Vijayawada: With the preliminary examinations for Group-I services scheduled to take place on March 17, candidates across the state have started preparing for the exam, in the hope of securing a coveted spot in the final list.
Apart from the exam stress, significant changes in the exam pattern have increased the worries of the candidates.
Candidates are of the opinion that compared to the exam held in 2018, the question paper of the preliminary exam held in January 2023 was challenging, almost at par with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam.
With the increasing number of graduates showing interest in taking the exam, the competition is expected to be intense this time.
Last year’s data showed that 1,26,449 candidates had applied for 111 Group-1 posts in 2022. Of them, 87,718 students appeared for the preliminary exam, and only 6,455 were shortlisted for the main exam. This means that 50 candidates are in the fray for one post.
As per the latest notification, Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has declared 81 posts available, indicating a possible increase in competition for these posts. Considering the ratio of 1:50 for shortlisting candidates, around 4,500 can be selected for the main exam, which is 30 per cent less than the previous exam.
On the exam pattern, Sarath Chandra, founder of a private coaching institute, said APPSC has redesigned the exam process, aligning it more closely with the UPSC format.
“Till 2018, 30 per cent of the questions in the exam were devoted to the history, economy and geography of Andhra Pradesh. However, the preliminary examination in 2023 showed that individuals preparing for UPSC were successful in clearing the first stage of Group-1 examination,” he explained.
Pointing out that the process of conducting the main examination and interviews has also seen changes, he said students who focus on fundamental concepts can successfully crack one of the toughest examinations in the state.
Responding, APPSC Member Sheikh Salam Babu highlighted the Commission’s focus on identifying serious candidates capable of handling the stress associated with bureaucratic responsibilities.
“The increased difficulty of the examination serves the purpose of evaluating the quick reaction and accuracy of the candidates. The state administration expects a bureaucrat to efficiently address and analyze serious situations without panicking,” he explained.
Emphasizing on APPSC’s commitment and dedication to transparency for the benefit of the candidates, Salam Babu said, “APPSC acknowledges the hard efforts put in by the candidates over the years to excel in the examination. Recognizing the challenges a candidate faces, it proactively encourages candidates to raise concerns and ensures prompt resolution.
Furthermore, he stressed that APPSC strives to take decisions that do not delay the examination process, or burden students.
P Ravi Teja, a Group-1 candidate from Visakhapatnam, has been preparing for the exam since 2019.
He said that due to increasing inclination towards government jobs, competition in the examination has increased.
Highlighting the demanding nature of the exam syllabus, Ravi Teja said that candidates need to dedicate at least eight hours daily for comprehensive study.
“They also make many sacrifices, including living away from home, to avoid becoming a financial burden on their families,” he said.
Coaching centers in the state are earning a lot of money
After the release of APPSC notification, coaching centers in the state are earning a lot of money. Institutes are spreading their strategies on YouTube and attracting candidates to enroll in their courses.
