AP SET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Age Limit and Educational Qualification Here

AP SET Eligibility Criteria 2026: The Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, on behalf of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, has published the detailed notification for the State Eligibility Test (AP SET). It is a qualifying test conducted to ascertain a candidate’s eligibility for appointment as an Assistant Professor /Lecturer in higher education institutions within Andhra Pradesh. Interested candidates can apply online for the AP SET exam between January 9 and February 9, 2026. Before applying, they should check the eligibility set by the exam authorities. This includes age, qualification, nationality, and more. Any candidate found ineligible may face rejection of their applications. Read ahead to know the AP SET Eligibility Criteria and other relevant information.

AP SET Eligibility Criteria

The AP SET notification is finally out! All interested candidates should read the advertisement to identify whether they are qualified to appear for the exam. APSET aims to ensure uniform basic standards of eligibility for teaching roles. It tests candidates’ teaching and research aptitude. It checks how well they know concepts and subject knowledge. But APSET is not a recruitment examination. It just makes candidates eligible to apply for Assistant Professor/Lecturer roles in Universities and Colleges in Andhra Pradesh. In this article, we have provided AP SET Eligibility Criteria, including age, qualification, and more, for your reference.

AP SET Eligibility Age Limit

There shall be no upper age limit for APSET. It implies that candidates are eligible to appear for the exam till they fulfil all the qualifications and other guidelines.

AP SET Educational Qualifications

Educational Qualification is a crucial part of the AP SET eligibility. Candidates who fulfil all the academic qualifications can only participate in this eligibility test. Below is the AP SET educational qualification for clarity purposes:

• Must have completed a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a UGC- recognized university.

• The minimum qualifying marks should be 55% for the General /EWS category in the qualifying degree.

• Candidates belonging to the SC/ST/ BC /PwD/Third gender category must obtain at least 50% marks in their qualifying degree.

• Candidates must have a qualifying degree in subjects such as Humanities and Social Science (including languages), Computer Science and Applications, Electronic Science, etc.

What is the AP SET Eligibility Criteria for Final Year Candidates?

Aspirants appearing in the final year may apply provisionally for the test. They must submit the PG Pass Certificate within Two Years from the date of eligibility. The proof of

qualification must be submitted at the time of appointment. Failing to do so will result in the cancellation of their eligibility. They will be considered eligible only after they have passed their Master’s Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks (50% marks for BC/SC/ ST/ PwD/Third gender category candidates).

What is AP SET Eligibility for the Third gender category candidates?

Below is the minimum required AP SET qualification for the Third gender category candidates:

• Aspirants belonging to the Third gender category can avail of the same relaxation in fee, age and Eligibility Criteria for SET (Assistant Professor) as are specified for SC/ST/PwD categories.

• Third gender category candidates must secure at least 50% marks in their qualifying degree.

What is AP SET Eligibility for the PhD degree holders?

Take a look at the AP SET eligibility requirements for the PhD degree holders:

• The PhD degree holders whose Master’s level examination has been completed by 19 September 1991 (irrespective of the date of declaration of result) can apply.

• They will be eligible for a relaxation of 5% in aggregate marks (i.e. from 55% to 50%) for appearing in SET.

AP SET Eligibility Subject Selection Guidelines

Let’s discuss the AP SET subject selection guidelines for the clarity of the candidates:

• Aspirants are advised to participate in the subject of their Post-Graduation only. 

• Those whose post-graduation subject is not mentioned in the list of SET subjects may participate in UGC-NET/Joint CSIR-UGC Test.

AP SET Eligibility Criteria: Equivalence for Diploma/Certificate

Applicants having a post-graduate diploma/certificate from an Indian University/ Institute or a foreign degree/diploma/certificate from a foreign University/ institute must check whether it is equivalent to a Master’s degree from a recognised Indian university. This equivalence must be confirmed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi.

AP SET Eligibility Criteria: Validity for SET Qualification

Aspirants who cleared the State Eligibility Test (SET) before 1st June 2002 are eligible to apply for the post of Lecturer/Assistant Professor anywhere in India. Candidates who cleared the SET exam from 1st June 2002 onwards are eligible to apply for the post of Lecturer /Assistant Professor only in the universities/ colleges within the state from where they passed their SET exam.

AP SET Eligibility Criteria: Nationality

The candidate must be an Indian citizen when applying for the AP SET exam.

AP SET Eligibility Criteria: Exemptions from APSET

There are a few exemptions specified in the APSET notification. The following candidates are exempted from participating in APSET:

• UGC-NET qualified candidates

• CSIR-NET qualified candidates

Details Required to Fill AP SET Applications

Candidates should fill out APSET applications with valid details and documents within the deadline. Incorrect information may result in rejection of your applications. The following details/documents are required to complete the applications:

• Valid Email ID

• Valid Mobile Number

• Date of Birth

• PG Hall Ticket

• Aadhaar Number

• Scanned copy of photograph and signature

• Valid caste, disability, or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate, if applicable

• Other relevant documents