The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) to recruit candidates for various prestigious government posts, including Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS) and other administrative positions in Assam.
Candidates preparing for the APSC CCE should understand the syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. The Prelims examination tests general knowledge, current affairs, aptitude and reasoning, while the Mains examination evaluates candidates' analytical ability, writing skills, understanding of governance and knowledge of Assam.
In this article, we have provided the APSC Prelims and Mains syllabus topic-wise, including History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment, General Science, Assam General Knowledge, Ethics and Essay Writing.
APSC CCE Syllabus 2027
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Examination |
| Conducting Authority | Assam Public Service Commission |
| Commonly Recruited Posts | Assam Civil Service, Assam Police Service and other notified posts |
| Examination Stages | Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Interview |
| Prelims Papers | General Studies I and General Studies II |
| Mains Papers | Essay and General Studies I–V |
| Prelims Exam Type | Objective type |
| Mains Exam Type | Descriptive / written |
| Interview | Personality Test |
| Official Website | https://apsc.nic.in/ |
Note: Candidates should check the latest official APSC notification for the applicable examination year to confirm the syllabus, paper structure, marks, qualifying requirements and selection rules.
APSC Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination is the screening stage of the APSC CCE. It generally consists of two General Studies papers covering general awareness, current affairs, aptitude and reasoning.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies I | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies II | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total | 400 | 4 hours |
Paper II has commonly been treated as a qualifying paper, with a minimum qualifying score of 33%. Prelims marks are used for screening candidates for the Main Examination and do not count towards final merit under the commonly published scheme. Verify the applicable notification for the current rules.
APSC Prelims Syllabus: Paper I – General Studies
General Studies Paper I covers Indian history, geography, polity, economy, environment, general science, current affairs and other areas of general knowledge. Assam-specific topics should receive particular attention.
1. Current Affairs
| Subject Area | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| National Current Affairs | Government policies, national events, awards, appointments and important decisions |
| International Affairs | International organisations, summits, treaties and India's foreign relations |
| Economy | Union Budget, economic surveys, banking developments, inflation and government schemes |
| Science and Technology | Space research, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and scientific discoveries |
| Environment | Climate change, biodiversity, conservation initiatives and environmental agreements |
| Sports | Major tournaments, awards, records and achievements |
| Assam Current Affairs | State schemes, Assam budget, appointments, awards, infrastructure and important state events |
2. History of India and the Indian National Movement
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Ancient History | Indus Valley Civilisation, Vedic Age, Mahajanapadas, Buddhism, Jainism, Mauryan and Gupta empires |
| Medieval History | Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Bhakti Movement, Sufi Movement and regional kingdoms |
| Modern History | European arrival, British expansion, colonial administration and economic policies |
| Revolt of 1857 | Causes, major leaders, centres and consequences |
| Indian National Movement | Formation of the Indian National Congress, Swadeshi Movement and revolutionary activities |
| Gandhian Movements | Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement |
| Constitutional Developments | Major British-era Acts, constitutional reforms and political developments |
| Independence | Freedom struggle, Partition and integration of princely states |
3. History of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Ancient Assam | Pragjyotisha, Kamarupa and ancient dynasties |
| Medieval Assam | Chutia, Kachari and Koch kingdoms |
| Ahom Kingdom | Establishment, administration, important rulers and military system |
| Important Battles | Battle of Saraighat and other major historical events |
| Revolts | Moamoria Rebellion and other important uprisings |
| British Rule | Treaty of Yandabo, British annexation and colonial administration |
| Freedom Movement | Freedom fighters, political organisations and participation in the national movement |
| Modern Assam | Assam Movement, Assam Accord and important post-independence developments |
4. Geography of India and the World
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Physical Geography | Earth's structure, rocks, landforms, mountains, plateaus and plains |
| Climate | Atmosphere, winds, rainfall, monsoon, cyclones and climatic regions |
| Indian Geography | Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau and coastal regions |
| Rivers and Water Resources | Major river systems, tributaries, dams and irrigation projects |
| Agriculture | Cropping patterns, soil types, irrigation and agricultural regions |
| Natural Resources | Minerals, forests, energy resources and water resources |
| Population | Population distribution, migration, urbanisation and settlements |
| World Geography | Continents, oceans, mountains, deserts, straits and important geographical locations |
5. Geography of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Location | Geographical position, boundaries and neighbouring states |
| Physiography | Brahmaputra Valley, Barak Valley and hill regions |
| Rivers | Brahmaputra, Barak and their major tributaries |
| Climate | Rainfall, seasons and climatic conditions |
| Soil and Agriculture | Soil types, rice cultivation, tea cultivation and agricultural regions |
| Forests | Forest types, biodiversity and natural vegetation |
| National Parks | Kaziranga, Manas, Orang, Nameri, Dibru-Saikhowa, Raimona and Dehing Patkai |
| Natural Disasters | Floods, riverbank erosion, landslides and related challenges |
| Population | Population distribution, settlements, migration and urban centres |
6. Indian Polity and Governance
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Indian Constitution | Preamble, constitutional features and constitutional development |
| Fundamental Rights | Constitutional rights and remedies |
| Directive Principles | Objectives and implementation |
| Fundamental Duties | Duties and constitutional responsibilities |
| Union Government | President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers |
| Parliament | Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, legislative procedures and committees |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court, High Courts, judicial review and judicial independence |
| State Government | Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and State Legislature |
| Federalism | Centre–State relations and distribution of powers |
| Constitutional Bodies | Election Commission, CAG, UPSC and Finance Commission |
| Local Government | Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies |
| Governance | Transparency, accountability, e-governance and public service delivery |
7. Indian Economy and Social Development
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Basic Economics | Demand, supply, production, consumption and markets |
| National Income | GDP, economic growth and development |
| Inflation | Causes, effects and control measures |
| Banking | Reserve Bank of India, commercial banks and financial inclusion |
| Budget | Government revenue, expenditure, taxation and fiscal policy |
| Agriculture | Agricultural productivity, irrigation, subsidies and rural credit |
| Industry | Industrial development, infrastructure and investment |
| Poverty | Poverty alleviation and welfare programmes |
| Employment | Unemployment, skill development and job creation |
| Social Development | Education, healthcare, nutrition, gender equality and inclusion |
| Sustainable Development | Environmental protection and balanced economic growth |
8. Economy of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, tea, horticulture and allied activities |
| Tea Industry | Production, employment and economic significance |
| Oil and Natural Gas | Petroleum, natural gas and related industries |
| Handloom and Handicrafts | Traditional industries and livelihoods |
| Infrastructure | Roads, railways, waterways, airports and connectivity |
| Tourism | Cultural, historical and ecological tourism |
| Employment | Rural employment, skill development and entrepreneurship |
| Government Schemes | Economic development and welfare programmes |
| Challenges | Flood-related losses, unemployment and regional inequalities |
9. Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Ecology | Ecosystems, food chains, food webs and ecological balance |
| Biodiversity | Species diversity, endangered species and conservation |
| Protected Areas | National parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves |
| Pollution | Air, water, soil and noise pollution |
| Climate Change | Global warming, greenhouse gases and climate impacts |
| Conservation | Forest protection, wildlife management and habitat conservation |
| Environmental Laws | Major environmental legislation and institutions |
| International Agreements | Climate and biodiversity conventions |
| Renewable Energy | Solar, wind, hydro and other renewable sources |
| Assam Environment | National parks, wetlands, rhino conservation, floods and human–wildlife conflict |
10. General Science and Technology
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Motion, force, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism |
| Chemistry | Elements, compounds, acids, bases, metals, non-metals and chemical reactions |
| Biology | Cells, human body systems, nutrition, genetics and diseases |
| Health | Immunity, vaccination, microorganisms and disease prevention |
| Space Science | Satellites, space missions and astronomy |
| Information Technology | Computers, digital technology and cybersecurity |
| Biotechnology | Applications in agriculture, medicine and research |
| Emerging Technology | Artificial intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology |
| Energy | Conventional and renewable energy sources |
APSC Prelims Syllabus: Paper II – General Studies II
Paper II focuses on aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, numerical ability and analytical skills.
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Passage analysis, central ideas, inference and conclusions |
| Communication Skills | Verbal communication, listening and communication barriers |
| Logical Reasoning | Analogies, series, coding-decoding, syllogisms and logical sequences |
| Analytical Ability | Puzzles, seating arrangements, patterns and analytical problems |
| Decision-Making | Situational judgement, prioritisation and problem-solving |
| General Mental Ability | Numerical reasoning, patterns and logical exercises |
| Basic Numeracy | Number systems, percentages, ratios, averages and arithmetic |
| Mathematics | Profit and loss, interest, time and work, speed and distance |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts and data comparison |
Preparation tip: Practise aptitude questions regularly and solve timed mock tests. Focus on accuracy, time management and understanding the reasoning behind each answer.
APSC Mains Exam Pattern
The Main Examination evaluates a candidate's ability to present arguments, analyse issues, understand public administration and write structured answers.
The commonly published APSC CCE scheme includes six written papers.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 |
| Paper VI | General Studies V – Assam | 250 |
| Total Written Examination | 1,500 | |
| Interview / Personality Test | 180 | |
| Overall Total | 1,680 |
Candidates should confirm the paper structure and marks from the official notification for their examination cycle.
APSC Mains Syllabus: Paper I – Essay
The Essay paper requires candidates to write well-organised essays on social, political, economic, environmental, scientific and regional issues.
| Essay Category | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Social Issues | Education, poverty, gender equality, women's empowerment and social justice |
| Political Issues | Democracy, constitutional values, electoral reforms and governance |
| Economic Issues | Employment, inclusive growth, agriculture and entrepreneurship |
| Environmental Issues | Climate change, biodiversity, pollution and sustainable development |
| Science and Technology | Artificial intelligence, digital transformation and scientific innovation |
| International Issues | Global cooperation, international relations and world challenges |
| Assam-Specific Issues | Flood management, tea industry, cultural heritage, tourism and youth employment |
Suggested essay structure:
Introduction and background
Explanation of the topic
Main arguments and analysis
Challenges and supporting examples
Possible solutions
Conclusion and way forward
Paper II – General Studies I
This paper commonly covers Indian heritage, culture, history, society and geography.
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Indian Culture | Art, architecture, sculpture, painting, music, dance and literature |
| Ancient History | Ancient civilisations, empires, religious movements and cultural developments |
| Medieval History | Sultanate, Mughal rule, regional kingdoms and cultural movements |
| Modern History | British rule, social reform movements and the freedom struggle |
| Post-Independence India | Integration of states, political developments and nation-building |
| World History | Industrial Revolution, French Revolution, world wars and decolonisation |
| Indian Society | Diversity, caste, class, gender, social change and inequality |
| Population | Demographic trends, migration and urbanisation |
| Geography | Physical geography, resources, agriculture, industries and settlements |
Paper III – General Studies II
This paper focuses on the Constitution, governance, social justice and international relations.
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Constitution | Constitutional features, amendments, fundamental rights and federalism |
| Political System | Parliament, State Legislatures, executive and judiciary |
| Constitutional Bodies | Election Commission, CAG and other constitutional institutions |
| Governance | Transparency, accountability, e-governance and administrative reforms |
| Public Administration | Civil services, public policy and service delivery |
| Social Justice | Education, healthcare, welfare schemes and social inclusion |
| Vulnerable Sections | Women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other disadvantaged groups |
| International Relations | India's foreign policy, neighbouring countries and global institutions |
| Current Issues | Governance reforms, social development and international cooperation |
Paper IV – General Studies III
This paper covers the economy, agriculture, science and technology, environment, internal security and disaster management.
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Indian Economy | Growth, development, inflation, banking and economic reforms |
| Government Finance | Budget, taxation, fiscal policy and public expenditure |
| Agriculture | Cropping patterns, irrigation, agricultural marketing and food security |
| Infrastructure | Transport, energy, investment and industrial development |
| Science and Technology | Biotechnology, space technology, AI and cybersecurity |
| Environment | Biodiversity, pollution, climate change and conservation |
| Internal Security | Cybercrime, terrorism, border management and organised crime |
| Disaster Management | Preparedness, early warning, relief and rehabilitation |
| Assam-Related Issues | Floods, erosion, environmental challenges and regional development |
Paper V – General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
This paper assesses ethical understanding, values and decision-making skills relevant to public service.
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Ethics and Human Values | Moral principles, human values and ethical behaviour |
| Attitude | Formation of attitudes, social influence and persuasion |
| Public Service Values | Integrity, impartiality, objectivity and accountability |
| Emotional Intelligence | Self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and social skills |
| Ethical Thinkers | Indian and Western thinkers and their ethical ideas |
| Public Service Ethics | Professional responsibility, conflict of interest and ethical conduct |
| Probity in Governance | Transparency, accountability and prevention of corruption |
| Ethical Administration | Citizen-centric governance and responsible decision-making |
| Case Studies | Administrative dilemmas, public grievances, corruption and conflict resolution |
Preparation tip: Practise case studies using a clear structure: identify the problem, list the stakeholders, explain the ethical issues, compare possible actions and justify the most responsible solution.
Paper VI – General Studies V: Assam-Specific Paper
This paper focuses on Assam's history, culture, geography, polity, economy and other state-specific issues.
History of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Ancient Assam | Pragjyotisha, Kamarupa and ancient dynasties |
| Medieval Assam | Chutia, Kachari, Koch and Ahom kingdoms |
| Ahom Administration | Paik system, military organisation and governance |
| Important Personalities | Lachit Borphukan, Srimanta Sankardeva and other notable figures |
| Major Events | Battle of Saraighat, Moamoria Rebellion and Burmese invasions |
| British Period | Treaty of Yandabo, annexation and colonial administration |
| Freedom Movement | Assam's participation in the Indian National Movement |
| Modern Assam | Assam Movement, Assam Accord and post-independence developments |
Art, Culture and Heritage of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Festivals | Bihu and festivals of different communities |
| Dance and Music | Sattriya, folk dances, traditional music and instruments |
| Religious Heritage | Satras, Neo-Vaishnavite traditions and important religious sites |
| Literature | Assamese literature, writers and literary movements |
| Handloom | Traditional weaving, textiles and cultural products |
| Handicrafts | Masks, bamboo and cane products and traditional crafts |
| Communities | Ethnic diversity, languages, customs and traditions |
| Historical Sites | Monuments, archaeological sites and heritage preservation |
Geography of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Physical Features | Brahmaputra Valley, Barak Valley and hill regions |
| Rivers | Brahmaputra, Barak and major tributaries |
| Climate | Rainfall, monsoon and seasonal variations |
| Soil and Agriculture | Soil types, rice, tea and agricultural patterns |
| Natural Resources | Forests, minerals, oil, natural gas and water |
| Wildlife | National parks, sanctuaries and biodiversity |
| Population | Distribution, migration and urbanisation |
| Natural Disasters | Floods, erosion, landslides and disaster preparedness |
Polity and Administration of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| State Government | Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and Legislature |
| Administration | District administration and the roles of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police |
| Local Government | Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies |
| Autonomous Councils | Sixth Schedule arrangements and autonomous governance |
| State Institutions | Important commissions and administrative institutions |
| Public Services | Public-service delivery, e-governance and accountability |
| Governance Challenges | Decentralisation, development and administrative reforms |
Economy of Assam
| Topic | Important Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice, tea, horticulture and allied sectors |
| Industry | Tea processing, petroleum, natural gas and small-scale industries |
| Handloom and Handicrafts | Traditional industries and rural livelihoods |
| Infrastructure | Roads, railways, waterways, airports and energy |
| Tourism | Cultural, historical and ecological tourism |
| Employment | Skill development, entrepreneurship and job creation |
| Development | Rural development, welfare programmes and economic growth |
| Challenges | Flood-related losses, unemployment and regional inequalities |
How to Prepare for APSC Prelims and Mains
Candidates should prepare for both examinations together rather than waiting until after Prelims to begin Mains preparation.
| Subject | Prelims Preparation | Mains Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| History | Facts, dates, events and personalities | Causes, consequences and historical analysis |
| Geography | Maps, locations, rivers and physical features | Explanations, challenges and solutions |
| Polity | Constitutional provisions and institutions | Governance analysis and constitutional issues |
| Economy | Concepts, schemes and current affairs | Economic challenges and policy analysis |
| Environment | Species, protected areas and conventions | Conservation policies and sustainable development |
| Assam GK | State-specific facts and events | Detailed answers on Assam's history and development |
| Aptitude | MCQs and timed practice | Clear reasoning and structured analysis where relevant |
| Ethics | Concepts and definitions | Case studies and administrative decision-making |
| Essay | Current-affairs reading and note-making | Regular essay writing and revision |
Recommended Study Plan
| Study Phase | Main Focus | Suggested Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Build the basics | Study History, Geography, Polity and Economy |
| Phase 2 | Assam-specific preparation | Cover Assam history, geography, culture, polity and economy |
| Phase 3 | Prelims practice | Solve MCQs, revise facts and take mock tests |
| Phase 4 | Mains preparation | Practise essays and descriptive answers |
| Phase 5 | Current Affairs | Revise national, international and Assam-related developments |
| Phase 6 | Final Revision | Solve previous-year papers and revise short notes |
Important Tips for APSC CCE Aspirants
Read the official syllabus before starting preparation.
Give special attention to Assam history, geography, culture, polity and economy.
Study current affairs regularly and prepare concise revision notes.
Practise objective questions for Prelims.
Start answer writing and essay practice early.
Use maps, timelines and tables to revise factual subjects.
Solve previous-year question papers to understand question patterns.
Take regular mock tests and analyse your mistakes.
Confirm the current examination pattern and rules through the official APSC notification.
Important WebLinks
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| APSC Official Website | https://apsc.nic.in/ |
| APSC Notifications | Check the official notification |
| APSC Syllabus | APSC CCE syllabus |
Conclusion
The APSC CCE requires consistent preparation across General Studies, current affairs, aptitude, Assam-specific knowledge, essay writing and ethics. A topic-wise study plan can help candidates cover the syllabus systematically and identify areas requiring additional revision.