The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is a government body responsible for conducting civil service examinations in the state of Assam, India. The APSC conducts various exams, including the Combined Competitive Examination, which is the primary exam for recruitment to various administrative and police services in Assam. In this post, we will be detailed about how to prepare for APSC Examination and also discuss the syllabus of APSC. and we will give some tips to help you prepare effectively for the APSC Examination.

The APSC examination is conducted in two stages – the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination.

Preliminary Examination:

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the APSC examination. This examination is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) based test that assesses a candidate’s knowledge of various subjects such as General Studies, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, etc. It consists of two papers – General Studies and Optional Subject. The exam is conducted in offline mode, and each paper consists of 200 marks i.e. in prelims, candidates have to give an examination of a total 400 marks.

Paper I: General Studies

The General Studies paper consists of multiple-choice questions and covers a wide range of topics, including history, geography, economics, current affairs, and general science. The paper is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of current events and their analytical and reasoning abilities. 30%-35% of questions will compulsorily be related to Assam.

Paper II: CSAT

The CSAT paper consists of multiple-choice questions and covers a specific subject chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects provided by the APSC. The paper is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the subject and their analytical and reasoning abilities.
This paper is qualifying in nature. Candidate must have secured at least a total of 33% in this paper.

Syllabus for Preliminary Examination:

GENERAL STUDIES – Paper – I

i. Current events of national and international importance.
ii. History of India and Indian National Movement.
iii. Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
iv. Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights issues, etc,
v. Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
vi. General issues on Environment ecology, Bio-Diversity, and Climate Change- that do not require subject specialization.
vii. General Science.

GENERAL STUDIES – 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)

Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in both papers to qualify for the Main Examination. The minimum qualifying marks are determined by the APSC and may vary from year to year.

Main Examination:

The Main Examination is the second stage of the APSC examination. It consists of six papers – An essay Paper, General Studies (Papers I, II, III, and IV), and a General subject paper on Assam. The exam is conducted in offline mode, and each paper is of 250 marks, and the total marks in Written Examination (Paper 1 to Paper 6) = 1500.

Paper I: Essay

The paper aims to assess the candidate’s ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, and present their ideas in a clear and concise manner. The Essay paper consists of 250 marks on different topics.

Paper II: General Studies I

The General Studies I paper covers a wide range of topics, including history, geography, economics, current affairs, and general science. The paper is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of current events and their analytical and reasoning abilities.

Paper III: General Studies II

The General Studies II paper covers a specific subject chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects provided by the APSC such as Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International relations, etc. The paper is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the subject and their analytical and reasoning abilities.

Paper IV: General Studies-III

This paper includes Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management etc topics.

Paper V: General Studies-IV

This paper includes questions to test the candidate’s 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.

Paper VI: General Subject Paper on Assam

A general subject paper on Assam would cover a wide range of topics related to the history, geography, culture, economy, society, and politics of Assam. The paper would aim to assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of Assam and its various aspects. The papers are designed to test the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of the topics of Assam.

Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in each paper and in the aggregate to qualify for the interview round. The minimum qualifying marks and the cut-off for the interview round are determined by the APSC and may vary from year to year.

Interview of APSC examination:

The interview round is the final stage of the APSC examination which is held after qualifying in the Written Examination. It is conducted to test the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for administrative or police services. The interview is 275 marks.

In conclusion, the APSC examination is a comprehensive examination that tests the candidate’s knowledge, analytical and reasoning abilities, and personality. Understanding the exam pattern and preparing accordingly is crucial for success in the exam.

Eligibility criteria for the APSC examination:

The eligibility criteria for the APSC examination include age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the exam online through the official website of the APSC.

Preparing for the APSC examination requires dedication, hard work, and discipline. Candidates need to have a good understanding of the exam pattern, create a study plan, get the right study materials, practice previous years’ question papers, stay updated with current affairs, and take care of their physical and mental health.

Scoring well in the APSC examination can open up various career opportunities in administrative and police services in Assam. Candidates who succeed in the exam can serve the state and contribute to its development.

Tips to help you prepare effectively for the APSC Examination:

Preparing for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Examination can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively for the APSC Examination.

1. Understand the exam pattern:

The APSC Examination consists of two stages – the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers – General Studies and Optional Subject. The Main Examination consists of six papers – General English, General Studies (Paper I, II, and III), and an Optional Subject. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial to creating a study plan and preparing effectively.

2. Create a study plan:

Once you understand the exam pattern, create a study plan that suits your schedule and study habits. Break down the syllabus into manageable chunks and allocate time for each topic. Make sure to include revision time in your study plan.

3. Get the right study materials:

Invest in good quality study materials that cover the entire syllabus. You can refer to NCERT Books and other books, previous years’ question papers, and online resources to prepare for the exam. Below, we suggest some books for the Preparation of APSC.

You can Visit Niyogbarta website for NCERT Assamese and English medium PDF books. (This is my personal choice)

Or visit Assam History – Know your History, Know Yourself for Know about Assam History-related questions. (recommended)

Also Read:

List of NCERT Books for Free PDF

4. Practice previous years’ question papers:

Practicing previous years’ question papers will give you an idea of the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty. It will also help you identify areas where you need to focus more.

5. Join a coaching institute:

Joining a coaching institute can be beneficial if you need guidance and support in your preparation. A good coaching institute can provide you with study materials, mock tests, and expert guidance.

6. Stay updated with current affairs:

The General Studies papers of both the Preliminary and Main examinations include questions on current affairs. Stay updated with the latest news and events by reading newspapers, watching news channels, and following reliable online sources.

7. Take care of your health:

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial during the preparation period. Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Best Books to Prepare for the APSC Examination:

NCERT books can be a good resource for APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) exam preparation, especially for subjects like history, geography, economics, and science. The NCERT textbooks are designed to provide a strong foundation and clear understanding of basic concepts. APSC examination syllabus covers a wide range of topics, and NCERT books can help you build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the subjects.

However, it is important to note that the NCERT books may not cover all the topics required for the APSC examination. You should supplement your preparation with other resources such as reference books, practice tests, and previous year’s question papers.

Indian Polity

1. Indian Polity 6th Edition – by M Laxmikanth

Indian History

1. Nationalism and Colonialism in Mod India – Bipan Chandra

2. A Brief History Of Modern India With India’s Ancient Past by Rajiv Ahir

3. India’s Struggle for Independence – by Bipan Chandra

Assam History

1. Assam: From Yandabo to Partition – by Priyam Goswami

2. A Comprehensive History Of Assam – by S. L. Baruah

3. History of Assam – by Sir Edward Gait

Indian Economy

1. The Indian Economy – by Sanjiv Verma( New Edition)

2. Indian Economy – by Ramesh Singh (New Edition)

Indian Culture

1. Indian Art and Culture – by Nitin Singhania

Environmental Studies

1. Environmental Studies – by R. Rajagopalan

Geography

1. Geography of India – by Majid Husain

2. Certificate Physical And Human Geography – by Goh Cheng Leong

3. Oxford School Atlas

4. The Orient BlackSwan Atlas

General Knowledge

1. India 2019

2. Lucent’s General Knowledge

3. General Knowledge 2020 – by Manohar Pandey

4. Manorama Yearbook 2019

5. General Knowledge 2020 (Pocket Book) – by Manohar Pandey

General English

1. Word Power Made Easy Paperback – by Norman Lewis

2. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT – by Arun Sharma

3. English is Easy – by Chetananand Singh

4. English for General Competitions ( New Edition) – by Neetu Singh

5. English for General Competitions: from Plinth to Paramount – by Neetu Singh

Preparing for the APSC Examination requires dedication, hard work, and discipline. With the right approach and mindset, you can achieve your goal and succeed in the exam.

Also Read : List of most important Festivals of Assam

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APSC Examination 2023 – Syllabus, Eligibility with 7 Powerful Life-Changing Tips