APPSC Group 1 2026: Official Notification Status, Exam Dates & Recruitment Guide

APPSC Group 1 Recruitment Status & Latest Commission Updates

Current Official Status as of October 1, 2026: The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) officially published Notification No. 07/2026 on September 15, 2026 for direct recruitment to 163 vacancies across 13 Group-I service categories. The online application window opens on October 6, 2026 and closes on October 27, 2026 (11:59 PM). Candidates must possess an active One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) on otpr-psc.ap.gov.in before submitting applications on psc.ap.gov.in. Screening test dates and syllabus confirmations are published under Notification 07/2026.

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) conducts the Group 1 Services Examination to recruit premier administrative leaders for the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Group 1 officers hold top executive, police, commercial, and rural development charges, including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Commercial Tax Officer (CTO), and Regional Transport Officer (RTO).

This complete guide details the verified recruitment cycle, post breakdown, age and educational criteria, OTPR registration steps, 240-mark Prelims screening structure, 750-mark descriptive Mains syllabus, and strategic preparation methodologies.

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1. APPSC Group 1 2026 — Overview & Administrative Profile

Parameter	Official Specification
Exam Identity	APPSC Group 1 Services Examination 2026
Notification Number	Notification No. 07/2026 (dated September 15, 2026)
Conducting Authority	Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada
Total Vacancies	163 Posts (Across 13 Cadres / Departments)
Application Window	October 6, 2026 to October 27, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Cadre / Level	State Civil Services — Group A / Group 1 Gazetted Executive
State	Andhra Pradesh
Educational Qualification	Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University
Age Eligibility	18 to 42 Years (General). DSP: 21 to 30 Years (with physical standards)
Application Fee	₹250 Processing Fee + ₹120 Exam Fee (Exemptions apply)
Selection Funnel	Screening Test (Prelims: 240 Marks) → Mains Written (750 Marks) → Verification
Negative Marking	1/3rd (0.33) deduction per incorrect answer in Prelims
Pay Scale (Revised Pay Scales)	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990 (Pay Level 10 / Category Executive)
Official Web Portal	psc.ap.gov.in
Registration Portal	otpr-psc.ap.gov.in

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2. Important Dates & Recruitment Schedule Status

The table below reflects official status and operational milestones for APPSC Group 1:

Event Milestone	Current Official Status / Timeline
Official Notification Issued	September 15, 2026 (Notification No. 07/2026)
Detailed Notification on Portal	Published prior to application opening on psc.ap.gov.in
Online Application Opening Date	October 6, 2026 (Registration opens at psc.ap.gov.in)
Online Application Closing Date	October 27, 2026 (11:59 PM)
OTPR Registration Window	Active on otpr-psc.ap.gov.in
Screening Test (Prelims) Admit Card	Not officially announced yet (Will be downloadable on psc.ap.gov.in)
Preliminary Screening Exam Date	Not officially announced yet (To be notified by APPSC on psc.ap.gov.in)
Provisional Answer Key Release	Not officially announced yet (Will be published after exam on psc.ap.gov.in)
Mains Examination (Descriptive 7 Papers)	Not officially announced yet (To be scheduled after screening results)

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3. Elite Posts Offered & Departmental Cadres

APPSC Group 1 encompasses the most prestigious administrative positions in the state:

Post Designation	Department	Cadre Classification	Pay Scale (RPS)
Deputy Collector	Civil Services (Executive Branch)	State Civil Executive	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP - Cat II)	Police Service	State Police Executive	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990
Commercial Tax Officer (CTO)	Commercial Taxes Department	Revenue / Commercial	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990
Regional Transport Officer (RTO)	Transport Department	Transport Executive	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990
Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies	Co-operative Service	Administrative	₹57,100 – ₹1,47,760
District Social Welfare Officer	Social Welfare Department	Social Welfare	₹57,100 – ₹1,47,760
District BC Welfare Officer	BC Welfare Department	Welfare Executive	₹57,100 – ₹1,47,760
District Tribal Welfare Officer	Tribal Welfare Department	Welfare Executive	₹57,100 – ₹1,47,760
District Employment Officer	Employment Service	Labour & Employment	₹54,060 – ₹1,40,540
Assistant Commissioner of Labour	Labour Department	Labour Executive	₹54,060 – ₹1,40,540
Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO)	Panchayat Raj & Rural Dev.	Rural Development	₹54,060 – ₹1,40,540

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4. Statutory Eligibility Criteria

A. Educational Qualification

• Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree of any University in India established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, Provincial Act or a State Act or the Institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or an equivalent qualification.
• Candidates awaiting their final degree certificates must obtain their qualification on or before the prescribed cut-off date stated in the notification.

B. Age Limits (Calculated as on July 1 of the Notification Year)

• General Executive Posts: Minimum 18 Years, Maximum 42 Years.
• Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP - Category II): Minimum 21 Years, Maximum 30 Years.
• Permissible Age Relaxations:
  • SC / ST / BCs / EWS of Andhra Pradesh: 5 Years relaxation (Upper age limit: 47 Years).
  • Physically Handicapped Persons (PwD): 10 Years relaxation (Upper age limit: 52 Years).
  • Ex-Servicemen: Length of regular military service + 3 Years.
  • AP State Government Employees: Service period up to a maximum of 5 Years.

C. Physical Standards for Police & Uniformed Posts

For Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP - Category II), candidates must satisfy mandatory physical measurements:

• Male Candidates:
  • Height: Minimum 167.6 cms.
  • Chest: Minimum 86.3 cms on full expansion with a minimum expansion of 5 cms.
• Female Candidates:
  • Height: Minimum 152.5 cms.
  • Weight: Minimum 45.5 kgs.

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5. Selection Process Architecture

Recruitment for APPSC Group 1 follows a multi-tiered evaluation:

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│        STAGE 1: PRELIMINARY SCREENING TEST             │
│        (Objective OMR / Online CBT · 240 Marks)        │
│    Paper I: GS (120 Marks) · Paper II: GA (120 Marks)  │
└──────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┘
                           │ ~1:50 candidate ratio shortlisted
                           ▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           STAGE 2: MAIN WRITTEN EXAMINATION            │
│         (Descriptive Conventional · 7 Papers)          │
│    2 Qualifying Language Papers (English + Telugu)     │
│    5 Merit Deciding Papers (150 Marks each = 750 Marks)│
└──────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│        STAGE 3: CERTIFICATE VERIFICATION & MEDICAL     │
│    Original document check & physical fitness board    │
└──────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           FINAL MERIT RANKING (750 MARKS BASE)         │
│          Post allocation based on merit and preference │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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6. Preliminary Examination Pattern (Screening Test — 240 Marks)

The Screening Test comprises two objective multiple-choice question papers:

Paper Code	Subject Title	Questions	Max Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
Paper I	General Studies	120 MCQs	120 Marks	120 Minutes	1/3rd (0.33) deduction
Paper II	General Aptitude	120 MCQs	120 Marks	120 Minutes	1/3rd (0.33) deduction
Total	Combined Screening Test	240 MCQs	240 Marks	240 Minutes

Syllabus Breakdown for Prelims

Paper I: General Studies (120 Questions / 120 Marks)

1. History and Culture (30 Marks): Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic culture, Jainism & Buddhism, Mauryas & Guptas, Vijayanagara Empire, Bhakti Movement, Advent of Europeans, 1857 Revolt, Indian National Movement. Andhra Pradesh History: Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Andhra Movement, Reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh.
2. Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations (30 Marks): Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Federalism, Parliament & State Legislature, Judicial Review, 73rd & 74th Amendments, Anti-defection law, National & AP statutory commissions, India's foreign policy.
3. Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy & Planning (30 Marks): National income, NITI Aayog, Fiscal & Monetary policy, GST, Agriculture, Industrial policies, Infrastructure corridors, AP State Reorganisation Act 2014 economic implications, AP state budgets, and flagship welfare schemes.
4. Geography (30 Marks): Physical, social, and economic geography of India and Andhra Pradesh; major river basins (Godavari, Krishna, Pennar), soil types, mineral deposits, climate patterns, population demographics.

Paper II: General Aptitude (120 Questions / 120 Marks)

1. General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities (60 Marks): Logical reasoning, analytical ability, number series, coding-decoding, blood relations, data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables), problem-solving, emotional intelligence, critical thinking.
2. Science & Technology (30 Marks): Science in everyday life, national policies on S&T, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Space exploration (ISRO missions, Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota), Nuclear energy, Defence technology (DRDO), Biotechnology, Environmental ecology, Climate change, Biodiversity preservation.
3. Current Events of Regional, National & International Importance (30 Marks): Major socio-economic events, sports championships, national and state policy launches, international summits, and bilateral agreements of the past 12 months.

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7. Main Examination Structure & Detailed Syllabus (750 Marks)

The Mains written examination consists of 2 Qualifying Language Papers and 5 Merit-Deciding Papers (Descriptive / Conventional essay and paragraph answers):

Paper Code	Paper Description	Type	Marks	Duration
Qualifying Paper 1	General English (Class 10 Standard)	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes (Qualifying only)
Qualifying Paper 2	General Telugu (Class 10 Standard)	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes (Qualifying only)
Paper I	General Essay (3 Essays of 50 Marks each)	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes
Paper II	History, Culture & Geography of India and AP	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes
Paper III	Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes
Paper IV	Economy & Development of India and Andhra Pradesh	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes
Paper V	Science, Technology & Environmental Issues	Descriptive	150 Marks	180 Minutes
Total Written Merit Base			750 Marks

Qualifying Language Rule: Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by the commission in General English and General Telugu. Marks in these two papers are not added to the 750-mark merit total, but failure in language papers results in disqualification.

Syllabus Details for Mains Merit Papers (150 Marks Each)

• Paper I — General Essay: Candidates must write three essays (approximately 800 words each) choosing one topic from each of three sections: (1) Contemporary social issues and socio-political developments; (2) Economic growth and justice, environmental concerns; (3) Science, technology, education, and human development.
• Paper II — History, Culture & Geography: Detailed history of India with special reference to socio-economic and agrarian conditions; History and cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh from Satavahana to post-bifurcation era; Physical, economic, and human geography of India and Andhra Pradesh.
• Paper III — Polity, Governance, Law & Ethics: Indian Constitution, dynamic federalism, administrative law, civil services in a democracy, judicial activism; Human values, ethical governance, corruption combat mechanisms (CVC, CBI, Lokayukta), Right to Information, Citizen Charters.
• Paper IV — Economy and Development of India & AP: Economic planning, monetary policy, public finance, agriculture reforms, industrial corridors (Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor - VCIC), Andhra Pradesh bifurcation issues, Navaratnalu schemes, and resource mobilization.
• Paper V — Science, Technology & Environment: Information technology applications in governance (e-Pragati), biotechnology, agricultural science, disaster management protocols for coastal cyclonic storms, pollution mitigation, and renewable energy.

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8. How to Apply via APPSC OTPR System

APPSC mandates that every candidate complete One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) before applying for any recruitment:

1. Navigate to Official Portal: Visit psc.ap.gov.in or go directly to the OTPR portal at otpr-psc.ap.gov.in.
2. Create Direct Recruitment OTPR: Fill in basic biographical details: Full name as in SSC certificate, Date of Birth, Gender, Father's Name, Mother's Name, District, and Aadhaar Number.
3. Upload Credentials: Upload scanned passport-size color photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm, under 50 KB) and signature (under 30 KB).
4. Receive OTPR Reference ID: An alphanumeric OTPR ID (e.g., AP100...) will be generated and dispatched to your registered mobile and email.
5. Submit Application Form: Log in to applications-psc.ap.gov.in using your OTPR ID and password. Click on the active Group 1 notification link, select your exam centers, and verify pre-populated educational records.
6. Remit Examination Fee:
   • Application Processing Fee: ₹250 for all candidates.
   • Examination Fee: ₹120 (Exempted for SC, ST, BC, PH, and Ex-Servicemen).
   • Pay online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI gateway.
7. Print Confirmation: Download and save the final submitted PDF application form for record.

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9. Salary Structure & Allowances for APPSC Group 1 Cadres

Group 1 officers in Andhra Pradesh are placed in executive scales under the Revised Pay Scales (RPS 2022):

Designation	Pay Scale (RPS)	Basic Pay	Approximate Gross Monthly Emoluments
Deputy Collector	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990	₹61,960	₹95,000 – ₹1,12,000
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990	₹61,960	₹95,000 – ₹1,12,000
Commercial Tax Officer (CTO)	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990	₹61,960	₹95,000 – ₹1,12,000
Regional Transport Officer (RTO)	₹61,960 – ₹1,51,990	₹61,960	₹95,000 – ₹1,12,000
Mandal Parishad Dev. Officer (MPDO)	₹54,060 – ₹1,40,540	₹54,060	₹82,000 – ₹98,000

Perks & Benefits: Official government quarter, official vehicle with driver (for Deputy Collector and DSP), telephone and travel allowances, comprehensive health cards for family members, and pension benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

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10. Strategic Preparation Plan & Recommended Resources

6-Month Study Blueprint for APPSC Group 1

• Month 1 & 2 — Andhra Pradesh History & Constitution:
  • Study Andhra Pradesh history from standard academic texts (P. Raghunatha Rao or Telugu Akademi AP History).
  • Read M. Laxmikanth's Indian Polity thoroughly, paying close attention to constitutional amendments and Panchayati Raj governance.
  • Solve previous APPSC Group 1 Prelims question papers to gauge question depth.
• Month 3 & 4 — Economy, Geography & General Aptitude:
  • Read the latest Andhra Pradesh Socio-Economic Survey and AP State Budget. Over 25% of the economy section directly tests AP survey figures.
  • Practice arithmetic, reasoning, and data interpretation from R.S. Aggarwal for Paper II.
  • Keep track of ISRO space launches from Sriharikota and national S&T developments.
• Month 5 & 6 — Descriptive Mains Answer Writing & Mock Tests:
  • Practice writing 2 descriptive answers daily (150 words per question) focusing on clear headings, diagrams, and state policy examples.
  • Attempt at least 15 to 20 full-length Prelims mock tests with strict 1/3rd negative marking enforcement.
  • Write 1 full essay weekly across social, economic, and governance themes.

Recommended Reference Books for APPSC Group 1

Subject Domain	Standard Recommended Book / Material	Focus Area
Andhra Pradesh History & Culture	History & Culture of Andhra Pradesh by Telugu Akademi / P. Raghunatha Rao	Satavahanas, Vijayanagara, Andhra movement
Indian Polity & Constitution	Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth	Articles, amendments, local government, governance
Indian Economy	Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh or Nitin Singhania	Macroeconomics, fiscal policy, planning
Andhra Pradesh Economy	AP Socio-Economic Survey (Latest Edition) & AP State Budget	Sectoral growth rates, welfare schemes, bifurcation
General Science & Technology	Spectrum Science & Technology + ISRO Annual Updates	Space, defense, IT, environment, renewable energy
General Aptitude & Reasoning	A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal	Series, coding, logic, analytical deduction
Previous Question Papers	APPSC Group 1 Solved Question Bank (Telugu Akademi / Vijeta)	Topic-wise previous screening and mains questions

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11. Official Portal Links & Candidate Verification

Resource	Official Direct URL
APPSC Official Website	psc.ap.gov.in
APPSC Main Web Portal	portal-psc.ap.gov.in
One Time Profile Registration (OTPR)	otpr-psc.ap.gov.in
Online Application Submission	applications-psc.ap.gov.in
Official Syllabus Directory	portal-psc.ap.gov.in/HomePages/Syllabus.aspx
Previous Keys & Question Papers	portal-psc.ap.gov.in/HomePages/KeysToPapers.aspx

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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the confirmed date for APPSC Group 1 2026 Prelims?

The Preliminary screening examination date will be notified through an official web communique by APPSC on psc.ap.gov.in under Notification No. 07/2026. The online application window is open from October 6, 2026 to October 27, 2026.

What is the minimum qualifying mark for APPSC Group 1 Prelims?

Shortlisting from Prelims to Mains is strictly merit-based. Typically, candidates equal to 50 times the total number of vacancies are shortlisted based on Paper I and Paper II combined scores, subject to minimum qualifying thresholds (40% for OC, 35% for BC, 30% for SC/ST/PH).

Is there an interview for APPSC Group 1 posts?

Under recent administrative reforms, APPSC abolished personal interviews for various state recruitment posts, basing merit on the 750-mark descriptive Mains examination, subject to statutory gazette notifications.

Can candidates choose Telugu medium for the Mains examination?

Yes. Candidates can write the descriptive Mains examination in either English or Telugu medium. The two language papers (English and Telugu) must be written in their respective scripts.