The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released the APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 notification (No. 07/2026) for 166 vacancies in Group-I Services. The posts include Deputy Collector, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), District Educational Officer and Divisional Development Officer.
Graduates aged 18 to 44 years can apply online at psc.ap.gov.in from 6 October to 27 October 2026. The Screening Test (Prelims) is scheduled for 24 January 2027. Read on for the APPSC Group 1 vacancy, eligibility, age limit, fee, exam pattern and steps to apply.
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 Overview
APPSC Group 1 selection runs in three stages: an objective Screening Test, a descriptive Main exam and an Interview. Selected candidates join at pay scales from Rs 54,060 up to Rs 1,54,980.
| APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 | Overview |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Notification No. | 07/2026 |
| Exam Name | Group-I Services (General/Limited Recruitment) |
| Total Vacancies | 166 |
| Application Mode | Online (through OTPR) |
| Apply Online Dates | 6 October to 27 October 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (B.E/B.Tech ECE for DSP Communications) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 44 years (21–30 for DSP Civil, 18–30 for DSP Comm.) |
| Application Fee | Rs 250 processing + Rs 120 exam fee |
| Selection Process | Screening Test, Main Exam, Interview |
| Screening Test Date | 24 January 2027 |
| Salary | Rs 54,060 – Rs 1,54,980 |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
Also Read: WBPSC Clerkship Recruitment 2026 Notification Released | CDAC Recruitment 2026 for 951 Vacancies
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
The APPSC Group 1 online application is open from 6 October to 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM). The Screening Test will be held on 24 January 2027, and Main exam dates will be announced later.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 | 6 October 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 6 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 7 days after the last date (Rs 100 per correction) |
| Screening Test (Prelims) | 24 January 2027 |
| Main Exam | To be announced |
APPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026
APPSC has notified 166 vacancies across 13 Group-I posts. DSP (Civil) has the most posts at 36, followed by Divisional Development Officer at 35. Five of these are carried-forward (CF) vacancies from earlier recruitments.
| Post Name & Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Deputy Collector – A.P. Civil Service (Executive) | 12 |
| Asst. Commissioner of State Tax – A.P. State Tax Service | 14 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2 – A.P. Police Service | 36 (3 CF) |
| DSP (Communications) – A.P. Police Service | 3 |
| District Educational Officer – A.P. Educational Service | 14 |
| Regional Transport Officer – A.P. Transport Service | 3 |
| District Tribal Welfare Officer – A.P. Tribal Welfare Service | 1 |
| Deputy Registrar – A.P. Cooperative Service | 16 (1 CF) |
| Municipal Commissioner Grade-II – A.P. Municipal Administration | 12 |
| Asst. Treasury Officer / Asst. Accounts Officer – A.P. Treasury & Accounts | 2 |
| District Employment Officer – A.P. Employment Exchange Service | 3 (1 CF) |
| Assistant Audit Officer – A.P. State Audit Service | 15 |
| Divisional Development Officer – A.P. Panchayat Raj Service | 35 |
| Total | 166 |
The community, multi-zone and zone-wise break-up (OC, EWS, BC-A to E, SC Group I–III, ST) is in Annexure-I of the notification. Vacancy numbers may change before the Screening Test.
Horizontal Reservation
- Women: 33⅓% horizontally. Separate OC (Women) seats are marked for posts 01, 02, 03, 05, 08, 09, 12 and 13.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD): not applicable for DSP posts (03, 04); limited to HH and OH for post 02, HH for post 06 and OH for post 10. VH seats are marked for posts 01, 08 and 13.
- Meritorious Sports Persons: 3%.
Local Reservation
Posts 01–03, 05–11 and 13 are organised into Multi-Zone I and II, and post 12 into Zones I–VI. 95% of these posts go to local candidates of that multi-zone or zone. Post 04 (DSP Communications) is a state cadre post with no local reservation. Local status is based on study or residence for 4 years up to Class 7.
| Multi-Zone | Districts |
|---|---|
| Multi-Zone I (Zones I–III) | Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sita Rama Raju, East Godavari, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna |
| Multi-Zone II (Zones IV–VI) | Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Nandyal, Ananthapuramu, Kurnool, Sri Sathya Sai |
APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 Out
The APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 (Notification No. 07/2026, dated 6 October 2026) has been published at psc.ap.gov.in for direct recruitment to Group-I Services (General/Limited Recruitment). It gives post-wise vacancies, community and zone-wise break-up, eligibility, physical standards for DSP posts, scheme and syllabus.
APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 PDF
APPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must be Indian citizens of sound health and good character, and must hold the required qualification as on the notification date (6 October 2026).
APPSC Group 1 Educational Qualification
| Post Code | Post | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 01–03, 05–13 | All posts except DSP (Communications) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university (established under a Central/State Act or UGC-recognised) or equivalent |
| 04 | DSP (Communications) | B.E/B.Tech in Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Telecommunication or Radio Engineering |
Open University / distance degrees must be recognised by the Distance Education Council; distance B.E/B.Tech is accepted only if AICTE-approved.
APPSC Group 1 Age Limit 2026
Age is counted as on 1 July 2026.
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| DSP (Civil) – Post 03 | 21 years | 30 years |
| DSP (Communications) – Post 04 | 18 years | 30 years |
| All other posts | 18 years | 44 years |
APPSC Group 1 Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / BC / EWS | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / NCC Instructors | 3 years + length of service (within the max age for the post) |
| Regular A.P. State Govt. employees | Length of service, up to 5 years |
| Retrenched Census Dept. employees (6+ months) | 3 years |
Reservation and fee exemption for SC, ST, BC and EWS are only for Andhra Pradesh candidates. BC candidates need a Non-Creamy Layer certificate and EWS candidates an EWS certificate, both issued on or after 1 April 2026.
Physical Standards for DSP Posts (03 & 04)
| Category | Height | Chest / Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 167.6 cm | 86.3 cm chest with 5 cm expansion |
| ST Men | 164 cm | 83.8 cm chest with 5 cm expansion |
| Women | 152.5 cm | At least 45.5 kg weight |
DSP candidates must also meet the eye-sight standards given in the notification. Colour blindness, squint, knock knees, flat foot and similar conditions disqualify DSP (Communications) candidates.
APPSC Group 1 Online Form 2026
The APPSC Group 1 Online Form 2026 can be submitted only at psc.ap.gov.in, using your One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) ID. First-time applicants must create an OTPR before applying.
Steps to Apply Online for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
- Go to psc.ap.gov.in. If you are new, complete the One Time Profile Registration (OTPR); your User ID will be sent to your mobile and email.
- Log in with your OTPR ID and password, and click Online Application Submission.
- Click Fill Application against Notification No. 07/2026.
- Check your OTPR data, then enter Local/Non-Local status, White Card details, qualification, post preferences and exam centres.
- Click Save & Submit to open the payment gateway (“Save” alone does not submit the form).
- Pay the fee by net banking, credit card or debit card.
- Download the filled application PDF for reference.
Correction window: after the last date, corrections are allowed for 7 days at Rs 100 per correction. Name, fee and age-relaxation fields cannot be changed.
APPSC Group 1 Application Fee 2026
Every candidate pays the Rs 250 application processing fee. The Rs 120 exam fee is waived for reserved categories, white card holders and unemployed youth of Andhra Pradesh.
| Category | Processing Fee | Exam Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OC candidates | Rs 250 | Rs 120 | Rs 370 |
| SC / ST / BC / PBD / Ex-Servicemen (AP) | Rs 250 | Nil | Rs 250 |
| White Card families (AP residents) | Rs 250 | Nil | Rs 250 |
| Unemployed youth (AP, with declaration) | Rs 250 | Nil | Rs 250 |
| Candidates from other states | Rs 250 | Rs 120 | Rs 370 |
PBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates from other states also get the exam fee waiver. Fee is paid online only and is not refundable.
APPSC Group 1 Selection Process 2026
The APPSC Group 1 selection has three stages. The Screening Test only shortlists candidates; the final merit list is based on the Main exam and Interview marks.
- Stage 1: Screening Test (Prelims) – objective, OMR-based, 2 papers. Candidates are called to Mains at 50 times the number of vacancies.
- Stage 2: Main Written Exam – descriptive, 7 papers (2 qualifying language papers + 5 merit papers).
- Stage 3: Interview (Personality Test) – 75 marks, at a 1:2 ratio to vacancies.
Post and zone preferences and the Mains medium (English, Telugu or Urdu) are collected online before the Main exam. Selected candidates must be medically fit.
APPSC Group 1 Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Aggregate Marks |
|---|---|
| OC / Sportspersons / EWS | 40% |
| BC | 35% |
| SC / ST / PBD | 30% |
If candidates have equal marks, the older candidate ranks higher, and then the one who earned the qualification earlier.
APPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Aspirants should understand the APPSC Group 1 exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains before starting preparation. The full syllabus is given in Annexure-II of the notification.
APPSC Group 1 Prelims (Screening Test) Exam Pattern
- Objective-type, offline (OMR-based) exam with 2 papers.
- 1/3rd of the marks of a question are deducted for every wrong answer.
- Questions are set in English and translated into Telugu; the English version is final.
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I: General Studies | (A) History & Culture, (B) Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations, (C) Indian & AP Economy and Planning, (D) Geography – 30 marks each | 120 | 120 | 120 minutes |
| Paper-II: General Aptitude | (A) General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities – 60 marks; (B-i) Science & Technology – 30 marks; (B-ii) Current Events – 30 marks | 120 | 120 | 120 minutes |
APPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telugu | Qualifying | 150 | 180 minutes |
| English | Qualifying | 150 | 180 minutes |
| Paper-I | General Essay on contemporary regional, national and international issues | 150 | 180 minutes |
| Paper-II | History, Culture and Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh | 150 | 180 minutes |
| Paper-III | Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics | 150 | 180 minutes |
| Paper-IV | Economy and Development of India and Andhra Pradesh | 150 | 180 minutes |
| Paper-V | Science, Technology and Environmental Issues | 150 | 180 minutes |
| Interview | Personality Test | 75 | – |
| Total (for merit) | 825 |
The Telugu and English papers are qualifying only: 40% for OC/Sportspersons/EWS, 35% for BC and 30% for SC/ST/PBD. Papers I–V can be written in English, Telugu or Urdu, but all five must be in the same medium.
APPSC Group 1 Exam Centres 2026
The Screening Test will be held in all 26 district centres of Andhra Pradesh, and candidates can pick three preferences. The Main exam will be held at only four centres, and candidates choose one.
| Exam | Centres |
|---|---|
| Screening Test | Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sita Rama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Chittoor, Tirupati, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Sri Sathya Sai, Ananthapuramu, Nandyal, Kurnool |
| Main Exam | Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Ananthapuramu |
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FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are there in APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
There are 166 vacancies across 13 Group-I posts, including 5 carried-forward vacancies.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?
The last date to apply online at psc.ap.gov.in is 27 October 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
Q3. When is the APPSC Group 1 Prelims exam 2027?
The Screening Test (Prelims) will be held on 24 January 2027.
Q4. What is the age limit for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 44 years as on 1 July 2026. For DSP (Civil) it is 21 to 30 years, and for DSP (Communications) 18 to 30 years.
Q5. What is the qualification for APPSC Group 1?
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. DSP (Communications) needs a B.E/B.Tech in ECE, Electronics & Telecom or Radio Engineering.
Q6. What is the APPSC Group 1 application fee?
Rs 250 processing fee plus Rs 120 exam fee. SC, ST, BC, PBD, Ex-Servicemen, white card holders and unemployed youth of AP pay only Rs 250.
Q7. Is there negative marking in the APPSC Group 1 exam?
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the Screening Test.
Q8. What is the selection process for APPSC Group 1?
A Screening Test, a descriptive Main exam and an Interview of 75 marks. The final merit is based on 825 marks (Mains + Interview).