Andhra Pradesh Temple Priest Recruitment Opens Merit-Based Selection Process with Written and Oral Tests

AP Endowments Department Begins Transparent, Merit-Based Recruitment of Temple Priests Through Written and Oral Tests

Asian Media Network | Published on: Sep 29, 2026, 9:34 AM

The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department is adopting a transparent, merit-based process to recruit Vedic staff for temples across the state. Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan said 344 posts are being filled through written and oral tests.

In the first phase, 14 Vedic scholars were selected from 580 applicants. The second phase covers 107 priest posts, with 816 applications and 441 eligible candidates receiving hall tickets. Agama-wise written exams begin with Smartha Agama, followed by Pancharatra, Vaikhanasa, Shaiva, Veerashaiva and village deity Agamas. Candidates securing at least 50% will enter oral tests in a 1:3 merit ratio. Final selection will combine written and oral marks, followed by merit-cum-option temple allotment.