AP SET (AP State Eligibility Test)

"AP SET" most commonly refers to the Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test, which is a state-level exam to qualify candidates for Assistant Professor/Lecturer positions in colleges and universities in Andhra Pradesh. It is an exam by Andhra University, Visakhapatnam for Assistant Professor/Lecturer positions. It is a qualifying exam based on UGC guidelines.

AP SET Highlights

Eligibility Criteria for appearing in AP SET Exam

1.  Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in subjects such as Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science, Electronic Science, etc..

2.  Candidate must score 55% for General/EWS; 50% for SC/ST/BC/PwD/Third Gender.

3.   No upper age limit is applicable for candidates.

4.  Candidate must be citizen of India. 

AP SET Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test (AP SET) exam consists of two papers, both featuring objective type, multiple–choice question. The exam is typically conducted in a single session without any break. 

AP SET Exam Structure

Key Features

·         Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns +2 marks.

·         Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect or unanswered questions.

·         Exam Mode: Traditionally offline (OMR-based), though recent updates for 2026 suggest a move toward Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

·         Medium of Exam:

o    Paper I: Bilingual (English and Telugu) for all candidates.

o    Paper II: Bilingual for specific subjects (e.g., Commerce, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology); language papers are in their respective languages (Hindi, Sanskrit, etc.); all other subjects are in English only. 

Exam Syllabus

Paper-Wise Breakdown

·         Paper I (10 Units): Tests general awareness and teaching competencies. It includes 5 questions from each unit: Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Reasoning (Mathematical), Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, ICT, People & Environment, and Higher Education System.

·         Paper II: Focuses on in-depth knowledge of the subject selected from over 30 subjects (such as Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, English, etc.) based on postgraduate-level standards.

AP SET Paper 1 Syllabus (General - 10 Units)

·         Teaching Aptitude: Levels of teaching, learner characteristics, evaluation systems.

·         Research Aptitude: Types, methods, ethics, and thesis writing.

·         Reading Comprehension: Interpretation of a given passage.

·         Communication: Types, barriers, and effective classroom communication.

·         Reasoning (including Mathematical): Number series, letter series, codes, and relationships.

·         Logical Reasoning: Deductive/inductive reasoning, argument structures, and Indian logic.

·         Data Interpretation: Sources, acquisition, and interpretation of data.

·         Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Internet, email, and digital initiatives in higher education.

·         People, Development and Environment: Environmental issues, pollution, and sustainable development.

·         Higher Education System: Governance, policy, and administration. 

AP SET Paper 2 Syllabus (Subject Specific)

·         Covers the specialized subject chosen by the candidate (e.g., English, Commerce, Life Sciences, History) based on the NET/CSIR syllabus.

·         Detailed syllabus for each of the 30+ subjects can be downloaded from the official website. 

AP SET: How to Apply

To apply for APSET (Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test), visit the official website (apset.net.in), register by providing basic details, fill the application form online with personal/educational info, upload required documents (photo/signature), pay the fee, and submit, ensuring you meet the Master's degree and minimum percentage criteria (55% for General, 50% for Reserved categories) before the deadline.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1.     Visit Official Site: Go to the official APSET website, https://apset.net.in/.

2.     Registration: Click the "Register" or "New Registration" link and provide basic details like name, father's name, DOB, email, and mobile number to create an account.

3.     Login & Fill Form: Log in and complete the application form with detailed personal, educational (Master's marks), and contact information.

4.     Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature.

5.     Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway.

6.     Review & Submit: Carefully review all entered details and submit the form.

7.     Print Confirmation: Print the generated confirmation page for future reference.