When a department fills just one local-cadre post through direct recruitment, it must reserve that post for a local candidate. When it fills 2 to 18 posts, one must be open to both local and non-local candidates. The Andhra Pradesh General Administration (Services-D) Department clarified these cases in Circular Memo No. 3483841/Ser.D/2026, dated 1 November 2026. The instructions apply to all departments and recruiting agencies undertaking direct recruitment.
How many posts are open to local and non-local candidates?
Page 2 explains the 95% local and 5% unreserved allocation under the Presidential Order, 2025. Fractions go to the local share. When more than one post is filled, at least one must be unreserved. Here, “unreserved” describes eligibility by locality.
| Posts being filled in the local cadre | Allocation by locality |
|---|---|
| 1 post | 1 reserved for a local candidate. |
| 2 to 18 posts | 1 open to both local and non-local candidates. All remaining posts are reserved for locals. |
| Example: 10 posts | 9 reserved for locals and 1 open to both groups. |
How successor districts distribute carried-forward vacancies
On page 3, the memo directs departments to order the reorganised units by cadre strength, highest first, and allocate vacancies in a continuous rotation. Each allotment depends on an available vacancy in the corresponding category. Continue the rotation across categories.
Category priority runs from SC Group I to SC Group II, SC Group III, ST, BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E and finally EWS.
Backlog, fresh vacancies and non-joining
| Case | Action under the memo (page 4) |
|---|---|
| Carried-forward vacancy | Keep a separate record for each local cadre. Enter the original notification number and year, roster point and cycle in the GO 178 requisition. |
| Fresh vacancy | Show it separately for the current recruitment year. Keep backlog outside the current roster points. |
| Selected candidate does not join or relinquishes selection | Rule 22 carry-forward applies to vacancies reserved for SC, ST, BC and EWS. For vacancies outside that provision, include the vacancy in the next recruitment and continue the existing roster sequence. |
Horizontal reservations within the roster cycle
Before sending a requisition, the appointing authority or unit officer must check representation for women, persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD), ex-servicemen and meritorious sports persons (MSP) separately in each 100-point cycle. Count representation already achieved and meet any shortfall from the remaining vacancies in that cycle. Pages 5–6 address earlier unfilled MSP, ex-servicemen and PwBD requirements, including the case of a single current vacancy.
PwBD blocks. Operate all four prescribed blocks in each 100-point cycle. At the end of the fourth block, an unfilled PwBD vacancy lapses. Start the next cycle with its first block. The memo separately specifies a 200-point roster for Scheduled Castes.
Successor districts. Page 7 limits the distribution of carried-forward vacancies across successor districts to communal categories with specified roster points. Departments do not separately distribute horizontal reservation shortfalls among those districts.
Download Circular Memo 3483841
The eight-page memo cites G.O.Ms.No.77 (2 August 2023), No.45 (20 April 2026), No.172 (2 September 2026) and No.178 (3 September 2026). The clarification tables are on pages 2–7.
Download the circular memo PDF (8 pages)
Frequently asked questions
Can a local candidate compete for an unreserved local-cadre post?
Yes. For local reservation, an unreserved post is open to both local and non-local candidates. The memo reserves a sole notified local-cadre post for a local candidate.
How should a department report a carried-forward vacancy?
Record it separately for its local cadre, with the earlier notification number, year, roster point and cycle. Show fresh vacancies separately in the requisition.
What follows point 100 in a 100-point roster?
The next entry is Cycle 2, Roster Point 1. The memo separately requires the prescribed 200-point roster for Scheduled Castes.
