Short Information: The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released the syllabus and exam pattern for the Group 1 Services Examination 2026. Selection runs in three stages — Prelims (screening), Mains (written) and Interview. Below is the complete breakdown of both Prelims papers, all 7 Mains papers and the interview marks.
APPSC Group 1 Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 — Prelims, Mains & Interview
| Important Dates Syllabus Release: as per official notification Prelims Exam Date: check official notification Mains Exam Date: check official notification Official site: psc.ap.gov.in |
Application Fee As per official notification Selection stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview Final merit total: 825 marks |
Age Limit: Check the official notification for age criteria.
| Stage | Exam Pattern & Marks |
|---|---|
| Prelims — Paper I: General Studies | 120 questions, 120 marks, 120 minutes (OMR, objective) |
| Prelims — Paper II: General Aptitude | 120 questions, 120 marks, 120 minutes (OMR, objective) |
| Prelims Total | 240 marks — screening only; negative marking 1/3 |
| Mains — 7 Papers (descriptive) | 150 marks each, 180 minutes each; Telugu and English are qualifying |
| Mains Merit Papers (5) | 750 marks total — General Essay, History/Culture/Geography, Polity/Governance/Law & Ethics, Economy & Development, Science/Tech & Environment |
| Interview | 75 marks; final merit: 750 + 75 = 825 marks |
Prelims Paper I — General Studies (4 parts, 30 questions each):
- Part A: History & Culture of India.
- Part B: Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations.
- Part C: Indian & Andhra Pradesh Economy & Planning.
- Part D: Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh.
Prelims Paper II — General Aptitude:
- Part A: General Mental Ability + Administrative & Psychological abilities (60 questions).
- Part B(i): Science & Technology (30 questions).
- Part B(ii): Current Events of National & International Importance (30 questions).
Mains — 7 Descriptive Papers (150 marks, 180 minutes each):
- Telugu — qualifying (minimum: 40% OC/Sports/EWS, 35% BC, 30% SC/ST/PBD).
- English — qualifying (same minimum marks).
- Paper I: General Essay.
- Paper II: History, Culture & Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh.
- Paper III: Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics.
- Paper IV: Economy & Development of India and Andhra Pradesh.
- Paper V: Science, Technology & Environmental Issues.
How to Prepare:
- Download the official syllabus PDF from psc.ap.gov.in.
- Make a part-wise topic list for both Prelims papers.
- Attempt mock tests keeping the 1/3 negative marking in mind.
- Practise daily answer writing for the Mains papers.
- Do not ignore the Telugu and English qualifying papers — minimum marks are mandatory.
| Important Links | |
|---|---|
| Official Website: psc.ap.gov.in | Syllabus PDF: psc.ap.gov.in |
GramSuvidha is a private information portal (not a government website). For accurate information, refer only to the official website.
Q1. How many stages are there in APPSC Group 1 2026 selection?
A: Three — Prelims (screening), Mains (written) and Interview.
Q2. What is the Prelims exam pattern?
A: Two objective OMR papers of 120 questions / 120 marks / 120 minutes each — Paper I General Studies and Paper II General Aptitude, with 1/3 negative marking.
Q3. How many papers are in the Mains?
A: 7 descriptive papers of 150 marks and 180 minutes each — Telugu and English are qualifying; the 5 merit papers total 750 marks.
Q4. How is the final merit calculated?
A: Mains 750 marks + Interview 75 marks = 825 marks for the final merit.
Q5. What is the minimum marks for the qualifying papers?
A: 40% for OC/Sports/EWS, 35% for BC and 30% for SC/ST/PBD.
