APPSC Group 2 is the recruitment of Group II services of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. The exam fills executive posts such as Deputy Tahsildar and Sub-Registrar, and non-executive posts such as Senior Assistant and Junior Assistant in the Andhra Pradesh government.
The exam has a screening test and a main exam. The mains gives heavy weight to the history and culture of Andhra Pradesh and to the economy of Andhra Pradesh, so local knowledge matters a great deal.
- Stages: an objective screening test, an objective mains of two papers, and a Computer Proficiency Test for some posts.
- The merit has been drawn from the mains; the screening test only short-lists.
- Mains Paper I covers AP history and the Constitution; Paper II covers the economy and science and technology.
- The posts, marks, age band and pattern are fixed in each APPSC notification - confirm them there.
Executive and non-executive posts
| Type | Posts in recent cycles |
|---|---|
| Executive | Deputy Tahsildar, Sub-Registrar Grade II, Municipal Commissioner Grade III, Assistant Labour Officer, Extension Officer, Prohibition and Excise Sub-Inspector |
| Non-executive | Assistant Section Officer, Senior Auditor, Senior Accountant, Junior Assistant-cum-Computer Assistant, Senior Assistant in various departments |
Executive posts involve field work and public dealing; non-executive posts are mostly office-based. Deputy Tahsildars work in mandal revenue offices on land records, certificates and relief work, while Sub-Registrars handle the registration of property documents. Senior and Junior Assistants keep the files and accounts of departments running. The post list, vacancies and post-wise qualifications are given in each notification.
The screening test
The screening test is a single objective paper of General Studies and Mental Ability. In recent cycles it has covered:
- Indian history - ancient, medieval and modern
- Geography - general, India and Andhra Pradesh
- Indian society - structure, social issues and welfare schemes
- Current affairs - regional, national and international
- Mental ability - reasoning and quantitative aptitude
Its marks are used only to short-list candidates for the mains. Negative marking has applied in APPSC objective tests, usually one-third of a mark per wrong answer. Confirm the rule in the notification.
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Cover the full General Studies syllabus in a fixed, structured schedule.
The main exam
The mains has had two objective papers of equal marks:
| Paper | Sections |
|---|---|
| Paper I | Social and cultural history of Andhra Pradesh; General overview of the Indian Constitution |
| Paper II | Indian and Andhra Pradesh economy; Science and technology |
The merit list is drawn from the mains marks. For some posts, a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test follows.
The Computer Proficiency Test checks basic skills such as typing, word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. It is qualifying, so it does not add to the merit, but a candidate who fails it cannot be selected for posts that need it. Practise MS Office on a computer for a few weeks before the test, since the exam is practical and timed.
Because both mains papers carry equal marks and every section is objective, consistent accuracy across all four sections matters more than brilliance in one.
The marks, time and section weights are given in the notification for each cycle.
Andhra Pradesh GK - what to cover
- Formation - Andhra State was formed on 1 October 1953 after the fast unto death of Potti Sriramulu. Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1 November 1956, and the present state took shape on 2 June 2014 after the bifurcation.
- History - the Satavahanas, the Ikshvakus, the Eastern Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Vijayanagara empire and the reign of Krishnadevaraya.
- Culture - Kuchipudi dance, Telugu literature, Amaravati Buddhist art and the Tirupati temple.
- Geography - the Godavari and Krishna deltas, the Eastern Ghats, the coastal belt and the Rayalaseema region.
- Economy - agriculture and aquaculture, the state budget, the Socio-Economic Survey and welfare schemes.
Scheme names and district counts have changed in recent years. Verify them from official state sources close to the exam.
Andhra movement - key milestones
Paper I asks often about the making of Andhra Pradesh. Fix these milestones:
- 1913 - the first Andhra Mahasabha at Bapatla.
- 1926 - Andhra University is set up.
- 1937 - the Sri Bagh Pact between coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema leaders.
- 1952 - Potti Sriramulu dies after a long fast for a separate Andhra State.
- 1953 - Andhra State is formed on 1 October, with Kurnool as its capital.
- 1956 - Andhra Pradesh is formed on 1 November, joining the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State.
- 2014 - the state is reorganised and Telangana is formed on 2 June.
Group 2 vs Group 1 in Andhra Pradesh
| Point | Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Level of posts | Senior posts such as Deputy Collector and DSP | Middle-level posts such as Deputy Tahsildar and Senior Assistant |
| Mains | Descriptive papers | Objective papers |
| Interview | Yes | Not in recent cycles |
The syllabus overlaps, so many candidates write both exams. Group 2 needs strong factual memory and speed.
Who can apply
The academic requirement has been a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Some posts ask for a specific degree, such as commerce for audit and accounts posts.
The age limit has been 18 to 42 years on a date stated in the notification, with relaxations for reserved categories, AP government employees, ex-servicemen and persons with disabilities.
Candidates register through the One Time Profile Registration on the APPSC website. Local candidates get preference in district and zonal posts under the Presidential Order for Andhra Pradesh.
The qualification per post, age band and local status rules are set in each notification. Check them before applying.
How to prepare
AP history first. Paper I needs a deep study of AP's social and cultural history, from the Satavahanas to the formation of the state.
Constitution basics. Revise the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, the Union and State governments, and local bodies.
AP economy. Read the latest Socio-Economic Survey and the state budget for Paper II.
Science and technology. Cover space, defence, energy, IT and recent developments in India.
Screening speed. Practise mental ability and current affairs daily.
Previous papers. Solve old APPSC Group 2 papers and full mocks under exam timing in the last two months. Many question types repeat, especially in AP history.
For the higher state services, see the APPSC Group 1 guide. For the neighbouring state, see the TSPSC Group 2 and TSPSC Group 1 guides.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using combined-state material blindly. Many facts changed after 2014.
- Ignoring the Constitution section. It is half of Paper I.
- Skipping science and technology. It is half of Paper II.
- Guessing freely. Negative marking turns guesses into lost marks.
- Missing the Computer Proficiency Test. Some posts need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APPSC Group 2?
It is the recruitment of Group II services by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission, for executive posts such as Deputy Tahsildar and Sub-Registrar and non-executive posts such as Senior Assistant.
What is the exam pattern of APPSC Group 2?
An objective screening test of General Studies and Mental Ability, followed by an objective mains of two papers - AP history and the Constitution, and the economy and science and technology. Some posts also have a Computer Proficiency Test.
Is there an interview in APPSC Group 2?
In recent cycles, the merit has been drawn from the mains without an interview. Confirm this in the current notification.
What is the age limit for APPSC Group 2?
The age limit has been 18 to 42 years on a date given in the notification, with relaxation for reserved categories and some other groups.
Is there negative marking in APPSC Group 2?
APPSC has used negative marking in its objective tests, usually one-third of a mark per wrong answer. Confirm this in the current notification.
When was Andhra State formed?
Andhra State was formed on 1 October 1953 after the fast of Potti Sriramulu. Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1 November 1956.