APPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern 2026 — Prelims & Mains
APPSC Group 2 selection has three stages: a Screening Test (Prelims), a Main Examination and, where applicable, a Computer Proficiency Test. Here are the questions, marks, time and marking rules of each written stage, and what they mean for how you practise.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14
Three stages
- Screening Test (Prelims) — Qualifying only — decides who writes the Mains.
- Main Examination — Two objective papers whose combined marks decide merit.
- Computer Proficiency Test — A qualifying test, only for the posts where it applies.
Screening Test (Prelims) pattern
One objective (OMR) paper of 150 questions for 150 marks in 150 minutes, in five sections of 30 questions each.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| A | Indian History | 30 | 30 |
| B | Geography | 30 | 30 |
| C | Indian Society (structure, social issues & welfare mechanism) | 30 | 30 |
| D | Current Affairs | 30 | 30 |
| E | Mental Ability | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 minutes | 150 | 150 |
Main Examination pattern
Two objective papers of 150 questions, 150 marks and 150 minutes each — 300 marks in all. Both papers count toward the merit list.
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|
| Paper I | Social & cultural history of Andhra Pradesh; general overview of the Indian Constitution | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes |
| Paper II | Indian & Andhra Pradesh economy; science & technology | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes |
| Total | Two objective papers | 300 | 300 | — |
Marking and negative marking
Each question carries one mark. One-third (⅓) of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer, and nothing for a question left blank. Qualifying minimums are set by category in each notification. Confirm the marking scheme and qualifying marks in the detailed notification for 2026.
- Example — 120 attempted with 96 right and 24 wrong scores 96 − 24 × ⅓ = 88. Every wrong answer costs a third of a mark, so leave out pure guesses.
What the pattern means for your practice
- One minute a question — 150 questions in 150 minutes. Fact questions should take seconds so that Mental Ability gets the extra time it needs.
- No weak section — Five equal sections mean a weak one costs you as much as a strong one earns.
- Practise under the real clock — Our full-length Group 2 tests are timed and negative-marked like the paper, with section-wise analysis after you submit.
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.
Keep going
Everything else you need for APPSC Group 2, in English and Telugu:
Frequently asked questions
What is the APPSC Group 2 Prelims exam pattern?
One objective paper of 150 questions for 150 marks in 150 minutes, with five sections of 30 questions: Indian History, Geography, Indian Society, Current Affairs and Mental Ability.
What is the negative marking in APPSC Group 2?
One-third of a mark for each wrong answer; no deduction for a blank. Confirm it in the 2026 detailed notification.
Do Prelims marks count in the final merit?
No. The Screening Test only decides who goes to the Mains; merit is decided by the two Mains papers (300 marks).
What is the Computer Proficiency Test?
A qualifying test after the Mains for the posts where it applies. The detailed notification names those posts and the test's scheme.
How many papers are there in Group 2 Mains?
Two objective papers of 150 marks each: Paper I on AP social and cultural history and the Indian Constitution, and Paper II on the Indian and AP economy and science & technology.
Try a free test — 3 days free
Start with a short sample test — no sign-up needed — or write the free Grand Test. When you create a free account, every Group 1 and Group 2 Prelims test and the study notes are open to you for the first 3 days (72 hours) at no cost.