APSC CCE — 2026
Combined Competitive Examination — ACS, APS & Allied Services
Exam Overview
- APSC CCE (Combined Competitive Examination) is conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission for recruitment to the Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), and 11 other allied services across Assam.
- Key Posts: Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), Superintendent of Taxes, Block Development Officer, Inspector of Taxes, Sub-Registrar, and more — 13 services in total.
- Eligibility: Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university. Must be a permanent resident of Assam with proficiency in Assamese or other official/tribal languages of the state.
- Age: 21-38 years. Relaxations — OBC/MOBC: +3 yrs, SC/ST(P)/ST(H): +5 yrs, PwBD: +10 yrs.
- Exam Structure: Three stages — Preliminary (objective MCQ, qualifying), Main Examination (descriptive, 1500 marks), and Personal Interview (180 marks).
- Salary: Rs. 30,000–1,10,000 for ACS/APS-level posts; Rs. 22,000–97,000 for junior posts, plus DA, HRA, and other allowances (7th Pay Commission).
Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination — Paper I (General Studies I)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Current Events (National & International) | 15 | 30 |
| Indian History & Indian National Movement | 15 | 30 |
| Indian & World Geography | 15 | 30 |
| Indian Polity & Governance | 15 | 30 |
| Economic & Social Development | 15 | 30 |
| Environmental Ecology & General Science | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration: 2 Hours | Negative Marking: -0.25 per wrong answer | Qualifying in nature — marks not counted in final merit
Preliminary Examination — Paper II (CSAT / General Studies II)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension | 15 | 37.5 |
| Interpersonal Skills & Communication | 10 | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability | 20 | 50 |
| Decision Making & Problem Solving | 10 | 25 |
| General Mental Ability | 15 | 37.5 |
| Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation | 10 | 25 |
| Total | 80 | 200 |
Duration: 2 Hours | Negative Marking: -0.66 per wrong answer | Qualifying in nature — minimum 33% required
Main Examination (Descriptive)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper II | General Studies I (History, Geography, Society) | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity) | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Economy, Environment, Technology) | 250 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper VI | General Studies of Assam | 250 |
| Total (Written) | 1500 | |
| Interview | 180 | |
| Grand Total | 1680 |
Duration: 3 Hours per paper | Descriptive (pen & paper) | Final merit = Mains + Interview only
Selection Process
- Preliminary Examination (Objective MCQ — 400 marks, qualifying)
- Main Examination (Descriptive — 6 papers, 1500 marks)
- Personal Interview / Viva Voce (180 marks)
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
- Final Merit List (Mains + Interview = 1680 marks)
Syllabus
1. General Studies I (Prelims & Mains)
Ancient & Medieval Indian HistoryModern Indian HistoryIndian National MovementIndian & World GeographyPhysical GeographyIndian Society & CultureIndian Polity & ConstitutionGovernance & Public PolicyEconomic & Social DevelopmentEnvironmental Ecology & BiodiversityGeneral ScienceCurrent Affairs2. General Studies II (CSAT / Prelims Paper 2)
Reading ComprehensionInterpersonal SkillsLogical ReasoningAnalytical AbilityDecision MakingProblem SolvingGeneral Mental AbilityBasic Numeracy (Class X level)Data InterpretationEnglish Language Comprehension3. Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (Mains)
Ethics & Human InterfaceAttitude & Aptitude for Civil ServiceEmotional IntelligenceContributions of Moral ThinkersPublic/Civil Service ValuesProbity in GovernanceCase Studies on Ethical Dilemmas4. General Studies of Assam (Mains)
History of AssamAssamese Literature & CultureGeography of AssamAssam Polity & GovernanceEconomy of AssamTribes & Communities of AssamDisaster Management in AssamFlora & Fauna of AssamTea Industry & AgricultureCurrent Affairs of Assam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APSC CCE and what posts are recruited through it?
APSC CCE (Combined Competitive Examination) is conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission for recruitment to Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), and 11 other allied services including Superintendent of Taxes, Block Development Officer, Inspector of Taxes, and more.
What is the eligibility for APSC CCE 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, be a permanent resident of Assam, and be between 21-38 years of age (relaxation: +3 yrs for OBC/MOBC, +5 yrs for SC/ST, +10 yrs for PwBD). Proficiency in Assamese or other official languages of Assam is required.
What is the exam pattern for APSC CCE Prelims?
The Prelims has two papers: General Studies I (100 questions, 200 marks) and General Studies II / CSAT (80 questions, 200 marks), each of 2 hours duration. GS-I has -0.25 negative marking per wrong answer, GS-II has -0.66. Prelims is qualifying — only Mains + Interview marks count for final merit.
What is the APSC CCE Mains pattern?
Mains consists of 6 descriptive papers of 250 marks each (total 1500 marks): Essay, General Studies I-IV, and General Studies of Assam. Each paper is 3 hours. This is followed by a Personal Interview of 180 marks, making the total 1680 marks.
What is the salary for APSC CCE posts?
ACS/APS and senior posts offer Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,10,000 with grade pay of Rs. 12,700-13,300. Junior posts like Inspector and Sub-Registrar offer Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 97,000 with grade pay Rs. 9,100-9,400. Approximate in-hand salary is Rs. 65,000-68,000 per month with DA, HRA and other allowances.
Are the exams for ACS and APS the same?
Yes, both Assam Civil Service (ACS) and Assam Police Service (APS) are recruited through the same APSC CCE (Combined Competitive Examination). Candidates take the same Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Service allocation (ACS, APS, or allied services) is based on the final merit list and candidate preferences.