Important Dates
| Application Start Date | 06 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 27 October 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | December 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 January 2027 |
APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026: 166 DSP, Assistant Audit Officer & More Posts
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released the APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026 notification for direct recruitment to various Group-I Services in Andhra Pradesh. The latest Notification No. 07/2026, dated 06 October 2026, covers 166 vacancies across 13 categories of posts, including Deputy Collector, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Educational Officer, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Audit Officer, Divisional Development Officer and several other senior government positions.
Download APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026
The online application process has started on 06 October 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications up to 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The APPSC Group-I Screening Test is scheduled tentatively for 24 January 2027 and will be conducted in offline OMR-based mode.
Candidates who are planning to apply should carefully check the post-wise educational qualifications, age requirements, physical standards wherever applicable, vacancy distribution, application fee and examination scheme before submitting the application.
APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Recruitment | Group-I Services |
| Notification Number | 07/2026 |
| Detailed Notification Date | 06 October 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 166 |
| Number of Post Categories | 13 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 06 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Screening Test | 24 January 2027, tentative |
| Main Examination | To be announced |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh |
| Official Website | APPSC |
The official APPSC recruitment page lists Notification No. 07/2026 dated 06 October 2026 for Group-I Services.
APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep the following dates in mind:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification | 15 September 2026 |
| Detailed Notification | 06 October 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 06 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM |
| Application Correction | Up to 7 days after the last date, as applicable |
| Cut-off Date for Age | 01 July 2026 |
| Screening Test | 24 January 2027, tentative |
| Main Examination | To be announced |
| Interview | To be announced |
The September brief notification initially indicated 163 provisional vacancies. Following departmental confirmation, the detailed notification issued on 06 October 2026 increased the total to 166 vacancies.
APPSC Group-I Vacancy 2026
The latest detailed notification covers 166 vacancies across 13 post categories. The vacancies are provisional and may be subject to variation based on requirements communicated by the concerned departments.
Post-Wise Vacancy Details
| Post Code | Name of Post | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Deputy Collector, A.P. Civil Service (Executive Branch) | 12 | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| 02 | Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, A.P. State Tax Service | 14 | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| 03 | Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil), Category-II | 36 | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| 04 | DSP (Communications), A.P. Police Service | 03 | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer, A.P. Educational Service | 14 | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officer, A.P. Transport Service | 03 | ₹57,100–₹1,47,760 |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer, A.P. Tribal Welfare Service | 01 | ₹57,100–₹1,47,760 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar, A.P. Cooperative Service | 16 | ₹57,100–₹1,47,760 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Grade-II | 12 | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| 10 | Assistant Treasury Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | 02 | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| 11 | District Employment Officer | 03 | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer, A.P. State Audit Service | 15 | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer, A.P. Panchayat Raj Service | 35 | ₹65,360–₹1,54,980 |
| Total | 166 |
The detailed notification reflects changes from the earlier 163-post brief notification, including increases in Deputy Collector, Deputy Registrar and Assistant Audit Officer vacancies.
Note: Some vacancies are carried-forward vacancies from earlier recruitment cycles. The complete community-wise, zone-wise and other reservation details should be checked in Annexure-I of the official notification.
APPSC Group-I Salary 2026
The pay scale varies according to the post. The highest listed pay scale is ₹65,360 to ₹1,54,980 for Divisional Development Officer, while several senior Group-I posts carry a pay scale of ₹61,960 to ₹1,51,370.
Post-Wise Salary Structure
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Deputy Collector | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| Assistant Commissioner of State Tax | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| DSP (Civil) | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| DSP (Communications) | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| District Educational Officer | ₹61,960–₹1,51,370 |
| Regional Transport Officer | ₹57,100–₹1,47,760 |
| District Tribal Welfare Officer | ₹57,100–₹1,47,760 |
| Deputy Registrar | ₹57,100–₹1,47,760 |
| Municipal Commissioner Grade-II | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| Assistant Treasury/Accounts Officer | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| District Employment Officer | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| Assistant Audit Officer | ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 |
| Divisional Development Officer | ₹65,360–₹1,54,980 |
The figures above are pay scales, not guaranteed monthly in-hand salary. Actual salary will depend on the applicable allowances, deductions, posting and government rules.
APPSC Group-I Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility is post-specific, so candidates should not assume that the qualification or age requirement for one Group-I post automatically applies to every other post.
Educational Qualification
For most of the Group-I posts, candidates are required to possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university/institution as prescribed in the notification.
However, DSP (Communications), Post Code 04, has a specialised qualification requirement. Candidates applying for this post need an appropriate B.E./B.Tech qualification in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Radio Engineering or the prescribed equivalent qualification.
Candidates should carefully verify the qualification prescribed against their preferred post before applying.
APPSC Group-I Age Limit 2026
The age limit varies by post.
For most posts, the prescribed age range is generally 18 to 44 years as on 01 July 2026. The police posts have different age requirements:
| Post | Age Limit as on 01 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Most Group-I posts | 18–44 years |
| DSP (Civil), Category-II | 21–30 years |
| DSP (Communications) | 18–30 years |
The notification also provides applicable age relaxations for eligible reserved and special categories in accordance with government rules.
Candidates should check the detailed notification for the exact relaxation applicable to their category and post.
APPSC Group-I Application Fee 2026
The application fee consists of an application processing fee of ₹250 and an examination fee of ₹120 for candidates who are not exempt from the examination fee.
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | ₹250 |
| Examination Fee | ₹120 |
| Total for non-exempt candidates | ₹370 |
Eligible categories are exempt from the examination fee as specified by APPSC. Candidates from other states should also carefully check the fee and reservation provisions because state-specific reservation and fee exemptions may not apply in the same manner.
The fee is payable through the prescribed online payment methods.
APPSC Group-I Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of three major stages:
- Screening Test
- Main Written Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
The Screening Test is objective and OMR-based. Candidates who qualify according to the Commission’s criteria are admitted to the Main Examination. The Main Examination is descriptive, followed by the Interview/Personality Test for candidates shortlisted for the final stage.
APPSC Group-I Exam Pattern 2026: Short Overview
Candidates preparing for the recruitment should understand the broad examination structure.
Stage 1: Screening Test
The Screening Test contains two 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 |
The General Studies paper covers areas such as History and Culture, Constitution and Polity, Social Justice and International Relations, Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Planning, and Geography.
The General Aptitude paper includes General Mental Ability, Administrative and Psychological Abilities, Science and Technology and Current Events.
Negative marking of one-third of the marks prescribed for a question applies for an incorrect answer in the Screening Test.
Stage 2: Main Examination
The Main Examination is descriptive and consists of qualifying Telugu and English papers along with five merit-ranking papers.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Paper | Telugu | 150 | Qualifying |
| Qualifying Paper | English | 150 | Qualifying |
| Paper-I | General Essay | 150 | Merit |
| Paper-II | History, Culture & Geography | 150 | Merit |
| Paper-III | Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics | 150 | Merit |
| Paper-IV | Economy & Development | 150 | Merit |
| Paper-V | Science, Technology & Environmental Issues | 150 | Merit |
Each Main Examination paper carries a duration of three hours. The Telugu and English papers are qualifying in nature and are not counted toward the final merit total.
For the complete subject-wise syllabus, detailed paper pattern, marking scheme and preparation strategy, candidates should read our dedicated guide:
APPSC Group-I Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
Candidates qualifying in the Main Examination are shortlisted for the Interview/Personality Test.
The Interview carries 75 marks. The merit component is therefore based on the five merit-oriented Main papers, carrying 750 marks, plus the 75-mark Interview, making 825 marks in total.
The interview assesses a candidate’s personality, awareness, suitability for public service, communication ability, judgement and broader understanding of issues relevant to administration.
APPSC Group-I Screening Test Date 2027
The Screening Test is scheduled tentatively for 24 January 2027 according to current recruitment information based on Notification No. 07/2026. Candidates should continue checking APPSC announcements because examination schedules can be modified by the Commission.
The Screening Test will be conducted in offline OMR-based mode.
How to Apply for APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online through the APPSC portal. Those who do not already have an APPSC One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) should complete the required profile registration before proceeding with the application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official APPSC website.
Step 2: Complete or update your One Time Profile Registration (OTPR).
Step 3: Log in using your registered credentials.
Step 4: Locate Notification No. 07/2026, Group-I Services.
Step 5: Select the appropriate post and carefully enter the required personal, educational and other details.
Step 6: Select the examination centre and post preferences wherever required.
Step 7: Upload the required documents, photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Pay the applicable processing and examination fee.
Step 9: Review the complete application carefully.
Step 10: Submit the application before 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Step 11: Download and preserve the submitted application/acknowledgement for future reference.
Do not wait until the final evening to submit the application. Government application portals have a remarkable talent for becoming busiest precisely when everyone’s deadline anxiety reaches maximum altitude.
Important Documents for APPSC Group-I Application
Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready before beginning the application:
- Aadhaar or other valid identification details
- OTPR registration details
- Educational qualification certificates
- Date-of-birth proof
- Community/caste certificate, wherever applicable
- EWS certificate, where applicable
- Local status/residence-related documents, wherever required
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Ex-serviceman documents, if applicable
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Other certificates prescribed for the selected post
Candidates should ensure that the information entered in the online form matches their original documents.
Important Links for APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| APPSC Official Website | Visit APPSC Official Website |
| APPSC Recruitment Notifications | View APPSC Recruitment Notifications |
| APPSC Group-I Notification 07/2026 | Open the official APPSC notification section |
| Online Application | Apply Online through APPSC |
| APPSC Group-I Syllabus | View APPSC Group-I Syllabus |
The APPSC homepage currently specifically lists the online application submission notice and detailed Group-I notification for Notification No. 07/2026.
Important: Because APPSC’s portal can route candidates through its current application interface, candidates should enter the official portal and select Notification No. 07/2026 rather than relying on unofficial application URLs.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should remember the following points before submitting the application:
- Read the complete APPSC Group-I notification carefully.
- Check the eligibility of the specific post you intend to apply for.
- Complete OTPR registration before applying if you are a new candidate.
- Verify your educational qualification carefully.
- Check the different age requirements for DSP posts.
- Verify category, local status and reservation-related information.
- Pay the correct application fee.
- Check uploaded documents before final submission.
- Save the application acknowledgement.
- Keep copies of the application and payment receipt.
- Regularly check the APPSC website for hall tickets, examination schedules, answer keys and other notices.
Why APPSC Group-I Recruitment Is Important
APPSC Group-I is one of the major state-level competitive examinations for entry into senior administrative and executive positions in Andhra Pradesh. The 2026 recruitment covers a broad range of departments, from civil administration and police services to taxation, education, audit, transport, cooperative administration and Panchayat Raj.
The vacancy distribution also provides opportunities for candidates with different career interests. For example, candidates interested in district administration may target the Deputy Collector post, while those interested in policing may consider DSP. Candidates interested in finance and audit can consider Assistant Audit Officer, while those interested in rural administration may find Divisional Development Officer particularly relevant.
The selection process is nevertheless highly competitive. Candidates should therefore treat the Screening Test as the first major hurdle rather than the final destination.
APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026: Preparation Strategy
A sensible preparation strategy should begin with the official syllabus rather than random collections of study material.
Start by dividing the Screening Test into its major components:
- History and Culture
- Constitution and Polity
- Social Justice and International Relations
- Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy
- Geography
- General Mental Ability
- Administrative and Psychological Abilities
- Science and Technology
- Current Affairs
Because the examination has negative marking, preparation should focus not merely on attempting a large number of questions but on improving accuracy.
For the Main Examination, candidates should begin answer-writing practice early. Essay writing, analytical answers, Andhra Pradesh-specific issues, governance, economy, ethics, science and environmental topics require a different preparation style from objective examinations.
A good preparation cycle can therefore look like this:
Concept building → Current affairs integration → MCQ practice → Revision → Mock tests → Answer writing → Essay practice
Candidates should also maintain separate notes for Andhra Pradesh-specific history, geography, economy, government programmes and current affairs.
APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
| How many vacancies are available in APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026? |
|---|
| The latest detailed Notification No. 07/2026 covers 166 vacancies across 13 categories of Group-I posts. |
| What is the APPSC Group-I application last date? |
| The last date to submit the online application is 27 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM. |
| What is the APPSC Group-I Notification Number? |
| The recruitment is being conducted under Notification No. 07/2026. The detailed notification is dated 06 October 2026. |
| How many Assistant Audit Officer vacancies are available? |
| There are 15 Assistant Audit Officer vacancies under the latest detailed notification. |
| How many DSP vacancies are available? |
| The notification includes 36 vacancies for Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil), Category-II, plus 3 DSP (Communications) vacancies. |
| What is the salary of an APPSC Group-I officer? |
| The pay scale depends on the post. The notified scales range from ₹54,060–₹1,40,540 for several posts to ₹65,360–₹1,54,980 for Divisional Development Officer. |
| What is the qualification for APPSC Group-I posts? |
| Most posts require a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university, while certain posts have additional or specialized requirements. DSP (Communications), for example, requires a relevant engineering qualification. |
| What is the APPSC Group-I age limit? |
| For most posts, the age range is 18 to 44 years as on 01 July 2026. DSP (Civil) has a 21–30 years requirement, while DSP (Communications) has an 18–30 years requirement. |
| What is the APPSC Group-I selection process? |
| The selection process consists of the Screening Test, Main Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test. |
| When will the APPSC Group-I Screening Test be conducted? |
| The Screening Test is currently scheduled tentatively for 24 January 2027. Candidates should verify the final examination schedule on the official APPSC portal. |
| Is there negative marking in APPSC Group-I Screening Test? |
| Yes. One-third of the marks prescribed for the question is deducted for an incorrect answer in the Screening Test. |
The APPSC Group-I Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for graduates seeking senior government positions in Andhra Pradesh. With 166 vacancies across 13 Group-I categories, the recruitment includes highly sought-after posts such as Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, District Educational Officer, Assistant Audit Officer and Divisional Development Officer.
The application window is open from 06 October to 27 October 2026, while the Screening Test is tentatively scheduled for 24 January 2027. Candidates should complete their application well before the deadline and begin preparation according to the official examination scheme.
Most importantly, candidates should not treat the preliminary examination as an isolated objective test. The APPSC Group-I journey runs through the Screening Test, descriptive Main Examination and Interview, so preparation should gradually develop both factual accuracy and analytical answer-writing ability.
For detailed subject-wise preparation, candidates should continue with the dedicated APPSC Group-I Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 guide.
Official source: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission
Redirects to official website