The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) Mains 2025 is a crucial stage for candidates aspiring to secure prestigious administrative roles like Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), and other allied services.
This detailed guide covers the exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus breakdown, and preparation tips to help you strategize effectively.
APSC CCE Mains 2025 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Paper II | General Studies I (History, Heritage, Geography) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Polity, Governance, International Relations) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Economy, Science, Security) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Paper VI | General Studies V (Assam-Specific) | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Total | 1500 Marks | 18 Hours | ||
| Interview | Personality Test | 180 | – |
Key Points:
- Total Marks: 1680 (1500 Mains + 180 Interview)
- Language Options: Answers can be written in English or Assamese
- Interview Weightage: 180 marks (tests personality, leadership, and awareness)
APSC CCE Mains 2025 Syllabus (Subject-wise Breakdown)
Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)
- Topics: Current socio-economic issues, governance, ethics, Assam-specific themes.
- Format: Two essays (choice from multiple topics)
Paper II: General Studies I (History, Heritage, Geography)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Indian Culture | Art forms, literature, architecture (ancient to modern) |
| Modern Indian History | Freedom struggle, post-independence consolidation |
| World & Indian Geography | Physical, economic geography, natural resources |
| Indian Society | Diversity, women’s role, urbanization, globalization |
Assam Focus: 30-35% questions relate to Assam’s history and geography
Paper III: General Studies II (Polity, Governance, International Relations)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Indian Constitution | Features, amendments, federal structure |
| Governance | Panchayati Raj, public policy, e-governance |
| Social Justice | Welfare schemes, health, education, poverty |
| International Relations | India’s foreign policy, global groupings |
Assam-Specific: Policies like Orunodoi Scheme, Assam’s governance challenges
Paper IV: General Studies III (Economy, Science, Security)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Indian Economy | Budgeting, agriculture, infrastructure |
| Science & Tech | IT, space, biotechnology, IPR |
| Environment | Climate change, disaster management |
| Internal Security | Terrorism, cyber security, Assam’s border issues |
Assam Focus: Flood management, oil & tea economy
Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Ethics | Moral philosophy, public service values |
| Emotional Intelligence | Leadership, compassion, decision-making |
| Probity in Governance | RTI, corruption, case studies |
Case Studies: Real-life administrative dilemmas
Paper VI: General Studies V (Assam-Specific) (250 Marks)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Assam’s History | Ahom rule, freedom movement, Assam Accord |
| Polity & Governance | Autonomous councils, Sixth Schedule |
| Economy | Tea industry, oil & gas, tourism |
| Environment | Kaziranga, Brahmaputra floods |
📌 Must-Read: “History of Assam” – Priyam Goswami
🎯 Preparation Tips for APSC CCE Mains 2025
✅ Focus on Assam: 30-35% weightage in all papers
✅ Current Affairs: Follow Assam Tribune, PIB Guwahati
✅ Answer Writing Practice: Structured, analytical responses
✅ Recommended Books:
- Polity: Laxmikant
- Economy: Ramesh Singh
- Assam History: Edward Gait
Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Mains Exam | September 2025 |
| Interview | December 2025 – January 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Syllabus PDF | APSC.nic.in |
