AP Police Constable Exam Pattern 2026 — Prelims & Final Written
The Andhra Pradesh Police Constable exam has a qualifying 200-question Preliminary Written Test, the physical tests, and a 200-question Final Written Examination that decides the merit. Here is each stage — questions, marks, time, qualifying marks and how the merit is built — as in the SLPRB AP 2026 notification.
Last updated:
Three stages
- Preliminary Written Test — One objective paper of 200 questions; qualifying only.
- PMT / PET — Physical measurements, then the 1600 m run plus the 100 m run or long jump. Qualifying for PC (Civil); 100 marks toward merit for PC (AR).
- Final Written Examination — One objective paper of 200 questions on the same syllabus; it decides the merit.
The two written papers
Both written stages are single 3-hour objective (OMR) papers of 200 questions for 200 marks, at Intermediate standard, set in English, Telugu and Urdu. The same written tests are used for PC (Civil), PC (AR), Firemen and Warders.
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|
| Preliminary Written Test | English, Arithmetic (SSC standard), Reasoning / Mental Ability, General Science, History of India & Indian culture, Indian National Movement, Indian Geography, Polity & Economy, current events | 200 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Final Written Examination | English, Arithmetic (SSC standard), Reasoning / Mental Ability, General Science, History of India & Indian culture, Indian National Movement, Indian Geography, Polity & Economy, current events | 200 | 200 | 3 hours |
- Marking — There is no negative marking: the SLPRB AP 2026 notifications award marks for a correct answer and prescribe no deduction for a wrong one, so attempt every question.
- Qualifying — Clear 40% (OC / EWS), 35% (BC) or 30% (SC / ST) in the Prelims to reach the PMT / PET; the same minimums apply to the Final Written Examination.
- Time per question — 200 questions in 180 minutes is under a minute per question, so speed with accuracy is the whole game.
How the merit is built
- PC (Civil) — Selection is strictly on the Final Written Examination score out of 200, among candidates who cleared the PET (which is qualifying only).
- PC (AR) — The 200 questions are scaled to 100 marks and added to 100 PET marks — 200 in all.
- Prelims — Prelims marks have no relevance in the final selection — they only decide who reaches the physical tests.
How to practise for this pattern
- Build speed on easy marks — With under a minute per question, quick wins in English, Reasoning and General Science save time for Arithmetic.
- Attempt all 200 — There is no negative marking, so never leave a bubble empty.
- Train for the ground too — The PET comes straight after the Prelims, so keep running while you study.
- Write full papers under time — Take timed 200-question mocks on a CBT-style screen and review every wrong answer.
Keep going
Everything else you need for the AP Police Constable exam, in English and Telugu:
Official sources
Always confirm dates, vacancies, eligibility and the exam scheme in the official SLPRB AP notification and any corrigendum on slprb.ap.gov.in, the portal of the State Level Police Recruitment Board, Andhra Pradesh. AP Police Hub is an independent preparation platform and is not connected with SLPRB AP.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the AP Police Constable Prelims exam pattern?
One objective (OMR) paper of 200 questions for 200 marks in 3 hours, at Intermediate standard. It is qualifying only and decides who reaches the PMT / PET.
Is there negative marking in the AP Constable exam?
No. The SLPRB AP 2026 Constable notification prescribes no deduction for a wrong answer, so attempt all 200 questions.
What are the qualifying marks for AP Constable Prelims?
40% for OC (including EWS), 35% for BC and 30% for SC / ST. Prelims marks have no relevance in the final selection.
How is the final merit decided for AP Police Constable?
For PC (Civil), by the Final Written Examination score out of 200, among candidates who cleared the PET. For PC (AR), the written score is scaled to 100 and added to 100 PET marks.
In which languages is the AP Constable exam conducted?
In English, Telugu and Urdu, answered on an OMR sheet. English is also one of the subjects, and its questions stay in English in every language version of the paper.
Do Firemen and Warders write the same exam as Police Constables?
Yes. Under the 2026 notification, PC (Civil), PC (AR), Firemen and Warders take the same written tests.
Start practising free
Try today's daily quiz of 10 questions — no account needed — or create a free account to start the free warm-up tests and the free study notes for your exam. Everything is in English and Telugu.