APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026: The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has published the Group-I Services recruitment notification for 2026 under Notification No. 07/2026. Candidates preparing for the examination can check the latest Preliminary Examination and Mains Examination syllabus, subject-wise topics, marking scheme and official PDF download links.
The APPSC Group 1 selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test), Mains Examination and Personality Test (Interview).
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers carrying 240 marks, while the Mains Examination includes seven descriptive papers. Of these, five papers contribute 750 marks to the final merit list, while Telugu and English are qualifying papers.
The interview carries 75 marks, making the final merit total 825 marks.
Latest Update – 22 October 2026: APPSC Group-I Services Notification No. 07/2026 has been published. Candidates can access the official Prelims and Mains syllabus PDFs through the APPSC website.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission |
| Short Name | APPSC |
| Examination | Group-I Services Examination 2026 |
| Notification Number | 07/2026 |
| Detailed Notification Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains and Interview |
| Prelims Mode | Offline Objective-Type (OMR) |
| Mains Mode | Descriptive Written Examination |
| Prelims Papers | 2 |
| Prelims Marks | 240 |
| Mains Written Papers | 7 |
| Mains Merit-Counted Papers | 5 |
| Mains Merit Marks | 750 |
| Interview Marks | 75 |
| Final Merit Marks | 825 |
| Negative Marking in Prelims | 1/3 Mark Per Wrong Answer |
| Official Website | https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in/ |
APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 Overview
APPSC Group 1 Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of three stages.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is a screening test used to shortlist candidates for the Mains Examination.
Marks obtained in the Prelims are not counted toward the final merit list.
Stage 2 – Mains Examination
Candidates shortlisted through the Preliminary Examination will appear in the descriptive Mains Examination.
The Mains consists of seven papers, including two qualifying language papers.
Stage 3 – Interview
Candidates who qualify for the interview stage will undergo a personality assessment carrying 75 marks.
Final selection is based on the marks obtained in the five merit-counted Mains papers and the interview, subject to the recruitment rules.
APPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The APPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 120 | 120 | 120 Minutes |
| Paper II | General Aptitude | 120 | 120 | 120 Minutes |
| Total | 240 | 240 | 240 Minutes |
Important Prelims Exam Pattern Details
- Examination Type: Objective
- Examination Mode: Offline OMR
- Total Papers: 2
- Total Questions: 240
- Maximum Marks: 240
- Duration: 2 Hours Per Paper
- Negative Marking: One-third of the marks assigned to a question
- Examination Standard: Degree Level
- Question Paper Language: English with Telugu translation; English text is authoritative
APPSC Group 1 Negative Marking
For each incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
For example, if a question carries one mark:
- Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Incorrect Answer: −0.33 Mark Approximately
- Unattempted Question: No Marks
Candidates should avoid unnecessary guessing.
APPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026 – Paper I General Studies
Paper I contains 120 questions carrying 120 marks.
It is divided into four sections.
| Section | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A | History and Culture | 30 |
| B | Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations | 30 |
| C | Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning | 30 |
| D | Geography | 30 |
| Total | 120 |
Section A – History and Culture
Important topics include:
- Indus Valley Civilisation
- Vedic Age
- Mahajanapadas
- Jainism and Buddhism
- Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Ancient Indian Culture
- Sangam Age
- South Indian Kingdoms
- Delhi Sultanate
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Mughal Empire
- British Expansion in India
- Revolt of 1857
- Indian National Movement
- Socio-Religious Reform Movements
- Freedom Struggle and Independence
Candidates should focus on historical chronology, important personalities and cultural developments.
Section B – Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Important topics include:
- Historical Background of the Indian Constitution
- Constitutional Development
- Preamble
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
- Union Government
- State Government
- Parliament
- State Legislature
- President and Governor
- Prime Minister and Chief Minister
- Judiciary
- Federal Structure
- Constitutional Bodies
- Election Commission
- Local Self-Government
- Social Justice
- Welfare Policies
- India’s Foreign Policy
- International Relations
- Important International Organisations
Section C – Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning
Important topics include:
- Indian Economy
- National Income
- Economic Planning
- Economic Reforms
- Poverty and Unemployment
- Agriculture
- Industrial Development
- Service Sector
- Banking and Financial Institutions
- Fiscal Policy
- Monetary Policy
- Government Budget
- Inclusive Growth
- Sustainable Development
- Andhra Pradesh Economy
- State Development Planning
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
- Economic Developments After Bifurcation
Section D – Geography
Important topics include:
- Physical Geography
- Earth and Its Structure
- Landforms
- Climate
- Indian Monsoon
- Rivers and Drainage Systems
- Mountains and Plateaus
- Natural Resources
- Agriculture and Irrigation
- Population Distribution
- Human Geography
- Economic Geography
- Geography of Andhra Pradesh
- Coastal Regions
- Forest Resources
- Environmental Geography
APPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026 – Paper II General Aptitude
Paper II contains 120 questions carrying 120 marks.
| Section | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A | General Mental Ability, Administrative and Psychological Abilities | 60 |
| B(i) | Science and Technology | 30 |
| B(ii) | Current Events | 30 |
| Total | 120 |
Section A – General Mental Ability
Important preparation topics include:
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Number Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy
- Classification
- Syllogism
- Data Interpretation
- Basic Arithmetic
- Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Averages
- Time and Work
- Problem-Solving
- Decision-Making
- Administrative Ability
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence
- Psychological Abilities
Section B(i) – Science and Technology
Important topics include:
- General Science
- Physics Fundamentals
- Chemistry Fundamentals
- Biology
- Scientific Developments
- Information Technology
- Space Technology
- Biotechnology
- Communication Technology
- Environmental Science
- Emerging Technologies
- Science and Technology in Everyday Life
Section B(ii) – Current Events
Candidates should prepare current events of regional, national and international importance.
Focus areas include:
- Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
- National Current Affairs
- International Developments
- Government Schemes
- Economic Developments
- Science and Technology News
- Important Appointments
- Awards and Honours
- Environmental Issues
- Social Development
- Important Government Policies
APPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The APPSC Group 1 Mains Examination consists of seven descriptive papers.
Two language papers are qualifying in nature.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telugu | Qualifying Language Paper | 150 | 180 Minutes |
| English | Qualifying Language Paper | 150 | 180 Minutes |
| Paper I | General Essay | 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 |
| Merit-Counted Written Total | Papers I–V | 750 | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 75 | |
| Final Merit Total | 825 |
Important: Although the seven written papers carry 1,050 marks in total, the two language papers are qualifying only. Final merit is calculated out of 825 marks, including the interview.
APPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus 2026 – Paper-Wise Topics
Qualifying Paper – Telugu
The Telugu paper carries 150 marks and is based on SSC standard.
Important topics include:
- Essay Writing
- Telugu Grammar
- Reading Comprehension
- Précis Writing
- Letter Writing
- Report Writing
- Formal Speech
- Translation
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Explanation of Selected Verses
- Telugu Language Usage
Qualifying Paper – English
The English qualifying paper carries 150 marks.
Important topics include:
- Essay Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Précis Writing
- Formal Letter Writing
- Report Writing
- Press Release
- Speech Writing
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Correction
- Translation
- Interpretation of Tables and Graphs
Both language papers are qualifying in nature and do not contribute to the final merit total.
APPSC Group 1 Mains Paper I – General Essay
Maximum Marks: 150
Candidates must write essays on contemporary themes and issues.
The syllabus includes three broad sections.
Section I – Current Affairs
- Regional Issues
- National Developments
- International Developments
- Contemporary Events
Section II – Social and Economic Issues
- Socio-Political Issues
- Socio-Economic Development
- Social Justice
- Environmental Challenges
- Sustainable Development
- Public Policy
Section III – Cultural and Historical Issues
- Indian Culture
- Andhra Pradesh Culture
- Historical Developments
- Civic Awareness
- Reflective Topics
- Ethical and Social Themes
Candidates should practise writing structured essays with clear introductions, arguments, examples and conclusions.
APPSC Group 1 Mains Paper II – History, Culture and Geography
Maximum Marks: 150
Part A – History and Culture of India
- Ancient Indian History
- Mauryan and Gupta Periods
- Medieval Indian History
- Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Administration
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements
- British Rule
- Social Reform Movements
- Indian National Movement
- Independence Struggle
Part B – History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh
- Ancient Andhra History
- Satavahana Dynasty
- Ikshvaku Dynasty
- Medieval Andhra Kingdoms
- Andhra Cultural Heritage
- European Trading Settlements
- British Rule in Andhra
- Andhra National Movement
- Formation of Andhra State
- Formation of Andhra Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation, 2014
Part C – Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh
- Physical Geography
- Natural Resources
- Agriculture
- Irrigation
- Industries
- Population
- Economic Geography
- Environmental Geography
- Forests and Wildlife
- Sustainable Development
APPSC Group 1 Mains Paper III – Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics
Maximum Marks: 150
Part A – Indian Polity and Constitution
- Constitutional Framework
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles
- Federalism
- Union and State Relations
- Parliament
- State Legislature
- Judiciary
- Constitutional Institutions
- Local Government
Part B – Governance and Public Administration
- Public Administration
- Government Policies
- Policy Implementation
- Accountability
- Transparency
- E-Governance
- Civil Services
- Public Institutions
- Regulatory Bodies
- Citizen-Centric Governance
Part C – Ethics and Law
- Ethics and Human Values
- Attitude
- Emotional Intelligence
- Public Service Ethics
- Integrity
- Probity in Governance
- Codes of Conduct
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Basic Knowledge of Indian Laws
APPSC Group 1 Mains Paper IV – Economy and Development
Maximum Marks: 150
Important topics include:
- Indian Economy
- Economic Growth and Development
- National Income
- Economic Planning
- Resource Mobilisation
- Fiscal Policy
- Monetary Policy
- Government Budgeting
- Inclusive Growth
- Poverty and Employment
- Agricultural Development
- Industrial Policy
- Infrastructure Development
- Andhra Pradesh Economy
- Andhra Pradesh Budget
- State Resource Mobilisation
- Agriculture in Andhra Pradesh
- Industrial Development in Andhra Pradesh
- Regional Development
- Development After State Bifurcation
APPSC Group 1 Mains Paper V – Science, Technology and Environmental Issues
Maximum Marks: 150
Important topics include:
- Science and Technology Policy
- Research and Innovation
- Information and Communication Technology
- E-Governance
- Cybersecurity
- Indian Space Programme
- Defence Technology
- Energy Resources
- Renewable Energy
- Nuclear Technology
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Human Diseases
- Public Health
- Environmental Pollution
- Climate Change
- Solid Waste Management
- Biodiversity
- Conservation of Natural Resources
- Environmental Protection
- Intellectual Property Rights
APPSC Group 1 Interview 2026
The interview or Personality Test carries 75 marks.
Candidates may be assessed on:
- General Awareness
- Communication Skills
- Administrative Aptitude
- Leadership Qualities
- Decision-Making Ability
- Awareness of Andhra Pradesh
- Public Administration
- Ethical Judgement
- Personality and Suitability for Public Service
The interview is intended to assess suitability for administrative responsibilities rather than merely repeat the written examination.
APPSC Group 1 Prelims vs Mains Exam Pattern
| Feature | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening | Merit Assessment |
| Examination Type | Objective | Descriptive |
| Papers | 2 | 7 |
| Marks | 240 | 750 Merit Marks |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Not Applicable in the Same Objective-Test Format |
| Language Papers | No Separate Qualifying Papers | Telugu and English |
| Marks Counted in Final Merit | No | Yes, Papers I–V |
The final selection also includes a 75-mark interview.
APPSC Group 1 Syllabus PDF Download 2026
APPSC provides official syllabus resources for Group-I Services.
Candidates should download both the Preliminary and Mains syllabus documents.
How to Download APPSC Group 1 Syllabus PDF
- Visit https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in/.
- Open the Syllabus section.
- Select Group-I Services.
- Open the Preliminary Examination syllabus link.
- Download the Prelims syllabus PDF.
- Return to the syllabus page.
- Open the Mains syllabus link.
- Download the Mains syllabus PDF.
- Save both documents for future reference.
Candidates should also review Annexure-II of Notification No. 07/2026 for the recruitment-specific examination scheme and syllabus.
APPSC Group 1 Preparation Strategy 2026
Step 1 – Understand the Official Syllabus
Download the official PDFs and identify all important topics.
Step 2 – Build Strong Fundamentals
Study NCERT textbooks and reliable reference materials for history, geography, polity, economy and science.
Step 3 – Focus on Andhra Pradesh
Give special attention to Andhra Pradesh history, geography, economy, government policies and current affairs.
Step 4 – Prepare for Prelims and Mains Together
Many subjects overlap between the two examinations.
Step 5 – Practise Previous-Year Papers
Solve previous APPSC Group-I question papers to understand the examination standard.
Step 6 – Improve Answer Writing
Practise descriptive answers and essays regularly.
Step 7 – Take Mock Tests
Attempt timed Preliminary Examination mock tests and evaluate your accuracy.
Step 8 – Revise Current Affairs
Maintain notes on important state, national and international developments.
APPSC Group 1 Study Plan 2026
| Study Period | Recommended Preparation |
|---|---|
| Week 1–2 | History and Indian Polity |
| Week 3–4 | Indian and Andhra Pradesh Geography |
| Week 5–6 | Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy |
| Week 7–8 | Science, Technology and Environment |
| Week 9 | Reasoning and General Aptitude |
| Week 10 | Current Affairs and Andhra Pradesh Topics |
| Week 11 | Prelims Mock Tests |
| Week 12 | Revision and Mains Answer Writing |
Candidates should adjust the plan based on their preparation level and official examination schedule.
APPSC Group 1 Important Links 2026
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Download Prelims Syllabus PDF | APPSC Group-I Syllabus |
| Download Mains Syllabus PDF | APPSC Group-I Syllabus |
| Group-I Notification No. 07/2026 | APPSC Official Portal |
| Previous-Year Question Papers | APPSC Question Papers |
| APPSC Official Website | portal-psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 FAQs
1. What is the APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus includes General Studies, General Aptitude, History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Technology, Ethics, Current Affairs and Andhra Pradesh-specific topics.
2. How many papers are there in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?
There are two objective-type papers.
3. What are the total marks in Prelims?
The Preliminary Examination carries 240 marks.
4. Is there negative marking in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer.
5. How many papers are there in APPSC Group 1 Mains?
There are seven written papers, including two qualifying language papers.
6. What are the total merit marks in Mains?
The five merit-counted Mains papers carry 750 marks.
7. How many marks are allotted to the interview?
The interview carries 75 marks.
8. What is the total final merit score?
The final merit score is calculated out of 825 marks.
9. Are Telugu and English compulsory in Mains?
Yes. The Mains includes separate qualifying papers in Telugu and English.
10. Are Prelims marks counted in final selection?
No. The Preliminary Examination is used for screening candidates for the Mains.
11. Where can I download the official APPSC Group 1 Syllabus PDF?
Candidates can download the official syllabus through portal-psc.ap.gov.in.
12. Which notification applies to APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
The current detailed recruitment notification is No. 07/2026, published on 6 October 2026.