The First Hurdle: Preliminary Written Test
For both the Police Constable (7,112 posts) and Sub Inspector (275 posts) recruitments, the Preliminary Written Test (PWT) is the mandatory first step. Only those who qualify the PWT will be eligible for the Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
Exam Pattern & Negative Marking
The PWT is an OMR-based objective examination.
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Total Questions: 200
- Total Marks: 200 (1 mark per question)
- Negative Marking: Yes! 20% (1/5th) of a mark will be deducted for every incorrect or invalid response.
- Languages: Questions will be set in English–Telugu and English–Urdu.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
To proceed to the physical tests, candidates must secure the following minimum percentages based on their category:
- OC and EWS: 30%
- BC: 25%
- SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen (and Home Guards for PC): 20%
Note: Securing qualifying marks does not guarantee selection; it merely makes you eligible for the next round.
Syllabus Breakdown
The paper is broadly divided into two sections:
- Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning: Focuses on numerical ability and logical deduction.
- General Studies: Covers Science, Current Affairs, History, Polity, Geography, Economy, and the Telangana Movement.
Winning Strategy for the Prelims
With negative marking introduced, accuracy is more important than ever. Avoid blind guessing.
- Leverage Overlapping Syllabuses: If you are preparing for TSPSC Group exams, you already have a head start. The General Studies syllabus is nearly identical. Use CrackSarkar's study material to brush up on Telangana Movement, Polity, and Economy.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Get comfortable with the OMR format and time pressure by taking our Full-Length Mock Tests.
- Review Mistakes: Use the Ask Sarkar tool to understand the concepts behind the questions you get wrong.
