UPSC vs APSC? Confused About the Differences Between the Two?
Are you aspiring to become a civil servant and serve the nation? Are you unsure about the differences between the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)? Do you want to know which exam is right for you?
Let’s start with the basics! UPSC and APSC are constitutional bodies responsible for recruiting officers for various government positions. However, the two exams have significant differences regarding their structure, syllabus, and difficulty level.
In this article, we’ll discuss the details of both exams, exploring their similarities and differences. We’ll discuss the exam patterns, syllabus, and difficulty level, providing you with a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions about your preparation. So, let’s get started!
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are constitutional bodies responsible for recruiting officers for All India Services, Central Civil Services, and the Group-A officials for state Governments. While both aim to select the best candidates for public service at the National and State levels, they significantly differ in terms of the exam structure, difficulty level, and preparation strategies. This comparative analysis will delve into exam patterns, syllabus, and level of difficulty providing a comprehensive overview of both exams to help candidates succeed and achieve their goals. Before analyzing the comparison between UPSC and APSC, let’s first look at an overview of both.
Also Read: Top APSC/UPSC Coaching Institutes
APSC and UPSC: Overview
| Features | APSC | UPSC |
| Full form | Assam Public Service Commission | Union Public Service Commission |
| Established | 1st April 1937 | 1st October 1926 |
| Recruitment Scope | State Government Services( Assam) | All India & Central Government Services |
| Official Website | https://apsc.nic.in/ | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
APSC vs UPSC: Eligibility Criteria.
Although the education qualification for both APSC vs UPSC is the same, they differ in terms of age limit and the number of attempts.
| Criteria | APSC | UPSC |
| Age Limit | 21-38 Years(with relaxations) | 21-32 Years (With Relaxations) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate in any discipline | Graduate in any discipline |
| Number of Attempts | No fixed limit(until age limit) | General:6, OBC:9, SC/ST unlimited |
APSC vs UPSC: Exam Pattern.
Although both APSC and UPSC follow a similar three-stage selection process- Preliminary, Mains, and Interview- there are distinct differences in their structure. The APSC Mains examination consists of six papers, including General Studies V, which is dedicated to topics related to Assam. In contrast, UPSC includes optional papers, a feature that APSC removed from its Combined Competitive Examination(CCE) starting in 2022. There is a compulsory language qualifying paper in UPSC whereas this feature was withdrawn from APSC in 2021 by a cabinet decision.
Another notable difference is the marking scheme for the Personality Test or Interview. In UPSC, the interview carries 275 marks, whereas APSC initially had the same weightage but reduced it to 180 marks from CCE 2023 onwards.
Comparison of Exam Stages:
| Stage | APSC | UPSC |
| Preliminary | General Studies I&II(‘30%-35% questions will compulsorily be related to Assam in GS 1 “) | General Studies I&II |
| Mains | 6 Papers (Includes GS V- ASSAM- Specific) | 9 papers(Includes Optional Subjects) |
| Interview | 180 marks | 275 marks |
APSC and UPSC: Syllabus
While there is considerable overlap in the syllabi of both exams, there are some key distinctions. The UPSC syllabus includes topics such as World History covering events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on society whereas APSC CCE does not include Word History in its syllabus.
Additionally, APSC has a separate paper General Studies V, dedicated exclusively to Assam covering its History, Geography, Economy, Culture, and Polity. A candidate is required to have an in-depth understanding of Assam’s socio-political landscape which is not a requirement in UPSC.
APSC and UPSC: Negative Marking System
The negative marking system for the APSC and UPSC examinations is different. For APSC, Negative marking: One-fourth of the total mark assigned to one question will be deducted for a wrong answer marked by a candidate. On the other hand, for UPSC negative marking is One- third of the total mark assigned to one question will be deducted for a wrong answer marked by a candidate.
Comparison of Negative Marking
| Exam | Negative Marking for GS1 | Negative Marking for GSII |
| APSC | 0.50 per incorrect answer | 0.625 per incorrect answer |
| UPSC | 0.66 per incorrect answer | 0.83 per incorrect answer |
APSC vs UPSC: Difficulty level of Exam
Given that UPSC is conducted at the national level, it attracts lakhs of aspirants, making the competition significantly higher. The Preliminary Examination filters out many candidates with only about 10,000-12,000 candidates qualifying for the Mains.
On the other hand, APSC CCE is a state-level exam with approximately 70,000 applicants, resulting in relatively lower competition. While the main examination for both exams is analytical, UPSC often demands a broader and more in-depth understanding of concepts.
Comparison of Competition Levels:
| Factor | APSC | UPSC |
| Number of Applicants | 70,000 | 10 lakhs approx |
| Prelims Qualification | 4000-10000(10 times selection depending on no of vacancies) | 10,000-12,000 |
| Overall Competition | Moderate | Very High |
APSC and UPSC: Preparation Strategy
Although the fundamental approach for both exams remains similar, emphasizing conceptual clarity, extensive revision, and regular mock tests- certain differences must be considered when preparing for each:
Common Preparation Strategies:
- Build a strong foundation in static subjects like History, Polity, Geography, and Economy.
- Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers and magazines.
- Solve previous years’ question papers to understand trends and difficulty levels.
- Practice answer writing regularly to enhance presentation and articulation skills.
- Attempt mock tests to improve time management and accuracy.
Distinct Strategies for APSC:
- Focus more on factual knowledge in Prelims, especially on topics like awards, important data, books, government schemes, Assam specific current affairs.
- Give special emphasis to Assam-specific subjects like History, Geography, Economy, Culture etc.
- Incorporate Assam-related examples and data while writing the main answers.
Distinct Strategies for UPSC:
- Develop a deeper analytical approach as the main examination demands a multi-dimensional perspective on national and international issues.
- Pay extra attention to World History
- Choose the right optional subject that aligns with your strengths and interests.
As we all know a reputed coaching institute plays an important role in the success of a candidate in the APSC and UPSC exams. It helps the candidate with smart planning, proper guidance, and a comprehensive strategy throughout the preparation. SPM IAS Academy plays a significant role in helping aspirants achieve their goals in APSC and UPSC. Let’s explore how it contributes to exam preparation.
Role of SPM IAS Academy in APSC and UPSC Preparation.
Firstly the expert faculty members, distinguished educators, are known for their focused guidance and emphasis on concept clarity. Their extensive experience and deep subject knowledge enhance the learning experience in the classroom.
Secondly, Current affairs play a crucial role in both APSC and UPSC exam preparation, as they carry significant weight in both Prelims and Mains. Satyajit Sir’s daily newspaper analysis on YouTube has made the preparation process more accessible. These sessions provide:
- Simplified Editorials: Complex articles are broken down into clear, easy-to-understand points.
- Exam-Oriented News Analysis: Important events and policies are examined for their relevance to APSC and UPSC.
- Enhanced Analytical Skills: The discussions promote critical thinking and improve answer-writing techniques.
Additionally, the NA session includes practice questions related to the topics covered and previous years’ questions (PYQs), emphasizing their interconnections. The instructor also provides Mains-specific practice questions and valuable tips on structuring answers, making each session highly engaging and effective.
By focusing on major newspapers such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Assam Tribune, along with key government websites, Satyajit Sir ensures that aspirants develop a comprehensive understanding of current affairs.
Thirdly, Apart from doubt-clearing sessions with subject experts, dedicated mentors provide personalized one-on-one guidance, helping students with study planning, time management, and performance improvement.
Fourthly, SPM IAS offers a high-quality test series for prelims and mains, designed based on the pattern and trend of previous UPSC year’s papers. Solving those questions boosts an aspirant’s confidence. Test discussion and in-depth analysis provide additional relevant insights that aid in effective preparation.
Fifthly, Updated and well-structured study material ensures that aspirants have access to essential content required for their preparation
Sixthly, SPM IAS Academy conducts mock interview sessions to prepare aspirants for the final stage i.e. interview. These sessions simulate real interviews, helping candidates refine communication, boost confidence, and reduce anxiety. Expert panelists, including retired IAS officers, provide evaluations and detailed feedback, allowing students to identify strengths and improve weaknesses for optimal performance in the final interview stage.
In conclusion, Both APSC and UPSC offer prestigious opportunities in public service, but they cater to different administrative scopes. UPSC requires broader subject knowledge, higher analytical skills, and intense competition due to its national-level competition. In contrast, APSC emphasizes Assam-centric topics making it relatively less competitive but still highly significant for state administration. Aspirants should choose their exam based on career aspirations, strengths, and interests. However, adopting an integrated preparation strategy covering common subjects while emphasizing state-specific content can enhance success in both exams, providing flexibility and increasing the chances of securing a coveted position in public service. Institutes like SPM IAS Academy play a vital role by offering expert mentorship, test series, and comprehensive study resources, ensuring that aspirants are well-equipped to achieve their public service ambitions.