APPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 — Prelims Paper I & Paper II
APPSC Group 1 selection runs through a Preliminary Examination (Screening Test), a Main Examination of descriptive papers, and an interview. This page sets out the Prelims pattern section by section — questions, marks, time and negative marking — and how to practise for two papers on one day.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14
Three stages
- Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) — Two objective papers; qualifying only.
- Main Examination — Descriptive (written-answer) papers — papers and marks as per the notification.
- Interview — For candidates shortlisted after the Mains.
Paper I — General Studies
120 questions, 120 marks, 120 minutes, in four sections of 30.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| A | History & Culture | 30 | 30 |
| B | Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations | 30 | 30 |
| C | Indian & AP Economy and Planning | 30 | 30 |
| D | Geography | 30 | 30 |
| Paper I | 120 minutes | 120 | 120 |
Paper II — General Aptitude
120 questions, 120 marks, 120 minutes, in three sections — one of them double-sized.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| A | General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities | 60 | 60 |
| B | Science & Technology | 30 | 30 |
| C | Current Events of Regional, National & International Importance | 30 | 30 |
| Paper II | 120 minutes | 120 | 120 |
| Prelims total | Two papers | 240 | 240 |
Marking and negative marking
One-third (⅓) of the marks for a question is deducted for every wrong answer; nothing is deducted for a blank. The Prelims is a screening test — its marks are not added to the final merit, and the qualifying minimums are set by category in the notification. Confirm the rules in Notification No. 07/2026.
Main Examination and interview
The Mains is written in descriptive papers, so preparation shifts from recognising the right option to writing structured answers. The number of papers, their syllabus and marks, and the interview marks are as per the official notification — read them on psc.ap.gov.in before you plan the Mains.
Always confirm dates, vacancies, eligibility and the exam scheme in the official notification on psc.ap.gov.in, the official portal of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). AP Groups Hub is an independent preparation platform and is not connected with APPSC.
What the pattern means for your practice
- One minute a question — 120 questions in 120 minutes in each paper — practise at that pace from your first mini test.
- Sixty marks of aptitude — Paper II Section A is half a paper on its own. Daily practice here moves your total more than anything else.
- Stamina for two papers — Write Paper I and Paper II on the same day in your final weeks, as you will in the exam hall.
Keep going
Everything else you need for APPSC Group 1, in English and Telugu:
Frequently asked questions
What is the APPSC Group 1 Prelims exam pattern?
Two objective papers — Paper I General Studies and Paper II General Aptitude — each of 120 questions for 120 marks in 120 minutes; 240 marks in all.
Is there negative marking in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?
Yes — one-third of a question's marks for each wrong answer, nothing for a blank, as per the scheme on our exam page. Confirm in Notification No. 07/2026.
Are Group 1 Prelims marks counted for the final selection?
No. The Prelims only screens candidates for the Mains; the final merit comes from the Mains and the interview.
Is the Group 1 Mains objective or descriptive?
Descriptive — written-answer papers. The papers and marks are set out in the official notification.
Which Prelims section has the most questions?
Paper II Section A — General Mental Ability, Administrative & Psychological Abilities — with 60 questions.
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