APSC CCE Syllabus 2026 – Exam Pattern & Selection Process
APSC CCE SYLLABUS 2026
Complete syllabus and exam pattern for APSC CCE 2026.
About APSC and CCE
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is responsible for recruiting candidates for civil service positions in Assam. The Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is the most prestigious exam conducted by APSC, leading to roles in the Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), and other related services.
APSC CCE Exam Overview
The APSC CCE consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination (Written + Interview), and the preparation of the Final Merit List. Each stage evaluates different skills and knowledge areas of the candidates.
| Stage | Marks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | 400 | Screening test, marks not counted in final merit. |
| Main Examination | 1680 | 1500 (Written) + 180 (Interview) |
| Final Merit List | Based on Main Examination and Interview scores. |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree and be aged between 21 to 38 years to be eligible for the APSC CCE.
APSC CCE Exam Pattern
The examination is divided into two main stages: Preliminary and Main. The Preliminary Examination is an objective type test, while the Main Examination includes descriptive papers.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test. Its marks are not included in the final merit list. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 33% in Paper II (CSAT) for their Paper I marks to be counted.
| Paper | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (General Studies I) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | MCQ |
| Paper II (General Studies II / CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | MCQ |
Stage 2: Main Examination
Candidates who qualify the Prelims will appear for the Main Examination, which consists of six descriptive papers. The total marks for the written component are 1500.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper 2 | General Studies I | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper 3 | General Studies II | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper 4 | General Studies III | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper 5 | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper 6 | General Studies V (Assam Specific) | 250 | 3 hours |
Stage 3: Interview
Candidates who perform well in the Main Examination will be called for an interview, which carries 180 marks. The interview assesses personal suitability for public service roles.
No separate qualifying marks are set for the interview; its score is added to the written examination marks.
APSC CCE Prelims Syllabus
The syllabus for the Preliminary Examination covers a wide range of topics, with a significant portion focused on Assam-related subjects.
Current Events
This section covers significant national and international events.
History of India
Focus on Indian history and the national movement.
Geography
Includes physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.
Indian Polity & Governance
Covers the Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights issues.
Economic & Social Development
Discusses sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
Environment
Addresses general issues related to ecology, biodiversity, and climate change without requiring specialized knowledge.
General Science
Involves basic science questions at the graduation level.
Assam-Related Topics
Focuses on Assam's history, geography, polity, culture, and current affairs, accounting for 30-35% of total questions.
General Studies II / CSAT (Paper II)
This paper consists of 200 marks and 80 questions, assessing aptitude and reasoning skills. It is qualifying, requiring at least 33% marks (66 out of 200) to pass, and its scores do not contribute to the Prelims merit.
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | Reading comprehension passages |
| Interpersonal Skills | Communication skills |
| Logical Reasoning | Logical reasoning and analytical ability |
| Decision Making | Decision making and problem solving |
| General Mental Ability | Mental ability questions |
| Basic Numeracy | Numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc. (Class X level) |
| Data Interpretation | Charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency (Class X level) |
APSC CCE Mains Syllabus
The Main Examination evaluates in-depth knowledge and analytical skills through six descriptive papers, each worth 250 marks and lasting 3 hours.
Paper 1: Essay
Candidates must write an essay on a general interest topic in their chosen medium. Evaluation focuses on clarity, logical structure, argument quality, and language proficiency.
Paper 2: General Studies I
This paper covers Indian heritage, culture, history, and world geography, including various aspects of Indian society and significant historical events.
Paper 3: General Studies II
Focuses on governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations, examining the structure and functions of various governmental bodies.
Paper 4: General Studies III
Covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management, addressing various economic and environmental issues.
Role of External Actors
This section covers the influence of both external state and non-state entities in posing threats to internal security. It also discusses the impact of communication networks, media, and social media platforms on these challenges, along with the importance of cybersecurity.
Money Laundering
The syllabus includes a focus on money laundering, its prevention, and the various security forces and agencies responsible for addressing these issues.
General Studies IV (Ethics)
This paper emphasizes the themes of ethics, integrity, and aptitude, exploring the essence and determinants of ethics in human actions, the dimensions of ethics in both private and public relationships, and the role of societal institutions in fostering values.
Human Values
It discusses the significance of human values, drawing lessons from influential leaders and reformers, and examines the impact of attitude and emotional intelligence in governance.
Public Service Ethics
The syllabus addresses public service values and ethical dilemmas in international relations, governance, and corporate conduct, emphasizing the importance of probity and transparency in public administration.
General Studies V (Assam Specific)
Introduced in 2020, this paper focuses on topics specifically related to Assam, assessing candidates' knowledge of the state's history, culture, geography, polity, economy, environment, and disaster management.
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| History, Art, Culture & Heritage | Major dynasties, Ahom rule, socio-cultural developments, freedom movement, architecture, literature, festivals, important personalities |
| Geography of Assam | Physiographic divisions, natural resources, climate, vegetation, wildlife, population, major industries |
| Polity & Administration | Governor, Chief Minister, State Assembly, High Court, APSC, District Administration, Public Policy, Citizen Charter |
| Economy of Assam | Overview, agriculture, industry, service sector, development projects, welfare schemes |
| Environment & Biodiversity | Environmental challenges, biodiversity, conservation efforts |
| Security & Disaster Management | Common disasters, disaster management approaches, internal security issues |
Marks Distribution Summary
| Stage | Total Marks | Counted in Final Merit? |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | 400 | No (qualifying only) |
| Main Examination (Written) | 1500 | Yes |
| Interview / Personality Test | 180 | Yes |
| Total (Mains + Interview) | 1680 | Yes — determines final rank |
Final Selection Process
The final selection is based on the aggregate scores from the written exams and the interview. Candidates are ranked according to their total marks and allocated to services based on their preferences and applicable reservation policies.
Recommended Books for Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Book |
|---|---|
| APSC Previous Year Papers | APSC CCE Prelims Solved Papers |
| Assam History | Assam: From Yandabo To Partition |
| Assam-Related Topics | Assam Year Book (English), Assam Year Book (Assamese) |
| Computer Awareness | Objective Computer Awareness |
| Current Affairs | Manorama Year Book 2025 |
| General English | Objective General English by SP Bakshi |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s General Knowledge |
| Geography | Indian and World Geography |
| Indian Economy | Pratiyogita Darpan: Indian Economy |
| Indian Polity | Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth |
| Modern Indian History | Modern India by Rajiv Ahir |
| Numerical Ability | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic |
| Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal |
These recommended books should complement your core study materials, with NCERT textbooks being essential for foundational concepts. Regular reading of newspapers is crucial for staying updated on current affairs.
Related APSC CCE Pages
For more information on various stages of the APSC CCE process, visit the dedicated pages for notifications, admit cards, and results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many papers are there in the APSC CCE Mains Examination?
The APSC CCE Mains Examination consists of six written papers. This includes one Essay paper, four General Studies papers (GS I to GS IV), and one paper focused on Assam (GS V). Each of these papers is worth 250 marks, leading to a total of 1500 marks for the Mains.
Is CSAT (Paper II) qualifying in the APSC CCE Prelims?
Yes, the General Studies Paper II, also known as CSAT, is a qualifying paper in the APSC CCE Prelims. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 33% in this paper for their score in Paper I to be considered for the Prelims merit list.
Are there optional subjects in the APSC CCE exam?
No, the APSC CCE does not include optional subjects. All candidates are required to take the same set of papers in both the Preliminary and Mains examinations.
What percentage of Prelims questions are related to Assam?
Approximately 30-35% of the questions in the General Studies Paper I of the Preliminary Examination are specifically related to Assam. These questions cover various topics, including Assam's history, geography, polity, culture, and current affairs.
What is the total marks in the APSC CCE final merit?
The final merit for the APSC CCE is calculated based on a total of 1680 marks. This includes 1500 marks from the six written papers of the Main Examination and 180 marks from the Interview or Personality Test. Marks from the Prelims are not included in the final merit.
Can I write the APSC CCE Mains in Assamese?
Yes, candidates have the option to write their Mains Examination papers in either English or Assamese.
Is there a limit on the number of attempts for APSC CCE?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the APSC CCE. Candidates may take the exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age requirements, which are 21 to 38 years for the General category, with relaxations available for reserved categories.
Keep checking the official APSC website for the latest notifications, syllabus updates, and exam dates.
📋Job Summary
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is conducting the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for various posts including ACS and APS. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree and be aged between 21 to 38 years. The last date to apply is 18 April 2026.