Exams   »   APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026

APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern, Download PDF

The APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 has been released by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) along with the official recruitment notification. Candidates preparing for the Group 1 Services Examination should go through the latest APPSC Group 1 Syllabus and exam pattern before starting their preparation. The selection process includes the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview/Personality Test. Knowing the APPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus, Mains syllabus, marking scheme, and paper-wise topics helps candidates plan their preparation and focus on the most relevant areas.

APPSC Group 1 Syllabus  and Exam Pattern 2026

For candidates preparing for the APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026, the syllabus acts as a roadmap to keep preparation focused and well-organized. Going through the prescribed topics along with previous years’ question papers helps aspirants understand the exam pattern, identify important sections, and gauge the overall difficulty level of the paper conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. This approach makes it easier to plan studies effectively and build confidence ahead of the examination.

Must Check: AP Job Calendar 2026

APPSC Group 1 Selection Process 2026

The APPSC Group 1 selection process consists of the following stages:

  • Preliminary Examination
  • Main Written Examination
  • Interview/Personality Test

The Preliminary Examination is used for screening candidates for the Main Examination. The marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview are considered for the final selection.

APPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The APPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 is divided into Preliminary and Main examinations, followed by the Interview/Personality Test. The Prelims consists of two objective papers, while the Mains is descriptive in nature.

Prelims Exam Pattern

The APPSC Group 1 Prelims consists of two papers, each carrying 120 marks. Candidates should note that negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.

  • Objective type (MCQs)
  • Negative marking: 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer
  • Prelims is a screening stage for shortlisting candidates for the Mains
Paper Subjects No. of Questions Marks Duration
Paper 1 History & Culture; Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations; Indian & Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning; Geography 120 120 120 Minutes
Paper 2 General Mental Ability; Administrative & Psychological Abilities; Science & Technology; Current Events (Regional, National & International) 120 120 120 Minutes

Mains Exam Pattern

The Main Examination is descriptive and conducted in offline mode. Telugu and English are qualifying papers, while the Essay and four General Studies papers are considered for merit.

Paper Name of Paper Duration Marks
Paper 1 Telugu (Qualifying Nature) 180 Minutes 150
Paper 2 English (Qualifying Nature) 180 Minutes 150
Paper 3 General Essay (Contemporary regional, national & international issues) 180 Minutes 150
Paper 4 History, Culture & Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh 180 Minutes 150
Paper 5 Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics 180 Minutes 150
Paper 6 Economy & Development of India and Andhra Pradesh 180 Minutes 150
Paper 7 Science, Technology & Environmental Issues 180 Minutes 150
Interview Personal Interview 75

APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026

The APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 is divided into the Preliminary and Main Examination syllabus. The Prelims focuses on General Studies and General Aptitude, whereas the Mains assesses candidates through descriptive papers covering essay writing, history, geography, polity, governance, economy, science and technology, and environmental issues.

APPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026-Subject Wise

The APPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus is divided into two papers. Paper 1 covers General Studies topics, while Paper 2 focuses on General Aptitude, Science and Technology, and Current Affairs.

Paper I – General Studies (120 Questions | 120 Marks | 120 Minutes)

Section Topics / Coverage
A. History & Culture
  • Indus Valley Civilisation (features, sites, society, art & religion)
  • Vedic Age & MahajanapadasJainism & Buddhism; Magadha,
  • Mauryas,
  • Kushans;
  • Satavahanas,
  • Sangam Age,
  • Sungas, Gupta Empire (administration, society, economy, art, literature, science & tech);
  • Kanauj & contributions;
  • South Indian Dynasties (Badami/Eastern/Kalyani Chalukyas,
  • Rashtrakutas,
  • Cholas,
  • Hoysalas,
  • Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Reddis);
  • Delhi Sultanate,
  • Vijayanagar & Mughal Empires;
  • Bhakti & Sufi movements (administration, economy, society, religion, arts);
  • European trading companies (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Mysore, Andhra & Nizam),
  • Governor Generals & Viceroys;
  • 1857 Revolt;
  • 19th-century reform movements;
  • Freedom Movement & revolutionaries;
  • Mahatma Gandhi (satyagrahas),
  • Sardar Patel,
  • Subash Chandra Bose;
  • Post-independence consolidation;
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar;
  • Reorganisation of States.
B. Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations
  • Indian Constitution (evolution, preamble, FRs, FDs, DPSP, amendments, basic structure);
  • Union–State relations;
  • Parliament & State Legislatures (structure, powers, privileges);
  • federal challenges;
  • devolution to local bodies;
  • constitutional authorities;
  • Panchayati Raj;
  • public policy & governance;
  • LPG impact; statutory/regulatory/quasi-judicial bodies; rights issues (human, women, SC/ST, child); India’s foreign policy;
  • IR institutions/agencies/fora;
  • key Central & State policies/programmes.
C. Indian & Andhra Pradesh Economy & Planning
  • Development since independence;
  • NITI Aayog; growth & distributive justice;
  • HDI; environment & sustainable development;
  • national income & accounts;
  • demographics;
  • poverty & inequality;
  • employment;
  • rural/urban development;
  • agriculture (irrigation, inputs, policy, MSP, credit, food security);
  • industry (Make-in-India, Start-up, SEZs, corridors);
  • energy & power;
  • reforms (LPG);
  • trade & BOP (WTO);
  • finance (RBI, banking, NPAs, markets, SEBI); taxation (GST);
  • Centre–State finance & Finance Commissions;
  • public debt/expenditure;
  • AP economy post-2014 bifurcation (resources, revenues, water disputes);
  • infrastructure,
  • IT & e-governance;
  • urbanisation,
  • skills,
  • welfare;
  • AP Reorganisation Act,
  • 2014 (capital, compensation, backward districts, special status/assistance).
D. Geography
  • General (earth, climate, oceans, hazards); Physical (landforms, soils, rocks/minerals, vegetation, parks);
  • Social (population, literacy, migration, urbanisation, SC/ST);
  • Economic (agriculture, industry, services, transport & trade)
  • World,
  • India & Andhra Pradesh.

Paper II – General Aptitude (120 Questions | 120 Marks | 120 Minutes)

Section Topics / Coverage
A. General Mental Ability & Psychological Abilities
  • Logical reasoning; number series;
  • Coding–decoding;
  •  relations;
  • shapes & Venn diagrams;
  • clocks/calendars/age;
  • number system;
  • ratio–proportion–variation;
  • averages;
  • powers/roots; HCF/LCM;
  •  Percentage;
  •  SI/CI;
  • profit & loss;
  • time & work/distance;
  •  Geometry;
  •  algebra basics;
  • data interpretation/analysis/sufficiency;
  • probability;
  • emotional & social intelligence;
  •  decision-making; critical thinking;
  •  personality assessment
B. Science & Technology + Current Events
  • Science & tech in daily life;
  •  ICT & e-governance;
  • cyber security;
  • space & defence (ISRO/DRDO);
  •  energy resources;
  • environmental science (policies, biodiversity, climate change);
  • biotechnology & nanotechnology;
  • plus current events of regional, national & international importance.

APPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus 2026-Subject Wise

The APPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus 2026 consists of seven papers. Telugu and English are qualifying papers. The General Essay and Papers 4 to 7 are considered for merit.

Paper 1 – General Essay

This paper tests your ability to write structured, analytical essays on contemporary themes. Typical areas:

  • Social, economic, and political issues of India and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Governance, development, environment, and ethics‑related themes.

You need to show clear arguments, balanced views, facts/examples, and a strong conclusion for each essay.

Paper 2 – History, Culture & Geography (India & AP)

This paper covers:

  • Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, with emphasis on freedom struggle.
  • History and culture of Andhra Pradesh: regional movements, language, literature, festivals, art and architecture.
  • Physical, economic, and human geography of India and AP: rivers, climate, agriculture, industries, urbanization and regional disparities.

Paper 3 – Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics

Key focus areas:

  • Indian Constitution: features, rights, duties, structure of government, federalism, local bodies.
  • Public administration and governance: institutions, reforms, e‑governance, citizen‑centric administration.
  • Basic law relevant to administration: rule of law, administrative and criminal law concepts.
  • Ethics in public service: values, integrity, accountability, code of conduct, and case‑based questions on ethical decision‑making.

Paper 4 – Economy & Development (India & AP)

This paper tests economic understanding and policy analysis:

  • Indian economy: growth, planning, sectors (agriculture, industry, services), poverty, unemployment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy.
  • Andhra Pradesh economy: state finances, schemes, infrastructure, agriculture & irrigation, industrial policy, social sector development.
  • Inclusive growth, sustainable development, and current economic issues at national and state level.

Paper 5 – Science & Technology

Focus is on the application of science in governance and everyday life:

  • Basics of physics, chemistry, biology relevant to health, environment, and agriculture.
  • Modern science and technology: ICT, space, defense, biotechnology, nanotechnology, AI, etc.
  • Science, environment, and disaster management: climate change, pollution, conservation, early warning systems and mitigation.

Paper 6: English (Qualifying Paper)

The English paper tests candidates’ command over the language and their ability to express ideas clearly and accurately. Topics Covered:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Essay writing
  • Precis writing
  • Letter writing
  • Grammar and sentence correction
  • Vocabulary and usage
  • Translation
  • Report writing

Paper 7: Telugu (Qualifying Paper)

The Telugu language paper evaluates the candidate’s ability to understand and communicate effectively in Telugu. Although it is qualifying in nature, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks to have their merit papers evaluated. Topics Covered:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Essay writing in Telugu
  • Precis writing
  • Translation (English to Telugu and Telugu to English)
  • Grammar and vocabulary
  • Letter and report writing
  • Sentence correction
  • Idioms and phrases
  • Usage of words and expressions

APPSC Group 1 Interview 2026

The APPSC Group 1 Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage for candidates who qualify in the Main Examination. The Interview carries 75 marks and assesses qualities such as communication skills, personality, leadership ability, decision-making, awareness of current affairs, and suitability for administrative responsibilities.

Candidates should revise current affairs, Andhra Pradesh-specific issues, government policies, governance, economy and public administration before appearing for the Interview.

APPSC Group 1 Syllabus- Download PDF

Candidates can download the APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 PDF to check the complete subject-wise syllabus for the Preliminary and Main examinations. Keeping the syllabus PDF handy helps candidates track topics during preparation and avoid missing important areas.

How to Prepare APPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026?

Candidates should cover the APPSC Group 1 syllabus systematically and revise important topics regularly. A focused preparation strategy can help in managing the extensive syllabus.

  • Understand the latest APPSC Group 1 syllabus and exam pattern before starting your preparation.
  • Prepare a realistic study timetable and allocate time to each subject.
  • Read newspapers and monthly current affairs magazines regularly, with special focus on Andhra Pradesh-related issues.
  • Build strong fundamentals by referring to standard books for History, Polity, Economy, Geography, and Science.
  • Practice previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked topics.
  • Attempt mock tests regularly to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
  • Practice descriptive answer writing daily for the Main Examination.
  • Revise important notes, facts, and current affairs regularly to improve retention.
  • Focus on Andhra Pradesh Economy, Geography, History, and Government schemes, as these topics carry significant weight.
  • Maintain consistency in your preparation and avoid learning new topics in the final days before the examination.
Also check
APPSC Group 1 Previous Year Question Papers
APPSC Group 1 Salary

 

FAQs

How many stages are there in the APPSC Group 1 selection process?

The selection process includes Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview.

Is there negative marking in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?

Yes, one-third mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination.

How many papers are there in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?

Prelims consists of two objective papers—Paper 1 (General Studies) and Paper 2 (General Aptitude).

Are Telugu and English papers counted in the APPSC Group 1 merit list?

No, Telugu and English papers in Mains are qualifying in nature. Only General Studies papers and Interview marks are considered for final merit.

Where can candidates find the official APPSC Group 1 syllabus PDF?

Candidates can download the syllabus PDF from the official APPSC website under the Notifications or Group 1 recruitment section.

prime_image