APPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026

APPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

APPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026: Prelims and Mains

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) conducts the Group 2 recruitment examination to select eligible candidates for various executive and non-executive posts in Andhra Pradesh government departments. Understanding the examination pattern and syllabus is an essential first step for candidates preparing for this competitive examination.

APPSC issued Brief Notification No. 37/2026 on 13 October 2026 for recruitment to Group-II Services. However, the detailed examination scheme and syllabus for this recruitment cycle must be checked against the detailed notification and any subsequent official updates. The Commission’s published syllabus page currently lists the Group-II syllabus released on 27 April 2023.

This guide explains the established screening test and mains examination scheme, the detailed subject-wise syllabus, negative marking, the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), and preparation strategies. The 2023 scheme below is provided as a reference, not as confirmation that every detail remains unchanged for the 2026 recruitment.

APPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 686 Vacancies

APPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

The recruitment information below reflects the latest brief-notification announcement; examination details based on the 2023 scheme remain subject to confirmation for the 2026 cycle.

The 2023 notification specifies a 150-mark screening test followed by two 150-mark mains papers. It also provides for a Computer Proficiency Test for shortlisted candidates. Candidates should verify the corresponding provisions in Notification No. 37/2026 before treating these details as final for the new recruitment.

APPSC Group 2 Selection Process

The established selection process comprises the following stages, subject to the final 2026 notification.

1. Screening Test

The screening test is used to shortlist candidates for the mains examination. Under the 2023 scheme, it is an objective-type examination conducted offline using OMR answer sheets.

Candidates must prepare General Studies and Mental Ability, including Indian history, geography, Indian society, current affairs and reasoning-based topics.

2. Mains Examination

Candidates shortlisted from the screening test proceed to the mains examination. Under the 2023 scheme, the mains consists of two objective-type papers, carrying 150 marks each.

Paper I focuses on the social and cultural history of Andhra Pradesh and the Indian Constitution. Paper II covers the Indian and Andhra Pradesh economies, together with Science and Technology.

3. Computer Proficiency Test

The 2023 notification provides for a CPT for candidates shortlisted on the basis of mains performance. It assesses computer proficiency and office automation skills.

Candidates should check the detailed 2026 notification for the applicable CPT requirements, qualifying marks and post-wise exemptions, if any.

4. Document Verification

Candidates who progress through the applicable examination stages must satisfy the Commission’s requirements concerning qualifications, certificates and other prescribed documents. The precise process and eligibility for appointment are governed by the relevant notification.

APPSC Group 2 Screening Test Exam Pattern

Under the published 2023 scheme, the screening test contains one paper covering General Studies and Mental Ability.

Screening test subject-wise distribution

The published syllabus assigns 30 marks to each of five subject areas.

Candidates should not assume that every subject will receive exactly 30 questions in a future paper unless the Commission confirms that distribution. The published syllabus establishes the subject-wise marks allocation, but the detailed notification remains the controlling document for the 2026 recruitment.

APPSC Group 2 Mains Exam Pattern

The established mains scheme contains two objective-type papers. Each paper carries 150 marks and has a duration of 150 minutes.

Under the 2023 scheme, each wrong answer attracts a penalty equal to one-third of the marks prescribed for that question. The mains examination may be conducted in offline OMR-based or computer-based mode as decided by the Commission under the earlier notification. The mode for the 2026 cycle should be confirmed separately.

Paper I: Social History of Andhra Pradesh and Indian Constitution

Paper I carries 150 marks, divided into two sections:

• Section A: Social and Cultural History of Andhra Pradesh, 75 marks.
• Section B: Indian Constitution, 75 marks.

Paper II: Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Science and Technology

Paper II also carries 150 marks, divided into two sections:

• Section A: Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy, 75 marks.
• Section B: Science and Technology, 75 marks.

The following sections explain the topics included in the published syllabus.

APPSC Group 2 Prelims Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Details

The established screening test syllabus contains five main areas. The topics below follow the Commission’s published 2023 syllabus and should be cross-checked against the detailed 2026 notification when available.

1. Indian History: 30 Marks

Indian History covers ancient, medieval and modern Indian history, including major dynasties, religious movements, colonial rule and the freedom struggle.

Ancient Indian History

• Salient features of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Vedic Age.
• Emergence of Buddhism and Jainism.
• Mauryan Empire and Gupta Empire.
• Administration, social and economic conditions, religious developments, art, architecture and literature under the Mauryas and Guptas.
• Harshavardhana and his achievements.

Medieval Indian History

• Chola administrative system.
• Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.
• Administration, society, economy and religious conditions under the Sultanate and Mughals.
• Art, architecture, language and literature.
• Bhakti and Sufi movements.
• Shivaji and the rise of the Maratha Empire.
• Arrival of Europeans in India.

Modern Indian History

• Revolt of 1857 and its impact.
• Rise and consolidation of British power in India.
• Changes in administration and social and cultural life under British rule.
• Social and religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Indian National Movement, including its different phases and important contributors from different regions.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization of India.

Preparation focus: Study historical developments in chronological order. Pay particular attention to the causes and consequences of major events, the contributions of important personalities and the social changes associated with different periods.

2. Geography: 30 Marks

Geography covers physical geography, the geography of India and Andhra Pradesh, economic geography and human geography.

General and Physical Geography

• Earth in the Solar System.
• Interior of the Earth.
• Major landforms and their characteristics.
• Climate and the structure and composition of the atmosphere.
• Ocean water, tides, waves and currents.
• Major physiographic features of India and Andhra Pradesh.
• Climate, drainage systems, soils and vegetation of India and Andhra Pradesh.
• Natural hazards, disasters and their management.

Economic Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh

• Natural resources and their distribution.
• Agriculture and agro-based activities.
• Distribution of major industries and industrial regions.
• Transport and communication.
• Tourism and trade.

Human Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh

• Human development.
• Demographic characteristics.
• Urbanization and migration.
• Racial, tribal, religious and linguistic groups.

Preparation focus: Use maps to study India’s physical features, river systems, soils, vegetation, industries and transport networks. For Andhra Pradesh, give special attention to regional geography and the distribution of natural and economic resources.

3. Indian Society: 30 Marks

This section examines the structure of Indian society, major social challenges and welfare mechanisms.

Structure of Indian Society

• Family, marriage and kinship.
• Caste and tribal communities.
• Ethnicity and religion.
• Social position and issues concerning women.

Social Issues

• Casteism and communalism.
• Regionalism.
• Crimes against women.
• Child abuse and child labour.
• Youth unrest and agitation.

Welfare Mechanisms

• Public policies and welfare programmes.
• Constitutional and statutory safeguards for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities and Backward Classes.
• Welfare provisions for women, persons with disabilities and children.

Preparation focus: Understand the underlying causes of social problems, their effects on communities and the role of constitutional safeguards and public welfare programmes in addressing them.

4. Current Affairs: 30 Marks

The published syllabus covers major current events and issues relating to three geographical levels:

• International affairs.
• National affairs.
• State-level affairs concerning Andhra Pradesh.

Preparation should include important government initiatives, significant political and economic developments, major national and international events, science and technology developments, environmental issues and important Andhra Pradesh government programmes.

Candidates should maintain a regular current-affairs revision schedule and give particular attention to developments relevant to Andhra Pradesh. The exact time period covered by current affairs is not fixed in the published syllabus excerpt, so candidates should not assume an officially prescribed month range.

5. Mental Ability: 30 Marks

Mental Ability combines logical reasoning, analytical thinking and basic numerical aptitude.

Logical Reasoning

• Deductive reasoning.
• Inductive reasoning.
• Abductive reasoning.
• Statement and assumptions.
• Statement and argument.
• Statement and conclusion.
• Statement and courses of action.

Mental Ability and Analytical Questions

• Number series.
• Letter series.
• Odd one out.
• Coding and decoding.
• Problems relating to relationships.
• Shapes and their subsections.

Basic Numeracy

• Number system.
• Order of magnitude.
• Averages.
• Ratio and proportion.
• Percentages.
• Simple and compound interest.
• Time and work.
• Time and distance.

Data Analysis

• Tables.
• Bar diagrams.
• Line graphs.
• Pie charts.

Preparation focus: Practise questions regularly under timed conditions. Develop accuracy in arithmetic calculations and learn to identify the underlying logic in reasoning questions rather than memorizing isolated answers.

APPSC Group 2 Mains Syllabus 2026: Detailed Topics

The mains syllabus requires a deeper understanding of Andhra Pradesh’s history and political development, constitutional governance, economic policy, state finances, scientific developments and environmental issues.

Paper I, Section A: Social and Cultural History of Andhra Pradesh (75 Marks)

This section covers Andhra Pradesh’s historical development from prehistoric cultures through the formation of the modern state.

1. Prehistoric Cultures and Early Dynasties

• Prehistoric cultures in Andhra.
• The Satavahanas and Ikshvakus.
• Their social, economic and religious conditions.
• Literature, art and architecture under these dynasties.
• The Vishnukundins.
• Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi.
• Andhra Cholas, including society, religion, Telugu language, art and architecture.

2. Dynasties and Cultural Developments, 11th to 16th Centuries

• Major and minor dynasties that ruled Andhradesa.
• Social, religious and economic conditions.
• Growth of Telugu language and literature.
• Art and architectural developments between the 11th and 16th centuries.

3. Europeans, British Rule and the Nationalist Movement in Andhra

• Arrival of Europeans and the establishment of trading centres.
• Andhra under the East India Company.
• The Revolt of 1857 and its impact on Andhra.
• Establishment of British rule.
• Social and cultural awakening.
• Justice Party and Self-Respect Movement.
• Growth of the nationalist movement in Andhra from 1885 to 1947.
• Roles of socialists and communists.
• Anti-zamindari and Kisan movements.
• Nationalist poetry and revolutionary literature.
• Nataka Samasthalu and women’s participation in public life.

4. Andhra Movement

• Origin and growth of the Andhra Movement.
• Role of Andhra Mahasabhas.
• Prominent leaders and important events.
• Events leading to the formation of Andhra State in 1953.
• Role of the press and newspapers.
• Library Movement.
• Folk and tribal culture.

5. Formation of Andhra Pradesh

• Events leading to the formation of Andhra Pradesh.
• Visalandhra Mahasabha.
• States Reorganisation Commission and its recommendations.
• Gentlemen’s Agreement.
• Important social and cultural developments between 1956 and 2014.

How to prepare: Build a timeline of dynasties, cultural developments, colonial-era events and state formation. For the Andhra Movement, connect personalities and organizations with the events that led to the formation of Andhra State in 1953 and Andhra Pradesh in 1956.

Paper I, Section B: Indian Constitution (75 Marks)

The Constitution section examines constitutional principles, government institutions, federal relations, electoral reforms and decentralization.

1. Constitutional Foundations

• Nature and development of the Indian Constitution.
• Salient features of the Constitution.
• Preamble.
• Fundamental Rights.
• Directive Principles of State Policy and their relationship with Fundamental Rights.
• Fundamental Duties.
• Constitutional amendments.
• Basic Structure doctrine.

2. Structure and Functions of Government

• Legislature, executive and judiciary.
• Unicameral and bicameral legislatures.
• Parliamentary executive.
• Judicial review and judicial activism.

3. Union-State Relations and Constitutional Institutions

• Distribution of legislative and executive powers between the Union and states.
• Legislative, administrative and financial relations.
• Powers and functions of constitutional bodies.
• Human Rights Commission.
• Right to Information (RTI).
• Lokpal and Lokayukta.

4. Federalism and Political System

• Centre-State relations and the need for reforms.
• Rajamannar Committee.
• Sarkaria Commission.
• M. M. Punchhi Commission.
• Unitary and federal features of the Constitution.
• Indian political parties and the party system.
• Recognition of national and state parties.
• Elections and electoral reforms.
• Anti-Defection Law.

5. Decentralization and Local Government

• Centralization versus decentralization.
• Community Development Programme.
• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee.
• Ashok Mehta Committee.
• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.
• Implementation of constitutional provisions relating to local government.

How to prepare: Study constitutional provisions alongside their practical application. Focus on the division of powers, the functions of government institutions, major commissions on Centre-State relations and the constitutional framework for local self-government.

Paper II, Section A: Indian and Andhra Pradesh Economy (75 Marks)

The economy section covers economic development, monetary policy, public finance, agriculture, industry, services and Andhra Pradesh’s state finances.

1. Structure of the Indian Economy, Planning and Policy

• Structure of the Indian economy.
• National income: concepts and measurement.
• Occupational patterns and sectoral distribution of income.
• Economic growth and economic development.
• Economic planning strategies in India.
• New Economic Reforms of 1991.
• Decentralization of financial resources.
• NITI Aayog.

2. Money, Banking, Public Finance and Foreign Trade

• Functions and measures of money supply.
• Reserve Bank of India: functions, monetary policy and credit control.
• Structure, development and reforms in Indian banking.
• Inflation, its causes and remedies.
• Fiscal policy, fiscal imbalance and deficit financing.
• Fiscal Responsibility.
• Indian tax structure and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• Recent Indian Union Budget.
• Balance of Payments.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

3. Agriculture, Industry and Services in India

• Agricultural cropping patterns, production and productivity.
• Agricultural finance and marketing.
• Agricultural pricing and policy, including Minimum Support Price (MSP), procurement, issue price and distribution.
• Industrial development patterns and problems.
• New Industrial Policy of 1991.
• Disinvestment and ease of doing business.
• Industrial sickness, causes, consequences and remedies.
• Growth and contribution of the services sector.
• Role of the information technology and IT-enabled services industries in development.

4. Andhra Pradesh Economy and Public Finance

• Structure and growth of the Andhra Pradesh economy.
• Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and sectoral contributions.
• Andhra Pradesh per capita income.
• State tax and non-tax revenue.
• State expenditure, debt and interest payments.
• Central assistance.
• Externally assisted projects.
• Recent Andhra Pradesh Budget.

5. Agriculture, Industry and Services in Andhra Pradesh

• Agricultural production trends and cropping patterns.
• Rural credit cooperatives.
• Agricultural marketing.
• Strategies, schemes and programmes relating to agriculture and allied sectors.
• Horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry.
• Growth and structure of industries.
• Recent Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Policy.
• Single-window mechanism and industrial incentives.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Industrial corridors.
• Structure and growth of the services sector.
• Information technology, electronics and communications in Andhra Pradesh.
• Recent Andhra Pradesh IT Policy.

How to prepare: Study Indian economic concepts first, then apply them to Andhra Pradesh. Keep notes on the latest available Union and state budgets, major policy initiatives and state economic indicators. Because budget figures and policies change, update this material using official publications close to the examination.

Paper II, Section B: Science and Technology (75 Marks)

The Science and Technology section covers national science policies, emerging technologies, space research, defence technology, energy, biodiversity, pollution control, climate change and public health.

1. Technology Missions, Policies and Applications

• National Science and Technology Policy.
• Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and national missions.
• Emerging technology frontiers.
• Space technology, Indian launch vehicles and recent satellite launches.
• Applications of satellites and Indian space science missions.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), its structure, vision and mission.
• Technologies developed by DRDO.
• Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• National Information Technology Policy.
• Digital India initiatives and their impact.
• E-governance programmes and services.
• Cybersecurity concerns and national cybersecurity policy.
• Nuclear technology, Indian nuclear reactors and nuclear power plants.
• Applications of radioisotopes and India’s nuclear programme.

2. Energy Management

• Installed energy capacity and energy demand in India.
• National Energy Policy.
• National Policy on Biofuels.
• Bharat Stage emission norms.
• Renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
• Installed energy capacities in India.
• Recent initiatives, programmes, schemes and achievements in renewable energy.

3. Ecosystem and Biodiversity

• Basic concepts of ecology.
• Ecosystem components and types.
• Meaning and components of biodiversity.
• Biodiversity hotspots.
• Causes and consequences of biodiversity loss.
• Methods of biodiversity conservation.
• Recent conservation plans, targets, conventions and protocols.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• Endangered species in India.
• Biosphere reserves.
• Indian wildlife conservation programmes, projects, legislation and recent initiatives.

4. Waste Management and Pollution Control

• Types and classification of solid waste.
• Solid waste disposal and management methods in India.
• Types, sources and impacts of environmental pollution.
• Pollution control, regulation and alternatives.
• Recent environmental projects, legislation and initiatives.
• Environmental effects and regulation of transgenic organisms.
• Eco-friendly agricultural technologies.
• Bioremediation, its types and applications in India.

5. Environment and Health

• Global warming and climate change.
• Acid rain and ozone layer depletion.
• Ocean acidification.
• International environmental initiatives, protocols and conventions addressing climate change.
• India’s participation in international environmental agreements.
• Sustainable development: meaning, nature, scope, components and goals.
• Recent trends in disease burden in India.
• Epidemic and pandemic challenges.
• Healthcare preparedness and response.
• Healthcare delivery and outcomes in India.
• Recent public health initiatives and programmes.

How to prepare: Connect scientific concepts with their practical applications. For example, study satellite technology alongside its uses, renewable energy alongside government initiatives, and biodiversity alongside conservation legislation. For current developments, supplement the syllabus with verified information from official government science and environment publications.

APPSC Group 2 Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

The 2023 recruitment notification includes a practical Computer Proficiency Test assessing office automation and computer-related skills. Candidates should confirm the current CPT scheme in the detailed 2026 notification before relying on the earlier requirements.

The published 2023 scheme specifies the following:

CPT syllabus

The published scheme covers computer fundamentals and practical office productivity skills.

Part A: Computer fundamentals

• Introduction to computers, components and classifications.
• Input devices, output devices and storage devices.
• Data, information, RAM, ROM, control unit, memory unit and arithmetic logic unit.
• Types of computer software, including system, application, embedded, proprietary and open-source software.
• Operating system fundamentals.
• Windows operating system, graphical interfaces, files, folders and peripheral devices.
• Basic concepts of Linux and macOS.
• Internet connectivity, communication protocols, browsers, IP addresses and file transfers.
• Email functions and basic email management.
• World Wide Web navigation and web searching.

Part B: Office productivity applications

• Office suites, including Microsoft Office or suitable open-source alternatives.
• Starting, using and closing office applications.
• Creating, opening, editing, saving and managing files.
• Common office tools and techniques.
• Cut, copy, paste and other standard editing operations.
• Practical office automation tasks covered by the applicable test instructions.

The complete CPT syllabus and task-specific requirements should be checked in the official notification and associated syllabus documents.

APPSC Group 2 Negative Marking and Qualifying Marks

Negative marking

Under the published 2023 examination scheme, one-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer in both the screening test and the mains examination.

For example, if a question carries one mark:

• Correct answer: +1 mark.
• Incorrect answer: approximately −0.33 marks.
• Unattempted question: no penalty under the usual interpretation of this marking rule.

The applicable 2026 notification must be consulted to confirm whether the same marking scheme continues.

Qualifying marks and cut-offs

Candidates should distinguish between the following:

• Qualifying marks: The minimum marks required to pass a qualifying test or stage.
• Cut-off marks: The marks needed to be shortlisted, which may vary with vacancies, competition and applicable rules.
• Merit marks: Marks used to determine candidates’ relative ranking under the notified selection scheme.

Do not assume that a previous recruitment’s cut-off will apply to the 2026 examination. The screening-test cut-off, mains shortlisting criteria and any applicable qualifying requirements must be taken from official APPSC notices.

How to Prepare for APPSC Group 2

An effective preparation plan should reflect the examination’s structure rather than treating every subject as an unrelated topic.

Build a syllabus-based study plan

Start by dividing the screening test syllabus into Indian History, Geography, Indian Society, Current Affairs and Mental Ability. For mains, maintain separate study plans for Andhra Pradesh’s social and cultural history, the Indian Constitution, economics, and Science and Technology.

This division helps candidates track coverage and avoid spending excessive time on familiar subjects while neglecting difficult areas.

Give Andhra Pradesh-specific subjects sustained attention

Andhra Pradesh history and economy are substantial components of the mains syllabus. Study historical dynasties, social movements, the Andhra Movement and state formation alongside the state’s economic structure, agriculture, industries, budget and development policies.

Use timelines, maps, comparative tables and concise revision notes to retain state-specific facts.

Practise reasoning and numerical aptitude regularly

Mental Ability improves with consistent practice. Work on number series, coding-decoding, logical reasoning, percentages, averages, ratios, interest, time and work, and data interpretation.

After each practice session, review incorrect answers and identify whether the error came from a concept gap, calculation mistake or time pressure.

Prepare current affairs through revision

Follow important national, international and Andhra Pradesh developments. Organize notes by subject, such as governance, economy, environment, science and technology, and major government programmes.

Review the notes regularly instead of collecting large volumes of current-affairs material that are never revised.

Practise previous-year question papers

Previous-year papers help candidates understand question wording, topic coverage and the practical demands of completing a paper within the prescribed time.

Use them to diagnose weak areas and measure progress. However, do not assume that the next examination will repeat the same questions or follow an unchanged topic distribution.

Include CPT practice where applicable

Candidates whose posts require the Computer Proficiency Test should practise basic computer operations, file management, office applications, document formatting and other skills covered by the applicable official syllabus.

Practical familiarity is more useful than relying exclusively on theoretical notes.

Official APPSC Group 2 Notification and Syllabus Links

Frequently Asked Questions