Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
APPSC Group 1 is the apex competitive civil services examination in Andhra Pradesh. Selected officers are commissioned as Deputy Collectors, DSPs, and district administrators driving governance across the state.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 825 Marks (Mains 750 + Interview 75)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims Paper 1: General Studies | 120 Questions (History, Culture, Constitution, Economy) | 120 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Prelims Paper 2: General Aptitude | 120 Questions (Mental Ability, Science & Tech, Current Affairs) | 120 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Mains: English & Telugu (Qualifying) | Language Proficiency | 100 Marks each (Qualifying only) | 3 Hours each |
| Mains: 5 Descriptive Papers | Paper I (General Essay), Paper II (History & Culture), Paper III (Polity & Governance), Paper IV (Economy), Paper V (Science & Tech) | 750 Marks (150 Marks each) | 5 Days |
| Personality Test (Interview) | Commission Board Interview | 75 Marks | 30 Minutes |
Prelims: +1 mark for correct, -1/3 mark for incorrect answer. Mains (750 M) + Interview (75 M) determine final merit list out of 825 marks.
Negative Marking Rule: One-third penalty (-1/3 mark) on Prelims Paper 1 and 2
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Prelims cutoff typically ranges between 135 and 145 marks out of 240.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the negative marking in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?
APPSC deducts 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the Preliminary test.
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