APSC CCE Syllabus – Exam Pattern, Prelims & Mains Syllabus, Model Papers
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) , recruiting 289 vacancies in various government cadres. This article provides a detailed APSC CCE syllabus, exam pattern, model papers, and key updates for aspirants.
The APSC CCE syllabus has been revised as per the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019. Candidates must thoroughly understand the new exam pattern and syllabus for effective preparation.
Overview of APSC CCE
The APSC CCE is a prestigious examination conducted to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in Assam. The examination is conducted in two stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective-type questions
- Main Examination: Written examination and interview
The syllabus for APSC CCE has been revised as per the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019, available on the official APSC website.
| Various Recruitment Exam eBook Download |
Click Here |
| Follow Our Whatsapp Channel | Click Here |
| Follow our Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| More Job News | Click Here |
APSC CCE Exam Pattern
The APSC CCE consists of two successive stages, each designed to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage and consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies-I: 200 marks, 2 hours
- General Studies-II: 200 marks, 2 hours
Key Details:
- Total Marks: 400
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: 1/4th of the marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Exam Date: 8th June 2025
- Exam Centers: Amingaon, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath Chariali, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Diphu, Goalpara, Golaghat, Guwahati, Haflong, Hailakandi, Hamren, Hatsingimari, Hojai, Jorhat, Kajalgaon, Kokrajhar, Majuli, Mangaldoi, Morigaon, Mushalpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Lakhimpur, Pathsala, Silchar, Sivasagar, Sonari, Sribhumi, Tamulpur, Tezpur, Tinsukia, Udalguri
Main Examination
The Main Examination comprises a written test and an interview:
- Written Examination: Six papers on General Studies
- Interview: Marks from the written test and interview determine the final ranking
The Main Examination tests candidates’ in-depth knowledge and analytical skills, with a focus on Assam-specific topics.
APSC CCE Syllabus
The syllabus for the Preliminary and Main Examinations is designed to evaluate candidates’ understanding of general knowledge, Assam-specific issues, and aptitude.
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
General Studies-I
- 30%–35% of questions will focus on Assam-specific topics
- Topics include Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs
General Studies-II
- Focuses on comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numeracy
- Minimum qualifying marks: 33%
Main Examination Syllabus
The Main Examination includes six papers, each covering various aspects of General Studies. Candidates should refer to the official APSC website for detailed topics.
Model Papers and Resources
APSC provides model question papers to help candidates understand the exam format and question types:
- General Studies-I: Set-I, Set-II
- General Studies-II: Set-I, Set-II
APSC CCE Exam Centers
The exam will be conducted in 34 centers across Assam, including:
-
Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Jorhat, Tezpur, Tinsukia, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Haflong, Majuli, Sivasagar, Hojai, Morigaon, Udalguri, and more.
APSC CCE Main Examination Syllabus
The syllabus for each paper is available on the official APSC website. Below are the links to access the detailed syllabus for each paper:
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| General Studies-I |
Click Here |
| General Studies-II |
Click Here |
| Model Question Paper (GS-I) |
Set-I | Set-II |
| Model Question Paper (GS-II) |
Set-I | Set-II |
Schemes and Subjects for APSC CCE Main Examination
The written examination comprises six papers, each carrying 250 marks and lasting 3 hours. The papers are as follows:
Paper 1: Essay
- Type: Essay
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Description: Candidates are required to write essays on given topics, testing their ability to articulate ideas clearly and coherently.
Paper 2 to Paper 5: General Studies
- Type: General Studies
- Marks: 250 per paper (total 1000 marks for Papers 2–5)
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
- Description: These papers cover a wide range of topics, including Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, and other relevant subjects. Each paper may have a specific focus within General Studies.
Paper 6: General Subject Paper on Assam
- Type: General Subject Paper on Assam
- Marks: 250
- Duration: 3 hours
- Description: This paper focuses on Assam-specific topics, including its history, culture, geography, economy, polity, and current issues, emphasizing the candidate’s knowledge of the state.
APSC CCE Model Papers & Important Links
| Name |
Syllabus |
| Paper-1 |
Click Here |
| Paper-2 |
Click Here |
| Paper-3 |
Click Here |
| Paper-4 |
Click Here |
| Paper-5 |
Click Here |
| Paper-6 |
Click Here |
Selection Process for the Interview Test
Candidates are shortlisted for the Interview Test based on their performance in the written part of the Main Examination. The selection ratio is 1:3, meaning three candidates are called for the interview against each advertised vacancy. The final ranking is determined by combining the marks obtained in the written examination and the interview.
Structure and Objective of the Interview Test
The APSC CCE Interview Test is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers. The board has access to the candidate’s academic and professional records and uses a conversational approach to evaluate their suitability for public service. Key aspects of the interview include:
- Objective: To assess personal suitability for a career in public service, focusing on mental caliber, intellectual qualities, social traits, and interest in current affairs.
- Qualities Evaluated:
- Mental alertness
- Critical powers of assimilation
- Clear and logical exposition
- Balance of judgment
- Variety and depth of interest
- Ability for social cohesion and leadership
- Intellectual and moral integrity
- Technique: The interview is not a strict cross-examination but a natural, directed, and purposive conversation designed to reveal the candidate’s mental qualities.
The interview does not test specialized or general knowledge, as these are already evaluated in the written examination. Instead, it focuses on the candidate’s intelligent interest in their academic subjects, current events (both within Assam and globally), and modern currents of thought or discoveries that appeal to educated individuals.
Scoring and Final Ranking
The Interview Test does not have a qualifying mark. The marks scored in the interview (out of 180) are added to the marks obtained in the written examination (1500 marks) to determine the candidate’s total score. Key points include:
- Total Marks for Main Examination: 1500 (Written) + 180 (Interview) = 1680 Marks
- Final Ranking: Based on the combined marks from the written examination and interview.
- Service Allocation: Candidates are allotted to various services based on their final ranks, preferences expressed in their Main Examination application, and reservation policies.
- Recommendation: The APSC recommends exactly the same number of candidates as the notified vacancies, and candidates are only recommended for posts they have opted for.
Preparation Tips for APSC CCE Interview Test
To excel in the APSC CCE Interview Test, candidates should focus on the following strategies:
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Read newspapers, follow Assam-specific news, and stay informed about national and international events.
- Know Your Application: Be prepared to discuss your academic background, hobbies, and preferences mentioned in your application form.
- Understand Assam: Have in-depth knowledge of Assam’s history, culture, geography, economy, and recent developments.
- Practice Communication Skills: Engage in mock interviews to improve clarity, confidence, and articulation.
- Exhibit Positive Traits: Demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a balanced perspective during the conversation.
- Be Honest: Answer questions truthfully, as the board values authenticity and intellectual honesty.
Important Web-Links of APSC CCE Syllabus
| Old Notification | Click Here |
| New Notification | Click Here |
FAQs on APSC CCE Syllabus 2024
1. What is the exam date for APSC CCE Prelims 2024?
The APSC CCE Prelims 2024 will be held on 8th June 2025.
2. Is there negative marking in APSC CCE Prelims?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
3. How many vacancies are there in APSC CCE 2024?
There are 289 vacancies under the Government of Assam.
4. What is the qualifying mark for GS-II in APSC Prelims?
Candidates must score at least 33% in GS-II (CSAT) to qualify.
5. Is the APSC CCE syllabus changed?
Yes, the syllabus has been updated as per the 2019 amendment rules.
