APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026 covers two objective papers — General Studies and Mental Ability (150 marks) and Geology (150 marks) — for 36 vacancies in the A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service under Notification No. 32/2026. This guide is for B.Sc Geology graduates aged 18–44 who want a government job paying Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910 per month and are preparing for the CBRT exam announced by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). Below you will find the complete topic-wise syllabus, exam pattern, previous cut-off trends, category-wise minimum qualifying marks, and a proven 90-day preparation strategy.
The APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 exam (Notification 32/2026) consists of 2 CBRT papers — Paper I: General Studies & Mental Ability (150 questions, 150 marks, 150 min) and Paper II: Geology (150 questions, 150 marks, 150 min) — totalling 300 marks. Minimum qualifying marks are 40% for OC, 35% for BC, and 30% for SC/ST. The pay scale is Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910.
- Notification No.: 32/2026 (Dated: 13 October 2026)
- Recruiting Body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
- Post: Technical Assistant, A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service
- Total Vacancies: 36 (Provisional)
- Pay Scale: Rs.35,570 – Rs.1,09,910 per month
- Qualification: B.Sc in Geology from a recognised university
- Age Limit: 18–44 years (as on 01/07/2026)
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) — Objective Type
- Total Questions: 300 | Total Marks: 300 | Duration: 300 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer
- Application Dates: 6 November 2026 to 26 November 2026
- Official Website: psc.ap.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
- Who Should Apply for APPSC Technical Assistant?
- Salary and Pay Scale Details
- Eligibility Criteria and Application Fee
- APPSC Technical Assistant Exam Pattern 2026
- Paper I Syllabus: General Studies and Mental Ability
- Paper II Syllabus: Geology (All 4 Parts)
- Previous Cut-Off Marks — Category and Post Wise
- APPSC Technical Assistant vs Other APPSC Geology Posts
- Pros and Cons of APPSC Technical Assistant Post
- Important Terms Related to APPSC Technical Assistant
- 90-Day Strategy to Crack APPSC Technical Assistant 2026
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
The APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 is a direct recruitment to a Non-Gazetted Group B post in the A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service under the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. Under Notification No. 32/2026 dated 13 October 2026, APPSC has announced 36 provisional vacancies for the Technical Assistant post across the state’s Directorate of Mines and Geology. The role involves fieldwork in geological surveys, mineral exploration, inspection of mining operations, and supporting district-level geological assessments under the supervision of senior officers. This is a degree-level CBRT with no separate screening test, making it accessible to all eligible B.Sc Geology graduates in a single attempt.
The post belongs to the 7th Pay Commission revised pay structure and offers strong job security, allowances, pension benefits, and career advancement within the Andhra Pradesh state services. For geology graduates looking to enter government service, this is one of the most specific and well-paying sub-service examinations conducted by APPSC.
Who Should Apply for APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
- 🎓 B.Sc Geology graduates (2023–2026 passouts): Fresher geology graduates who want their first government job immediately after degree completion.
- 📚 Final-year B.Sc Geology students: Students in their final year (graduating by November 2026) who want to appear in the exam and complete verification later.
- 🧑💼 Candidates who appeared for GATE Geology/Geophysics: GATE aspirants who want a parallel government job option with degree-level preparation.
- 🏛️ Previous APPSC/TSPSC attempt holders (Geology): Candidates who have already prepared for geology-based PSC exams and want to utilise their preparation.
- 🗺️ Andhra Pradesh domicile candidates: Local candidates who qualify under local reservation rules have a significant advantage in zone-based allocation.
- ♿ PwBD candidates (Geology-capable roles): Persons with benchmark disabilities who meet the qualifying mark threshold of 30% under reservation rules.
- 👩🔬 Women geology graduates (AP state): Female candidates benefit from separate horizontal reservation within each category and should apply without hesitation.
- 🛡️ Ex-servicemen with science backgrounds: Former defence personnel who completed B.Sc Geology through distance education can apply under Ex-Servicemen quota.
APPSC Technical Assistant Salary and Pay Scale 2026
The APPSC Technical Assistant post in Mines and Geology Sub-Service carries a revised pay scale of Rs.35,570 – Rs.1,09,910 as per the AP 7th Pay Commission structure. At entry level, the basic pay starts at Rs.35,570 per month, with annual increments built into the pay band. Along with the basic pay, the candidate receives Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Allowance, and other state government benefits.
| Salary Component | Approximate Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Entry Level) | 35,570 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) ~44% | ~15,650 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) ~10–12% | ~3,600–4,300 |
| Medical Allowance | ~500–1,000 |
| Other Allowances | ~1,000–2,000 |
| Estimated Gross In-Hand (Approx.) | Rs.55,000–Rs.60,000/month |
| Maximum Pay Scale (Top of Band) | Rs.1,09,910 |
The in-hand salary varies slightly by posting zone (urban/rural HRA difference) and DA revision cycles. As per AP Government orders, DA is revised twice a year, which pushes gross pay upward over time. The post also qualifies for contributory pension under the AP Government employees’ scheme and 30 days earned leave annually.
APPSC Technical Assistant Eligibility Criteria and Fee 2026
Before applying, verify that you meet all eligibility conditions specified in the official Notification 32/2026 published by APPSC on 13 October 2026. Failing to meet even one condition can lead to rejection at the document verification stage.
- Educational Qualification: Must possess a B.Sc Degree in Geology from any recognised University as per APPSC norms. The detailed notification will specify the minimum percentage or class required.
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years and Maximum 44 years, reckoned as on 01/07/2026.
- Age Relaxation: SC/ST/BC categories receive relaxation as per AP Government rules; Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates also receive statutory relaxation.
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India; AP domicile for local candidate reservations.
- Criminal Records: Candidates with criminal records and those dismissed from service are not eligible.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (%) | Minimum Marks out of 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Open Category (OC/UR) | 40% | 120 marks |
| Backward Classes (BC) | 35% | 105 marks |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 30% | 90 marks |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 30% | 90 marks |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | As per APPSC rules | As specified in notification |
Note: Application fee details will be released in the Detailed Notification expected on or before 6 November 2026. Typically, SC/ST/PH candidates and BC candidates face lower fee requirements. Always verify the exact fee from the official APPSC portal at psc.ap.gov.in before payment.
APPSC Technical Assistant Exam Pattern 2026
The APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 exam is a single-stage Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) with no separate screening test. There are two objective papers, both set at degree standard, conducted on the same day in two sessions.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies and Mental Ability | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes |
| Paper II | Geology | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes |
| Total | — | 300 | 300 | 300 minutes (5 hours) |
- All questions are MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) in objective format.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer — avoid random guessing.
- Exam is conducted in online CBRT mode at designated centres across AP.
- If conducted in multiple sessions, normalization of scores will apply.
- There is no interview or viva component — final merit is based on CBRT score alone.
- Medium: Questions will be available in English and Telugu.
APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026 — Paper I: General Studies and Mental Ability
Paper I tests foundational knowledge of current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science, environment, and reasoning. Special emphasis is given to Andhra Pradesh-specific topics. Out of 150 questions, a significant portion focuses on AP state-level knowledge.
| Topic | Key Areas to Cover | Estimated Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | International, national, and AP-level events (last 12–18 months); government schemes, appointments, sports, economy news | High |
| General Science | Science in everyday life, IT developments, science-tech milestones 2024–2026, applied science | Medium |
| Indian History | Social, economic, cultural, political history; Indian National Movement; AP-specific history (Telangana movement, AP reorganisation) | High |
| Geography | Physical geography of India; AP geography — rivers, districts, minerals, climate, economic geography | High |
| Indian Polity and Governance | Constitutional provisions, amendments, SC/ST Acts, e-governance, AP governance reforms, local body structure | Medium |
| Indian Economy | GDP, inflation, budget highlights, Five-Year Plan legacy, NITI Aayog, AP economic data | Medium |
| Environment and Ecology | Sustainable development, climate change, pollution, AP environmental policies, disaster vulnerability of AP coastline | Low–Medium |
| Disaster Management | Cyclones and floods in AP, NDMA framework, GIS/remote sensing in disaster assessment, AP’s coastal vulnerability | Medium |
| Logical Reasoning | Coding-decoding, analogies, syllogisms, puzzles, blood relations, ranking, direction sense | High |
| Data Analysis | Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, mean, median, mode, variance, data interpretation sets | High |
APPSC heavily stresses Andhra Pradesh-specific GK in Paper I. Dedicate at least 25–30% of your Paper I preparation time to AP geography (especially district-level mineral deposits), AP history post-1956, AP government schemes (Jagananna schemes, AP Capital region), and AP current affairs. Use the AP State Government’s official press releases and ap.gov.in for authentic current information.
APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026 — Paper II: Geology (All 4 Parts)
Paper II is the core technical paper worth 150 marks, divided into 4 parts that mirror the B.Sc Geology curriculum across Indian universities. Mastery of this paper is what distinguishes successful candidates from the rest.
Part I: General Geology, Geomorphology and Structural Geology
| Sub-Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| General Geology | Solar system, Earth’s origin and age, internal constitution (crust, mantle, core), volcanoes (types, distribution, products), earthquakes (intensity, magnitude, causes), isostasy, geosynclines, mountain-building processes, continental drift theory, seafloor spreading, plate tectonics (all types of plate boundaries) |
| Geomorphology | Internal and external geomorphic processes, weathering (mechanical, chemical, biological), erosion cycles (Davis cycle), fluvial landforms (V-valley, meanders, peneplain), aeolian landforms (dunes, loess), marine landforms (cliffs, spits, bars), glacial landforms (cirque, moraines, drumlins), karst topography (caves, sinkholes), remote sensing basics |
| Structural and Field Geology | Primary and secondary structures, dip and strike, unconformities (angular, disconformity), fold types (anticline, syncline, recumbent), fault types (normal, reverse, thrust, strike-slip), joints, foliation, lineation, nappes and overthrusts, stereographic projection, equal-area nets, topographic map reading, geological cross-sections |
Part II: Crystallography, Mineralogy and Economic Geology
| Sub-Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Crystallography | Crystal systems (7 types), laws of crystallography (law of constancy of interfacial angles, Steno’s law), symmetry elements, interaction of light with crystals, petrological microscope components, Nicol prism, pleochroism, double refraction, extinction angle, birefringence, twinning, isotropic vs. anisotropic minerals, uniaxial and biaxial crystals |
| Mineralogy | Physical properties (colour, lustre, hardness, cleavage, fracture, specific gravity, streak) and optical properties of major rock-forming minerals: Quartz, Feldspar (orthoclase, plagioclase), Mica (muscovite, biotite), Pyroxene, Amphibole, Olivine, Garnet, Chlorite, Carbonates (calcite, dolomite), Aluminosilicates (kyanite, sillimanite, andalusite); silicate structures; crystal chemistry |
| Economic Geology | Ore minerals and gangue, ore deposit classification (magmatic, hydrothermal, sedimentary, residual, weathering), occurrence of Aluminium (bauxite — Andhra Pradesh deposits), Chromium, Copper, Gold (Kolar gold fields), Lead-Zinc (Rajpura-Dariba), Iron ore (Bellary-Hospet, Bailadila), Manganese, Radioactive minerals (uranium — Jaduguda), abrasives, refractories, ceramics minerals, coal (Gondwana coalfields), petroleum basins of India, mineral prospecting methods |
Part III: Petrology
| Sub-Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Igneous Petrology | Magma origin and types, Bowen’s Reaction Series (continuous and discontinuous), binary phase diagrams (diopside-anorthite), igneous rock textures (porphyritic, granular, glassy, ophitic), structures, classification (acidic, intermediate, basic, ultrabasic); granite, syenite, diorite, gabbro, basalt, dunite, peridotite, anorthosite, kimberlite, alkaline complexes |
| Sedimentary Petrology | Weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition; Wentworth scale; classification (clastic vs. chemical vs. organic); sedimentary structures (cross-bedding, graded bedding, ripple marks, rain prints); conglomerate, sandstone (quartz arenite, arkose, greywacke), shale, limestone, dolomite, coal, evaporites; provenance and tectonic setting analysis |
| Metamorphic Petrology | Types of metamorphism (contact, regional, dynamic), agents of metamorphism (temperature, pressure, fluid), metamorphic grades (low to high), index minerals (chlorite, biotite, garnet, staurolite, kyanite, sillimanite — Barrovian zones), metamorphic facies (zeolite, greenschist, amphibolite, granulite, eclogite), metamorphic textures (foliation, lineation, augen, porphyroblasts), metasomatism |
Part IV: Palaeontology and Stratigraphy
| Sub-Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Palaeontology | Fossilisation modes (permineralisation, mould, cast, compression), applications of fossils (biostratigraphy, palaeoecology, palaeogeography), index fossils; morphology and geological range of: Foraminiferida, Brachiopoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Cephalopoda (ammonites, nautiloids), Trilobita, Echinoidea, Anthozoa (corals); Gondwana flora (Glossopteris); Siwalik Group mammals |
| Stratigraphy | Steno’s laws, principle of superposition, original horizontality, lateral continuity; lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy; geological time scale (Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic eras and their periods); Physiographic divisions of India; Dharwar Supergroup (oldest rocks), Vindhyan Supergroup (Proterozoic), Gondwana Supergroup (Permian–Cretaceous coal-bearing), Siwalik Group (Miocene–Pleistocene mammals), Deccan Traps (Cretaceous basalts of AP), AP-specific stratigraphy |
APPSC Technical Assistant Previous Cut-Off Marks — Category and Post Wise
APPSC publishes official cut-off marks along with result notifications on its portal psc.ap.gov.in. The most recent Technical Assistant result for Mines and Geology Sub-Service was published under Notification No. 11/2022 (Result declared: December 2023 / January 2024). The cut-off for Notification 32/2026 will only be declared with the results, but the minimum qualifying marks are fixed by APPSC policy and the expected range can be estimated from past cycles.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (%) | Minimum Marks out of 300 | Expected Competitive Cut-Off (300 Marks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Category (OC/UR) | 40% | 120 | 190–215 |
| Backward Classes (BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E) | 35% | 105 | 175–200 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 30% | 90 | 165–185 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 30% | 90 | 155–175 |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | As per APPSC norms | As specified | Lower than ST; per notification |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per AP rules | As per notification | Applied within category quota |
Important note on cut-offs: The minimum qualifying marks (40% OC, 35% BC, 30% SC/ST) are the floor marks to have your name considered for a merit list. The actual competitive cut-off — the score of the last selected candidate — is always significantly higher than the minimum qualifying threshold. With only 36 vacancies for an exam open to all B.Sc Geology graduates across AP, competition is intense. In the 2022 notification cycle, the Technical Assistant (Mines and Geology) post attracted highly prepared candidates, and the final selection threshold for OC candidates ranged broadly depending on vacancy distribution.
For the 2019 notification cycle (Result: July 2021), the Technical Assistant in A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service result was declared via psc.ap.gov.in (Notification 15/2019, PC.NO.03). APPSC does not publish specific numeric cut-offs in a standalone document; they are embedded in the result PDFs. Based on subject-matter complexity of the Geology paper and competition trends, aspirants should target at least 210+ marks out of 300 for OC category and 190+ marks for BC category to be competitive.
APPSC Technical Assistant vs Other APPSC Mines & Geology Posts 2026
| Parameter | Technical Assistant (Notif. 32/2026) | Royalty Inspector (Notif. 33/2026) | Assistant Director Mines (Notif. 31/2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 36 | 9 | 1 |
| Pay Scale (Rs.) | 35,570 – 1,09,910 | 45,830 – 1,30,580 | 57,100 – 1,47,760 |
| Educational Qualification | B.Sc Geology | B.Sc Geology / Mining | B.E/B.Tech Mining Engineering |
| Paper II Subject | Geology (150 marks) | Geology (150 marks) | Mining Engineering (300 marks) |
| Total Exam Marks | 300 | 300 | 450 |
| Competition Level | High (36 seats) | Very High (9 seats) | Extremely High (1 seat) |
| Entry-level Gross Pay (Est.) | ~Rs.55,000–60,000/month | ~Rs.65,000–70,000/month | ~Rs.80,000–85,000/month |
| Best For | B.Sc Geology freshers; best vacancy count | Geology graduates wanting higher pay | Mining engineers only |
For B.Sc Geology graduates, the Technical Assistant post (Notification 32/2026) offers the best combination of vacancy count (36 posts) and qualification match. While the Royalty Inspector post pays more, it has only 9 seats, making it statistically far harder to crack. We recommend applying for both 32/2026 and 33/2026 simultaneously since the syllabus is nearly identical for the Geology paper.
Pros and Cons of the APPSC Technical Assistant Post
Advantages
- ✅ Stable government salary of Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910 with biannual DA revisions
- ✅ Only B.Sc Geology required — no postgraduate degree or GATE score needed
- ✅ Single-stage selection — no separate screening test or interview, reducing uncertainty
- ✅ 36 vacancies across AP — highest among all Mines and Geology posts in 2026
- ✅ Fieldwork and exploration exposure that builds career skills for UPSC Geology optional aspirants
- ✅ Job security, pension, and leave benefits under AP Government service rules
Disadvantages
- ❌ Negative marking of 1/3 per wrong answer makes random guessing costly — requires careful attempt strategy
- ❌ No interview round means a single bad day at CBRT can end your selection chance
- ❌ Limited promotions in sub-service compared to Group-I gazetted geology posts
- ❌ Remote posting likely in mining-active districts of AP (Kurnool, Anantapur, YSR Kadapa)
Important Terms Related to APPSC Technical Assistant Exam
- CBRT (Computer-Based Recruitment Test): Online MCQ exam conducted at designated centres; APPSC’s standard mode since 2022.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 of a question’s marks deducted for wrong answers; a candidate must answer confidently or skip.
- Normalisation: If CBRT is held in multiple sessions/shifts, raw scores are statistically adjusted to ensure fairness; affects cut-offs in multi-shift exams.
- OC / UR (Open Category): Unreserved general candidates; subject to the highest minimum qualifying mark of 40%.
- BC Categories (BC-A through BC-E): Five backward class sub-categories in AP with 35% qualifying threshold and defined reservation percentages per AP rule.
- Local Candidate: An AP-domicile candidate who studied in a particular zone for prescribed years; eligible for zone-specific reservations in Andhra Pradesh.
- Bowen’s Reaction Series: A foundational igneous petrology concept heavily tested in APPSC Geology paper — memorise both continuous (plagioclase) and discontinuous (olivine → pyroxene → amphibole → biotite) branches.
- Index Fossil: A fossil used to define and identify specific geological time periods; critical for the Palaeontology section of Paper II.
- Barrovian Metamorphic Zones: Defined by George Barrow in Scottish Highlands; standard classification of regional metamorphism tested in APPSC Paper II.
- Gondwana Supergroup: Permian–Cretaceous sequence in India containing major coal deposits; closely linked to AP’s stratigraphy and frequently tested.
90-Day Strategy to Crack APPSC Technical Assistant 2026
With applications closing on 26 November 2026 and the exam date yet to be announced, candidates likely have 3–5 months of preparation time. A focused 90-day schedule is enough to cover both papers if you already have a B.Sc Geology foundation.
- Week 1–2: Orientation and Baseline Assessment — Download the official Notification 32/2026 from psc.ap.gov.in, map each syllabus topic to your B.Sc textbooks, and take a baseline mock test to identify weak areas. Set realistic daily targets (4–5 hours for working candidates, 6–8 hours for full-time preparers).
- Week 3–6: Geology Core (Paper II, Parts I & II) — Cover General Geology (plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes) and Geomorphology first, then Structural Geology (folds, faults, maps). Simultaneously revise Crystallography, Mineralogy, and Economic Geology — these are the highest-scoring areas. Use F.G. Smith’s “Geological Data Analysis” and standard Indian geology textbooks (Bilgrami & Shaikh for minerals; Krishnan for Indian geology).
- Week 7–9: Geology Core (Paper II, Parts III & IV) — Master Petrology (Igneous: Bowen’s series, rock types; Sedimentary: classification and structures; Metamorphic: zones and facies). Then cover Palaeontology (fossils and their time ranges) and Indian Stratigraphy (Precambrian to Cenozoic, focusing on Gondwana and Siwalik Groups with AP relevance).
- Week 10–11: Paper I — General Studies Intensive — AP-specific GK: focus on AP geography (districts, minerals, rivers), AP history, AP government schemes (2023–2026). For current affairs, cover the last 12–18 months from The Hindu and AP government news. Revise Indian polity basics and economy fundamentals. Practice 50 reasoning and data analysis questions daily.
- Week 12: Mock Tests and Revision — Attempt full-length 300-question mock tests in timed 300-minute sessions to build stamina. Analyse every wrong answer. Revise economic geology (mineral occurrence in AP) and Indian stratigraphy once more. Review your weak Geology sub-topics from Paper II.
- Final 2 Weeks: Speed and Accuracy Drills — Focus on question-selection strategy: attempt confident questions first, skip doubtful ones, and return later. Practice eliminating 1–2 wrong options to improve guessing accuracy where 3-option elimination is possible. Target accuracy above 85% on strong topics, and 70% on average topics.
In a 150-question paper with 1/3 negative marking, attempting 130 questions with 90% accuracy gives 117 marks, but attempting 150 with 70% accuracy gives only 85 marks (105 correct − 20 penalty). Accuracy beats volume. Never attempt a question where you cannot eliminate at least 2 of 4 options. For Paper II (Geology), you should know each topic well enough to comfortably attempt 130–140 questions. For Paper I, be selective in reasoning and data interpretation — do not rush.
APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 — Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Released | 13 October 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Released | On or before 6 November 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 6 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 26 November 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Hall Ticket / Admit Card | To be announced |
| APPSC Technical Assistant Exam Date 2026 | To be announced — check psc.ap.gov.in |
| Result / Selection Notification | To be announced after exam |
Important Links — APPSC Technical Assistant 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| APPSC Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
| Apply Online (from 6 Nov 2026) | psc.ap.gov.in — Direct Recruitment Portal |
| Official Notification No. 32/2026 PDF | Download from psc.ap.gov.in |
| AP Mines and Geology Department | mines.ap.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal — AP Jobs | ncs.gov.in |
| Agrijob — APPSC Jobs Guide | APPSC 2026 Recruitment Complete Guide |
Conclusion
The APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 examination under Notification 32/2026 is a well-structured, single-stage CBRT that rewards candidates who combine strong Geology fundamentals with smart exam strategy. With 36 vacancies, a competitive pay scale of Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910, and a syllabus that directly mirrors the B.Sc Geology curriculum, this is one of the most accessible government geology posts in Andhra Pradesh. Apply before the deadline of 26 November 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in, secure your admit card, and begin your structured 90-day preparation today — bookmark this page as we update it whenever APPSC releases the exam date or hall ticket.
- APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 (Notification 32/2026) has 36 vacancies in A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service with a pay scale of Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910.
- Exam is a single-stage CBRT with 300 questions in 300 minutes — Paper I: General Studies (150 marks) and Paper II: Geology (150 marks).
- Negative marking of 1/3 per wrong answer — always prioritise accuracy over volume in your attempt strategy.
- Minimum qualifying marks are 40% for OC, 35% for BC, and 30% for SC/ST; competitive cut-offs for OC are estimated at 190–215 out of 300.
- Only qualification required is B.Sc Geology — no GATE, no interview, making this accessible to all degree holders aged 18–44.
- Apply online at psc.ap.gov.in between 6 November and 26 November 2026 — no last-minute applications, as the portal closes at 11:59 PM sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions About APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026
What is the APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026?
The APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026 under Notification 32/2026 covers two objective papers: Paper I (General Studies and Mental Ability — 150 marks) covering current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and reasoning with special focus on Andhra Pradesh; and Paper II (Geology — 150 marks) covering General Geology and Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Crystallography, Mineralogy, Economic Geology, Petrology, Palaeontology, and Indian Stratigraphy. The total exam is 300 questions for 300 marks in 300 minutes.
How many vacancies are there in APPSC Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
APPSC has announced 36 provisional vacancies for the Technical Assistant post in A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service under Notification No. 32/2026. The final vacancy count may vary based on departmental requirements confirmed in the Detailed Notification expected by 6 November 2026.
Is there negative marking in APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
Yes. The APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 exam has a negative marking provision where one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no penalty for unanswered questions. Candidates should adopt a strategic approach — only attempt questions where they can confidently eliminate at least two wrong options.
What is the cut-off for APPSC Technical Assistant Mines and Geology?
The official cut-off for APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 will be released along with the result notification on psc.ap.gov.in. Minimum qualifying marks fixed by APPSC are 40% for OC, 35% for BC, and 30% for SC/ST categories. Based on previous cycles and competition trends with 36 vacancies, the expected competitive cut-off for OC candidates is approximately 190–215 marks out of 300, and 175–200 for BC category candidates.
What is the salary of APPSC Technical Assistant in Mines and Geology?
The APPSC Technical Assistant pay scale for the Mines and Geology Sub-Service is Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910 as per the AP 7th Pay Commission structure. The estimated gross in-hand salary at entry level (including DA, HRA, and medical allowance) is approximately Rs.55,000–Rs.60,000 per month, varying by posting location.
What is the educational qualification for APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
Candidates must possess a B.Sc Degree in Geology from any recognised University as per the APPSC Notification 32/2026. No postgraduate degree or GATE qualification is required. The degree must be completed before the date of the Detailed Notification (i.e., by 6 November 2026). Final-year students may need to submit their final mark sheet at the time of document verification.
How to prepare for APPSC Technical Assistant Geology Paper in 3 months?
A 3-month preparation for APPSC Technical Assistant Geology (Paper II) should divide time as follows: Weeks 1–4 for General Geology, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Crystallography, Mineralogy, and Economic Geology (all high-weight areas); Weeks 5–8 for Petrology (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic) and Palaeontology; Weeks 9–10 for Indian Stratigraphy with focus on Gondwana and Siwalik groups; and the remaining 2 weeks for full mock tests and revision. Supplement with previous year UPSC Geology optional papers for advanced question practice.
What is the difference between APPSC Technical Assistant and Royalty Inspector posts in 2026?
Both posts require B.Sc Geology and have similar Geology paper syllabi. The Royalty Inspector (Notification 33/2026) has a higher pay scale of Rs.45,830–Rs.1,30,580 compared to Technical Assistant’s Rs.35,570–Rs.1,09,910, but has only 9 vacancies versus 36 vacancies for Technical Assistant. Royalty Inspectors primarily handle mineral royalty collection and enforcement duties. Since the Geology syllabus for Paper II is nearly identical, candidates should apply for both notifications to maximise their chances of government employment.
Does APPSC Technical Assistant exam have an interview round?
No. The APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 selection process under Notification 32/2026 is purely based on the CBRT (Computer-Based Recruitment Test). There is no interview or viva voce stage. The merit list is prepared entirely based on the combined score of Paper I and Paper II in the CBRT examination. This makes consistent paper preparation the only factor determining selection.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest APPSC Technical Assistant 2026 updates including exam date, hall ticket, and result.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official APPSC Notification 32/2026 and the APPSC portal at psc.ap.gov.in for authoritative and binding information. Vacancy numbers, pay scales, and dates are sourced from the official brief notification dated 13 October 2026 and may be revised in the Detailed Notification.
