The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has outlined the syllabus and examination pattern for the recruitment of Technical Assistant in the A.P. Mines and Geology Sub Service under Notification No. 32/2026. Candidates aiming to secure one of the 36 zonal vacancies must thoroughly understand the topics and structure of the Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) and the qualifying Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) to streamline their preparation effectively.
APPSC Technical Assistant (Mines) 2026: Overview
| Recruitment Authority | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Post Name | Technical Assistant in A.P. Mines and Geology Sub Service |
| Notification Number | 32/2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (CBRT) & Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) |
| Total Marks (Written) | 300 Marks |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Technical Assistant (Mines) Selection Criteria
The selection procedure for the Technical Assistant post involves the following sequential stages:
Written Examination: A Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) comprising objective-type questions.
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Candidates provisionally shortlisted from the written exam must qualify in a practical computer test.
Medical & Document Verification: Final appointment is subject to candidates being found medically fit and successful verification of credentials.
APPSC Technical Assistant (Mines) Exam Pattern
The written examination consists of two objective-type papers set at the degree standard. Each paper carries 150 questions for 150 marks, to be completed in 150 minutes, making the total examination worth 300 marks. Candidates must be cautious while answering, as there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect response across all objective-type papers.
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Paper-I | General Studies & Mental Ability | 150 | 150 Minutes | 150 |
| Paper-II | Geology | 150 | 150 Minutes | 150 |
| Total | 300 | 300 Marks |
Topic-wise Syllabus
The syllabus is strategically divided to assess both general administrative aptitude and core technical expertise. Paper-I evaluates the candidate’s grasp of current affairs, mental ability, logical reasoning, and data analysis. Paper-II is exclusively dedicated to Geology and is categorized into four detailed parts covering the earth’s constitution, mineralogy, petrology, and the stratigraphy of India.
| Paper/Section | Core Topics Covered |
| Paper-I: General Studies & Mental Ability | General Awareness: Major current events (International, National, AP), General Science & IT developments, History of India/AP, Geography of India/AP, Indian Polity, Governance, and Indian Economy. Aptitude & Environment: Sustainable Development, Disaster Management (vulnerability, remote sensing, GIS), Logical reasoning, analytical ability, and Data Analysis (tabulation, visual representation, summary statistics). |
| Paper-II: Geology (Part – I) | General Geology & Geomorphology: Solar system, Earth’s age and internal constitution, Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Plate tectonics, Rock weathering, Fluvial/Aeolian landforms, and Elements of Remote Sensing. Structural & Field Geology: Unconformities, Folds, joints, faults, Stereographic nets, Topographic maps, Clinometer compass usage, and Geological mapping. |
| Paper-II: Geology (Part – II) | Crystallography & Mineralogy: Crystal structure, Symmetry elements, Petrological microscope, Pleochroism, Properties of quartz, feldspar, mica, amphibole, and Gemstones. Economic Geology: Ore and gangue classification, Distribution of aluminum, copper, gold, iron, coal, and petroleum deposits in India. |
| Paper-II: Geology (Part – III) | Petrology: Origin of magma, Bowen’s reaction principle, Textures of igneous rocks, Sedimentary processes (clastic, siliceous, calcareous deposits), and Metamorphic grades, facies, and metasomatism. |
| Paper-II: Geology (Part – IV) | Paleontology & Stratigraphy: Fossils and preservation, Geological history of Brachiopoda, Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Stratigraphic classification, Geological time scale, and Brief study of Dharwar, Vindhyan, Gondwana, and Siwalik Groups. |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | Part-A (Theory): Computer components, Hardware/Software types, Windows/Linux/Mac OS basics, Internet, and Email concepts. Part-B (Practical): Hands-on tasks in MS Word (formatting, mail merge), MS Excel (formulae, charts, formatting), and MS PowerPoint (slides, transitions, animations). |
