APSC Syllabus 2024 PDF – ACS/APS Prelims & Mains Syllabus

Are you gearing up for the APSC CCE exam? Well, you’ve landed on the right spot to gather all the crucial details about the APSC Syllabus. Here, at SuchitraACS, we’ve got you covered with the comprehensive ACS Syllabus for each stage of the examination:

1. 1. Preliminary Stage – General Studies & CSAT

1. 1. Mains Stage – Comprising 6 Theory Papers (Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, GS IV & GS V)

1. 1. Personality Test – The Interview Phase

APSC Syllabus for CCE Prelims

The APSC Prelims marks the initial phase of the combined competitive Examination. In 2024, a whopping 67,251 candidates applied for APSC Prelims, while approximately 74,368 candidates threw their hats into the ring in 2023.

Understanding the syllabus for APSC Prelims is pivotal as it serves as the ‘screening test’ determining candidates’ eligibility for the subsequent stage, i.e., Mains. It’s imperative for all APSC Exam aspirants to acquaint themselves with the exam pattern and syllabus before starting their preparation journey. If you want to appear in the APSC CCE 2025, you have to start your preparation as early as June 2024. A dedicated preparation spanning 10 months to a year is indispensable if you aim to succeed the APSC CCE 2025 exam. This substantial timeline ensures a structured and seamless preparation phase, allowing you to solidify your concepts and dispel any doubts pertaining to various topics.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus for APSC CCE Prelims

Two Compulsory Papers	General Studies Paper-I
	General Studies Paper-II (CSAT)
Number of Questions asked in GS Paper-I	100
Number of Questions asked in CSAT	80
Total Number of Marks	400 GS Paper-I : 200 Marks CSAT : 200 Marks
Negative Marking	For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty, i.e., 0.50 marks in the case of General Studies because each question has 2 marks and 0.625 in the case of CSAT because each question will have 2.5 marks.
Time Allotted	Two hours each; GS Paper-I : 2 Hours (10:00 AM -12:00 Noon) CSAT : 2 Hours (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

The two papers of the APSC CCE prelims are discussed in detail below:

1. General Studies I (GS Paper I)

• • The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination.

• • This test is intended to test the general awareness of a candidate in a wide range of subjects that include: Indian Polity, Assam Polity, Geography, Geography of Assam, Indian History, Assam History, Indian Economy, Assam Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations and associated APSC current affairs.

• • General studies shall be set in such a way that 30% to 35% of questions shall compulsorily relate to Assam.

2. General Studies II (GS Paper II) / Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

• • This APSC CCE Prelims syllabus for CSAT intends to assess the aptitude of the candidate in solving ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions, apart from ‘Reading Comprehension’ and they are asked ‘Decision Making’ questions.

• • CSAT shall have a minimum qualifying mark of 33% i.e. 66 marks out of 200. That means the marks obtained in the CSAT Paper will not be used to determine the merit list.

To be noted before appearing APSC CCE Prelims:

• • The preliminary examination is only meant for screening a candidate for the subsequent stages of the exam.

• • It is mandatory for a candidate to appear in both the Papers of IAS Prelim Exam for the purpose of evaluation.

• • The marks obtained in the Prelims will not be added up while arriving at the final rank list.

1.1. APSC CCE Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)

Current events of national and international importance.

History of India and Indian National Movement.

Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights issues etc.

Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

General issues on Environment ecology, Bio-Diversity and Climate Change- that do not require subject specialization.

General Science.

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

1.2. APSC CCE Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper-II)

i. Comprehension.

ii. Interpersonal skills including communication skills.

iii. Logical reasoning and analytical ability.

iv. Decision making and problem solving.

v. General mental ability.

vi. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level),  Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc.) (Class X level)

APSC CCE Syllabus for Mains

APSC CCE Mains Exam Pattern

Paper	Subjects	Marks
Paper-I	Essay (can be written in the English and Assamese medium)	250
Paper-II	General Studies – I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society)	250
Paper-III	General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)	250
Paper-IV	General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management)	250
Paper-V	General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)	250
Paper-VI	General Studies – V (History, Heritage, Culture, Geography, Governance, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management of Assam)	250

Must Know Facts about APSC CCE Mains

• • The Mains examination constitutes the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. Only after successfully qualifying in the prelims exam would the candidates be allowed to write the IAS Mains.

• • The Mains exam tests the candidate’s academic talent in depth and his/her ability to present his/her understanding according to the requirements of the question in a time-bound manner.

2.1. APSC CCE Syllabus for APSC Mains GS-I Essay Paper

It is Paper-I of the APSC Mains. No syllabus is specifically mentioned on the website or in the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019. Only the following text is provided: ‘To be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice. The candidate is required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given.’

2.2. APSC CCE Syllabus for APSC Mains GS-I

General Studies‐I is also called Paper-II of APSC Mains. It covers – Indian History, Heritage, Culture and Society and Geography of the World and Society. The detailed APSC Syllabus for this paper is given below:

1. 1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. 1. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.

1. 1. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

1. 1. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

1. 1. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

1. 1. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

1. 1. Effects of globalization on Indian society.

1. 1. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

1. 1. Salient features of India’s and world’s physical geography.

1. 1. 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).

1. 1. 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.

2.3. APSC CCE Syllabus for APSC Mains GS-II

General Studies-II is also called Paper-III of APSC Mains. It majorly covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. The detailed APSC syllabus for this paper is given below:

1. 1. Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

1. 1. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

1. 1. Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

1. 1. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

1. 1. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

1. 1. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

1. 1. Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

1. 1. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

1. 1. 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 of Assam.

1. 1. Role of civil services in a democracy.

1. 1. India and its neighbourhood- relations.

1. 1. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

1. 1. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

1. 1. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

2.4. APSC CCE Syllabus for APSC Mains GS-III

General Studies-III is also called Paper-IV of the APSC Mains. The major topics covered are Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management. The detailed APSC syllabus for this paper is given below:

1. 1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

1. 1. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

1. 1. Government Budgeting.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

1. 1. Land reforms in India.

1. 1. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

1. 1. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

1. 1. Investment models.

1. 1. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology;

1. 1. Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

1. 1. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

1. 1. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

1. 1. Disaster and disaster management.

1. 1. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

1. 1. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism with emphasis on Assam.

1. 1. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

2.5. APSC CCE Syllabus for APSC Mains GS-IV

General Studies Paper-IV is also called Paper-V of APSC Mains. The major topics covered under it are 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. 1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships.

1. 1. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

1. 1. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

1. 1. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

1. 1. Case Studies on the above issues.

2.6. APSC CCE Syllabus for APSC Mains GS-V (GS Paper on Assam)

General Studies-V is also called Paper-VI of the APSC Mains. The major topics covered are History, Heritage, Culture, Geography, Governance, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management of Assam.

i. History, Art, 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.

ii. 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.

iii. Political and Administrative System 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 Charter.

iv. Economy of Assam

Macro overview of Economy, Major Agricultural, Industrial and Service Sector Issues, Growth, Development and Planning, Infrastructure & 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 & Laborers.

v. Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management with relevant emphasis on State of Assam.

APSC Syllabus for the Interview (180 Marks as per recent decision of the Assam Cabinet, 2023)

There is no specific syllabus for the Interview. But the following description is written in the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019:

The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of his career. He will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental caliber of a candidate. In broad terms this is really an assessment of not only his intellectual qualities but also social traits and his interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate. The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own State or Country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well educated youth.

FAQ about APSC CCE Syllabus

Q1. What are the subjects in APSC CCE?

APSC syllabus has mentioned different subjects under headings from GS-I to GS-V. GS Paper 1 has Art and Culture, History, Geography and Indian Society as main subjects; GS Paper 2 has Indian Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations; GS Paper 3 has Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Agriculture, Environment, Disaster management and Internal security as important subjects. GS Paper 4 has theories of Ethics and case studies while GS Paper 5 has Assam History, Assam Geography, Assam Economy, Assam Polity as main subjects.

Q2. What is the fee of APSC application form?

The fee for General and Ex-servicemen is maximum ₹297.20, while SC/ST/OBC/MOBC must pay ₹197.20. The fees may vary.

Q3. Is APSC syllabus tough?

The Combined Competitive Examination, renowned as one of Assam’s most demanding assessments, features a comprehensive syllabus. Crafted to evaluate candidates across various domains, the APSC syllabus poses a significant challenge. Given the extensive scope of the IAS syllabus, it’s often perceived as rigorous. Nevertheless, with a well-defined strategy, candidates can navigate through it effectively within a reasonable timeframe.