AP Police Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Sub Inspectors, Reserve Sub Inspectors, Police Constables, Firemen, Warders, Scientific Assistants, Mechanics and Drivers
The AP Police Exam Pattern and Syllabus varies according to the post applied for. The State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB), Andhra Pradesh, conducts recruitment for several categories including Sub Inspectors, Police Constables, Reserve Constables, Firemen, Warders, technical police posts, drivers, mechanics and other specialist positions.
Candidates should therefore avoid preparing from a single generic syllabus. The written examination, physical tests, technical examinations and final selection procedure can differ substantially between post codes.
For the latest recruitment cycle, SLPRB has again used separate notifications for different groups of posts. The current recruitment material includes SI-level posts, Constable/Fireman/Warder posts, Communications posts, Scientific Assistant posts and technical posts.
This guide explains the AP Police SI and Constable exam pattern, physical tests, subject-wise syllabus and selection process, while also covering the important differences applicable to technical and specialist posts.
Important: SLPRB can modify the examination scheme, marks, qualifying standards or syllabus in a future notification. Candidates should always compare this evergreen guide with the latest official notification before applying.
AP Police Selection Process
The AP Police selection process depends on the post code. For the major SI and Constable recruitment categories, candidates may have to pass several stages before final selection.
A typical selection sequence is:
Written Examination → Physical Measurement Test → Physical Efficiency Test → Final Written Examination → Certificate Verification
However, this sequence is not applicable identically to every post.
For example, SI posts have a different written examination structure from Constable posts, while Communications, Mechanics, Drivers and Scientific Assistant posts have additional or separate technical requirements.
The latest recruitment information confirms that multiple examination schemes are being used for different categories of posts.
AP Police SI Exam Pattern
The SI recruitment examination is conducted in multiple stages.
For the conventional Civil/Reserve SI recruitment, candidates first appear for a Preliminary Written Test. Candidates qualifying in the required stages then proceed to the physical and final examination stages prescribed by SLPRB.
Preliminary Written Test
The Preliminary Written Test consists of two objective papers.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Arithmetic & Test of Reasoning/Mental Ability | 100 | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies | 100 | 100 | 3 hours |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 6 hours |
The earlier detailed SLPRB SI scheme specifies 100 questions for each paper, with separate qualifying requirements for both papers. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Written Test are not added to the final merit score.
Preliminary Test Qualifying Marks
The detailed SI scheme has prescribed the following minimum qualifying percentages:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| OC/EWS | 40% |
| BC | 35% |
| SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen | 30% |
Candidates must qualify each paper separately. Merely obtaining the required aggregate is not sufficient if the candidate fails to meet the minimum requirement in one of the papers.
The qualifying standards should always be checked against the latest notification because SLPRB may revise recruitment conditions.
AP Police SI Preliminary Syllabus
The Preliminary Written Test broadly covers Arithmetic, Reasoning/Mental Ability and General Studies.
Paper I: Arithmetic
Arithmetic is generally based on the secondary-school level and includes questions from areas such as:
- Number system
- Simplification
- HCF and LCM
- Ratio and proportion
- Percentages
- Average
- Profit and loss
- Simple interest
- Compound interest
- Time and work
- Work and wages
- Time, speed and distance
- Problems on trains
- Partnership
- Mensuration
- Clocks
- Calendars
- Basic data interpretation
- Miscellaneous arithmetic problems
The detailed SLPRB syllabus has historically identified these areas as part of the Arithmetic component.
How to prepare Arithmetic
Candidates should focus on calculation speed as well as accuracy. Questions are generally designed around standard mathematical concepts rather than advanced mathematics.
A useful preparation sequence is:
Percentage → Ratio → Average → Profit & Loss → Interest → Time & Work → Time & Distance → Mensuration
These topics overlap considerably, so strengthening one area often makes the next one easier.
Reasoning and Mental Ability
The Reasoning/Mental Ability section tests logical thinking, analytical ability and the ability to identify relationships or patterns.
Important areas include:
- Analogy
- Similarities and differences
- Classification
- Series
- Coding and decoding
- Spatial visualization
- Spatial orientation
- Problem solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Decision making
- Visual memory
- Observation
- Relationship concepts
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Logical sequence
- Figure-based reasoning
The SLPRB SI syllabus describes the reasoning component as covering both verbal and non-verbal reasoning and specifically includes spatial visualization, spatial orientation, problem solving, analysis, judgment and decision-making.
General Studies Syllabus for AP Police SI
General Studies is the broader component of the Preliminary Examination.
Important areas include:
Indian History
Candidates should prepare:
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Indian freedom movement
- Major movements and events
- Important personalities
- Indian culture
- Art and architecture
- Social and religious reform movements
Indian Geography
Important areas include:
- Physical geography
- Indian rivers
- Mountains and plateaus
- Climate
- Soils
- Agriculture
- Natural resources
- Industries
- Population
- Transport
- Economic geography
- Important geographical locations
Indian Polity
Preparation should cover:
- Constitution of India
- Fundamental Rights
- Fundamental Duties
- Directive Principles
- President
- Vice President
- Prime Minister
- Parliament
- Supreme Court
- High Courts
- State Government
- Governor
- Chief Minister
- State Legislature
- Constitutional bodies
- Local government
- Elections
- Important constitutional provisions
Indian Economy
Important areas include:
- Basic economic concepts
- National income
- Inflation
- Banking
- Budget
- Fiscal policy
- Monetary policy
- Taxation
- Public finance
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Economic development
- Government welfare programmes
General Science
Questions can cover:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Human body
- Diseases
- Nutrition
- Environment
- Everyday science
- Scientific developments
Current Affairs
Candidates should regularly follow:
- National news
- International events
- Government schemes
- Awards
- Sports
- Science and technology
- Defence
- Important appointments
- Books and authors
- Summits
- Important reports and indices
- Andhra Pradesh-related current affairs
AP Police SI Final Written Examination
Candidates who qualify the preliminary and physical stages must appear for the final written examination according to the post-specific scheme.
For conventional SI recruitment, the final written examination contains multiple papers covering language and analytical/general studies components.
The detailed SI syllabus has included:
Paper I: English
Paper II: Telugu or Urdu
Paper III: Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning/Mental Ability
Paper IV: General Studies
The language papers test the candidate’s understanding and correct use of the language, along with writing ability. Areas can include essay writing, comprehension, précis, letter writing, paragraph/report writing and translation.
Candidates should therefore prepare for the final examination differently from the preliminary test. The Preliminary Examination primarily acts as a screening stage, whereas the final written examination has a greater role in determining merit under the applicable recruitment scheme.
AP Police Constable Exam Pattern
The Constable recruitment scheme is different from the SI examination.
For the major Civil, Reserve/AR, Fireman and Warder categories, candidates are required to pass the preliminary written examination before moving to the physical stages.
Preliminary Written Examination
The current Constable recruitment information specifies:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Objective |
| Questions | 200 |
| Maximum Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Medium | English, Telugu and Urdu |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Qualifying Nature | Yes |
The preliminary examination is used for shortlisting candidates for subsequent stages, and marks obtained in it do not form part of final selection.
Constable Preliminary Syllabus
The syllabus includes:
- English
- Arithmetic
- Reasoning/Mental Ability
- General Science
- History of India
- Indian Culture
- Indian National Movement
- Indian Geography
- Indian Polity
- Indian Economy
- Current Events of National and International Importance
The SLPRB Constable syllabus has traditionally prescribed these seven broad areas, with Arithmetic at SSC standard and the remaining subjects generally aligned with Intermediate-level expectations.
AP Police Constable Final Written Examination
Candidates who qualify the required physical stages are called for the Final Written Examination.
The exact marks can differ according to the post code.
For the major Constable/Fireman/Warder categories, the current recruitment scheme provides a 200-question, three-hour objective examination, while the maximum marks can differ for particular post codes.
The earlier detailed SLPRB scheme similarly prescribed a three-hour final written examination and different final-selection weightage for Civil and APSP/Reserve categories.
Constable Final Written Syllabus
The written syllabus broadly covers:
- English
- Arithmetic
- Reasoning and Mental Ability
- General Science
- Indian History
- Indian Culture
- Indian National Movement
- Indian Geography
- Indian Polity
- Indian Economy
- Current Affairs
The questions are objective in nature.
AP Police Physical Measurement Test
The Physical Measurement Test, commonly called PMT, checks whether candidates satisfy the prescribed physical standards.
The requirements vary according to:
- Post
- Gender
- Category
- Local/agency area provisions
- Applicable relaxation
For example, SI recruitment has prescribed minimum height standards with specific provisions for eligible candidates from notified agency areas.
Candidates should not rely on a previous recruitment’s height or chest measurement requirements without checking the latest notification.
AP Police Physical Efficiency Test
The Physical Efficiency Test, or PET, evaluates physical fitness through prescribed events.
Depending on the post, events may include:
- 1600-metre run
- 100-metre run
- Long jump
The current Constable recruitment information confirms physical tests for the applicable post groups and states that the PET is qualifying for certain technical categories such as Mechanics and Drivers.
For SI recruitment, the physical test can also contribute to selection depending on the applicable post and recruitment scheme.
Physical Test Preparation
Candidates should begin physical preparation well before the written examination.
A practical routine should include:
- Running practice
- Sprint training
- Long-jump technique
- Mobility exercises
- Strength training
- Recovery
- Adequate sleep and hydration
Candidates should train specifically for the events and standards mentioned in their notification rather than following a generic fitness routine.
AP Police Driver and Mechanic Exam Pattern
Driver and Mechanic recruitment has additional post-specific requirements.
Driver Posts
Candidates may have to qualify in:
- Written examination
- Physical test
- Driving/skill test
- Document verification
A valid driving licence and the experience requirements prescribed in the relevant notification are also important.
Mechanic Posts
Mechanic candidates may have to undergo:
- Written examination
- Physical efficiency requirements
- Trade/technical test
- Document verification
The trade test evaluates practical knowledge related to the relevant mechanical/automobile field.
The exact sequence and marks should be verified against the post-specific notification.
AP Police Communications Exam Pattern
Communications-related posts have a technical component because the job requires knowledge of communication and electronics systems.
Depending on the post, candidates may be tested on areas such as:
- Electronics
- Electrical fundamentals
- Communication systems
- Digital electronics
- Computer fundamentals
- Telecommunications
- Networking
- Radio communication
- Basic engineering concepts
Candidates should follow the technical syllabus specified for their particular post code because a general Constable syllabus is not sufficient for a Communications position.
AP Police Scientific Assistant Exam Pattern
Scientific Assistant recruitment follows a specialist examination pattern rather than the standard police Constable written scheme.
The recruitment covers disciplines such as:
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biology/Serology
The current recruitment information describes a 120-question, 120-mark objective written examination with a two-hour duration, followed by certificate verification for the applicable Scientific Assistant posts.
The syllabus is discipline-specific.
Physical
Preparation can include:
- Mechanics
- Properties of matter
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Waves
- Optics
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Modern physics
- Electronics
- Experimental physics
Chemical
Important areas can include:
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Instrumental analysis
- Chemical reactions
- Laboratory methods
Biology/Serology
Candidates should prepare areas such as:
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
- Human biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Serology
- Forensic biological examination
Candidates should always follow the discipline-specific syllabus in the latest Scientific Assistant notification.
Subject-Wise AP Police Syllabus at a Glance
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| English | Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, usage, writing |
| Arithmetic | Number system, percentage, ratio, average, profit & loss, interest, time & work, speed & distance, mensuration |
| Reasoning | Analogy, series, coding-decoding, classification, spatial reasoning, logical reasoning, decision making |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, environment, everyday science |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, freedom movement |
| Culture | Indian art, culture, heritage and traditions |
| Geography | Physical geography, India, climate, rivers, resources, agriculture |
| Polity | Constitution, Parliament, President, Supreme Court, State Government, local government |
| Economy | Banking, inflation, taxation, budget, national income, development |
| Current Affairs | National, international, Andhra Pradesh, awards, sports, science, government schemes |
AP Police Exam Language
The language of the examination depends on the specific paper and post.
For the Constable examination, the prescribed question-paper languages have included English, Telugu and Urdu. English questions relating to the English component are set in English.
SI language papers have separate requirements for English and Telugu/Urdu according to the examination scheme.
Candidates should check the latest notification before selecting the examination language in the application form.
AP Police Exam Marking Scheme
Candidates should carefully read the instructions displayed in the relevant examination notification.
The SLPRB Constable examination scheme has specified that a candidate receives full marks when only the correct answer bubble is marked, while an unanswered question receives zero marks.
The applicable notification should be checked for the current treatment of:
- Correct answers
- Incorrect answers
- Unanswered questions
- Multiple answers
- Negative marking
- Qualifying marks
Do not assume that the marking scheme is identical across SI, Constable and technical examinations.
AP Police Qualifying Marks
The qualifying marks are prescribed separately according to the examination and category.
For example, the detailed SI preliminary examination scheme has prescribed:
| Category | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| OC/EWS | 40% |
| BC | 35% |
| SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen | 30% |
The Constable examination scheme has also used 40%, 35% and 30% qualifying thresholds for the respective categories.
These figures should be treated as the notification-based qualifying standard, not as a prediction of the final cut-off. The actual selection cut-off can be considerably different depending on vacancies, candidates’ performance and the applicable selection rules.
AP Police Exam Preparation Strategy
A good preparation strategy should combine written-test preparation with physical training.
Start with the Common Subjects
Begin with Arithmetic, Reasoning, General Science, History, Geography, Polity and Current Affairs.
These subjects form the foundation of the written examination for several major police recruitment categories.
Build Arithmetic Speed
Arithmetic questions become easier when formulas and basic calculations are automatic.
Spend regular practice time on:
Percentage → Ratio → Average → Profit & Loss → Interest → Time & Work → Time & Distance → Mensuration
Practice Reasoning Daily
Reasoning improves primarily through repeated exposure to different question patterns.
Solve questions involving:
- Series
- Coding-decoding
- Analogy
- Classification
- Logical reasoning
- Spatial reasoning
Maintain a notebook of recurring mistakes.
Read Current Affairs Regularly
Current affairs should not be left for the final few weeks.
Focus particularly on:
- Andhra Pradesh
- India
- International events
- Government schemes
- Appointments
- Awards
- Sports
- Defence
- Science and technology
Prepare for the Physical Test Alongside the Written Exam
Candidates should not postpone physical preparation until after the written examination.
Running and other physical events require gradual conditioning. Starting late can make it difficult to reach the required performance level.
AP Police Preparation: What Should You Study First?
Candidates preparing from scratch can use the following sequence:
Phase 1: Foundation
Complete:
- Basic Arithmetic
- Basic Reasoning
- Indian Polity
- Modern Indian History
- Geography
- General Science
Phase 2: Practice
Start:
- Topic-wise questions
- Previous examination questions
- Sectional tests
- Timed practice
Phase 3: Current Affairs
Revise:
- National events
- Andhra Pradesh events
- Government schemes
- Awards
- Sports
- Science and technology
Phase 4: Mock Tests
Take full-length tests under examination conditions.
Analyse every incorrect answer instead of merely checking your score.
Phase 5: Physical Preparation
Maintain regular running and event-specific training throughout the preparation period.
AP Police Previous Year Question Papers
Previous question papers are useful because they reveal the type and difficulty of questions asked in the examination.
Candidates should analyse previous papers to understand:
- Frequently tested topics
- Question difficulty
- Time pressure
- Question distribution
- Repeated concepts
- General Studies emphasis
However, previous papers should be used as a preparation aid, not as a guarantee that the same questions or exact distribution will appear again.
AP Police Exam Pattern for Different Posts
The following table provides a quick comparison.
| Post Category | Written Test | Physical Test | Technical/Skill Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| SI Civil/Reserve SI | Preliminary + Final | Yes | No/As prescribed |
| Constable Civil/AR | Preliminary + Final | Yes | No |
| Fireman | Preliminary + Final | Yes | No/As prescribed |
| Warder | Preliminary + Final | Yes | No |
| SI Communications | Post-specific written exam | As prescribed | Technical |
| SI PTO | Post-specific written exam | As prescribed | Technical |
| Constable Communications | Written exam | As prescribed | Technical |
| Mechanic | Written exam | Yes | Trade test |
| Driver | Written exam | Yes | Driving test |
| Scientific Assistant | Specialist written exam | Generally not the standard police PET | No/As prescribed |
The exact selection procedure is controlled by the post-specific notification.
Important Points About the AP Police Syllabus
Candidates should remember these points while preparing:
- The SI and Constable syllabi are not identical.
- Technical posts require additional subject-specific preparation.
- Physical standards differ between posts and categories.
- The Preliminary Test may be qualifying/screening in nature rather than part of final merit.
- Final written examination marks can carry the principal weight in selection for applicable posts.
- The qualifying percentage is different from the final cut-off.
- Current affairs should include Andhra Pradesh-specific developments.
- The latest official notification always overrides an evergreen syllabus guide.
FAQs on AP Police Exam Pattern and Syllabus
What is the AP Police SI exam pattern?
The SI examination generally includes a Preliminary Written Test followed by physical tests and a Final Written Examination for the applicable posts. The Preliminary Test has separate papers for Arithmetic/Reasoning and General Studies under the detailed SLPRB scheme.
How many questions are asked in the AP Police Constable exam?
The Constable preliminary written examination has been prescribed as an objective test containing 200 questions for 200 marks, with a three-hour duration under the current recruitment scheme.
What subjects are included in the AP Police Constable syllabus?
The syllabus includes English, Arithmetic, Reasoning/Mental Ability, General Science, Indian History and Culture, Indian National Movement, Indian Geography, Indian Polity, Indian Economy and current affairs.
Is there a physical test for AP Police Constable?
Yes. Candidates applying for the applicable Constable, Fireman and Warder posts must qualify the prescribed physical measurement and physical efficiency stages.
Is the AP Police SI preliminary exam counted for final merit?
Under the detailed SI examination scheme, the Preliminary Written Test is qualifying in nature and its marks are not counted for final selection.
What is the AP Police SI syllabus?
The SI syllabus broadly covers Arithmetic, Reasoning/Mental Ability, General Studies, English and Telugu/Urdu, with the final examination containing the papers prescribed for the applicable SI post.
Does AP Police recruitment have a technical syllabus?
Yes. Technical posts such as Communications, Police Transport Organisation, Mechanics, Drivers and Scientific Assistant have post-specific technical or specialist requirements.
Is the AP Police syllabus the same every year?
Final Tip 📍
The AP Police Exam Pattern and Syllabus should be studied according to the exact post code rather than as one common examination. SI candidates need to prepare for the preliminary and final written examinations along with the applicable physical tests, while Constable candidates must prepare for the written examination, physical stages and final examination. Technical and specialist candidates have additional subject-specific requirements.
For most candidates, the core preparation should revolve around Arithmetic, Reasoning, English, General Science, Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Current Affairs, combined with regular physical preparation where applicable.
For recruitment-specific information such as vacancies, eligibility, application dates and official notification links, refer to the relevant AP Police Recruitment notification and application guide. Candidates should use this syllabus as a preparation framework and verify the final examination scheme against the latest SLPRB notification before applying.
Related: AP Police Recruitment 2026: Apply for 2050 Posts SI Constable & Other Posts