APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 – 163 Vacancies, Rs.61,960 Salary, Apply Now

APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026

APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 has been officially released on 15 September 2026 by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) on its portal psc.ap.gov.in, announcing 163 vacancies across 13 Group 1 administrative services. This guide is for graduates across Andhra Pradesh who are targeting prestigious state civil service posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, Deputy Registrar, and Municipal Commissioner. Below, you will find every critical detail — vacancy breakdown, eligibility, salary, application process, exam pattern, and important dates — all in one place.

✅ Quick Answer
The APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 was released on 15 September 2026 for 163 vacancies (Advt. No. 07/2026). Online applications open from 16 October to 27 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in. Selected candidates earn a pay scale of Rs.54,060–Rs.1,51,370 per month with allowances, making total in-hand salary Rs.85,000–Rs.1,20,000+.
📋 APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 — Key Facts at a Glance
  • Conducting Body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
  • Advertisement No.: 07/2026
  • Notification Date: 15 September 2026
  • Total Vacancies: 163 (across 13 Group 1 services)
  • Application Start Date: 16 October 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 27 October 2026
  • Application Fee (General): Rs.370 (Processing Rs.250 + Exam Rs.120)
  • Application Fee (SC/ST/BC/PwBD): Rs.250 (exam fee exempted)
  • Age Limit: 18–42 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university
  • Pay Scale: 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?

APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026
APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026

The APPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 is a state-level civil services examination conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission to fill senior administrative posts in various departments of the Andhra Pradesh Government. Widely regarded as the state equivalent of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, it recruits officers for gazetted Group 1 posts such as Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Municipal Commissioner, Deputy Registrar, and District Educational Officer. The 2026 cycle, notified under Advertisement No. 07/2026, covers 163 vacancies across 13 services — making it one of the most significant Group 1 drives in recent years.

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission was established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution and functions as the primary state-level body for civil service recruitment. Its Group 1 examination is a three-stage process — Preliminary Screening Test, Main Examination, and Interview — and final selection is based on aggregate merit in Mains and Interview combined (825 total marks). The notification was published at psc.ap.gov.in on 15 September 2026, with detailed conditions expected by 6 October 2026.

Who Should Apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?

This recruitment is ideal for a specific set of candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and aspire to serve in senior Andhra Pradesh government roles. Check if you fall into any of the profiles below:

  • 🎓 Fresh graduates who hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university and are aged 21–42 years.
  • 🏛️ Andhra Pradesh domicile candidates looking to secure prestigious administrative posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, or District Registrar in their home state.
  • 📚 UPSC aspirants who want a parallel State PSC opportunity with significant syllabus overlap — especially General Studies, Polity, Economy, and AP-specific topics.
  • 👮 Law enforcement aspirants targeting the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2 post, which has the highest vacancy of 36 seats in this cycle.
  • 🏢 Commerce or economics graduates eligible for Assistant Treasury Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer and Assistant Audit Officer posts with specific qualification requirements.
  • Engineering (Fire) graduates who want to apply for District Fire Officer positions under the State Disaster Response service.
  • 🎯 SC/ST/BC candidates who benefit from application fee exemption on the exam component and age relaxation of 5 years beyond the general upper limit.
  • Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) who receive a 10-year age relaxation and fee concession, broadening access to these prestigious roles.

APPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026 — Post-wise Breakdown

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission has announced a total of 163 vacancies for 13 Group 1 posts under various state government departments. The post-wise vacancy distribution as per the official brief notification (Advt. No. 07/2026) is given below. Final vacancy numbers including category-wise and reservation breakdowns will be published in the detailed notification on or before 6 October 2026.

Name of the Post / ServiceVacancies
Deputy Collectors – A.P. Civil Service (Executive Branch)11
Assistant Commissioner of State Tax – A.P. State Tax Service14
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2 – A.P. Police Service36
DSP (Communications) – A.P. Police Service03
District Educational Officer – A.P. Educational Service14
Regional Transport Officers – A.P. Transport Service03
District Tribal Welfare Officer – A.P. Tribal Welfare Service01
Deputy Registrar – A.P. Cooperative Service15
Municipal Commissioner Grade-II – A.P. Municipal Administration Service12
Assistant Treasury Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer – A.P. Treasury & Accounts Service02
District Employment Officer – A.P. Employment Exchange Service03
Assistant Audit Officer – A.P. State Audit Service14
Divisional Development Officer – A.P. Panchayat Raj Service35
Total163

APPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before applying, every candidate must verify the APPSC Group 1 eligibility criteria 2026 carefully. The three main eligibility parameters are educational qualification, age limit, and nationality. Meeting all three is mandatory; failure on any count leads to rejection of the application at any stage of the process.

Educational Qualification

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a university established or recognised under a Central Act, State Act, or Provincial Act, or an institution recognised by the UGC.
  • For Assistant Treasury Officer / AAO: Degree in Commerce, Economics, or Mathematics (second class minimum) OR Chartered Accountancy qualification from India or the UK.
  • For District Fire Officer: B.E. (Fire Engineering) from a UGC-recognised university; if unavailable, any degree is considered.
  • For District Social Welfare Officer: Bachelor’s degree with preference for Sociology or Social Work graduates.
  • The qualifying degree must be completed on or before the last date of application, i.e., 27 October 2026.

Age Limit

CategoryMinimum AgeMaximum AgeAge Relaxation
General / Unreserved18 years42 yearsNone
SC / ST / BCs / EWS18 years42 years5 years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)18 years42 years10 years
Ex-Servicemen18 years42 years3 years + length of service rendered
NCC Instructors18 years42 years9 years
Regular A.P. State Government Employees18 years42 yearsLength of regular service, up to 5 years
Retrenched Temporary Employees (State Census)18 years42 years3 years

Nationality

Candidates must be Indian citizens. Certain posts may additionally require the candidate to be of Andhra Pradesh origin or have local area domicile — the detailed notification (expected by 6 October 2026) will confirm post-specific residence requirements.

APPSC Group 1 Salary 2026 — Pay Scale and In-Hand Pay

The APPSC Group 1 Salary 2026 is governed by the Andhra Pradesh Revised Pay Scales 2022 (AP RPS 2022), issued via G.O.Ms.No.29 dated 20 February 2022. In addition to the basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits — making the total monthly in-hand package highly competitive among state government roles.

Post NamePay Scale (per month)
Deputy Collector – A.P. Civil ServiceRs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370
Assistant Commissioner of State TaxRs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2Rs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370
DSP (Communications) – A.P. Police ServiceRs.61,960 – Rs.1,51,370
District Educational OfficerRs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760
Regional Transport OfficerRs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760
District Tribal Welfare OfficerRs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760
Deputy Registrar – A.P. Cooperative ServiceRs.57,100 – Rs.1,47,760
Municipal Commissioner Grade-IIRs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540
Assistant Treasury Officer / AAORs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540
District Employment OfficerRs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540
Assistant Audit Officer – A.P. State AuditRs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540
Divisional Development Officer – Panchayat RajRs.54,060 – Rs.1,40,540

Approximate monthly in-hand salary (after DA, HRA, TA additions and NPS/professional tax deductions): Rs.85,000 – Rs.1,20,000 for Deputy Collector / DSP level posts. Officers also receive non-monetary perks including official vehicle for certain roles, government accommodation eligibility, medical benefits under the state health scheme, and a structured career promotion pathway from Deputy Collector → Joint Collector → Collector and beyond.

APPSC Group 1 Application Fee 2026

CategoryProcessing FeeExamination FeeTotal Fee
General CandidatesRs.250Rs.120Rs.370
SC / ST / BC / PwBD / Ex-ServicemenRs.250ExemptedRs.250
Candidates with White Ration CardRs.250ExemptedRs.250
Unemployed Youth (as per G.O.Ms.No.439)Rs.250ExemptedRs.250

How to Apply for APPSC Group 1 2026 — Step-by-Step Process

The APPSC Group 1 Apply Online 2026 window opens on 16 October 2026 and closes on 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. All applications are submitted exclusively through the official APPSC portal. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Visit the official APPSC website at psc.ap.gov.in.
  2. Complete One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) if you are a new user. Existing OTPR holders can log in directly with their registration credentials.
  3. Log in and navigate to the APPSC Group 1 2026 (Advt. No. 07/2026) notification link.
  4. Fill out the APPSC Group 1 Application Form 2026 carefully with personal, educational, and contact details.
  5. Upload required documents — recent passport-size photograph, signature, and any supporting certificates (caste, PwBD, etc.) in the specified format and size.
  6. Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit card, or credit card as per your category.
  7. Review all details thoroughly before final submission — corrections post-submission may not be permitted.
  8. Submit the form and download the confirmation page / acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
  9. Save and print the application form for your records. Admit cards will be available on the APPSC portal before the Preliminary Examination.
💡 Pro Tip
Complete your OTPR (One Time Profile Registration) well before 16 October 2026 to avoid last-minute technical issues. APPSC portals experience heavy traffic near the deadline. Apply in the first week of the window to ensure smooth submission and sufficient time for corrections if needed. Also double-check your caste certificate details — discrepancies between your certificate and application form are a leading cause of candidature cancellation at the verification stage.

APPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 — Prelims and Mains

The APPSC Group 1 2026 exam is conducted in three stages. The Preliminary Screening Test is objective and qualifying in nature — its marks are not counted in the final merit list. The Mains Examination is descriptive and determines merit along with the Interview. The total score that decides final selection is 825 marks (Mains 750 + Interview 75).

Preliminary Examination

PaperSubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
Paper IGeneral Studies (History & Culture, Polity, Economy, Geography)120120120 Minutes
Paper IIGeneral Aptitude (Mental Ability, Science & Technology, Current Affairs)120120120 Minutes

Negative marking of 1/3rd mark applies for each wrong answer in Prelims. The Preliminary Examination is purely a screening test — only candidates who clear the Prelims cut-off are eligible for the Mains Examination.

Mains Examination

PaperSubjectMarksDurationType
Qualifying Paper ITelugu Language150180 MinutesQualifying
Qualifying Paper IIEnglish Language150180 MinutesQualifying
Paper IGeneral Essay150180 MinutesMerit
Paper IIHistory, Culture & Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh150180 MinutesMerit
Paper IIIPolity, Constitution, Governance, Law & Ethics150180 MinutesMerit
Paper IVEconomy & Development of India and Andhra Pradesh150180 MinutesMerit
Paper VScience, Technology & Environmental Issues150180 MinutesMerit
InterviewPersonality Test75Merit
Total Merit Marks825

APPSC Group 1 Selection Process 2026

The APPSC Group 1 selection process 2026 consists of three sequential stages. Candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of aggregate marks in Mains (Paper I to Paper V) and the Interview (Personality Test) combined.

  • Stage 1 — Preliminary Screening Test: Objective MCQ papers (Paper I and Paper II), 240 marks total, qualifying nature only. Negative marking applies (1/3 per wrong answer).
  • Stage 2 — Mains Examination: Descriptive examination with 5 merit papers (750 marks) and 2 qualifying language papers (Telugu and English). Mains is the primary merit determinant.
  • Stage 3 — Interview / Personality Test: Conducted for candidates shortlisted from Mains. Carries 75 marks and assesses personality, leadership, analytical ability, and suitability for administrative roles.
  • Final Selection: Merit list prepared based on Mains + Interview aggregate (825 marks). Document verification follows merit list publication.

APPSC Group 1 vs UPSC CSE — Key Differences at a Glance

ParameterAPPSC Group 1 2026UPSC Civil Services Exam
Conducting BodyAndhra Pradesh Public Service CommissionUnion Public Service Commission
JurisdictionAndhra Pradesh StateAll India (Central Services)
Total Vacancies (2026)163~1,000+ (varies)
Age Limit (General)18–42 years21–32 years
Application Fee (General)Rs.370Rs.100
Prelims Papers2 papers (240 marks)2 papers (400 marks)
Mains Papers7 papers (5 merit + 2 qualifying)9 papers (7 merit + 2 qualifying)
Interview Marks75 marks275 marks
Total Merit Score825 marks2,025 marks
Optional Subject in MainsNo optional paperOne optional subject (2 papers)
Entry Pay ScaleRs.54,060–Rs.1,51,370Rs.56,100–Rs.1,77,500 (IAS)
🔵 Expert Verdict
For candidates targeting a prestigious administrative career within Andhra Pradesh, the APPSC Group 1 2026 is the stronger choice due to its higher upper age limit (42 years vs UPSC’s 32 years), no optional subject requirement in Mains, and direct placement in senior state government roles. UPSC aspirants should simultaneously prepare for APPSC Group 1 given the significant syllabus overlap — both exams cover Indian Polity, History, Economy, Geography, and Current Affairs. The additional AP-specific topics in APPSC Mains are manageable with 4–6 weeks of focused state-specific preparation.

Pros and Cons of APPSC Group 1 Posts 2026

Advantages

  • High salary: In-hand pay of Rs.85,000–Rs.1,20,000/month for top posts, well above most private sector entry roles in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Job security: Permanent government employment with pension (NPS) and medical benefits under the state health scheme.
  • Prestige and authority: Posts like Deputy Collector and DSP carry significant administrative power and public influence at the district level.
  • Higher age limit: Upper age of 42 years (general) gives working professionals and multiple-attempt candidates a longer preparation window than UPSC.
  • No optional subject: Mains does not require an optional paper, reducing the preparation burden compared to UPSC CSE.
  • Career growth: Structured promotion path from entry Group 1 roles to Joint Collector, District Collector, and senior IAS-equivalent positions over a career.

Disadvantages

  • Limited vacancies: Only 163 posts across all 13 services, making competition extremely intense for each seat.
  • Long cycle: The full process from notification to final posting typically spans 12–18 months, with Mains scheduled for December 2026 and results expected by February–March 2027.
  • Telugu language requirement: Telugu and English are qualifying papers in Mains; candidates not proficient in Telugu need additional preparation time for the language paper.
  • AP-specific syllabus: Mains papers include significant AP History, AP Economy, and AP Geography content that is not covered in standard UPSC preparation material.

Important Terms Related to APPSC Group 1 Exam 2026

  • APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission): The constitutional body under Article 315 that conducts Group 1, Group 2, and other state-level civil service exams for AP. Website: psc.ap.gov.in.
  • Group 1 Services: The highest category of Andhra Pradesh state civil services, covering gazetted posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, and Municipal Commissioner.
  • OTPR (One Time Profile Registration): Mandatory first step for APPSC applications — a one-time registration that stores candidate data for all future APPSC exams.
  • AP RPS 2022 (Revised Pay Scales 2022): The Andhra Pradesh government’s pay revision implemented via G.O.Ms.No.29 (February 2022) that governs the current salary structure for all Group 1 posts.
  • Preliminary Screening Test: The first stage of APPSC Group 1 — an objective MCQ exam (240 marks) that is qualifying in nature; scores are not counted in final merit.
  • Negative Marking: A deduction of 1/3 mark per wrong answer in the Prelims MCQ paper — incorrect answers reduce the total score, making selective answering a valid strategy.
  • NPS (National Pension System): New recruits under APPSC Group 1 are covered by the National Pension System rather than the old defined-benefit pension, with a monthly deduction contributing to the pension corpus.
  • Personality Test / Interview: The final stage of APPSC Group 1, carrying 75 marks. Assesses leadership qualities, general awareness, communication, and administrative aptitude.
  • Deputy Collector: The most coveted post under APPSC Group 1 — a gazetted officer responsible for revenue administration, law and order, and welfare at the sub-division level under the Collector.
  • DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police): A senior police officer post under APPSC Group 1 with 36 vacancies in 2026 — the largest single-post vacancy in this cycle, making it the most popular choice among candidates.

Important Dates — APPSC Group 1 2026 Timeline

EventDate
Official Notification Released (Brief)15 September 2026
Detailed Notification (Eligibility / Reservation details)On or before 6 October 2026
Online Application Opens16 October 2026
Last Date to Apply Online27 October 2026 (11:59 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment27 October 2026
Preliminary Exam (Tentative)December 2026
Mains Examination (Tentative)19 December 2026 and 26 December 2026
Interview / Personality Test (Tentative)February 2027
Final Selection List (Tentative)28 February 2027
Link NameURL
APPSC Official Websitepsc.ap.gov.in
APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 PDFDownload at psc.ap.gov.in (Advt. 07/2026)
APPSC Group 1 Apply Online 2026Apply at psc.ap.gov.in (opens 16 Oct 2026)
Andhra Pradesh Government Official Portalap.gov.in
More Government Jobs — Agrijob.inagrijob.in
State Government Jobs 2026 on Agrijob.inagrijob.in/category/government-jobs/

Conclusion

The APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 presents a landmark opportunity for Andhra Pradesh graduates aspiring to join the state’s premier administrative services. With 163 vacancies across 13 Group 1 posts — including Deputy Collector, DSP, Deputy Registrar, and Divisional Development Officer — and a competitive salary of Rs.54,060–Rs.1,51,370 per month, this recruitment is among the most sought-after state government opportunities of 2026. Apply online between 16 and 27 October 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in, and begin your Prelims preparation immediately — the exam window is tight. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on admit cards, Prelims dates, and result announcements as they are released by APPSC.

📌 Key Takeaways
  • APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 is officially out (15 Sept 2026) with 163 vacancies under Advt. No. 07/2026.
  • Online application window: 16 October to 27 October 2026 — only 12 days, so apply early at psc.ap.gov.in.
  • Top posts (Deputy Collector, DSP) carry a pay scale of Rs.61,960–Rs.1,51,370 with in-hand salary of Rs.85,000–Rs.1,20,000+.
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, age 18–42 years (general); SC/ST/BC get 5-year relaxation.
  • Selection is through 3 stages: Prelims (qualifying) → Mains (750 marks) → Interview (75 marks) = 825 total merit marks.
  • DSP (Civil) has the highest vacancy at 36 seats; Divisional Development Officer (Panchayat Raj) follows with 35 seats.

Frequently Asked Questions About APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026

Has the APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 been officially released?

Yes. The APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 (Brief) was officially released on 15 September 2026 by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission on its official website psc.ap.gov.in under Advertisement No. 07/2026. The detailed notification with full eligibility conditions and reservation details is expected on or before 6 October 2026.

How many vacancies have been announced in APPSC Group 1 2026?

A total of 163 vacancies have been announced across 13 Group 1 services in the Andhra Pradesh Government. The largest single-post vacancy is for Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2 with 36 seats, followed by Divisional Development Officer with 35 seats.

What is the last date to apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?

The last date to apply online for APPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 is 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The application window opens on 16 October 2026. Fee payment must also be completed by 27 October 2026. No extensions have been announced as of the notification date.

What is the salary for APPSC Group 1 officers in 2026?

The APPSC Group 1 Salary 2026 ranges from Rs.54,060 to Rs.1,51,370 per month (basic pay) as per AP RPS 2022. Posts like Deputy Collector and DSP fall in the higher range of Rs.61,960–Rs.1,51,370. With Dearness Allowance, HRA, and Travel Allowance included, the total monthly in-hand pay typically ranges between Rs.85,000 and Rs.1,20,000.

What is the age limit for APPSC Group 1 2026?

The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 42 years for general category candidates. SC/ST/BC and EWS candidates receive a 5-year age relaxation. PwBD candidates get 10 years of relaxation. Ex-Servicemen receive 3 years plus their service period as relaxation.

What educational qualification is required for APPSC Group 1 2026?

A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a university established or recognised under a Central Act, State Act, or Provincial Act, or an institution recognised by the UGC is required. Certain posts like Assistant Treasury Officer/AAO require a specific degree in Commerce, Economics, or Mathematics. The degree must be completed before 27 October 2026.

What is the application fee for APPSC Group 1 2026?

General category candidates must pay a total fee of Rs.370 (Rs.250 processing fee + Rs.120 examination fee). SC/ST/BC/PwBD candidates and those holding a White Ration Card pay only Rs.250 (processing fee only; examination fee is exempted). Fee must be paid online during the application process.

What is the APPSC Group 1 selection process 2026?

The APPSC Group 1 2026 selection process has three stages: (1) Preliminary Screening Test (objective, qualifying only), (2) Mains Examination (descriptive, 750 merit marks across 5 papers + 2 qualifying language papers), and (3) Interview / Personality Test (75 marks). Final merit is based on Mains + Interview = 825 marks.

Is there negative marking in APPSC Group 1 Prelims?

Yes. The APPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination carries negative marking of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. Candidates should attempt questions selectively to avoid losing marks on guessed responses. This makes accuracy more important than attempting all 240 questions in the Prelims.

Can candidates from outside Andhra Pradesh apply for APPSC Group 1 2026?

All Indian citizens who meet the educational qualification and age criteria are eligible to apply. However, certain posts may have local area / domicile requirements specific to Andhra Pradesh residents. The detailed notification (expected by 6 October 2026) will confirm post-wise residency conditions. Candidates should check the detailed notification at psc.ap.gov.in before applying.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest APPSC Group 1 2026 updates including admit card dates, Prelims results, and Mains schedule.

⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. The vacancy count of 163 reflects the official brief notification released on 15 September 2026. Detailed eligibility conditions, category-wise vacancy breakdown, and reservation details will be published in the detailed notification on or before 6 October 2026. Always verify information from the official APPSC website at psc.ap.gov.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission.