APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 has officially been announced by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) on 15 September 2026 via Brief Notification No. 07/2026. A total of 163 provisional vacancies across 13 prestigious post categories are open for eligible graduates — making this one of the most coveted state-level government recruitment drives in AP this year. If you are an AP graduate aged 18–42 seeking a senior administrative career with a salary up to Rs.1,51,370/month, this guide covers every detail you need before applying.
This guide is for Andhra Pradesh graduates and working professionals aged 18–42 who want to secure Deputy Collector, DSP, District Educational Officer, and other Group 1 posts. Below you will find vacancy breakdowns, eligibility criteria, application fee, exam pattern, salary structure, step-by-step application process, and an FAQ section.
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 (Notification No. 07/2026) offers 163 vacancies for senior AP government posts with a salary range of Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,51,370 per month. Online applications are open from 6 October 2026 to 27 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in.
- Notification No.: 07/2026
- Conducting Body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
- Total Vacancies: 163 (provisional)
- Notification Released: 15 September 2026
- Application Window: 6 October 2026 to 27 October 2026
- Application Fee (General): Rs.370 (Rs.250 processing + Rs.120 exam fee)
- Age Limit: 18–42 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
- Salary Range: Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,51,370 per month
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- Official Website: psc.ap.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What is APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?
- APPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026 — Post-Wise Breakdown
- APPSC Group 1 Salary 2026 — Post-Wise Pay Scale
- APPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
- APPSC Group 1 Application Fee 2026
- How to Apply for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
- APPSC Group 1 Selection Process and Exam Pattern 2026
- APPSC Group 1 vs UPSC Civil Services — Key Differences
- Pros and Cons of Joining APPSC Group 1 Services
- Important Terms Related to APPSC Group 1 2026
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions About APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
What is APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?

APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 is the most prestigious state civil services examination conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission for appointment to senior administrative and departmental positions in the Andhra Pradesh state government. It is widely considered the state equivalent of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Under Brief Notification No. 07/2026 dated 15 September 2026, APPSC has announced 163 provisional vacancies spanning 13 post categories — including Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, District Educational Officers, Assistant Commissioners of State Tax, Divisional Development Officers, and more. The detailed notification with community-wise breakup and full eligibility conditions will be available on or before 6 October 2026.
Group 1 officers hold leadership roles in district administration, revenue, policing, education, taxation, and tribal welfare across Andhra Pradesh. The appointment brings high social standing, strong salary packages under the 7th Pay Commission framework, and a defined career progression ladder in state government service.
Who Should Apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?
- 🎓 Any graduate aged 18–42 from a UGC-recognised university in any discipline who wants a senior government career in AP.
- 👮 Aspiring police officers seeking Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) posts — 36 DSP (Civil) + 3 DSP (Communications) vacancies are available.
- 📚 Education sector aspirants who want to serve as District Educational Officers (14 vacancies).
- 🏛️ Commerce / Economics / Maths graduates targeting Assistant Treasury Officer or Assistant Accounts Officer posts.
- 🌿 Tribal welfare candidates with a bachelor’s degree aiming for District Tribal Welfare Officer roles.
- 🏙️ Urban administration enthusiasts seeking Municipal Commissioner Grade-II posts (12 vacancies).
- 💼 Cooperative sector aspirants targeting Deputy Registrar in A.P. Cooperative Service (15 vacancies).
- ⚖️ Tax and audit professionals aiming for Assistant Commissioner of State Tax or Assistant Audit Officer positions.
APPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026 — Post-Wise Breakdown
APPSC Group 1 Notification No. 07/2026 covers 163 provisional vacancies distributed across 13 post categories. The complete community-wise (OC/BC/SC/ST/EWS) vacancy breakup will be released in the detailed notification on or before 6 October 2026.
| Name of Post | Department / Service | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector | A.P. Civil Service (Executive Branch) | 11 |
| Assistant Commissioner of State Tax | A.P. State Tax Service | 14 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-II | A.P. Police Service | 36 |
| DSP (Communications) | A.P. Police Service | 03 |
| District Educational Officer | A.P. Educational Service | 14 |
| Regional Transport Officer | A.P. Transport Service | 03 |
| District Tribal Welfare Officer | A.P. Tribal Welfare Service | 01 |
| Deputy Registrar | A.P. Cooperative Service | 15 |
| Municipal Commissioner Grade-II | A.P. Municipal Administration Service | 12 |
| Assistant Treasury / Accounts Officer | A.P. Treasury & Accounts Service | 02 |
| District Employment Officer | A.P. Employment Exchange Service | 03 |
| Assistant Audit Officer | A.P. State Audit Service | 14 |
| Divisional Development Officer | A.P. Panchayat Raj Service | 35 |
| Total | — | 163 |
APPSC Group 1 Salary 2026 — Post-Wise Pay Scale
APPSC Group 1 salary 2026 is governed by the 7th Pay Commission framework applicable to Andhra Pradesh government employees. Selected candidates receive basic pay plus Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other applicable state government benefits. The approximate monthly take-home ranges from Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,51,370 depending on the post and level.
| Name of Post | Pay Scale (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Deputy Collector (A.P. Civil Service) | Rs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370 |
| Assistant Commissioner of State Tax | Rs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2 | Rs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370 |
| Regional Transport Officer | Rs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760 |
| District Tribal Welfare Officer | Rs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760 |
| Deputy Registrar (A.P. Cooperative Service) | Rs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760 |
| Municipal Commissioner Grade-II | Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540 |
| Assistant Treasury / Accounts Officer | Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540 |
| Assistant Audit Officer | Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540 |
| Divisional Development Officer | Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540 |
In addition to the basic pay scale, Group 1 officers receive government accommodation or HRA (as applicable), medical benefits under APIMA, leave travel concession, and a defined pension under the National Pension System (NPS) or existing AP government pension rules.
APPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026 — Who Can Apply?
Candidates must meet all eligibility conditions set by APPSC before submitting the online application. The three primary eligibility parameters are educational qualification, age limit, and nationality.
Educational Qualification
- General posts (Deputy Collector, DSP Civil, Divisional Development Officer, etc.): Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university.
- DSP (Communications): B.E. / B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication, or Radio Engineering.
- Assistant Treasury / Accounts Officer: Degree in Commerce, Economics, or Mathematics with at least second-class standing from a UGC-recognised university. Chartered Accountancy (CA) from ICAI or equivalent is also accepted.
- District Social Welfare / Tribal Welfare Officer: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university; preference given to candidates with Sociology or Social Work degrees.
- All qualifications must be completed before 27 October 2026 (last date to apply).
Age Limit (as of Notification Date — 15 September 2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 18 Years | 42 Years | None |
| SC / ST / BC / EWS | 18 Years | 42 Years | 5 Years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 18 Years | 42 Years | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 Years | 42 Years | 3 Years + Length of Armed Forces Service |
| NCC Instructors | 18 Years | 42 Years | 9 Years |
| Regular AP State Government Employees | 18 Years | 42 Years | Up to 5 Years (length of service) |
| Retrenched Temporary Employees (State Census Dept.) | 18 Years | 42 Years | 3 Years |
APPSC Group 1 Application Fee 2026 — Category-Wise
| Category | Processing Fee | Examination Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OC Candidates | Rs.250 | Rs.120 | Rs.370 |
| SC / ST / BC / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Rs.250 | Exempted | Rs.250 |
| White Ration Card Holders | Rs.250 | Exempted | Rs.250 |
| Unemployed Youth (as per G.O.Ms.No.439) | Rs.250 | Exempted | Rs.250 |
All payments must be made online through the APPSC portal during the application process. No offline fee payment mode is available. The processing fee of Rs.250 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
How to Apply for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
- Visit the official APPSC website at psc.ap.gov.in from 6 October 2026.
- Complete One-Time Profile Registration (OTPR) if you are a first-time applicant — enter your name, date of birth, category, Aadhaar, and contact details.
- Log in using your OTPR registration ID and password.
- Click on Notification No. 07/2026 (Group 1 Services) from the Active Notifications list on the dashboard.
- Fill in the online application form carefully — select your preferred posts, enter educational qualifications, and verify all pre-filled OTPR data.
- Upload scanned documents — recent passport-size photograph, signature (as per APPSC specifications), and relevant certificates if prompted.
- Pay the application fee online (Rs.370 for General / Rs.250 for reserved categories) via net banking, debit card, or credit card.
- Review and submit the completed application form before 11:59 PM on 27 October 2026.
- Download and save the application confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference.
Complete your OTPR registration at least 2–3 days before the last date — the APPSC portal experiences high traffic near deadlines. Also verify that your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active, as OTP-based verification is required during registration. Keep scanned files ready (photo: max 50KB, signature: max 30KB) before starting the form.
APPSC Group 1 Selection Process and Exam Pattern 2026
APPSC Group 1 selection follows a three-stage process: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Personal Interview. Candidates must clear each stage to advance to the next.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test — OMR Based)
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (History & Culture, Polity, Economy, Geography) | 120 | 120 Minutes | 120 |
| Paper II | General Aptitude (Mental Ability, Science & Tech, Current Events) | 120 | 120 Minutes | 120 |
| Total (Prelims) | — | 240 | ||
Stage 2: Mains Examination (Descriptive)
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Paper I | Telugu | 180 Minutes | 150 (Qualifying) |
| Qualifying Paper II | English | 180 Minutes | 150 (Qualifying) |
| Paper I | General Essay | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper II | History, Culture & Geography of India and AP | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper III | Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper IV | Economy & Development of India and AP | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper V | Science, Technology & Environmental Issues | 180 Minutes | 150 |
| Total (Mains Scored) | — | 750 | |
Stage 3: Personal Interview
Candidates shortlisted based on Mains performance are called for a Personality Test (Interview) carrying 75 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on combined scores of Mains (750) + Interview (75) = 825 total marks. Document verification is conducted before the final appointment order.
APPSC Group 1 vs UPSC Civil Services 2026 — Key Differences
| Parameter | APPSC Group 1 2026 | UPSC Civil Services 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Andhra Pradesh PSC | Union Public Service Commission |
| Service Level | State Government (AP) | Central / All India Services |
| Total Vacancies (2026) | 163 | ~1,000+ (varies annually) |
| Salary Range | Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,51,370/month | Rs.56,100 – Rs.2,50,000/month |
| Age Limit (General) | 18–42 Years | 21–32 Years |
| Stages of Selection | Prelims + Mains + Interview | Prelims + Mains + Interview |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR + Descriptive) | Offline (OMR + Descriptive) |
| Language Medium | Telugu / English | English / Hindi + Regional |
| Posting Location | Andhra Pradesh only | All India / posted anywhere |
| Competition Level | High (state-level) | Very High (national-level) |
For candidates rooted in Andhra Pradesh who want a senior administrative career closer to home, APPSC Group 1 2026 is the stronger choice. The higher upper age limit of 42 years gives working professionals and older graduates a genuine window that UPSC does not. If an all-India posting and IAS/IPS status are your goal, pursue UPSC alongside — the syllabus overlap is substantial.
Pros and Cons of Joining APPSC Group 1 Services
Advantages
- ✅ High salary: Rs.54,060 – Rs.1,51,370/month with regular increments and DA revisions.
- ✅ Job security: Permanent government employment with pensionary benefits under NPS.
- ✅ Social prestige: Deputy Collector, DSP, and similar posts carry significant authority and community respect.
- ✅ High age limit: Upper limit of 42 years allows experienced candidates a genuine shot at senior roles.
- ✅ Career growth: Clear promotion ladder from Group 1 entry to IAS-equivalent senior posts through AP cadre promotions.
- ✅ State posting: Postings within Andhra Pradesh — ideal for candidates wanting to stay close to family and home state.
Disadvantages
- ❌ Extremely high competition: Lakhs of graduates compete for just 163 seats — acceptance rate is under 0.5%.
- ❌ Long selection timeline: The three-stage process (Prelims → Mains → Interview) can stretch over 18–24 months.
- ❌ State-level posting only: Unlike UPSC IAS/IPS, APPSC Group 1 postings are limited to Andhra Pradesh.
- ❌ Intensive preparation required: Broad syllabus covering Telugu/Indian history, polity, economy, science — demands 12–18 months of dedicated study.
Important Terms Related to APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
- APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission): The constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants for the AP state government. Headquartered in Vijayawada.
- Group 1 Services: The highest tier of state civil services in AP, equivalent in prestige to UPSC-recruited IAS/IPS posts but at the state cadre level.
- OTPR (One-Time Profile Registration): Mandatory one-time registration on the APPSC portal required before applying for any APPSC examination. All future applications use this same profile.
- Pay Scale (7th Pay Commission): The salary structure implemented by the AP government; APPSC Group 1 basic pay ranges from Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,51,370 depending on post level.
- Preliminary Examination (Screening Test): The first-stage objective OMR exam (240 marks) used to shortlist candidates for the Mains — marks from this stage do not count in final merit.
- Mains Examination: The 750-mark descriptive exam that determines the primary merit ranking; includes Telugu and English qualifying papers and five scored papers.
- Personality Test / Interview: The final 75-mark stage evaluating candidate suitability, communication, and administrative aptitude before final selection.
- DA (Dearness Allowance): A cost-of-living supplement added to basic pay and revised periodically; significantly increases effective monthly take-home.
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): City-classification-based rent supplement; higher for urban postings like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
- NPS (National Pension System): The pension framework under which new AP government recruits (post-2004) accumulate retirement corpus with equal employee and government contributions.
APPSC Group 1 2026 — Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Released | 15 September 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Available | On or before 6 October 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 6 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | To be announced (check psc.ap.gov.in) |
| Mains Exam Date | To be announced after Prelims |
| Interview / Personality Test | After Mains results |
Important Links — APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official APPSC Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
| Apply Online Portal | portal-psc.ap.gov.in — Recruitment Notifications |
| Download Official Notification PDF | APPSC Notification No. 07/2026 — Download Here |
| Join Agrijob Telegram for Job Alerts | t.me/agrijob_in |
| More AP Government Jobs 2026 | Agrijob.in — Latest Sarkari Naukri |
Conclusion — Should You Apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 is one of the most significant state government recruitment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh this year — offering 163 vacancies for Deputy Collectors, DSPs, DEOs, and other senior posts with salaries between Rs.54,060 and Rs.1,51,370 per month. The application window is open from 6 October to 27 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in.
If you are a graduate aged 18–42 with ambitions in AP state administration, this is your best chance in 2026. Apply before the deadline, download the detailed notification once released, and begin your preparation for the Preliminary Examination immediately. Bookmark this page — we update it whenever APPSC releases exam dates, admit cards, and result notices.
- APPSC released 163 Group 1 vacancies on 15 September 2026 via Notification No. 07/2026 — the highest AP Group 1 vacancy count in recent cycles.
- Salary ranges from Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,51,370/month under the 7th Pay Commission plus DA, HRA, TA, and pension benefits.
- Any graduate aged 18–42 with a Bachelor’s Degree from a UGC-recognised university can apply; reserved categories get up to 10 years age relaxation.
- Application fee is Rs.370 for General candidates and Rs.250 for SC/ST/BC/PwBD/White Ration Card holders — pay online only.
- Apply at portal-psc.ap.gov.in between 6 October and 27 October 2026 — last date is firm at 11:59 PM.
- Selection is a three-stage process: Preliminary (240 marks, OMR) → Mains (750 marks, descriptive) → Interview (75 marks) = 825 total merit marks.
Frequently Asked Questions About APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
What is APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 is a state civil services examination conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission to fill 163 senior government posts including Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, District Educational Officers, and Divisional Development Officers across AP. The notification was released on 15 September 2026 as Brief Notification No. 07/2026.
How many vacancies are there in APPSC Group 1 2026?
A total of 163 provisional vacancies have been announced across 13 post categories. The largest vacancy blocks are DSP (Civil) Cat-II with 36 posts and Divisional Development Officer with 35 posts. Community-wise breakup (OC/BC/SC/ST/EWS) will be available in the detailed notification released on or before 6 October 2026.
What is the APPSC Group 1 salary in 2026?
APPSC Group 1 salary 2026 ranges from Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,51,370 per month (basic pay scale) depending on the post. Deputy Collectors, Assistant Commissioners of State Tax, and DSPs are in the Rs.61,960–Rs.1,51,370 bracket. In practice, monthly gross emoluments including DA and HRA typically reach Rs.80,000–Rs.1,20,000+ for most post categories at entry level.
What is the age limit for APPSC Group 1 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 42 years for all categories. SC/ST/BC/EWS candidates receive 5 years relaxation, PwBD candidates receive 10 years, and Ex-Servicemen receive 3 years plus the length of armed forces service. NCC Instructors are eligible for 9 years relaxation. Age is calculated as of the notification date (15 September 2026).
What is the application fee for APPSC Group 1 2026?
General candidates must pay Rs.370 (Rs.250 processing fee + Rs.120 examination fee). SC, ST, BC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, White Ration Card holders, and candidates eligible under G.O.Ms.No.439 pay only Rs.250 (processing fee only) since they are exempt from the examination fee. Payment must be made online through the APPSC portal — no offline mode.
What is the last date to apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?
The last date to submit the APPSC Group 1 online application is 27 October 2026 by 11:59 PM. Applications open from 6 October 2026. Candidates should complete their OTPR (One-Time Profile Registration) well before the deadline, as portal congestion is common in the final days before closing.
What is the APPSC Group 1 selection process?
APPSC Group 1 2026 selection follows three stages: (1) Preliminary Examination — an OMR-based screening test of 240 marks (not counted in final merit); (2) Mains Examination — 750 descriptive marks spread across 5 papers plus 2 qualifying language papers; and (3) Personality Test (Interview) — 75 marks. Final merit is calculated on 825 marks (750 Mains + 75 Interview).
Where can I apply for APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
Applications can be submitted only online at the official APPSC portal: portal-psc.ap.gov.in. The direct link to the notification and online application form is available under the Recruitment Notifications section. You can also download the official notification PDF from the same portal.
What educational qualification is required for APPSC Group 1 2026?
Most Group 1 posts require a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university completed before 27 October 2026. Specific posts have additional requirements: DSP (Communications) needs a B.E./B.Tech in ECE or related field; Assistant Treasury/Accounts Officer needs a degree in Commerce, Economics, or Mathematics with second-class standing or a CA qualification. Check the detailed notification for post-specific requirements.
Is the APPSC Group 1 exam conducted in Telugu or English?
The Preliminary Examination question papers are available in both Telugu and English. The Mains Examination includes a mandatory Telugu language qualifying paper (Paper I) and an English qualifying paper (Paper II). The five scored Mains papers (General Essay, History & Geography, Polity, Economy, Science) can be attempted in Telugu or English as per the candidate’s choice.
Is APPSC Group 1 better than UPSC Civil Services for AP candidates?
For candidates who prefer state-based postings in Andhra Pradesh, a higher age limit (up to 42 vs 32 for UPSC general category), and a state-specific administrative career, APPSC Group 1 2026 is the better practical choice. The syllabus overlaps significantly with UPSC, so aspiring for both simultaneously is a smart strategy. UPSC remains superior for all-India services and IAS/IPS designations.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Vacancy counts and eligibility details are based on APPSC Brief Notification No. 07/2026 dated 15 September 2026. The detailed notification with community-wise breakup and complete conditions will be released on or before 6 October 2026. Always verify data from the official APPSC website at psc.ap.gov.in before applying. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official recruitment advice.





