APSC CCE Syllabus 2024: Prelims, Mains, and Interview

ABOUT APSC CCE EXAM

The APSC CCE or Assam Public Service Commission, Common Competitive Examination is a highly competitive examination conducted by the APSC in Assam. It is often considered one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in the state. The APSC CCE is the gateway to a career in the Assam Civil Services, which includes various positions such as Assam Civil Service (Jr. Grade), Assam Land & Revenue Service (Jr. Grade), Assam Police Service (Jr. Grade), Superintendent of Taxes, District Transport Officer, Inspector of Taxes etc.

Candidates who are interested in appearing for the APSC examination are first required to check the APSC eligibility criteria. But it should be noted that the eligibility criteria are different for different posts. So, candidates can check the eligibility criteria on the official website of APSC.

Following are some of the APSC eligibility criteria factors:

Age Limit

The minimum age of the candidate should be not less than 21 years and not more than 38 years as of 01-01-2024. 

Age Limit Relaxation  

1. SC/STP/STH Candidate - Up to 5 years of age relaxation 
2. OBC/MOBC Candidates - Up to 3 years of age relaxation 
3. Candidates with personal disability (PwD) - Up to 10 years of age relaxation
4. Ex-Serviceman - Up to 12 years of age relaxation

Educational Qualification 

1. Candidates should have a genuine degree from a recognized college/university in India. 
2. Candidates must know that a degree which has been obtained from a distance mode of education will not be eligible. 
3. Apart from English, candidates should know at least one language of the state of Assam 

APSC CCE EXAM PATTERN & PROCESS

The APSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern or the Process is released by the Assam Public Service Commission along with the official notification on its official website. Recently the notification for the APSC CCE 2023 (Prelims) was released on February 2024 and the exam was conducted on March 2024 accordingly.

It is very important for candidates to be aware of the exam pattern as it helps the candidate to have an idea of the duration of the exam and other such details. The APSC CCE is conducted in three stages.

Preliminary Examination (Prelims): 

It consists of two papers - General Studies (GS) Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT). The preliminary examination will consist of the multiple-choice objective types question.

The Prelims are of qualifying nature, and the marks scored in Paper-II are not counted for the Mains exam. Also, there is a provision for a negative marking of 0.25 marks in the following recruitment examination.

Mains Examination (Mains): 

Candidates who will qualify the Preliminary examination will be counted as eligible for the Mains examination. The main examination will be conducted for 11 to 12 times to the number of vacancies available for the recruitment cycle and it includes a written examination consisting of six merit-based papers.

Personality Test (Interview): 

Candidates who qualify the Mains examination are called for an interview, which is intended to assess their personality, knowledge, and suitability for a career in the Assam Civil Services.

Candidates should note that the APSC prelims, mains and interview exam pattern is different from one another. Meanwhile, the total marks for the APSC prelim exam are set as 400 marks whereas the APSC mains and interview marks are kept as 1775.

APSC CCE SYLLABUS

The APSC CCE Syllabus is extensive and covers a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, polity, economics, science and technology, environment, ethics, and current affairs.

APSC CCE Preliminary Syllabus

GENERAL STUDIES – Paper – I (200 marks) – 100 Questions

Exam Duration: Two hours

1. Current events of national and international importance.
2. History of India and Indian National Movement.
3. Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
4. Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public
5. Policy, Rights issues etc.,
6. Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion
7. Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
8. General issues on Environment ecology, Bio-Diversity and Climate Change- that do not require subject specialization.
9. General Science.

Note: 30-35% questions in General Studies Paper I will be related to Assam

GENERAL STUDIES – Paper – II (200 marks) – 80 Questions

Exam Duration: Two hours

1. Comprehension.
2. Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
3. Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
4. Decision making and problem solving.
5. General mental ability.
6. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level),
7. Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc.) (Class X level)

APSC CCE MAINS SYLLABUS

Syllabus for General Studies – Paper 2- Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

1. Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
3. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
4. Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
5. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
6. Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
7. Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
8. Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
9. Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.
10. Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
11. Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Syllabus for General Studies – Paper 3- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

1. Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
2. Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
3. Separation of Powers between various organs Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.
4. Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
5. Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
6. Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
7. Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.
8. Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
9. Statutory, Regulatory, and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
10. Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
11. Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
12. Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
13. Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
14. Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger with emphasis on Assam.
15. Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability, and institutional and other measures with emphasis on Assam.
16. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
17. India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.
18. Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
19. Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
20. Important International Institutions, agencies, and fora - their Structure, Mandate.

Syllabus for General Studies – Paper 4 - Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

1. Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
2. Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
3. Government Budgeting.
4. Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, - Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
5. Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System - Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
6. Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
7. Land Reforms in India.
8. Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
9. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
10. Investment Models.
11. Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
12. Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
13. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
14. Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
15. Disaster and Disaster Management with emphasis on Assam.
16. Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
17. Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
18. Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
19. Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas - Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism with emphasis on Assam.
20. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

Syllabus for General Studies – Paper 5 - Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:

1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in - Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics - in Private and Public Relationships.
2. Human Values- Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
3. Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
4. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
5. Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.
6. Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
7. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance.
8. Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct
9. Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
10. Case Studies on above issues.

Syllabus for General Studies – Paper 6 - History, Culture, Geography, Heritage, Politics, Social Justice, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, International Remedies, Security, Disaster Management of Assam. 

1. History culture, literature, tradition & heritage of Assam- Major landmarks in the history of Assam, Major Dynasties, their Administrative and revenue systems, socio-cultural issues, freedom movement, Political awakening and integration, salient features of architecture and monuments, arts, paintings and handicrafts, important works of literature, fairs, festivals, folk music and folk dances, culture, tradition and heritage, religious movements, leading personalities.
2. Geography of Assam -Broad physical features, major physiographic divisions, natural resources of Assam, climate, natural vegetation, forests, wildlife and bio-diversity, mines and minerals, population, and major industries.
3. Political and administration of Assam- Governor, chief minister, state assembly, high court, assam public service commission, district administration, state human rights commission, state election commission, state information commission, public policy, legal rights, and citizen’s charter.
4. Economy of Assam- Macro overview of economy, major agricultural, industrial, and service sector issues, growth, development and planning, infrastructure and resources, major development projects, programmes, and schemes- government welfare schemes for SC/ST/Backward class/minorities/disabled persons, destitute, women, children, old age people, farmers, and labourers. 
5. Biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management, with relevant emphasis on Assam.

APSC CCE INTERVIEW PROCESS

Candidates who clear the Mains stage of the APSC CCE examination with the required cut-off marks qualify for the final stage of the APSC CCE exam i.e., the Personality Test or Interview round with the APSC Board Members. The candidates who qualify to the final stage will be sent an e-summon by the Commission for a face-to-face discussion round with the board members. In this round, the board assesses the personality traits of the candidates and questions will be asked on their hobbies, current affairs, general knowledge, situation questions, etc. to evaluate if they are fit for a career in the civil services or not. The UPSC personality test will be held only in the APSC Office in Guwahati.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about APSC CCE Syllabus

Q1: Why is it essential to have a clear understanding of the APSC CCE syllabus?

A1: So that, the candidates from different background can understand the the various disciplines like- History, Geography, Polity, Science & Tech, Economics, Society, International Relations, Ethics, Public Administration, and Disaster Management, thereby accessing and levelling the playing field for them.

Q2: How many papers are there in the APSC Mains exam?

A2: In prelims – 2 Papers, Mains – 6 Papers followed by a Personality Test.

Q3: Are there any optional subjects in the APSC Mains exam?

A3: No.

Q4: What is the weightage of the interview in the APSC CCE exam?

A4: Total 275 Marks

Q5: What is the duration of the APSC CCE exam?

A5: Generally, it takes about one year, in order to complete the 3 stages of examination.

Q6: Are there any negative marks for wrong answers in the APSC CCE exam?

A6: Yes, there is a provision for a negative marking of 0.25 marks in the preliminary stage of examination.

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