STAGE 01
Preliminary
400 marks · Two papers of 200 marks each, 2 hours each. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying with a 33% minimum.
Examination Guide / APSC CCE
APSC Syllabus
Detailed syllabus for the APSC Combined Competitive Examination — Preliminary and Main. Understand the examination structure, papers, and major topics at a glance.
Exam Structure
Three stages. 1680 marks. One goal.
A clear overview of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test.
STAGE 02
Main Examination
1500 marks · Essay and five General Studies papers, 250 marks each, 3 hours per paper.
STAGE 03
Interview
180 marks · Personality Test for candidates who qualify the written examination. Final merit considers Mains and Interview.
Note: Verify the latest APSC notification for applicable rules, paper patterns and syllabus amendments before publishing or preparing.
Preliminary Examination
Paper I (GS) & Paper II (CSAT)
Build your foundation with the core General Studies topics and qualifying aptitude paper.
30–35% of questions in General Studies Paper I are described in the reference syllabus as Assam-related. Confirm the current official notification.
Paper I — General Studies I200 Marks · 2 Hours +
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social, Economic.
- Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues.
- Economic and Social Development — Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.
- General Science.
Paper II — CSAT / General Studies II200 Marks · 2 Hours +
- Comprehension.
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision making and problem solving.
- General mental ability.
- Basic numeracy (Class X level) and data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables).
Main Examination
Six papers. 1500 marks of written examination.
Explore the paper-wise areas covered in the APSC Main Examination, including the dedicated Assam paper.
Paper I — Essay250 Marks +
- Divided into two sections (A & B), each with four topics. Candidates select one topic from each section. Total of two essays in three hours. Each essay: 125 marks. Credit for orderly arrangement of ideas, conciseness, and exact expression.
Paper II — General Studies I250 Marks +
- Indian History, Heritage, Culture, Society and Geography of India & World.
- Indian culture — Art Forms, Literature, Architecture (ancient to modern).
- Modern Indian history from mid-18th century — events, personalities, issues.
- The Freedom Struggle and contributions from across the country.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization.
- Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity of India.
- Role of women, population issues, poverty, urbanization, globalization effects.
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism.
- Physical geography, natural resources, geophysical phenomena.
Paper III — General Studies II250 Marks +
- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations.
- Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, basic structure.
- Centre–State relations, federalism, devolution of powers.
- Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms.
- Parliament & State Legislatures — structure, functioning, powers.
- Executive and Judiciary — organization, role of pressure groups.
- Representation of People’s Act and Constitutional/Statutory Bodies.
- Government policies, welfare schemes, NGOs and development industry.
- Health, Education, Human Resources — poverty and hunger with Assam emphasis.
Paper IV — General Studies III250 Marks +
- Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
- Indian Economy — planning, resource mobilization, inclusive growth, budgeting.
- Cropping patterns, PDS, food security, technology missions, land reforms.
- Effects of liberalization and infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways).
- Science & Tech, indigenization, IT, Space, Computers, Nano-tech, IPR.
- Environmental conservation, EIA, disaster management with emphasis on Assam.
- Internal security — media & social networks, cyber security, money-laundering, border areas.
Paper V — General Studies IV250 Marks +
- Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.
- Ethics and Human Interface — essence, determinants, consequences.
- Human Values — lessons from leaders, reformers, administrators.
- Attitude, social influence and persuasion.
- Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service.
- Emotional Intelligence — concepts and application in governance.
- Contributions of moral thinkers from India and the world.
- Probity in Governance — RTI, codes of ethics, citizen’s charter.
- Case studies on the above issues.
Paper VI — General Subject Paper on Assam250 Marks +
- History, Heritage, Culture, Geography, Governance, Polity, Social Justice, IR, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management of Assam.
- History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Assam — major dynasties, freedom movement, leading personalities.
- Geography of Assam — physical features, natural resources, climate, wildlife, mines, industries.
- Political and Administrative System — Governor, CM, State Assembly, High Court, APSC, district administration.
- Economy of Assam — agriculture, industry, services, welfare schemes, development projects.
- Bio-diversity, environment, security and disaster management with emphasis on Assam.
Prepare With Purpose
Your preparation starts with clarity.
Explore Abikalpa IAS Academy and learn more about guidance for your civil services preparation.
Visit Abikalpa IAS Academy ↗