APSC CCE Syllabus – A Complete mind map for Exam Pattern, Syllabus with Subject Details

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2026. This highly competitive exam will fill 400+ prestigious vacancies in various cadres under the Government of Assam. To help aspirants prepare strategically, APSC has also published the latest APSC CCE Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern.

The APSC CCE syllabus plays a crucial role in exam preparation as it guides candidates on what to study and how to approach the Prelims and Mains examinations. The syllabus has been framed in line with the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019, which updated and replaced some parts of the old 1989 rules.

In this detailed article, we will break down the APSC CCE 2026 syllabus, exam structure, paper pattern, marking scheme, and subject-wise coverage to give you a complete mindmap for success.

APSC CCE Exam – Overview

Here are the key highlights of the APSC Combined Competitive Examination 2026:

Conducting Body	Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Level of Exam	State-Level Civil Services Examination
Mode of Exam	Offline (Pen and Paper)
Stages of Exam	Prelims, Mains, Interview
Type of Questions	Objective (Prelims) + Descriptive (Mains)
Official Website	apsc.nic.in

Stages of APSC CCE Examination

The APSC Combined Competitive Examination 2026 will be conducted in three successive stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
2. Main Examination (Written Descriptive Papers)
3. Interview / Viva-Voce

Final selection will be based on Mains written exam + Interview performance, while the Prelims serves only as a screening test.

You can use this mind map in front of your study table to keep your study schedule and balanced.

APSC CCE 2026 Preliminary Examination

The APSC Prelims Exam 2026 is the first stage, designed to shortlist candidates for the Mains.

• Nature of Exam: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
• Number of Papers: 2 (General Studies – I and General Studies – II)
• Total Marks: 400 (200 marks each paper)
• Duration: 2 hours per paper
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer
• Date of Exam: 8th June 2026

Structure of APSC Prelims 2026:

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Paper I	General Studies – I	200	2 Hours
Paper II	General Studies – II (CSAT – Civil Services Aptitude Test)	200	2 Hours
Total		400

👉 Important: The marks obtained in Prelims will not be counted in the final merit list. It is a qualifying round to enter the Mains.

APSC CCE Syllabus 2026 – General Studies Paper-I

The General Studies Paper-I in the APSC CCE Preliminary Examination is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, awareness, and analytical understanding of national, international, and Assam-specific issues. Below is the detailed topic-wise syllabus:

GS Paper I Topics	Details & Coverage
Current Affairs	Covers important current events of national and international significance, including government schemes, economic developments, sports, awards, and global affairs.
History of India & Indian National Movement	Includes Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, with special emphasis on the Indian Freedom Struggle, National Leaders, and Socio-Religious Reform Movements.
Indian & World Geography	Comprehensive study of Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World, including maps, natural resources, and geographical phenomena.
Indian Polity & Governance	Constitution of India, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, Governance Structures, and role of various institutions.
Economic & Social Development	Topics such as Sustainable Development, Poverty Alleviation, Inclusive Growth, Demographics, Social Sector Programs, and Government Economic Policies.
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change	General awareness of environmental issues, ecology, climate change, and biodiversity. Focus is on conceptual clarity rather than in-depth subject specialization.
General Science	Basic understanding of scientific concepts, innovations, and their applications in everyday life, especially in health, agriculture, and technology.
Assam-Specific Questions (30–35%)	A major portion of GS Paper-I is dedicated to Assam-related topics, including Assam’s history, geography, art & culture, ethnic groups, festivals, polity, economic development, and socio-cultural issues.

APSC CCE Syllabus 2026 – General Studies Paper-II (CSAT)

The General Studies Paper-II of the APSC CCE Prelims 2026 is commonly known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This paper is designed to evaluate a candidate’s analytical ability, logical reasoning, decision-making skills, communication, and basic numeracy.

GS Paper- II Topics	Details and Coverage
General Mathematical Concepts	Basic Numeracy, General Mental Ability, Simplification, Number System, Square Roots, Ratio & Proportion, LCM & HCF, Averages, Surds & Indices.
Data Handling & Analysis	Set Theory, Data Interpretation (Graphs, Tables, Charts), Data Sufficiency, Data Comparison, Speed Calculations.
Logical Reasoning	Series Completion, Analogies, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Statement & Assumptions, Decision Making.
Analytical Reasoning	Linear and Circular Arrangements, Puzzles, Syllogisms, Statement & Conclusion, Cause-Effect, Inference Making.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	Word Problems, Alphabet & Number Series, Visual Reasoning, Venn Diagrams, Non-Verbal Series, Logical Operations, Cubes, Dice, and Mathematical Operations.
English Comprehension	Reading Comprehension, Grammar Usage, Vocabulary Building, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Error Detection, Passage Analysis.
Interpersonal Skills	Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening, Empathy, Relationship Management, Problem-Solving Approach, and Clarity in Expression.

APSC CCE 2026 Mains Examination

Candidates who clear Prelims will be eligible for the Mains exam, which is descriptive in nature.

• Number of Papers: 6 General Studies Papers + Essay + Optional Subjects
• Nature of Questions: Descriptive/Analytical/Essay-type
• Final Ranking: Based on Mains (written) + Interview marks

General Studies Papers in APSC Mains 2026:

The Mains exam focuses heavily on General Studies to test knowledge, analytical skills, and awareness. The structure is as follows:

Paper	Subjects / Topics Covered	Marks
Essay Paper	Essay Writing (on national/international/Assam-specific issues)	250
General Studies Paper I	Indian History, Indian Heritage, Geography, Society	250
General Studies Paper II	Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations	250
General Studies Paper III	Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Security, Disaster Management	250
General Studies Paper IV	Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude	250
General Studies Paper V	Assam-specific topics including History, Culture, Polity, Geography	250
Total	–	1500 Marks

Optional Subject (Paper I & II)– Any one Optional Subject chosen by candidate (2 Papers × 250 Marks each)

👉 The Optional Subject can be chosen from a wide list of subjects notified by APSC (History, Geography, Public Administration, Political Science, etc.).

APSC CCE Mains Syllabus 2026 – General Studies Paper-I (Paper- II)

Topic	Details & Coverage
Indian Culture	Covers the salient aspects of Indian Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient, medieval, and modern times, highlighting India’s cultural heritage.
Modern Indian History	Focuses on significant events, issues, and personalities from the mid-18th century (1750s) to the present day. Includes different stages of the Indian Freedom Struggle and contributions from leaders across regions. Also covers the role of reformers, revolutionaries, and movements in shaping India’s independence, along with post-independence consolidation, challenges, and reorganization within India.
Society	Examines the structure and dynamics of Indian society and diversity. Major themes include the role of women and women’s organizations in social transformation, key issues such as population, poverty, urbanization and their possible solutions, concepts of social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, and secularism, and the impact of globalization on Indian society and cultural values.
Geography	Comprehensive study of physical, economic, and social geography. Focus areas include distribution of key natural resources across the world with special reference to India and South Asia, factors influencing industrial location in India and globally, major geophysical phenomena like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and cyclones, changes in critical geographical features (water bodies, polar ice caps, flora, fauna) and their environmental impact, and salient features of world physical geography including landforms, climate, and ecosystems.

APSC CCE Mains Syllabus: General Studies Paper II (Paper- III)

Topic	Details & Coverage
Indian Constitution	Historical background, evolution, and key features of the Constitution; important amendments; significant provisions; and the Basic Structure doctrine.
Comparison with Other Countries	Comparative study of the Indian Constitution with constitutions of other democratic nations.
Federal Structure	Distribution of functions and responsibilities between Union and States; challenges in federalism; and the role of NGOs, Self-Help Groups, and other stakeholders in development.
Separation of Powers	Division of powers among different organs of the government; mechanisms and institutions for dispute resolution.
Executive and Judiciary	Structure, powers, and functioning of the Executive and Judiciary in India.
Parliament and State Legislatures	Organization, structure, and functioning of legislatures; conduct of business; powers and privileges; and issues arising out of parliamentary practices.
Ministries and Government Bodies	Role and functioning of Ministries, Departments, pressure groups, and associations in Indian polity.
Representation of People’s Act	Salient features and provisions of the Representation of People’s Act.
Constitutional Bodies	Appointment process, powers, functions, and responsibilities of important Constitutional bodies.
Statutory & Regulatory Bodies	Structure, role, and functioning of statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial institutions.
Government Policies & Development	Key policies and interventions in various sectors; challenges in policy design and implementation.
Development Issues	Concerns related to health, education, human resources, poverty, and hunger, with special emphasis on Assam.
Welfare Schemes	Government welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; evaluation of performance; role of laws, institutions, and mechanisms for protection.
Social Sector Issues	Bilateral, regional, and global groupings involving India; India’s neighborhood relations.
Governance Issues	Governance models, transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizen charters, and institutional measures, with emphasis on Assam.
Civil Services in Democracy	Role and importance of civil services in strengthening democracy and governance.
International Relations	Impact of policies of developed and developing nations on India’s interests, including the Indian diaspora.
International Institutions	Structure, mandate, and role of important international institutions, agencies, and organizations.

APSC Mains Syllabus 2026: General Studies Paper III (Paper- IV)

The APSC Mains General Studies Paper III is one of the most crucial papers in the examination. It covers a broad spectrum of topics such as Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment, Biodiversity, Disaster Management, and Security Issues. This paper is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze contemporary issues affecting India and Assam, while also testing practical problem-solving and policy application skills.

Topic	Details & Coverage
Economy	Issues related to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment. Government budgeting and related policies. Inclusive growth and its associated challenges. Impact of economic liberalization (post-1991 reforms), changes in industrial policies, and their effect on industrial development. Infrastructure development – Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways. Investment and financing models including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Agriculture	Major cropping patterns, irrigation techniques, and storage facilities. Transportation and marketing of agricultural produce; constraints and use of e-technology in agriculture. Economics of animal husbandry and food processing industries – scope, importance, and supply chain management. Issues related to farm subsidies, Minimum Support Price (MSP), Public Distribution System (PDS) – objectives, functioning, limitations, and reforms. Land reforms and their significance in Indian agriculture.
Science & Technology	Recent developments in science and technology and their applications in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in the field of science and technology. Indigenization of technology, innovation, and the role of start-ups. General awareness in Information Technology, Space Science, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Computers. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and related challenges.
Environment	Environmental conservation, pollution, and degradation. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its importance. Climate change issues, biodiversity protection, and ecological balance. Disaster Management – laws, policies, and frameworks with a special focus on Assam.
Security	Internal security challenges posed by external state and non-state actors. Linkages between development, underdevelopment, and extremism. Basics of cybersecurity, money laundering, and preventive mechanisms. Border security issues and challenges in Assam; organized crime and terrorism linkages. Role, structure, and mandate of security agencies and paramilitary forces.

APSC CCE Mains Syllabus 2026: General Studies Paper IV (Paper- V)

The APSC Mains General Studies Paper IV is centered on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. This paper is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply ethical principles in governance, handle moral dilemmas, and demonstrate integrity and emotional intelligence while making administrative decisions.

Topic	Details & Coverage
Ethics and Human Interface	Nature, essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human interaction. Dimensions of ethics in personal and public relationships. Human values and lessons from great leaders, reformers, and administrators. Role of family, society, and educational institutions in instilling moral values.
Attitude	Content, structure, and function of attitude. Influence of attitude on thought and behavior. Relationship between attitude, thought, and behavior. Moral and political attitudes; impact of social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services	Core values essential for civil services such as integrity, impartiality, objectivity, dedication to public service. Qualities like empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker and marginalized sections of society.
Emotional Intelligence (EI)	Concepts of Emotional Intelligence, its utility, and application in governance and administration.
Contributions of Thinkers	Teachings and contributions of Indian and global thinkers, philosophers, and reformers on the subject of morality, ethics, and governance.
Public/Civil Service Values	Status and challenges of ethics in public administration. Ethical concerns and dilemmas faced in government and private institutions. Sources of ethical guidance – laws, rules, regulations, and conscience. Accountability and ethical governance practices. Strengthening moral and ethical values in governance. Ethical issues in international relations and funding. Corporate governance principles and challenges.
Probity in Governance	Concept of public service and its philosophical foundations. Importance of transparency and information-sharing in governance, including the Right to Information (RTI). Codes of ethics and codes of conduct for public officials. Role of citizen’s charters in ensuring accountability. Work culture, efficiency, and quality of service delivery. Responsible use of public funds. Challenges posed by corruption and measures to address it.

APSC Mains Syllabus 2026: General Studies Paper V (Paper- VI)

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) introduced General Studies Paper V (Paper VI) in 2020, bringing a significant change in the APSC CCE Mains Examination. Unlike other GS papers, this paper is dedicated exclusively to Assam, aiming to evaluate an aspirant’s in-depth knowledge of the state’s history, culture, geography, polity, economy, biodiversity, and disaster management.

Section	Details & Coverage
Political & Administrative System of Assam	Governor as the state’s constitutional head; Chief Minister leading the executive; Assam Assembly with 126 members; Guwahati High Court as the highest judicial authority; Autonomous Councils and their customary laws.
	Role of Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) in recruitment; State Human Rights Commission addressing rights issues; State Election Commission conducting elections.
	Citizen Charters for transparency and accountability; legal rights ensuring welfare and inclusion.
Major Landmarks in History	From the Danava Dynasty to the Ahoms, highlighting the Varman, Koch, and Ahom dynasties. The Ahoms ruled for nearly 600 years, culminating in the Treaty of Yandabo (1826).
	Assam’s role in India’s independence struggle, including the Quit India Movement and contributions of leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi and Kushal Konwar.
Major Dynasties & Administrative Systems	Varman Dynasty – trade and Buddhist influence; Ahom Dynasty – strong Paik revenue system and military strategies; Koch Dynasty – emphasis on regional development and governance.
Art, Architecture & Literature	Kamakhya Temple (blend of Tantric and Hindu styles); Rang Ghar (Asia’s oldest amphitheatre); contributions of prominent Assamese writers and poets in shaping Assamese literature.
Fairs, Festivals & Folk Culture	Agricultural festivals celebrating sowing and harvest; traditional barter system and cultural exchange; folk dances, rituals, attire, and ethnic traditions showcasing Assam’s cultural diversity.
Geography of Assam	Assam divided into Brahmaputra Valley, Barak Valley, and Hill Areas; influenced by Himalayan foothills.
	Petroleum in Digboi & Duliajan, Coal in Ledo & Margherita, abundant forests and medicinal plants; focus on sustainable resource management.
	Tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall; biodiversity hotspots such as Kaziranga, Manas, and Dibru-Saikhowa; home to endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and golden langur.
	Dense population in Brahmaputra Valley; key industries – tea, oil, silk, and tourism. Growth of emerging sectors like IT and infrastructure.
Economy of Assam	Predominantly agrarian economy; growth in oil, natural gas, tea, and tourism sectors; major infrastructure projects for connectivity.
	Dominant crops – rice and tea; oil refineries in Digboi and Numaligarh; growing tourism and IT services.
	Schemes targeting women, children, SC/ST/OBC, elderly, disabled persons, laborers, minorities; focus on education, healthcare, and skill development.
Biodiversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management	Rich forest and wetland ecosystems; initiatives for protection of endangered species (e.g., rhino conservation and anti-poaching measures).
	Issues of deforestation, soil erosion due to floods, rising air and water pollution.
	Interstate border disputes with neighboring states; insurgency management through peace talks and economic packages; cross-border crime and terrorism linkages.
	Flood control and management measures by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA); early warning systems; relief, rehabilitation, and disaster preparedness programs.

Personality Test (Interview/ Final Round)

Type of Test: Personality Test / Interview
Maximum Marks: 180 Marks
Venue: Guwahati

On the basis of the results of the written component of the Main Examination, candidates will be shortlisted for the Personality Test in the approximate ratio of 1:3 against the number of advertised vacancies.

The interview will be conducted by a Board of competent and impartial observers, who will have access to the candidate’s academic and service records. The interaction is designed not merely to test knowledge but to assess the candidate’s overall suitability for a career in public service.

Objectives of the Personality Test

The Personality Test aims to evaluate:

1. Intellectual and Analytical Ability – mental alertness, clarity of thought, logical reasoning, and critical powers of assimilation.
2. Social and Personal Attributes – leadership qualities, balance of judgment, adaptability, ability to interact effectively with diverse groups, and capacity for social cohesion.
3. Moral and Ethical Integrity – sense of responsibility, fairness, integrity, and dedication to public service.
4. Awareness and Curiosity – interest in current affairs, exposure to issues of national and international relevance, knowledge of one’s state and country, and engagement with contemporary currents of thought and scientific advancement.

The conversation will not take the form of a strict cross-examination. Instead, it will be a directed yet natural dialogue, allowing the candidate to reveal their personality traits, attitudes, and capacity for effective decision-making.

Nature of the Interview

• The Personality Test is not a test of specialized knowledge; such competence has already been examined in the written part of the Main Examination.
• Candidates are, however, expected to demonstrate an intelligent awareness of their own fields of study, alongside a well-rounded understanding of general issues, social challenges, and national/international developments.
• The test seeks to determine whether the candidate possesses the qualities of a well-educated and socially aware individual capable of assuming the responsibilities of a public servant.

Final Ranking and Allocation

• The marks obtained in the Personality Test (Interview) will be added to the marks secured in the Written Examination to arrive at the final merit list.
• There are no qualifying marks for the interview.
• The Commission will recommend candidates strictly in accordance with the number of vacancies notified. A candidate will not be recommended for a post for which he/she has not indicated a preference.
• Allocation of services will be based on the principle of Merit-cum-Preference, keeping in view the candidate’s final rank, expressed choices, and applicable reservation policies.