The Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test (AP SET) is a crucial examination conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors and Lecturers in universities and degree colleges across Andhra Pradesh. Administered by Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, on behalf of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, AP SET aligns its syllabus, exam pattern, and qualifying criteria with the standards set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET). The upcoming AP SET 2026 is scheduled to be held on the 28th and 29th of March, 2026, across multiple examination sessions.
Overview of AP SET 2026
The AP SET (Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test) is an essential step for candidates seeking the role of Assistant Professor or Lecturer in state universities and degree colleges within Andhra Pradesh. By clearing this exam, candidates demonstrate their eligibility according to the prescribed norms, ensuring they meet the academic and screening standards required for higher education roles.
Important Dates for AP SET 2026
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Short Notice / Initial Notification | 31 December 2025 |
| Detailed Notification Release | 2 January 2026 |
| Start of Online Application / Registration | 9 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application (without late fee) | 9 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 9 February 2026 |
| Late Application Submission with Additional Fee | Up to 25 February 2026 (₹2000 late fee) |
| Admit Card Release | 19 March 2026 |
| AP SET Examination Dates | 28 & 29 March 2026 |
Registration Process and Fees
AP SET 2026 Registration Fees
The registration fee varies based on the candidate’s category:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR & EWS | ₹1600 |
| BC | ₹1300 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Transgender | ₹900 |
Eligibility Criteria for AP SET 2026
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant subject with the following minimum marks:
- General / UR candidates: At least 55% marks (without rounding off).
- SC / ST / BC / PwD / Transgender candidates: At least 50% marks.
Additionally, candidates appearing in the final year of their postgraduate course or awaiting results may also apply, provided they meet the required percentage and submit proof within specified timelines.
Subjects and Discipline
The chosen subject for AP SET should correspond to the candidate’s postgraduate specialization or a closely related discipline, as specified in the official subject list.
Reservation and Relaxations
The government provides relaxation in qualifying marks and other criteria for reserved categories, in line with UGC and state government norms.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit to appear for AP SET 2026. Candidates of any age who meet the educational qualifications can apply. However, recruitment and appointment processes may have age restrictions as per university or state government policies.
Required Documents for Application
- Valid email ID and mobile number for registration and communication.
- Scanned passport-sized photograph (JPEG/JPG format).
- Scanned signature (JPEG/JPG format).
- Master’s degree marksheets and certificates for verification.
- Category certificate, if applicable (SC/ST/BC/EWS).
- PwD certificate, if claiming reservation.
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport).
- Payment details such as debit/credit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
How to Apply for AP SET 2026
- Visit the official website at AP SET Registration Portal.
- Registration: Click on “AP SET 2026 – Apply Online / Registration” and fill in basic details like name, email, mobile number, and create a password if necessary.
- Login: Use credentials to access your dashboard and fill in personal and academic information, including postgraduate details.
- Selection of Subjects and Exam Centers: Choose your subject and preferred examination centers from the provided list.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), and PwD certificate (if applicable), ensuring they meet the specified size and format criteria.
- Pay the Application Fee: Proceed with online payment via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Confirm successful transaction and receive acknowledgment.
- Final Submission and Print: Review all details for accuracy, submit the form, and download/print the confirmation page and fee receipt for future use.
Official Details and Resources
For detailed information and guidance, candidates should refer to the official notification and brochure available here: AP SET 2026 Brochure.
The official website for updates and downloads is NEET NTA Portal, where further instructions are provided.
Additional Tips for Candidates
- Ensure your scanned documents are clear and meet the specified dimensions and file sizes.
- Verify all details before final submission to avoid errors.
- Keep your registration details, fee receipts, and confirmation pages safely for future reference.
- Prepare for the exam with practice tests and by reviewing the syllabus aligned with UGC-NET standards.
Conclusion
AP SET 2026 is an essential qualification for candidates wishing to pursue an academic career in Andhra Pradesh. Adhering to the outlined eligibility criteria, adhering to timelines, and preparing diligently can help candidates succeed in this competitive examination. Stay updated via the official links provided for any announcements or changes regarding the exam schedule or procedures.