APPSC Departmental Tests MAY-2026: Apply by June 02, Exam Dates Soon

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released Notification No: 03/2026 for the Departmental Tests – MAY-2026 Session. This is a crucial announcement for government employees in Andhra Pradesh seeking promotions or transfers by qualifying in various departmental examinations. Applications are invited online, providing a structured pathway for eligible candidates to advance their careers.

Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the official notification for specific test codes, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. The tests will largely be objective type, conducted on a computer-based platform, with certain language and survey tests in conventional (descriptive) mode. While the application window is now open, the exact examination dates will be announced by the Commission at a later stage.

Quick Overview

Important Dates

Prospective candidates should mark these critical dates to ensure timely application:

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility to appear for the Departmental Tests is primarily for serving government employees of Andhra Pradesh. Specific conditions apply to various tests:

• General Eligibility: Employees of the Government of Andhra Pradesh are eligible for tests prescribed in their respective Departmental Service Rules.
• Secretariat Employees: Allowed to appear for specific tests for appointment by transfer/promotion to other Services, where rules permit. For example, Commercial Taxes Department (Paper Code No: 6 & 7) and Treasuries and Accounts Department (Paper Code Nos: 31, 46, 64, 79, 89, 100, 114 & 129).
• Typists-cum-Assistants (Finance Wing): Eligible for Treasuries & Accounts Service Examination.
• Special Conditions for Divisional Test (PC.Nos.30, 63, 81,113 &138): Senior Assistants working in specified departments (e.g., Public Works, R&B, Irrigation, Public Health Engineering, Panchayat Raj Engineering, Ports Department) with a minimum of three years of service are eligible. Superintendents in these departments are also eligible.
• Local Body Employees: May also apply for Divisional Tests, subject to their eligibility as per G.O.Ms.No.86, Finance & Planning (FW.WA-1) Department, dt. 22/05/1998.
• Commerce Graduates: Candidates claiming exemption from Paper-I of Part-I of Divisional Test must furnish information and upload their Commerce degree certificate.
• Mines & Geology Department (Paper Code 150): Applicants must upload a scanned service certificate.
• Certain Paper Codes (05, 08, 10, 18, 19, 27, 28, 36, 43, 45, 49, 62, 67, 77, 98, 108, 127, 136, 137, 141, 142, 144 to 148 and 155): These are open to all, irrespective of government service.
• Deputy Inspectors Test: Candidates must appear for all three papers in their first attempt.
• Service Certificate: For certain tests (Divisional Test, Mines & Geology), a duly signed and sealed service certificate from the Controlling Officer must be scanned and uploaded; otherwise, applications will be rejected.

Examination Scheme & Pattern

The Departmental Tests will be conducted in two main modes:

• Objective Type Papers: All tests, except Language and Survey Tests, will be Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions) and held on Computer Based Departmental Tests (CBT). Candidates can use the Mock Test facility on the Commission’s Website to familiarize themselves with the CBT format.
• Conventional Type Papers: Language Test papers (specific PC.Nos.5, 6, 7, 19, 28, 36, 49, 67, 37, 58, and 74) and Survey & Settlement papers (specific PC.Nos.69, 87, 109, 111, 116, 118, 120, 122, 133, 135, 161, 162, 165 & 166) will be of Conventional (Descriptive) mode. For these, candidates will be supplied with Bar code sheet attached Answer Books.

Exam Mode & Duration

Exam Timings

Examination Centers

The Departmental Tests will be conducted across all 26 Districts of Andhra Pradesh. Candidates will generally be allotted an exam center in the district where they are presently working, as mentioned in their application. If sufficient accommodation is not available in that district, candidates may be allotted to the nearest district.

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Application Fee

• Fee per Paper: Rs. 500/- (Rupees five hundred only) for each paper, which includes both application processing fee and examination fee.
• Exemptions: No fee is prescribed for the Tests in Gujarati and Marwari Languages.
• Mode of Payment: Fees must be paid online using Payment Gateway via Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
• Non-Refundable: The fee once remitted will not be refunded or adjusted under any circumstances.
• Correction Fee: A fee of Rs. 100/- will be charged for corrections to application data. However, changes are not allowed for Name, Personal details, and Fee. No changes will be allowed after 02 days of the last date of applications.

How to Apply Online

Candidates must follow a systematic online application process:

1. OTPR Registration (First-time Applicants): If you are applying for any APPSC notification for the first time, you must first fill the One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) application carefully on the Commission’s website to obtain an OTPR ID. Ensure all details are accurate as the Commission is not responsible for mistakes.
2. Login: Existing applicants with an OTPR ID can proceed directly to this step. Login to the Commission’s website (psc.ap.gov.in) using your User Name (OTPR ID) and Password.
3. Online Application Submission: After logging in, click on the "Online Application Submission" link located at the bottom right corner of the website.
4. Fill Application Specific Data: Verify pre-populated data from your OTPR. Fill in all application-specific fields, including your preferred examination center, carefully.
5. Payment Process: Click on the payment link against Notification No. 03/2026. Verify the pre-populated basic details for fee calculation. Once the payment form is submitted, these details cannot be altered. If changes are needed, use the "Modify OTPR" link, update details, save, and then click on the application payment link again.
6. Payment Confirmation & Reference ID: Upon successful payment, a payment reference ID will be generated. Note this ID for future correspondence.
7. Complete Application Form: You will be directed to the application form. Provide the payment reference ID and other required details. OTPR ID and personal details will be pre-populated.
8. Review and Submit: Thoroughly check all displayed data and ensure all relevant columns are filled. Submit the Application Form.
9. Print Application Receipt: After successful submission, an Application Receipt will be generated. Print and save this receipt for future reference.

Note: Hand-written, typed, photostat copies, or outside printed application forms will not be accepted and will lead to rejection.

Documents Required for Application

Candidates must ensure they have the following documents ready for upload during the online application process:

• Scanned Photograph: JPEG format, size 3.5 Cms X 4.5 Cms (less than 50 KB).
• Scanned Signature: JPEG format, size 3.5 Cms X 1.5 Cms (less than 30 KB).
• Service Certificate: For Divisional Test / Mines & Geology (Paper Code 150) applicants, a duly filled, signed, and sealed service certificate from the Controlling Officer of the parent Department must be scanned and uploaded.
• Commerce Degree Certificate: For Commerce graduates claiming exemption from Paper-I of Part-I of Divisional Test, the degree certificate must be scanned and uploaded.
• Identity Proof: While not explicitly required for application upload, it is crucial to carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID) along with your Hall Ticket on the day of the examination.

Result & Post-Exam Procedures

The APPSC outlines the following for results and post-examination processes:

• Publication of Results: Results of provisionally qualified candidates will be displayed on the Notice Board of the Commission’s Office and hosted on the official website https://psc.ap.gov.in. This is considered the authentic publication.
• No Individual Pass Certificates: The Commission will not issue individual pass certificates to qualified candidates.
• Memorandum of Marks: Unsuccessful candidates can apply for a Memorandum of Marks by paying Rs. 200/- through IPO/Bank Draft payable to the Addl. Secretary, APPSC, Vijayawada. Requisitions must be made within ONE MONTH from the date of result display, accompanied by a photocopy of the Hall Ticket.
• Recounting of Marks: Recounting of marks is permitted only for Conventional Type (written) Tests. Requests must be submitted within 15 days from the date of result publication, with a fee of Rs. 300/- per paper through IPO/Bank Draft, along with a photocopy of the Hall Ticket.
• No Revaluation: Revaluation of answer sheets will not be entertained under any circumstances.
• Objections Dissolved: The system of calling for objections for Departmental Tests has been dispensed with due to the cancellation of the negative marks system and to avoid publication delays.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Hall Tickets: Candidates must preserve their Hall Tickets for future correspondence. Duplicate Hall Tickets will not be issued.
• Bio-data Changes: Respond with regard to any bio-data changes within 15 days from the last day of examinations. Later corrections will not be entertained.
• Rejection Reasons: Applications will be rejected for failure to upload Photo/Signature, non-payment of fee, non-upload of duly filled and signed Service Certificate, incorrect application form, ineligibility, or applying during a debarment period.
• Conventional Test Rules: For conventional tests, candidates must carefully write/verify/encode Register Number, Subject/Subject Code, Exam Centre Name, Signature, and Invigilator details on the BAR CODE Sheet. Failure to do so will lead to rejection of the answer sheet. Use of whitener on the BAR CODE Sheet will also lead to disqualification.
• Debarment: Candidates may be debarred for furnishing incorrect information, malpractice, improper behavior, or applying during a debarment period.
• Commission’s Decision: The Commission’s decision regarding application acceptance/rejection, conduct of examination, and all subsequent stages will be final.

Technical Support & Helpdesk

For any technical problems related to online submission of applications or downloading of Hall Tickets, candidates can contact the APPSC helpdesk:

• Phone Numbers: 08662527820 & 08662527821
• Call Timings: 10:00 A.M to 01:00 P.M & 01:30 P.M to 5:30 P.M (on working days)
• Email: appschelpdesk@gmail.com

Preparation Tips for Departmental Tests

Departmental Tests are crucial for career progression within government service. A strategic approach can significantly improve your chances of success:

Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern

• Official Syllabus: The notification mentions that the detailed syllabus for each Test and a list of allowed books are available on the Commission’s Website. Prioritize reviewing these resources meticulously.
• Exam Mode: Familiarize yourself with the Computer Based Test (CBT) environment using the mock test facility provided by APPSC. For conventional papers, practice descriptive writing under timed conditions.

Effective Study Strategy

• Time Management: Allocate dedicated study hours, balancing your work and personal commitments. Consistency is key.
• Note-Making: Create concise notes for quick revision, especially for objective type papers.
• Practice & Revision: Regularly solve previous year’s question papers and take mock tests. This helps in understanding the question format, managing time, and identifying weak areas.

Document Preparation

• Service Certificate: If your test requires a service certificate, ensure it is obtained, duly signed, and sealed by your Controlling Officer well in advance. Any discrepancies can lead to rejection.
• Digital Copies: Keep scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents (e.g., degree certificates for exemptions) in the specified format and size to avoid last-minute issues during application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are Departmental Tests?

Departmental Tests are examinations conducted by state public service commissions for serving government employees to assess their knowledge in specific departmental subjects, which is often a prerequisite for promotions, transfers, or higher responsibilities within the government hierarchy.

Q2: Can non-government employees apply for these tests?

Generally, these tests are specifically for serving government employees of Andhra Pradesh. However, the notification mentions that certain paper codes (e.g., 05, 08, 10, etc.) are open to all, irrespective of government service. Candidates must check the specific eligibility for each paper code they intend to apply for.

Q3: Where can I find the detailed syllabus for my specific test?

The official notification states that the list of books allowed for each Test along with the detailed syllabus is available on the APPSC Commission’s Website (psc.ap.gov.in). Candidates should refer to this section for comprehensive syllabus details.

Q4: What should I do if I forget my OTPR ID or password?

The notification advises that if you have already generated OTPR, you can use the same. If you forget your password, there should be an option on the APPSC website’s login page to retrieve or reset it using your registered mobile number or email ID. For OTPR ID issues, contacting the helpdesk is recommended.

Q5: Is there any negative marking in the Departmental Tests?

The notification mentions that the Commission resolved to dispense with the system of calling for objections for Departmental Tests as the negative marks system has been cancelled. This implies there is no negative marking for these tests as per the latest update.

Q6: What documents do I need to carry on the exam day?

Although not explicitly detailed for exam day in this notification, typically for any government exam, you must carry your printed Hall Ticket/Admit Card, a valid Photo Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID) in original, and sometimes a photocopy of the ID proof. It’s also advisable to carry a recent passport-sized photograph.

Q7: Can I change my examination center after submitting the application?

The notification states that candidates will be allotted to the exam in the district where they are presently working. While it doesn’t explicitly mention changing centers after submission, generally such requests are not entertained once the application is finalized. It’s crucial to select your preferred working district accurately during application.

Q8: What happens if there are errors in my application after submission?

The Commission allows corrections to bio-data particulars on payment of Rs. 100/- per correction. However, changes are not allowed for Name, personal details, and Fee. No changes will be entertained after 02 days of the last date of applications. It is critical to carefully review all details before final submission.