Andhra Pradesh Subordinate Services Exam
Introduction
State recruitment for Group 2, 3, and 4 subordinate posts in Andhra Pradesh Government departments — administrative, revenue, secretarial, and clerical roles.
- Conducting body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
- Scope: State
- Region: Andhra Pradesh
- Department: Andhra Pradesh Government (various departments)
- Posts: Group 2 / 3 / 4 subordinate
- Mode: Online (OTPR)
- Official site: psc.ap.gov.in
The Andhra Pradesh Subordinate Services Exam (APPSC Group 2/3/4) recruits candidates for subordinate posts in AP Government departments — administrative, revenue, secretarial, and clerical roles such as Deputy Tahsildar, Panchayat Secretary, and Junior Assistant. It offers stable state-government employment with clear promotion prospects.
Selection: Screening → Mains → Computer Proficiency Test (applicable posts) → DV → merit.
Services and Posts
- Group 2: Deputy Tahsildar, Municipal Commissioner (Grade), Sub-Registrar, allied executive posts
- Group 3: Panchayat Secretary, Junior Assistant, Typist, office-support posts
- Group 4: Junior Assistant, office subordinate, record assistant, support roles
Exam Body and Conduct
APPSC (OTPR-based) releases notifications on psc.ap.gov.in, conducts screening, mains, and CPT, then document verification.
Important Highlights
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | APPSC |
| Groups | 2 / 3 / 4 |
| Stages | Screening → Mains → CPT (some) → DV |
| Mode | Online (OTPR) |
| Fee | ₹250 + ₹80 |
| Official site | psc.ap.gov.in |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
| Group | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Group 2 | Degree |
| Group 3 | Degree |
| Group 4 | 10th / 12th (post-wise) |
Age Limit
- 18 to 42 years (relaxation per AP Government rules)
Nationality / Domicile
- Indian citizen.
- AP domicile relevant for reservation benefits.
Reservation
Per Andhra Pradesh Government policy:
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 6% |
| BC / OBC (NCL) | 29% |
| EWS | 10% |
- Horizontal: PwBD, Women, Ex-servicemen as per rules.
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
Selection Stages
1. Screening Test / Prelims (shortlisting)
2. Mains Examination
3. Computer Proficiency Test (Group 2/3 applicable posts)
4. Document Verification
5. Final merit
Exam Structure
| Stage | Papers | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screening | GS + AP topics | 150 | 2h 30m | 1/3 |
| Mains | Paper 1 + Paper 2 | 300 | 3h each | 1/3 |
- Some posts require CPT after the written exam.
Syllabus
- AP history, geography, society
- Indian polity, economy, general science
- Current affairs
- AP governance/administration
- Reasoning/aptitude (where notified)
- Computer proficiency (applicable posts)
Focus Areas
AP history & culture, AP/India geography, Constitution & polity, state/national economy, science & tech, current affairs.
How to Apply
1. Visit https://psc.ap.gov.in
2. Complete OTPR registration.
3. Log in; select Group 2/3/4 notification.
4. Fill post + qualification details.
5. Upload documents, photo, signature.
6. Pay the fee online.
7. Submit; save confirmation.
Application Fee
- Application fee: ₹250
- Examination fee: ₹80 (exemption/concession per APPSC rules)
Previous Year History
Notified cycle-wise (recent cycles commonly 1,000+ posts across Group 2/3/4). Group 2 notification for 2026 is announced for ~750 Executive/Non-Executive posts (notification dated 15 Sep 2026). Exact counts per notification on psc.ap.gov.in.
Salary, Benefits, and Service Conditions
| Group | Approx. pay |
|---|---|
| Group 2 | ₹35,400 |
| Group 4 | ₹19,000 |
- + AP government allowances; pension/service benefits per rules.
Preparation
- 3-month: revise AP history/geography/polity/economy, daily current affairs, objective tests.
- 6-month: NCERTs + AP syllabus, full static GS, weekly current affairs, mocks.
- 9-month: basics → notes → repeated revision → weekly mocks → weak-area focus.
- Resources: AP history/geography books, NCERT, polity/economy notes, newspapers, APPSC notification.
Career Path
Deputy Tahsildar → Tahsildar → RDO; Group 3/4 via departmental exams + seniority.
FAQs
1. What is AP Subordinate Services Exam?
APPSC recruitment for Group 2/3/4 subordinate posts in AP Government.
2. Conducting body?
APPSC.
3. Posts included?
Deputy Tahsildar, Panchayat Secretary, Junior Assistant, other notified posts.
4. Group 2 qualification?
Degree.
5. Group 3 qualification?
Degree.
6. Group 4 qualification?
10th/12th (post-wise).
7. Age limit?
18–42 years (relaxation per AP rules).
8. AP domicile required?
Citizenship required; domicile relevant for reservation.
9. Exam pattern?
Screening + Mains + CPT (some posts).
10. Negative marking?
Yes — 1/3 per wrong answer.
11. Syllabus subjects?
AP history, geography, polity, economy, science, current affairs.
12. AP-specific included?
Yes — AP history & geography important.
13. Stages count?
Usually 3: screening, mains, CPT (applicable).
14. CPT applicable?
Yes, for some Group 2/3 posts.
15. Group 2 salary?
~₹35,400.
16. Group 4 salary?
~₹19,000.
17. Application mode?
Online via APPSC OTPR.
18. Where is notification?
psc.ap.gov.in.
19. Main Group 2 posts?
Deputy Tahsildar + executive/administrative posts.
20. Career progression?
Deputy Tahsildar → Tahsildar → RDO.
Official Sources
- APPSC: https://psc.ap.gov.in
- APPSC portal: https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in
- National Career Service: https://www.ncs.gov.in