Full Form of APSC : Assam Public Service Commission

APSC Exam: Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is an important agency of the state government which is responsible for the appointment of members in the various civil services and administrative services in the state. It also holds competitive examinations for the appointment of Deputy Collectors and Police Officers and other posts in Civil Services of the state government. APSC recruitment is conducted in a fair manner and in a transparent manner and therefore helps the state government operate effectively. It serves an important purpose in providing directions through job opportunities to those who have the desire to serve the public services and enhance the area of Assam..

History of APSC

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) was formed on the 1st of April, 1937, in accordance with what is contained in the Government of India Act of 1935. Its main target was to provide qualified people to undertake different government duties in the province of Assam and to guarantee the propriety of the process of recruitment.

Prior to the formation of APSC, recruitment of government employees in the state of Assam was the preserve of the British administration. But as time progressed and the need to have a more formalised and just system developed, APSC was established to carry out these functions. In more recent times, APSC has changed, conducting examinations for competitive recruitment to various services of the state including the asses am civil service (ACS) the asses police service (APS) and other important positions in the government.

Besides that, APSC has contributed in a considerable way in formulating functional heads of the public administration in Assam ensuring that capable persons occupy public service positions making them useful for the development of the state. Pivotal to this is that it continues today recruiting suitable candidates and instilling good leadership in the province of Assam.

Eligibility Criteria for APSC Exam

To appear for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam, candidates must meet certain requirements. Here’s a simple breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

1. Nationality:

Applicants should be Indian only.

2. Educational Qualification:

Those fulfilling the requisite are to possess a bachelor’s degree from any respectable university.
Final-year students can also apply, but they need to provide proof of their degree before the final selection.

3. Age Limit:

Candidate age should be between 21 to 38 years old.
Age relaxation: There is an age relaxation provision for the reserved categories:. –

OBC/BC: 3 years.
SC/ST: 5 years.
Physically Handicapped: 10 years.

4. Domicile

The candidate must be a permanent resident (domicile) of Assam.

APSC/APCS Exam Structure

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) conducts the Assam Civil Services (APCS) Exam to select candidates for various government jobs in Assam. The exam has three main stages:

1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims)

The preliminary exam is the first stage of any examination and helps narrow down candidates for the next stage.

Number of papers: 2 papers (both are multiple-choice)
Paper 1: General studies (questions on history, geography, current affairs, etc.)
Paper 2: General studies II: General Studies II: General Studies II (also known as CSAT comprising of reasoning and comprehension and basic numeracy and so on).
Total Marks: 400 marks (each paper worth 200 marks).
Duration: 2 hours for each paper.
Purpose: It is qualifying in nature which means that these marks here will not be included in the final merit list but are necessary for advancement in the next stage.

2. Main Exam (Mains)

Assuming you passed the Prelims; you will sit for the Mains. This is more detailed and covers a lot of different subjects.

Number of Papers: 6 papers (all written, descriptive)
Paper 1: General english (maximum 300 marks).
Paper 2: General studies I(maximum 300 marks) – which are focused on subjects like history politics economics etc.
Paper 3: General Studies II (maximum 300 marks) – Make discussion papers dealing with governance, International relations, etc.

Optional Papers:

Out of a list of subjects offered, you will pick two of your choice. (There are 2 papers per subject which are 200 marks each).

Total Marks: 1400 marks (excluding English paper which is just pass/fail).

Personal Interview (Viva-Voce)

The interview is the last milestone after the Mains.
Out of a total of 275 marks,
Aim: It’s a test that presents a specific facet of your personality, which is the approach to communication.

APSC Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)

APSC Prelims Syllabus

The Prelims examination is made up of Two Papers. Tendering multiple multiple-choice questions, both Paper I and Paper II optimally carry a total of 200 marks each and have a time duration of 2 hours each.

1. Paper 1: General Studies

This paper assesses your knowledge on the following topics.

The history of India and Assam: Should have the basic knowledge of history of India and the history of Assam.
Indian Polity: Basic concepts of the Indian Constitution and Indian politics including administration.
Geography: Geographical knowledge of India and Assam.
Economy: General knowledge of economy of India, its economic institutions and some recent changes.
General Science: Knowledge about the basic scientific ideas and recent trends in science and technology.
Current Events: Current happenings, both national as well as international.
Indian National Movement: Major events, leaders, and other important movements of India’s struggle for freedom.
Logical reasoning and analytical skills: Very simple question relating to problems and their solutions.

2. Paper 2: General Studies II (CSAT)

This is a scoring paper and you have to pass it but the marks of this paper will not be placed in your total score.

Comprehension: General areas cover answering questions after reading texts or passages.
Interpersonal skills & Communication: Covers decision making and talking with others.
Logical reasoning and analytical ability: basic relation to logical thinking, some logical order based questions and few simpler puzzles with some problems.
Basic Numeracy: Basic maths (Class 10 level) like percentages, ratios, averages, etc.
Decision-making and Problem Solving: Real-life scenario-based questions that test your judgement.

APSC Mains Syllabus

The Mains examinations are described, with the candidate’s papers being further divided into many sub-papers. Following is the Mains syllabus outline:

1. Paper 1: Max. Paper 1: Max. Pencil lo chicago How Reciprocal Provision: Based on comprehension, one is to provide answers to questions on the comprehension passages.

Comprehension understanding: Reading passages followed by questions and answering them.
Language structure: The coverage is general. Critical evaluation of one-way sentences, sentence adjustments as well as vocabulary.
Essays. Respect Arboreal Interrogator Judds Zarg, a novel appropriate for either a critic’s or a laid man’s interpretation.

2. Paper 2: Paper 2 General Studies 1: Mathematics

History of India and Assam places: It is important and most tragic in Indian and Assamese history.
Freedom movement of Indians: According to many novels, this paper requires more elaboration on the passion and sadness that the struggle appeared to encompass.
Indian Studies: Indian geography was composed of social physiography.
India polities and Crimean Chop: Faber Libanjus posed as Zargra, making some of the most concealed infelicities in Indian Politics.

3. Paper 3 – General Studies 2:

Economic development organisation: L3-D economic development Global Embassy for Development Developments and Welfare – Developing economies have been grotesquely developed. Andrew Dwork and Eric Harris.
Global climate changes: In response, billions of people have relocated to places where agricultural campaigns can still flourish. Conceptions of the developing world: Basil Orwyn Roberts focused such concerns on why Pan American nations have proved so intractable to development strategies.
Management of disasters: In society, there is a lot of room for completely new aspects and mechanisms of promoting such master institutes.

How to Apply for APSC Exam

Applying for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam is a simple process. Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Visit the Official Website:

The application form can be found on the official APSC website: apsc.nic.in.

2. Check the Latest Notifications

Find the notification for the APSC exam you want to apply for (e.g., APSC Class 1, Class 2, etc.).
Read the notification carefully to check the eligibility criteria, exam dates, and other important details.

3 Registration:

If you’re applying for the first time, click on “New Registration.”
A registration link will be provided. Basic details like name, contact number, and email will be required.
After registration, a unique registration ID will be generated.

4. Fill in the Application Form:

Any Their personal details, education details, etc., and any other required reason.
Please confirm that all particulars are correct and complete as these will be referenced for understanding in further processes.

5. Upload Documents:

Your signed photo and signature will also be uploaded in scanned copies.
Make sure that the size and the format of the files are as per the provided instructions.

6. Pay the Application Fee:

The application fee can be paid via the internet even with the use of net banking, credit card, and debit card.
The fee charges standard and wise, so ensure that you check the amount well.

7. Submit the Form:

All the timelines and amount paid, all the forms, filled and checked, should be submitted at the appropriate places.

8. The Confirmation printout:

Upon submission of your application successfully, a confirmation page will be displayed. It is suggested that the page is printed out or saved for record purposes.

APSC Interview Process

The APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) interview is the final stage of the APSC selection process. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how the interview works:

1. Purpose of the Interview:

Hence the interview is useful in focusing on the candidate as a whole with regard to his personality, interaction with others and ability to take important decisions.
This is not only about the information the candidate possesses, but also the way one communicates the thoughts to other people.

2. Panel of Interviewers:

Panel of interview comprises senior civil servants and specialists.
They will relate to the candidates’ educational qualifications, current affairs, and the subject opted for the mains exam.

3. Types of Questions

Questions can be based on your educational background, work experience (if any), current affairs, and your understanding of Assam’s issues.
They may ask situational questions to assess your decision-making skills.

4. Duration

The interview is conducted for an average of 20 to 30 minutes.
Such questions may include one’s background and opinion on certain social issues.

5. Preparation for the Interview:

Thorough knowledge of current events, history of Assam, its culture and the working problems have to be mastered.
It is important to perform mock interviews since these are quite good in instilling confidence.
Practise speaking clearly and concisely. Mock interviews can help.

6. Final Evaluation:

Candidates are assessed on the basis of their responses to questions, their general outlook score and their level of confidence.

Preparation Strategy for APSC Exam

Preparing for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam requires a well-organised plan and consistent effort.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern

The APSC exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
Prelims: Two objective papers (General Studies & Optional Subject).
Mains: Descriptive papers (Essay, General Studies, Optional Subjects).
Interview: Focuses on personality and knowledge.

2. Understand the Syllabus:

The entire syllabus should be thoroughly read and understood. Focus on important topics for both Prelims and Mains.

3. Create a Study Plan:

A daily and weekly study plan should be made. Allocate time for each subject and stick to the schedule.

4. Focus on General Studies:

Special attention should be given to General Studies, as it plays a big role in both Prelims and Mains.

5. Choose the Right Optional Subject:

An optional subject that aligns with your strengths should be chosen. Make sure it is interesting and has enough resources available.

6. Read Current Affairs Daily:

Newspapers and magazines should be read regularly to stay updated with current events. Current affairs are important for the exam.

7. Use Standard Books:

Recommended books for each subject should be followed. NCERT books are helpful for building a strong foundation.

8. Practise Mock Tests:

Mock tests and previous years’ papers should be practised to understand the exam pattern and improve time management.

9. Revise Regularly:

Frequent revision is necessary. Notes should be revised multiple times to retain important information.

10. Stay Positive and Confident:

Consistency is the key. Regular studies and confidence in your preparation will help you stay motivated.

Recommended Books for APSC Exam

Preparing for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam requires the right study materials. Here’s a list of recommended books that can help you with your APSC exam preparation:

General Studies
- “General Knowledge 2024” by Manohar Pandey: Great for covering general knowledge topics, including current affairs.
- “Lucent’s General Knowledge”: A comprehensive book for static GK, including history, geography, and Indian polity.
- “Manorama Yearbook”: Updated information on national and international events.
History
- “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra: Ideal for modern Indian history and the freedom struggle.
- “NCERT History Books (Class 6-12)”: Provides a strong foundation in ancient, medieval, and modern history.
Geography
- “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by Goh Cheng Leong: Great for physical geography concepts.
- “NCERT Geography Books (Class 6-12)”: Covers all key topics in Indian and world geography.
Polity
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth: The best book for understanding the Indian Constitution and political system.
Economics
- “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh: Perfect for understanding the Indian economy in detail.
- “NCERT Economics Books (Class 9-12)”: Gives a basic understanding of economic principles and Indian economy.
Assam-Specific Topics
- “Assam Yearbook” by Er. Prantik Bhuyan: Covers Assam’s history, culture, geography, and current affairs.
- “History of Assam” by Sir Edward Gait: Important for learning about Assam’s rich history.
Current Affairs
- Newspapers like The Hindu and The Assam Tribune: Helpful for staying updated with daily events.
- Monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan: Covers current events and exam-specific news.
Science
- “NCERT Science Books (Class 6-10)”: These are excellent for building basic science knowledge.
- “General Science” by Lucent: A good book for covering science topics relevant to the exam.
Assamese Language
- “APSC Assamese Language Paper Guide” by local publishers: Helps you prepare for the Assamese language section of the exam.

Career Growth After Clearing APSC

If you manage to clear the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) examination, then you’ll be in a position to seek a satisfying employment with Assam’s state government. This is what your career can look like post APSC.

Job Roles

After the examination has been passed successfully, candidates are entitled to the following positions in the government:

Officer of Assam Civil Service (ACS)
Officer of Assam Police service (APS)
Officers in other government departments.

Promotion Opportunities

There are chances for promotion as well as improvement as experience is gathered with time. For instance, an Indian Administrative Service officer belonging to Assam may rise upward the ranks to –

Deputy Commissioner
Secretary in various government departments.

Salary Increases

Promotion comes with an improvement in the salary as well. A Government job has an assured periodic salary increase and further allowances, bonuses and other incentives will also be given to the individual.

Job Stability and Security

APSC ensures a job that is safe and in the long run secure for an individual. A government job is not prone to the vicissitudes of the market and hence puts the individual at ease.

Higher Responsibilities

As one climbs the hierarchy, new and higher responsibilities are bestowed upon that individual. One will be responsible for taking actions and decisions that guide and shape the governance and development of the state of Assam.

Leadership Roles

As time grows and more experience is gathered, one is suited for the upper echelons in the leadership of government and be in charge of large teams and departments.

Salary and Perks of APSC Officers

The remuneration received by APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) officers is decent and includes many other benefits as well which is one reason as to why people look for joining the government sector. Here’s a simple breakdown of what APSC officers can expect in terms of pay and benefits:

1.Salary Structure

Basic Pay: A starting salary for APSC officers is considered to be pretty good and is relative to the officers job level. In case of class I officers, a salary typically earned ranges between ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 where as class II officer’s salary starts from a ₹30,000 with the upper limit being ₹1,10,000.
Grade Pay: Apart from basic salary, there is also graded pay which the officers are paid in order to boost their overall remuneration.

2. Allowances

APSC officers are eligible for numerous allowances which include:

Dearness Allowance (DA): This is an allowance designed for the cost of living of officers especially due to inflation and other factors. This is a fixed percentage of the basic salary.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): This allowance is provided to the officers so as to assist in their accommodation as this is location of a city where the officer has been posted.
Travel Allowance: This includes issues related to transportation which are incurred while an officer is away on official business.

Medical Benefits

In this case the medical benefits are not restricted to officers only but extend to their families:
Health Insurance: It includes prevention and treatment of costs incurred for medical purposes.

FAQs’ of APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) Exam 2024

1. What is the APSC exam for?

The APSC exam, conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission, is designed to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in the Assam state government. It selects individuals for roles such as Assam Civil Services, Assam Police Services, and other Class I and Class II posts, ensuring that qualified and capable officers are appointed to manage the state’s governance effectively.

2. Who is eligible for APSC exam?

To be eligible for the APSC exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: Must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan/Nepal or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.

Age Limit: Candidates should be between 21 to 38 years old. There are age relaxations for certain categories, such as OBC, SC/ST, and PWD candidates.

Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

Domicile: Preference is given to candidates who are residents of Assam.

3. What are the posts in APSC?

Assam Civil Service (ACS)
Assam Police Service (APS)
District Transport Officer
Assistant Commissioner
Labor Officer
Superintendent of Taxes
Block Development Officer
Child Development Project Officer
Assistant Director of Food and Civil Supplies
Junior Employment Officer

4.Is APSC harder than UPSC?

The difficulty of APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) compared to UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) can vary based on individual perspectives. Generally, UPSC is considered more challenging due to its extensive syllabus, larger competition pool, and the high level of general knowledge required. APSC exams tend to focus more on state-specific issues and may have a more manageable syllabus for candidates familiar with Assam’s context.

5.What is the first salary of APSC?

The first salary of an APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) officer varies based on the specific position. For Class I officers, the starting basic salary typically ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, while Class II officers usually start with a salary between ₹30,000 to ₹1,10,000 per month.

6.Is NCERT enough for APSC?

Yes, NCERT books are a good starting point for APSC preparation, especially for subjects like History, Geography, and Polity.

7.What is the highest rank in APSC?

The highest rank in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is typically the Chief Secretary of Assam.

8.How do you get selected in APSC?

Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualifications, and other requirements.
Application: Submit the application form during the recruitment notification period on the official APSC website.
Preliminary Exam: Clear the APSC Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination, which consists of objective-type questions.
Main Exam: Qualify for the Main Examination, which includes descriptive-type papers covering various subjects.
Interview: Perform well in the personal interview, where candidates are assessed on their personality, knowledge, and suitability for public service.
Final Selection: The final merit list is prepared based on the scores from the Main Exam and the interview. Selected candidates are then appointed to various government positions.