The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released the exam pattern and syllabus for Technical Assistant posts in the A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service under Notification No. 32/2026. The Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) has two objective papers: General Studies and Mental Ability, and Geology. Together they total 300 questions and 300 marks, with one-third negative marking. Online applications run from 6 November 2026 to 26 November 2026 at psc.ap.gov.in.
Important Note
1. Online applications open on 6 November 2026 and close on 26 November 2026 (11:59 PM). The detailed notification is due on or before 6 November 2026.
2. One-third negative marking applies. One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
3. Geology (Paper II) carries the same 150 marks as General Studies (Paper I). Give the technical paper equal preparation time.
APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Post Name | Technical Assistant |
| Department | A.P. Mines and Geology Sub-Service |
| Advertisement No. | Notification No. 32/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Not mentioned in the available information. Check psc.ap.gov.in |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Recruitment Test (CBRT), objective |
| Papers | 2 (General Studies and Mental Ability; Geology) |
| Total Questions / Marks | 300 / 300 |
| Duration | 150 minutes per paper |
| Negative Marking | One-third per wrong answer |
| Application Dates | 6 November 2026 to 26 November 2026 |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brief Notification Released | 13 October 2026 |
| Detailed Notification | On or before 6 November 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 6 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 November 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | Not yet announced |
Selection Process
- Online application at psc.ap.gov.in.
- CBRT: Paper I and Paper II. There is no separate screening test.
- Normalisation may apply if the exam is held in more than one session.
Category-wise qualifying marks are not mentioned in the available information. Check the detailed notification.
APPSC Technical Assistant Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Questions | 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 |
Negative marking: one-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer. Both papers are set at degree standard.
APPSC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026
Paper I: General Studies and Mental Ability
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | International, national and Andhra Pradesh events |
| General Science | Everyday science, science and technology developments, IT |
| Indian History | Social, economic, cultural and political history, with emphasis on AP and the National Movement |
| Geography | Geography of India, with focus on Andhra Pradesh |
| Polity and Governance | Constitutional issues, public policy, reforms, e-governance |
| Indian Economy | Economy and planning |
| Environment | Sustainable development, environmental protection |
| Disaster Management | Vulnerability profiles, prevention and mitigation, remote sensing and GIS |
| Logical Reasoning | Logical reasoning, analytical ability, interpretation |
| Data Analysis | Tabulation, visual representation, mean, median, mode, variance, data interpretation |
Paper II: Geology
| Unit | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| General Geology | Solar system; Earth’s origin, age and interior; volcanoes; earthquakes; isostasy; continental drift; sea-floor spreading; plate tectonics |
| Geomorphology | Weathering, erosion cycles, fluvial, aeolian, marine, glacial and karst landforms, drainage patterns, remote sensing |
| Structural and Field Geology | Dip and strike, unconformities, folds, faults, joints, foliation, nappes, stereographic nets, topographic maps, geological mapping |
| Crystallography | Laws of crystallography, seven crystal systems, petrological microscope, pleochroism, birefringence, twinning, uniaxial and biaxial minerals |
| Mineralogy | Properties of rock-forming minerals (quartz, feldspar, mica, pyroxene, amphibole, olivine, garnet and others), silicate structures, gemstones |
| Economic Geology | Ore formation and classification; Indian deposits of Al, Cr, Cu, Au, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn and radioactive ores; refractories; coal; petroleum; prospecting |
| Igneous Petrology | Magma origin, Bowen’s reaction series, binary systems, textures, granite, syenite, diorite, mafic and ultramafic rocks |
| Sedimentary Petrology | Processes, classification, structures, arkoses, greywackes, chemical and organic deposits |
| Metamorphic Petrology | Types, grades, facies, regional and contact metamorphism, metasomatism |
| Palaeontology | Fossilisation; Foraminifera, Brachiopoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Cephalopoda, Trilobita, Echinoidea, Anthozoa; Siwalik mammals; Gondwana flora |
| Stratigraphy and Geology of India | Stratigraphic laws and classification, geological time scale, Dharwar, Vindhyan, Gondwana and Siwalik Supergroups |
How to Prepare for the APPSC Technical Assistant Exam 2026
- Make two checklists: one for Paper I and one for the Geology units. Tick topics off as you finish them.
- Give Geology equal time. Focus on mineral and rock identification, structural geology and Indian stratigraphy.
- Put Andhra Pradesh at the centre of Paper I. State history, geography, governance and current affairs come up repeatedly.
- Practise reasoning and data questions daily. They are scoring areas.
- Take full-length timed mocks: 150 questions in 150 minutes per paper.
- Answer only questions where you can eliminate options. One-third negative marking applies.
What Candidates Should Do Next
- Watch psc.ap.gov.in for the detailed notification (due on or before 6 November 2026).
- Check eligibility, vacancies, fee and age limit in it.
- Apply between 6 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| APPSC Official Website (Notification No. 32/2026 and Apply Online) | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the APPSC Technical Assistant syllabus 2026?
Paper I covers General Studies and Mental Ability. Paper II covers Geology, including general geology, mineralogy, petrology, economic geology, palaeontology and Indian stratigraphy.
What is the APPSC Technical Assistant exam pattern 2026?
It is a computer-based objective test with two papers of 150 questions and 150 marks each, 150 minutes per paper.
Is there negative marking in the APPSC Technical Assistant exam?
Yes. One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
When can I apply for APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
Online applications run from 6 November 2026 to 26 November 2026 (11:59 PM).
Is there a screening test for APPSC Technical Assistant?
No. There is no separate screening test. Selection is through the two-paper CBRT.
How many vacancies are there?
The vacancy count is not mentioned in the available information. Check the detailed notification at psc.ap.gov.in.
What is the official website for APPSC Technical Assistant 2026?
The official website is psc.ap.gov.in.
Disclaimer
This article is based on APPSC Notification No. 32/2026 (brief notification dated 13 October 2026) and the exam scheme for Technical Assistant posts published by APPSC. The vacancy count, qualifying marks and exam date were not available in the information reviewed. Candidates must verify all details in the detailed notification at psc.ap.gov.in. JobShouter is not associated with the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. This article is for informational purposes only.
