APPSC Plans Big Change: Prelims Only If Applications Are 200 Times the Vacancies

What’s the New Proposal by APPSC ?

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) is planning a big update to its recruitment method. According to the latest proposal, a preliminary exam will be conducted only when the number of applicants is 200 times more than the available posts.

For example:

• If there are 100 job vacancies, a prelims exam will happen only if more than 20,000 people apply.

If fewer applications are received, APPSC may skip the prelims and go straight to the main exam or conduct single-stage recruitment.

Why This Change is Being Proposed

At present, APPSC conducts both prelims and mains exams if more than 25,000 applications are received, regardless of the number of vacancies.

However, the commission found that:

• This system leads to unnecessary spending
  
  
• It wastes time and resources
  
  
• It delays the recruitment process

To fix this, APPSC is proposing a more practical and cost-effective approach. The proposal has been submitted to the Andhra Pradesh state government and is awaiting approval.

What Happens If Applications Are Less Than 200 Times the Posts?

If the number of applicants does not cross the 200x mark, APPSC plans to:

• Skip the prelims exam
  
  
• Directly hold the mains exam
  
  
• Or even conduct a single-stage recruitment test

This could speed up hiring and reduce the burden on candidates who often prepare for both exams.

Example to Understand the New Rule Better

Here’s how the new rule would work:
Number of Vacancies Applications Received Will Prelims Be Held?

100	19,000	❌ No
100	21,000	✅ Yes
50	10,000	✅ Yes
50	9,000	❌ No

This rule will apply only if the government approves the proposal.

Benefits for Candidates and APPSC

This change can offer several advantages:

For Candidates:

• Less stress from fewer exams
  
  
• Faster results and job appointments

Reduced financial burden on preparation

For APPSC:

• Lower examination costs
  
  
• Less administrative pressure
  
  
• Efficient recruitment timelines
  

What Should Aspirants Do Now?

If you're preparing for APPSC exams:

• Stay updated on official announcements

Understand that not all recruitments will have prelims now

Prepare more smartly, focusing on single-stage exams

Always check the official notification of each job post to see whether a prelims exam is scheduled.

Official Confirmation Awaited

The new proposal is not final yet. It has been submitted to the state government, and an official decision will be announced soon.

Until then:

• The current process remains in place
  
  
• Prelims and mains will be conducted as usual