The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada has released Notification No. 07/2026 dated 6 October 2026 inviting online applications for Direct Recruitment to 166 posts under Group-I Services (General/Limited Recruitment) across 13 post categories. Posts include Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil and Communications), District Educational Officer, Assistant Audit Officer, Divisional Development Officer and more. Online applications open on 6 October 2026 and close on 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM at psc.ap.gov.in. The Screening Test is tentatively scheduled for 24 January 2027.
Important Note: Three things every candidate must know before applying. First, OTPR (One Time Profile Registration) on psc.ap.gov.in is mandatory before you can apply. If you are not already registered on OTPR, do it immediately – a User ID is generated and sent to your registered mobile and email ID. OTPR registration alone is NOT an application for any post. Second, DSP (Communications) – Post Code 04 has a specific qualification requirement: B.E./B.Tech in ECE, Electronics and Telecommunication, or Radio Engineering. All other posts require a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. DSP (Civil) – Post Code 03 also has stricter age (max 30 years) and physical standards requirements compared to other posts. Third, corrections after application submission are allowed only within 7 days of the closing date and on payment of Rs. 100 per correction. Fields affecting Name, Fee and Age Relaxation cannot be corrected at all.
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Vijayawada |
| Notification No. | 07/2026 dated 6 October 2026 |
| Posts | 13 categories under Group-I Services |
| Total Vacancies | 166 |
| Age Cut-off Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only at psc.ap.gov.in (OTPR mandatory) |
| Application Opens | 6 October 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 27 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Correction Window | Up to 7 days after closing date (Rs. 100 per correction) |
| Screening Test (Tentative) | 24 January 2027 |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Application Opens | 6 October 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 27 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Correction Window | Up to 7 days after closing date |
| Age Cut-off Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Screening Test (Tentative) | 24 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | To be announced on psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Post-wise Vacancy
| Post Code | Post and Department | Vacancies | Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026) | Pay Scale (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Deputy Collectors in A.P. Civil Service (Executive Branch) | 12 | 18-44 | 61,960-1,51,370 |
| 02 | Asst. Commissioner of State Tax in A.P. State Tax Service | 14 | 18-44 | 61,960-1,51,370 |
| 03 | Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil) Cat-2 in A.P. Police Service | 36 (3 CF) | 21-30 | 61,960-1,51,370 |
| 04 | DSP (Communications) in A.P. Police Service | 3 | 18-30 | 61,960-1,51,370 |
| 05 | District Educational Officer in A.P. Educational Service | 14 | 18-44 | 61,960-1,51,370 |
| 06 | Regional Transport Officers in A.P. Transport Service | 3 | 18-44 | 57,100-1,47,760 |
| 07 | District Tribal Welfare Officer in A.P. Tribal Welfare Service | 1 | 18-44 | 57,100-1,47,760 |
| 08 | Deputy Registrar in A.P. Cooperative Service | 16 (1 CF) | 18-44 | 57,100-1,47,760 |
| 09 | Municipal Commissioner Grade-II in A.P. Municipal Administration Service | 12 | 18-44 | 54,060-1,40,540 |
| 10 | Asst. Treasury Officer/Asst. Accounts Officer in A.P. Treasury and Accounts Service | 2 | 18-44 | 54,060-1,40,540 |
| 11 | District Employment Officer in A.P. Employment Exchange Service | 3 (1 CF) | 18-44 | 54,060-1,40,540 |
| 12 | Assistant Audit Officer in A.P. State Audit Service | 15 | 18-44 | 54,060-1,40,540 |
| 13 | Divisional Development Officer in A.P. Panchayat Raj Service | 35 | 18-44 | 65,360-1,54,980 |
| Total | 166 |
Note: “CF” = Carried Forward vacancies from previous recruitments. The detailed community-wise, zone-wise vacancy breakup is in Annexure-I of the official notification PDF.
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Educational Qualification
| Post Codes | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| 01, 03, 05, 07, 09, 12 | Bachelor’s Degree from any UGC-recognised University or equivalent |
| 02, 06, 08 | Degree from any University established by Central/State Act or equivalent |
| 04 (DSP Communications) | B.E./B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, or Radio Engineering from a recognised university |
| 10 | Degree from any recognised University or equivalent |
| 11 | Bachelor’s Degree from any University or UGC-equivalent |
| 13 | Bachelor’s Degree recognised by the UGC |
Qualification must be possessed as on the notification date (6 October 2026).
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Age Limit (as on 1 July 2026)
| Post Codes | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| 03 (DSP Civil) | 21 years | 30 years |
| 04 (DSP Communications) | 18 years | 30 years |
| All other posts | 18 years | 44 years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/BC/EWS | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PBD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years + length of armed forces service |
| NCC Instructors | Length of NCC service |
| Regular A.P. State Government Employees | Up to 5 years (length of regular service) |
| Retrenched temporary employees (State Census, min 6 months) | 3 years |
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Application Fee
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee (all applicants) | Rs. 250 |
| Examination Fee (General/EWS and Out-of-State candidates) | Rs. 120 |
Exempted from Examination Fee (Rs. 120): SC, ST, BC, PBD, Ex-Servicemen and AP White Card holders (unemployed) from Andhra Pradesh. Candidates of exempt categories from other states are NOT entitled to fee exemption. Fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable. Online payment only (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card). No IPOs/Demand Drafts.
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Physical Requirements (Post Codes 03 and 04 Only)
| Criteria | Male (General) | Male (ST) | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Min 167.6 cm | Min 164 cm | Min 152.5 cm |
| Chest (on full inspiration) | Min 86.3 cm | Min 83.8 cm | – |
| Chest Expansion | Min 5 cm | Min 5 cm | – |
| Weight | – | – | Min 45.5 kg |
Vision standards for Post Codes 03 and 04 are detailed in Annexure-V of the official notification PDF.
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
Stage 1: Screening Test (Objective Type, OMR-based, Offline)
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies (History and Culture, Constitution and Polity, Economy and Planning, Geography) | 120 | 120 minutes | 120 |
| Paper-II | General Aptitude (Mental Ability, Science and Technology, Current Events) | 120 | 120 minutes | 120 |
Negative marking: -1/3 per wrong answer. Candidates must appear in ALL papers; absence in any paper = disqualification. Candidates admitted to the Main Exam: 50 times the total vacancies (irrespective of community).
Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive Type, Conventional)
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying | Telugu | 3 hours | 150 (qualifying, not counted in merit) |
| Qualifying | English | 3 hours | 150 (qualifying, not counted in merit) |
| Paper-I | General Essay (contemporary themes) | 3 hours | 150 |
| Paper-II | History, Culture and Geography of India and Andhra Pradesh | 3 hours | 150 |
| Paper-III | Polity, Constitution, Governance, Law and Ethics | 3 hours | 150 |
| Paper-IV | India and Andhra Pradesh Economy and Development | 3 hours | 150 |
| Paper-V | Science, Technology and Environmental Issues | 3 hours | 150 |
Minimum qualifying marks for Telugu and English: 40% for OC/Sports/EWS, 35% for BC, 30% for SC/ST/PBD. All papers except Telugu and English can be answered in English, Telugu or Urdu (must be consistent across all 5 papers).
Stage 3: Interview (Personality Test)
75 marks. Called in 1:2 ratio to vacancies, following community-wise representation as per General Rule-22 of A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules.
Total Marks: 825 (Paper-I to Paper-V + Interview)
Minimum aggregate qualifying marks: 40% for OC/Sports/EWS, 35% for BC, 30% for SC/ST/PBD.
Screening Test Centres
All 26 District Centres of Andhra Pradesh (choose up to 3 preferences).
Main Exam Centres
Only 4 centres: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Ananthapuramu.
How to Apply for APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026
- Visit psc.ap.gov.in and complete OTPR (One Time Profile Registration) if not already done. Note your User ID.
- Log in with your OTPR User Name and Password.
- Click Online Application Submission, then Fill Application against Notification No. 07/2026.
- Fill application data: Local/Non-Local status, White Card details, Qualification, Post Preferences and Exam Centre.
- Use Save to store partial data or Save and Submit to finalise and go to payment.
- Pay the applicable fee online.
- Corrections allowed within 7 days of closing date at Rs. 100 per correction (Name, Fee and Age Relaxation fields cannot be corrected).
- Download and retain the filled application PDF.
- Apply before 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Important Instructions
- OTPR registration is mandatory before applying. It is NOT an application.
- Reservation benefits (except DSP Communications – Post Code 04, which is State cadre) apply as per local/non-local criteria under the Presidential Order 2025, with 95% local reservation.
- BC candidates must produce Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued on or after 1 April 2026 but not later than the closing date.
- EWS certificate must be based on income for FY 2025-26, issued by a Tahsildar in digital format, on or after 1 April 2026.
- Objections on the Screening Test’s initial answer key must be filed within 3 days of publication, at Rs. 100 per objection (refundable if valid).
- No waiting list: appointments are strictly to the number of notified vacancies.
- APPSC reserves the right to increase/decrease vacancies before the Screening Test date.
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online (OTPR and Application) | Click Here |
| APPSC Official Website | Click Here |
APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026: FAQs
Q1. How many posts are in APPSC Group I Recruitment 2026?
166 posts across 13 post categories including Deputy Collector (12), DSP Civil (36), District Educational Officer (14), Divisional Development Officer (35), Assistant Audit Officer (15), Deputy Registrar (16) and more.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM at psc.ap.gov.in.
Q3. What is the qualification for DSP (Communications) – Post Code 04?
B.E./B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering or Radio Engineering from a recognised university. This is different from all other posts.
Q4. What is the age limit?
18 to 44 years for most posts (as on 1 July 2026). DSP Civil (Post Code 03): 21 to 30 years. DSP Communications (Post Code 04): 18 to 30 years. Age relaxation for SC/ST/BC/EWS/PBD/Ex-Sm.
Q5. What is the application fee?
Rs. 250 (processing fee, all) + Rs. 120 (examination fee). SC/ST/BC/PBD/Ex-Sm and AP White Card holders (AP residents) are exempt from the Rs. 120 examination fee.
Q6. What is the selection process?
Screening Test (Objective, OMR) → Main Examination (Descriptive, 7 papers) → Interview (75 marks). Total merit-based marks: 825 (5 papers + Interview). Telugu and English are qualifying only.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the official APPSC Notification No. 07/2026 dated 6 October 2026 published on psc.ap.gov.in. Vacancies are subject to revision before the Screening Test. Candidates must read the full official notification and Annexures before applying. JobShouter is not associated with APPSC or the Government of Andhra Pradesh. This article is for informational purposes only.
