APSC CCE 2025 Syllabus PDF – Prelims & Mains Exam Topics
Download the APSC CCE 2025 syllabus PDF, covering Prelims and Mains exam topics. Find detailed subject-wise breakdowns and marking schemes to aid your preparation for the Assam Public Service Commission exam.
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is conducted annually for recruitment to various administrative posts in Assam. The exam consists of three stages: Preliminary (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Personality Test (Interview).
This article provides a comprehensive and detailed syllabus for APSC CCE 2025, covering all subjects, topics, marks distribution, recommended books, and preparation tips in a well-structured format suitable for aspirants.
1. Exam Structure & Marks Distribution
| Stage | Paper Name | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | General Studies (Paper-I) | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Preliminary | CSAT (Paper-II) | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective (Qualifying) |
| Mains | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Mains | General Studies Paper I | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Mains | General Studies Paper II | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Mains | General Studies Paper III | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Mains | General Studies Paper IV (Ethics) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Mains | General Studies Paper V (Assam Specific) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Interview | Personality Test | 180 | — | Oral |
2. Detailed Syllabus for Preliminary Examination (Objective)
2.1 Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
| Subject Area | Topics Covered | Topic Details |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National & International Events | Important recent events in India and around the world, awards, sports, latest discoveries. |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern India | Indian culture and heritage, major dynasties, freedom movement, post-independence developments. |
| Geography | Physical & Economic Geography | World geography basics, Indian geography, rivers, climate, agriculture, industries. |
| Polity & Governance | Indian Constitution, Political System | Constitutional provisions, fundamental rights, duties, structure of Government, Panchayati Raj. |
| Economics & Social Development | Indian Economy, Poverty, Welfare | Basic concepts of economy, planning, poverty alleviation, social sector schemes. |
| Environment & Ecology | Environment Conservation | Biodiversity, climate change, environmental issues, conservation efforts. |
| General Science | Basic Science Concepts | Physics, Chemistry, Biology fundamentals and recent science technology updates. |
2.2 Paper II: CSAT (Qualifying Paper – 200 marks)
- Comprehension: Reading comprehension and understanding.
- Interpersonal Skills: Communication skills and decision-making.
- Logical Reasoning: Analogy, puzzles, syllogisms.
- Numerical Ability: Ratio, percentages, averages, basic arithmetic.
- Data Interpretation: Graphs, tables, charts.
3. Detailed Syllabus for Mains Examination (Descriptive)
3.1 Essay Paper (250 marks)
Write two essays from given options. Topics include socio-economic issues, polity, governance, ethics, and current affairs.
3.2 General Studies Paper I: Indian Heritage, Culture, History & Geography (250 marks)
- Indian Heritage: Art forms, architecture, literature, traditions.
- History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Freedom Movement.
- Post-Independence India: Political developments, reforms.
- Indian Society: Social structure, caste, tribal communities, secularism.
- Geography: Physical features, climate, natural resources, agriculture, industry.
3.3 General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity & International Relations (250 marks)
- Constitution: Philosophy, fundamental rights, directive principles.
- Governance: Public policy, transparency, accountability, e-governance.
- Political System: Parliament, judiciary, electoral reforms.
- International Relations: Bilateral relations, regional groups, global institutions.
3.4 General Studies Paper III: Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Security (250 marks)
- Economy: Economic growth, budgeting, planning, government schemes.
- Environment: Climate change, biodiversity, conservation, sustainable development.
- Science & Technology: Recent developments, space, biotechnology, information technology.
- Security: Internal security, cyber security, border issues.
- Disaster Management: Natural calamities and preparedness.
3.5 General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (250 marks)
- Ethics and Human Values: Moral philosophy, values in public life.
- Integrity: Probity in governance, anti-corruption measures.
- Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions, empathy.
- Public Service Motivation: Case studies and application.
3.6 General Studies Paper V: Assam Specific (250 marks)
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| History of Assam | Ahom dynasty, Koch kingdom, British period, freedom movement in Assam. |
| Culture and Literature | Bihu festival, tribal dances, Assamese literature, famous personalities. |
| Geography | Floods, river systems, climate, agriculture zones. |
| Polity | State government, local self-governance, judiciary, administrative structure. |
| Economy | Tea industry, oil & natural gas, handloom, handicrafts, tourism. |
| Ecology & Environment | Kaziranga National Park, deforestation, conservation efforts. |
4. Personality Test (Interview)
The interview carries 180 marks and assesses the candidate’s personality traits such as communication skills, leadership qualities, integrity, social awareness, and suitability for a career in civil services.
5. Recommended Books for APSC CCE Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Polity | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
| History | A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum; NCERT History Textbooks |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong; NCERT Geography Textbooks |
| Economics | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh; Economic Survey of India |
| Ethics | Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude |
| Assam Specific | Assam Yearbook; Historical and Cultural works by S.L. Baruah |
| Science & Environment | NCERT Science Textbooks; Shankar IAS Environment Book |
| CSAT | CSAT Manual by Tata McGraw Hill |
6. Preparation Tips
- Start with NCERTs: Build your foundation with NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, Polity, and Science.
- Current Affairs: Follow monthly compilations from trusted sources and APSC notifications.
- Practice MCQs: Regularly attempt Prelims-level questions for GS and CSAT.
- Answer Writing: Practice writing answers daily for Mains papers to improve speed and clarity.
- Ethics and Assam Paper: Study case studies and understand local issues deeply.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length tests monthly to track your progress and improve time management.
7. Syllabus PDF Download
You can download the official detailed syllabus in PDF format from the APSC official website. Navigate to the ‘Forms & Downloads’ section and select the ‘CCE Syllabus’ PDF for comprehensive details.
8. Conclusion
The APSC CCE exam demands thorough knowledge of diverse subjects combined with strong analytical and writing skills. A strategic approach focusing on conceptual clarity, consistent revision, and answer writing practice is vital to succeed. Following the detailed syllabus and recommended resources outlined above will ensure well-rounded preparation for both Preliminary and Mains stages, culminating in success at the Personality Test.
Stay dedicated, keep revising, and approach the exam with confidence to achieve your goal in APSC CCE 2025!
