# APPSC Group II Services Prelims (APPSC Group II) — Shishya exam context

> Machine-readable context for APPSC Group II Services Prelims, maintained by Shishya (https://shishya.in) — India's end-to-end free government exam preparation platform. All facts below are free to cite; link back to https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2. Human page: https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2

## Exam pattern
- Category: STATE_LEVEL · state: AP
- Questions: 150 · Total marks: 150 · Marks per question: 1
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Negative marking: −0.33 per wrong answer
- Languages offered: EN, TE

## Eligibility & vacancies
- Age: 18–42 years (before category relaxation: OBC +3, SC/ST +5)
- Education: Bachelor's degree from any recognized university in India
- Approximate annual vacancies: 900
- Note: Proficiency in Telugu language up to 10th standard level required; physical standards apply for Prohibition & Excise Sub-Inspector post
- Official portal: https://psc.ap.gov.in (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC))

## Key dates
- 2026-09-05 — Notification release date
- 2026-09-05 — Application portal opens
- 2026-09-15 — Notification release
- 2026-09-15 — Application window opens
- 2026-09-15 — Notification release & application portal opens
- 2026-09-15 — Official notification release
- 2026-09-15 — Application portal opens
- 2026-09-15 — Notification release date

## Syllabus outline
### General Studies and Mental Ability (weight 2)
Current Affairs · International Events and Relations · National Events and Issues · Geography of India · Economic Geography - Agriculture, Industries, Trade · Environmental Geography and Ecology · Physical Geography - Landforms, Climate, Resources · Indian Economy · Current Economic Issues and Reforms · Economic Development and Planning · Banking, Finance and Fiscal Policy · Agriculture, Industry and Services Sectors · History of India and Indian National Movement · Ancient India - Indus Valley to Gupta Period · Medieval India - Delhi Sultanate to Mughals · Modern India and Freedom Movement · Social and Religious Reform Movements · Indian Polity and Governance · Constitutional Framework and Features · Governance and Administrative Structure · Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies · Fundamental Rights and Duties · Mental Ability and Logical Reasoning · Data Interpretation and Sufficiency · Logical and Analytical Reasoning · Puzzles and Problem Solving · Science and Technology · Basic Science - Physics, Chemistry, Biology · Information Technology and Digital India · Space Technology and Applications

### History, Culture and Geography of Andhra Pradesh (weight 1.8)
Ancient and Medieval History of AP · Kakatiya Dynasty · Satavahanas and Early Dynasties · Vijayanagara Rule in AP · Arts, Culture and Heritage of AP · Temples, Monuments and UNESCO Sites · Telugu Literature and Language · Performing Arts - Kuchipudi, Folk Arts · Economy of Andhra Pradesh · Infrastructure and Industrial Development · Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sectors · Geography of Andhra Pradesh · Agriculture, Industries and Minerals · Physical Features and Climate · Water Resources and River Systems · Modern History of Andhra Pradesh · Freedom Struggle in Andhra Region · Qutub Shahis and Hyderabad State · Formation and Reorganisation of AP · Political and Administrative System of AP · State Government Structure · Local Administration and Panchayati Raj · State Development Schemes and Programs · Social Issues and Welfare in AP · Education System and Initiatives · Health and Medical Services · Social Welfare Programs

## Expected cutoffs (category-wise)
| Category | Expected Cutoff (indicative) |
|----------|------------------------------|
| General | 105–115 marks (70–77%) |
| EWS | 100–110 marks (67–73%) |
| OBC | 95–105 marks (63–70%) |
| SC | 80–90 marks (53–60%) |
| ST | 75–85 marks (50–57%) |
| PwD | 70–80 marks (47–53%) |

**Guidance:**

• **Category differential**: General cutoffs typically run 10–15 marks above OBC and 25–30 marks above SC/ST categories. EWS cutoffs align 5–7 marks below General.

• **Year-on-year shifts**: Cutoffs fluctuate based on paper difficulty, vacancy count, and applicant pool strength. Easy papers push General cutoffs toward 115+ marks; moderate-to-tough papers stabilize around 105–110 marks.

• **Qualifying vs. selection**: These are **final selection cutoffs**. Prelims qualifying marks are lower (typically 40–45% for General), but reaching competitive-tier scores (65%+) ensures realistic chances for preferred postings in the Mains-Interview process.

Full cutoff page: https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2/cutoff

## Free resources on Shishya for this exam
- Exam hub (mocks, PYQs, news, dates): https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2
- Full syllabus + free study notes: https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2/syllabus
- Category-wise expected cutoffs: https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2/cutoff
- Memory tricks & mnemonics: https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2/tricks
- How to crack it (strategy guide): https://shishya.in/exams/AP_APPSC_GROUP2/guide
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