studies: (A) History and Culture; (B) Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations; (C) Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning; (D) Geography.
- Paper-II General Aptitude: (A) General Mental Ability, Administrative and Psychological Abilities; B(i) Science and Technology; B(ii) Current events of regional, national and international importance.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking in the Screening Test. As per G.O.Ms.No.235 Finance dated 06.12.2016, for every wrong answer one-third (1/3rd) of the marks prescribed for the question will be deducted. The question paper is set in English and translated into Telugu, and the English version is authentic for valuation. If any question is deleted, scaling (proportionate increase) is done for that part and marks are rounded off to two decimals.
APPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Paper | Telugu (S.S.C. standard) | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Qualifying Paper | English (S.S.C. standard) | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-I | General Essay – contemporary regional, national and international themes / issues | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-II | History, Culture and Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-III | Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-IV | Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-V | Science, Technology and Environmental Issues | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Interview | — | — | 75 |
| Total Marks (5 merit papers + Interview) | 825 | ||
The 825 marks are made up of 5 merit papers (5 × 150 = 750) and the Interview (75). The Telugu and English papers (150 marks each) are qualifying in nature and are not counted for merit.
- Medium: All papers except Telugu and English may be answered in English or Telugu (Para 12.9 also mentions Urdu), chosen online along with post and zone preferences. Once chosen, all five papers must be written in the same medium; deviation makes the candidature invalid.
- Evaluation of the Mains scripts may be through Digital Evaluation or Conventional mode.
- Paper-I General Essay: three essays, one from each of three sections, of about 800 words each.
English Qualifying Paper Pattern (150 Marks)
| Question Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay (200–250 words, one of five topics) | 20 |
| Letter writing (about 100 words) | 10 |
| Press release / appeal (about 100 words) | 10 |
| Report writing (about 150 words) | 15 |
| Writing on visual information (about 150 words) | 15 |
| Formal speech (about 150 words) | 15 |
| Precis writing (300-word passage to about 100 words) | 15 |
| Reading comprehension (about 250-word passage) | 15 |
| English grammar (MCQs) | 20 |
| Translation of a short passage (about 150 words) from regional language to English | 15 |
| Total | 150 |
Telugu Qualifying Paper Pattern (150 Marks)
| Question Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay (200–250 words, one of three topics) | 20 |
| Elaborate the meaning of a poem or verse (Vemana and Sumathi Satakam) | 20 |
| Precis writing (1/3rd summary) | 10 |
| Comprehension (250-word passage, five questions) | 10 |
| Formal speech / press conference speech | 10 |
| Statements for publicity media (press note) | 10 |
| Letter writing | 10 |
| Application writing | 10 |
| Report writing | 10 |
| Translation: English to Telugu | 10 |
| Translation: Telugu to English | 10 |
| Word meanings (English–Telugu / Telugu–English) | 10 |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | 10 |
| Total | 150 |
APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 – Key Topics
Screening Test Paper-I – General Studies (Degree Standard)
- History and Culture: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Jainism and Buddhism, Mauryas, Satavahanas, Guptas, South Indian dynasties (Badami and Eastern Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Reddis), Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara and Mughal Empires, Bhakti and Sufi movements, European trading companies, 1857 revolt, social reform movements, freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and reorganization of States.
- Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations: Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, DPSP, amendments, Union and State functions, Parliament and State Legislatures, constitutional authorities, Panchayati Raj, public policy and governance, rights issues, India’s foreign policy and international institutions.
- Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning: characteristics of Indian economy, NITI Aayog, national income, poverty and unemployment, agriculture and industry, financial institutions, RBI and monetary policy, GST, fiscal policy and budget, and the AP economy after bifurcation including the A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014, river-water disputes, infrastructure, special status, Vizag railway zone, Kadapa steel factory and Dugarajapatnam airport.
- Geography: general, physical, social and economic geography of the world, India and Andhra Pradesh – landforms, climate, oceans, drainage, soils, population, industries and trade.
Screening Test Paper-II – General Aptitude (Degree Standard)
- Logical reasoning, number series, coding-decoding, relations, shapes and Venn diagrams, clocks, calendar and age problems.
- Number system, ratio and proportion, mean, median, mode, powers and roots, HCF and LCM, percentages, interest, profit and loss, time and work, time and distance.
- Geometry and mensuration, BODMAS and algebra, data interpretation, data sufficiency and probability.
- Emotional intelligence, social intelligence, decision making, critical thinking and problem solving.
- Science and Technology; ICT, e-governance and cyber security; space and defence technology (ISRO, IRNSS, DRDO); energy requirement and efficiency; environmental science, biodiversity, climate change and biotechnology.
- Current events of regional, national and international importance.
Mains Paper-I to Paper-V
- Paper-I General Essay: current affairs; socio-political, socio-economic and socio-environmental issues; cultural and historical aspects; civic awareness; reflective topics.
- Paper-II History, Culture and Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh: ancient to modern history of India and AP (Satavahanas to the Formation of Andhra State 1953, bifurcation 2014), Andhra nationalist movement and leaders, and physical, economic, social, fauna-flora and environmental geography.
- Paper-III Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics: Constitution and federal structure, 73rd and 74th Amendments, Parliament and judiciary, public administration, good governance, RTI and Citizen’s Charter, ethics in public service, and basic knowledge of civil and criminal, labour, cyber and tax laws.
- Paper-IV Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh: challenges of the Indian economy, resource mobilization, government budgeting, inclusive growth, agriculture and industrial development, infrastructure – for both India and AP.
- Paper-V Science, Technology and Environmental Issues: S&T in everyday life, ICT, space programme, energy and nuclear policy, environment and pollution, climate change, biotechnology, human diseases and vaccines, IPR.
The Mains syllabus gives considerable weight to Andhra Pradesh-specific topics, so candidates should prepare national and state content together. The detailed syllabus is available in Annexure-II of the notification.
Exam Centres for APPSC Group 1 2026
The Screening Test will be held at all district centres including newly organized districts, and candidates must choose three preferences in the online application. The Commission may allot any centre depending on availability of resources and may increase or decrease the number of centres.
| S.No | Centre | S.No | Centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Srikakulam | 14 | Guntur |
| 02 | Vizianagaram | 15 | Palnadu |
| 03 | Parvathipuram Manyam | 16 | Bapatla |
| 04 | Alluri Sitarama Raju | 17 | Prakasam |
| 05 | Visakhapatnam | 18 | SPSR Nellore |
| 06 | Anakapalli | 19 | Chittoor |
| 07 | Kakinada | 20 | Tirupati |
| 08 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema | 21 | Annamayya |
| 09 | East Godavari | 22 | YSR Kadapa |
| 10 | West Godavari | 23 | Sri Sathya Sai |
| 11 | Eluru | 24 | Ananthapuramu |
| 12 | Krishna | 25 | Nandyal |
| 13 | NTR District | 26 | Kurnool |
Main Examination centres: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Ananthapuramu. Only one centre may be chosen for the Mains and the choice is final. Candidates must indicate centres for both the Screening Test and the Mains in the online application form.
Important Dates for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Date | 06 October 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 06 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM |
| Application Correction Window | Up to 7 days after the last date (₹100 per correction) |
| Screening Test Date | 24 January 2027 |
| Hall Tickets | To be hosted on the APPSC website |
| Main Examination Date | To be announced later |
APPSC has advised candidates to apply well in advance of the closing date to avoid last-minute technical or payment-related issues.
APPSC Group 1 Salary 2026
The scale of pay for each notified post is given in the notification. It ranges from ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 to ₹65,360–₹1,54,980.
| Pay Scale | Applicable Posts |
|---|---|
| ₹61,960 – ₹1,51,370 | PC 01 Deputy Collector, PC 02 Asst. Commissioner of State Tax, PC 03 DSP (Civil), PC 04 DSP (Communications), PC 05 District Educational Officer |
| ₹57,100 – ₹1,47,760 | PC 06 Regional Transport Officer, PC 07 District Tribal Welfare Officer, PC 08 Deputy Registrar |
| ₹54,060 – ₹1,40,540 | PC 09 Municipal Commissioner Gr-II, PC 10 ATO / AAO, PC 11 District Employment Officer, PC 12 Assistant Audit Officer |
| ₹65,360 – ₹1,54,980 | PC 13 Divisional Development Officer |
The notification gives only the scale of pay. It does not give allowances, deductions or the in-hand salary, so no take-home figure is stated here. Allowances such as DA and HRA are paid as per the rules in force.
Required Documents for APPSC Group 1 2026
- Scanned colour passport-size photo and signature in JPG format (mandatory; do not change your appearance until the recruitment is complete).
- OTPR registration details with registered mobile number and e-mail ID.
- Educational qualification certificates (degree / B.E. / B.Tech for PC 04).
- Community, Nativity and Date of Birth certificate.
- Non-Creamy Layer certificate for BC candidates (issued on or after 01.04.2026).
- EWS certificate in digital format (income for FY 2025-26).
- School Study Certificates (Class I to VII) or Residence Certificate (only where applicable) for local status.
- Local Status Certificate for those who migrated from Telangana (2.6.2014 to 1.6.2024), if applicable.
- Declaration by the Unemployed (if claiming that fee exemption); White Card details for exemption.
- Medical certificates for PBD candidates (blind, hearing disability, orthopaedic) and scribe-related documents where needed.
- Service certificate / discharge book for Ex-Servicemen, NCC Instructors and Government employees claiming age relaxation.
Formats of these certificates are available on the Commission’s website. Candidates who fail to produce the essential certificates at verification will be rejected without further correspondence.
How to Apply for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted only through online mode at the Commission’s website. Applications through any other mode are not entertained, and submission of the form is construed as the candidate having read the notification and agreed to its terms.
- Step-I (OTPR): Visit psc.ap.gov.in. First-time candidates must complete the One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) carefully to get an OTPR ID. OTPR itself is not an application for any post.
- Step-II (Login): Log in with the OTPR ID and password, click the “Online Application Submission” link at the bottom right of the website and click Fill Application against Notification No. 07/2026.
- Step-III (Fill the form): Verify the OTPR data, then fill in the application-specific data such as Local / Non-Local status, White Card details, qualification, post preferences and exam centres. Details used for fee calculation and age relaxation cannot be changed after payment.
- Click Save & Submit (not just Save) to reach the payment gateway. The application is complete only after successful payment.
- Step-IV (Payment): Pay the fee online. If payment fails, start the payment process afresh. A payment reference ID and SMS are sent to the registered mobile; download the filled application PDF.
- Step-V (Corrections): Corrections are enabled after the last date for up to 7 days at ₹100 per correction. Fields affecting name, fee and age relaxation cannot be corrected.
- Use the mobile number and e-mail ID registered in OTPR; OTPs and SMS will be sent to them.
- Data pulled from OTPR at the time of submission is final for this notification; later OTPR changes are not considered.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications will be summarily rejected. No relevant column may be left blank.
- Hand-written, typed, photocopied or printed application forms are not accepted.
- Government employees must inform their Head of Office in writing that they have applied.
Exam Day Instructions and OMR Rules
- Use only a Blue or Black ball point pen for the OMR sheet. Pencil, ink pen or gel pen is not allowed.
- Wrongly bubbled or un-bubbled Booklet Series invalidates the OMR sheet. Whitener, eraser, blade or tampering with the barcode leads to invalidation.
- Hand over the original OMR sheet (top sheet) to the invigilator; you may take the duplicate (bottom sheet). Taking away the original leads to rejection.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, calculators and other electronic items are banned even in switched-off mode. Do not bring them to the venue.
- For the Mains, biometric identification is done and late entry is not allowed. Leaving the hall midway leads to disqualification.
- Totally blind candidates get a scribe and 20 extra minutes per hour; candidates with locomotor disability or cerebral palsy affecting the writing hand get 20 extra minutes per hour without a scribe.
Answer Key and Objections
The Commission publishes the initial answer key on its website. Objections must be filed in the prescribed proforma within three days of publication at ₹100 per objection. They are examined by three subject experts and the final key is not open to further objection. The fee is refunded for genuine objections that are sustained.
Important Legal Provisions and Warnings
- False declaration, incorrect information or suppression of facts can lead to rejection and debarment up to five years from all APPSC examinations, even at a later stage.
- Malpractice or impersonation attracts the penal provisions of Act 25/97 and permanent debarment from exams of Service Commissions in the country.
- Canvassing for support will disqualify the candidate.
- Candidates must visit the Commission’s website regularly; website information is final for all correspondence.
- The Commission may alter, modify or withdraw the notification, including vacancies, at any stage. Its decision is final.
Important Points Candidates Should Know
- Detailed Notification No. 07/2026 dated 06.10.2026; 166 vacancies in 13 post codes.
- Online applications from 06 October to 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM.
- Screening Test on 24 January 2027 – offline, OMR based, two papers of 120 marks each, 1/3rd negative marking.
- Age 18–44 years (PC 03: 21–30; PC 04: 18–30) as on 01.07.2026, with 5 years relaxation for SC, ST, BC and EWS and 10 years for PBD.
- Fee ₹250 + ₹120; exam fee exempt for SC, ST, BC, PBD, Ex-Servicemen, White Card families and unemployed youth.
- Eligibility date for qualifications is the date of Detailed Notification (06.10.2026).
- BC Non-Creamy Layer and EWS certificates must be issued on or after 01.04.2026.
- Local reservation is 95% of posts (not for PC 04); preferences for post and zone are taken online.
- Mains: 5 merit papers of 150 marks + Interview 75 marks = 825 marks; Telugu and English are qualifying.
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available in APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
APPSC has notified a total of 166 vacancies in Detailed Notification No. 07/2026 across 13 post codes. The Brief Notification showed 163; the increase comes from one extra vacancy each in Deputy Collector (12), Deputy Registrar (16) and Assistant Audit Officer (15). Vacancies are subject to variation on intimation from departments.
2. What is the last date to apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?
The last date is 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM. Online applications started on 06 October 2026. A correction window of 7 days follows the last date.
3. When is the APPSC Group 1 Screening Test 2026?
The Screening Test will be held on 24 January 2027 in offline OMR mode. The Main Examination dates will be announced later.
4. What is the age limit for APPSC Group 1 2026?
As on 01.07.2026, the age limit is 18–44 years for most posts, 21–30 years for DSP (Civil) and 18–30 years for DSP (Communications). SC, ST, BC and EWS candidates get 5 years of relaxation and PBD candidates 10 years.
5. What is the application fee for APPSC Group 1?
₹250 processing fee plus ₹120 examination fee. SC, ST, BC, PBD, Ex-Servicemen, White Card families and unemployed youth are exempt from the ₹120 exam fee.
6. What is the educational qualification for APPSC Group 1 posts?
A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university for all posts except PC 04. DSP (Communications) needs B.E. / B.Tech in ECE, E&T or Radio Engineering. The qualification must be held as on 06.10.2026.
7. Is there negative marking in the Screening Test?
Yes. One-third of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
8. What is the APPSC Group 1 Screening Test exam pattern?
Two objective papers – General Studies and General Aptitude – of 120 questions and 120 marks each, with 120 minutes for each paper (240 marks in total).
9. How many marks are there in APPSC Group 1 Mains?
Five merit papers of 150 marks each (750) plus Interview 75 marks, total 825. Telugu and English papers of 150 marks each are qualifying.
10. Is Telugu compulsory in the Mains?
Telugu and English are qualifying papers. Candidates must get at least 40% (OC / Sports / EWS), 35% (BC) or 30% (SC / ST / PBD) in each of them.
11. How many candidates will be called for the Mains?
Candidates numbering 50 times the number of vacancies will be admitted to the Mains, irrespective of communities, based on the Screening Test.
12. What are the physical standards for DSP posts?
Men: height not less than 167.6 cm and chest not less than 86.3 cm with 5 cm expansion. ST men: 164 cm height and 83.8 cm chest. Women: height not less than 152.5 cm and weight not less than 45.5 kg.
13. What is the salary of APPSC Group 1 posts?
The scales range from ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 to ₹65,360–₹1,54,980. DEO, Deputy Collector, DSP and Assistant Commissioner of State Tax carry ₹61,960–₹1,51,370, while DDO carries the highest ₹65,360–₹1,54,980.
14. Who is a local candidate for APPSC Group 1?
A candidate who studied for four consecutive years prior to and including Class 7 in an area (or seven years as per the second rule) is local to that area. Study certificates from Class I to VII are required. 95% of the posts are for locals (not PC 04).
15. Which certificates are needed for BC and EWS candidates?
BC candidates need a Non-Creamy Layer certificate and EWS candidates need an EWS certificate (FY 2025-26 income), both issued by the Tahsildar on or after 01.04.2026.
16. Can candidates from other States apply?
Yes, but BC, SC, ST and EWS candidates from other States cannot claim reservation or fee exemption and must pay ₹120 + ₹250. PBD and Ex-Servicemen of other States do get the fee exemption.
17. How many exam centres are there?
The Screening Test is conducted at 26 district centres (three preferences to be given) and the Mains at four centres: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Ananthapuramu.
18. Can I correct mistakes after submitting the application?
Yes, for up to 7 days after the last date at ₹100 per correction. Name, fee and age-relaxation fields cannot be corrected.
19. Is OTPR registration needed?
Yes. Apply only after logging in with your OTPR ID. OTPR alone is not an application for the post.
20. What is the official website for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment?
The official website is psc.ap.gov.in.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| APPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Detailed Notification No. 07/2026 (PDF) | Click Here |
| Brief Notification (PDF) | Click Here |
| OTPR Registration / Online Application | Click Here (06 Oct – 27 Oct 2026) |
APPSC Group 1 166 Posts 2026 Sumup
The APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for graduates seeking senior-level government service in Andhra Pradesh. The Detailed Notification confirms 166 vacancies in 13 categories, including Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, District Educational Officer and Divisional Development Officer, along with the complete zone-wise and community-wise vacancy breakup.
With the age limits, fee, reservation rules, certificate requirements and the Screening Test date of 24 January 2027 now clear, aspirants should check their eligibility against the notification, complete OTPR, arrange the correct certificates (especially BC Non-Creamy Layer and EWS issued on or after 01.04.2026) and submit the online application between 06 October and 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM). Start the Screening Test preparation early, as only 50 times the vacancies will move to the Mains.
2 thoughts on “APPSC Group 1 2026: 166 Posts Detailed Notification, syllabus, Vacancies, Exam Pattern explained”
Comments are closed.