APPSC Survey & Settlement Test (161 & 162) previous papers

Exam papers Last reviewed July 15, 2026
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Andhra Pradesh public service commission conducts Departmental Test twice a year on April and November sessions for employees of the government of Andhra Pradesh. They are eligible to apply for the Tests that are prescribed in their respective Departmental Service Rules.

Village Surveyors(Grade-III) of the Survey, Settlement, and Land Records department shall write for the declaration of probation as per G.O.Ms.No.418 Revenue (Ser-III) Department, dated.27-9-2019 (Paper Codes:161,162,167) in one language only i.e., either in English or Telugu.

Survey Settlement test(paper codes:161, 162) and practical test-1(paper code167), WHICH REQUIRED MINIMUM OF 40 MARKS IN EACH PAPER.

  1. Village Surveyor Grade-III, Paper-I (Without Books) (Descriptive Type) – 3 Hours Duration, paper code(161)
  2. Village Surveyor Grade-III, Paper-II (Without Books) (Descriptive Type) – 3 Hours Duration, paper code(162)
  3. Practical Test-1,paper code(167)

Question Paper’s of Survey Settlement Test, (WITHOUT BOOKS) :

Session Paper name Download
2021 Special Session
Village Surveyor Grade-III, Paper-I (Without Books)
2021 Special Session
Village Surveyor Grade-III, Paper-II (Without Books)
2021 Special Session
Practical Test-1

Original question papers are provided in digital format(on a computer screen).so please note that the exact wording of the original question paper and the above-provided question paper differs.

Preparation Strategy for APPSC Departmental Tests

Success in the APPSC departmental tests requires a systematic approach to both the theoretical and practical aspects of land surveying. Here are essential tips for your preparation:

  • Master the BSOs: The Board Standing Orders (particularly BSO 34-A) form the core of revenue survey administration. Focus on the chapters relating to maintenance of land records and subdivision procedures.
  • Understand the AP Survey and Boundaries Act, 1923: Pay special attention to Sections 9(1), 9(2), and 10. You must know the statutory powers of the survey officer and the appeal hierarchy.
  • Focus on Practical Computations: Ensure you are completely comfortable with FMB calculations, the Diagonal and Offset (D&O) system, and converting between Gunter's links and metric units.
  • Review Previous Papers: The question patterns tend to repeat. By solving previous years' papers (like the ones provided above), you can identify high-weightage topics and improve your time management.

Syllabus Overview

While the exact syllabus can be verified in the latest APPSC notification, the core syllabus for surveyor departmental tests generally includes:

  • Chain and Compass Survey: Principles of chain surveying, handling of instruments (cross staff, tape, chain), and recording measurements in the field book.
  • Cadastral Survey Procedures: Step-by-step procedures for clubbing, subdivision, and incorporating changes into the village map and FMB.
  • Revenue Records: Maintenance of village accounts, Adangal/Pahani, Register of Holdings, and the correlation between survey and revenue records.
  • Modern Survey Techniques: Basic principles of Total Station (ETS), DGPS, and CORS networks, which are increasingly relevant in resurvey projects.

Preparation Strategy for APPSC Departmental Tests

Success in the APPSC departmental tests requires a systematic approach to both the theoretical and practical aspects of land surveying. Here are essential tips for your preparation:

  • Master the BSOs: The Board Standing Orders (particularly BSO 34-A) form the core of revenue survey administration. Focus on the chapters relating to maintenance of land records and subdivision procedures.
  • Understand the AP Survey and Boundaries Act, 1923: Pay special attention to Sections 9(1), 9(2), and 10. You must know the statutory powers of the survey officer and the appeal hierarchy.
  • Focus on Practical Computations: Ensure you are completely comfortable with FMB calculations, the Diagonal and Offset (D&O) system, and converting between Gunter's links and metric units.
  • Review Previous Papers: The question patterns tend to repeat. By solving previous years' papers (like the ones provided above), you can identify high-weightage topics and improve your time management.

Syllabus Overview

While the exact syllabus can be verified in the latest APPSC notification, the core syllabus for surveyor departmental tests generally includes:

  • Chain and Compass Survey: Principles of chain surveying, handling of instruments (cross staff, tape, chain), and recording measurements in the field book.
  • Cadastral Survey Procedures: Step-by-step procedures for clubbing, subdivision, and incorporating changes into the village map and FMB.
  • Revenue Records: Maintenance of village accounts, Adangal/Pahani, Register of Holdings, and the correlation between survey and revenue records.
  • Modern Survey Techniques: Basic principles of Total Station (ETS), DGPS, and CORS networks, which are increasingly relevant in resurvey projects.

Corrections & questions

These guides are maintained for practising AP surveyors. If a step is outdated or wrong, tell us — we prioritise field corrections.

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