The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam is a highly competitive and popular choice for many in Assam! If you’re planning to tackle APSC Prelims in three months, it’s important to adopt a strategic and organized approach. With such a broad and challenging syllabus, having a solid plan will make your preparation more manageable and enjoyable!
The APSC Prelims Exam is the first step toward securing a government job in Assam. This highly competitive exam requires strategic planning and preparation, and the right resources. Many aspirants often wonder if it is feasible to prepare for this prestigious exam in just 3 to 5 months. At SPM IAS Academy, we recognize these concerns and this article is intended to guide students who have limited time to prepare for this highly competitive exam in just three months. Nothing is impossible in this world if you have the right mindset and willpower. All you need is a strategic approach to qualify for this exam.
UNDERSTANDING THE APSC PRELIMS EXAM PATTERN
| PAPER | SUBJECT | NO. OF QUESTIONS | MARKS | DURATION |
| PAPER I | General Studies I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| PAPER II | General Studies II (Qualifying in nature) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
SYLLABUS OF APSC PRELIMS
| SECTION | TOPICS COVERED |
| Current Events | National and international importance. |
| The History of India and the Indian Freedom Struggle | Key events and movements in India’s history and independence struggle. |
| Geography | Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World |
| Indian Polity and Governance | Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights issues, etc. |
| Economic and Social Development | Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. |
| Environment and Ecology | General issues on Environment Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change (no subject specialization required). |
| General Science | Basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with everyday applications. |
| Assam Specific | 30–35% of questions in each section will pertain to Assam’s history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current affairs. |
Three-Month Preparation Plan for APSC Prelims
Month 1: Building the Foundation
- Understand the Syllabus:
- Download the APSC syllabus and align it with the previous year’s papers to identify high-priority topics.
- Resource Collection:
Resource collection is a significant aspect that should not be taken lightly. Amidst the vast resources and easy connectivity, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. A Smart aspirant understands the importance of keeping their resources limited and utilizing their potential in the best possible way. At SPM IAS Academy, we have specifically curated subject-wise books for each section. You are encouraged to take advantage of these resources.
PREPARATION TIMELINE
| MONTH | FOCUS AREA |
| Month 1 | Foundation: Core subjects + Assam-specific topics+PYQ Analysis |
| Month 2 | Advanced topics + Mock tests + State-specific preparation. |
| Month 3 | Revision + Full-length tests + CSAT practice. |
Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy for APSC Prelims
1. Polity
Polity forms the backbone of the General Studies syllabus and covers both national and state governance.
- Topics to Focus:
- Fundamental Rights, Duties, and Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Parliamentary system, elections, and judiciary.
- Assam-specific topics like the Governor’s role, state legislature, and panchayati raj system.
- Study Plan:
- Start with the basics of the Constitution and move to governance systems.
- Revise Assam-specific polity details weekly.
- Practice questions on amendments, landmark judgments, and administrative roles.
2. History
History covers Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, and Assam-specific history.
- Topics to Focus:
- Freedom Struggle: Major events, movements, and leaders.
- Cultural aspects: Architecture, art, and literature.
- Assam History: Ahom dynasty, colonial history, and cultural transitions.
- Study Plan:
- Dedicate time to the freedom struggle and Assam’s colonial past.
- Prepare cultural topics with an emphasis on Assam’s contributions.
- Use timelines to remember key events and figures.
| WEEK | FOCUS AREA |
| Week 1 | Ancient & Medieval history basics. |
| Week 2 | Modern history and freedom struggle. |
| Week 3 | Assam history and cultural aspects. |
3. Geography
Geography includes physical, human, and economic geography, with a special focus on Assam.
- Topics to Focus:
- Indian geography: Climate, rivers, soils, and natural resources.
- Assam geography: River systems, forests, and biodiversity.
- Map-Study: Map-based questions involve understanding locations, resources, and geopolitical aspects. Studying through mapping can be an effective way to retain information. When studying history and current affairs, using a map to visualize concepts can enhance your learning experience. This method has a dual effect: mapping simplifies complex information and aids memory retention due to the enhanced audio-visual experience.
- Study Plan:
- Cover physical geography first, focusing on concepts like monsoon and plate tectonics.
- Study Assam geography in detail, including demography and development issues.
- Practice map marking for India and Assam regularly.
| TASK | HOURS |
| Physical Geography | 2 hours daily (first two weeks). |
| Assam Geography | 1 hour daily (throughout). |
| Map Practice | 30 minutes daily. |
4. Economy
The economy section involves conceptual clarity and application in real-world contexts, especially Assam’s economy.
- Topics to Focus:
- Indian economy: Inflation, GDP, fiscal policy, and banking systems.
- Assam economy: Agriculture, industries, and government schemes.
- State budget and economic survey highlights.
- Study Plan:
- Build a foundation in economic concepts during the first month.
- Focus on Assam-specific economic policies and challenges in the second month.
- Regularly revise schemes, policies, and budget allocations.
5. Environment & Ecology
This section is highly relevant due to the increasing emphasis on environmental issues.
- Topics to Focus:
- Biodiversity, climate change, and environmental conservation.
- Protected areas, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries in Assam.
- Recent environmental initiatives by the government.
- Study Plan:
- Study ecology basics and Assam-specific biodiversity in the first month.
- Focus on current environmental issues and initiatives in the second month.
- Practice application-based questions.
6. Current Affairs
Current affairs play a crucial role in preparing for the APSC Prelims exam, and there are plenty of resources available. Many educational channels offer current affairs content through comprehensive PDFs, but it can be challenging to determine what to prioritize and what to ignore. This is where having a reliable source becomes essential. Satyajit Sir’s Daily Newspaper Analysis has earned the trust of both APSC and UPSC aspirants, not only in Assam but also from other states. Students eagerly anticipate this video series every day.
Current affairs form a significant portion of the exam, especially topics related to Assam.
- Topics to Focus:
- National and international events from the last year.
- Assam’s government schemes, cultural events, and development projects.
- Budget highlights and policy changes.
- Study Plan:
- Dedicate 1–1.5 hours daily to reading newspapers and making notes.
- Use monthly compilations for revision.
- Focus on Assam-specific developments weekly.
7. CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
CSAT is qualifying but crucial. It tests comprehension, reasoning, and basic math.
- Topics to Focus:
- Logical reasoning and data interpretation.
- Reading comprehension.
- Basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Study Plan:
- Dedicate 1 hour daily to solving CSAT questions.
- Focus on comprehension and reasoning in the first month.
- Regularly practice mock tests in the last month.
KEY TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN APSC PRELIMS
- Focus on Assam-Specific Topics: Approximately 33-35% of questions will be from region-specific subjects. Prioritize studying the state’s history, geography, polity, and schemes. This focus can significantly enhance your chances of scoring high.
- Daily Revision: Set aside the last hour of each day for revising topics you have already covered. Avoid trying to learn new material during this time, as it can negatively impact your mental health and make you feel overwhelmed by the amount of content still to be learned.
- Analyze Mock Tests: One common mistake is not reviewing your performance. After each mock test, take the time to analyze your errors and identify areas where you need improvement.
- Current Affairs: Regularly update and revise your notes on both Assam-specific and national issues. Staying informed is crucial.
- Consistency: Adhere to your study schedule diligently and maintain a balance across all subjects. There may be times when you feel bored or consider quitting. If that happens, take a short break of one to three days. Yes, it’s okay to step back but remember to return with renewed enthusiasm.
GET ENROLLED IN AN APSC PRELIMS CRASH COURSE
If you’re unsure about where to start your preparation, consider enrolling in a crash course at a trusted institute. At SPM IAS Academy, we have launched a Comprehensive APSC Prelims Crash Course that ensures thorough syllabus coverage, regular classes, and expert mentorship.
Key Highlights of the Course:
– Mock Tests and Previous Year Question (PYQ) Analysis
– Subject-Wise Multiple Choice Questions (15,000+)
– Complete Coverage of CSAT
– Assam-Specific Topics by Chinmoy Sir
– Current Affairs Sessions by Satyajit Sir
By enrolling in the APSC Prelims Crash Course, aspirants will receive personalized support, rigorous practice sessions, and a structured study plan designed to fast-track their success.
AVOID THESE MISTAKES IN YOUR APSC PRELIMS EXAM
- Ignoring CSAT Preparation: Many students neglect their CSAT preparation, which can lead to disqualification from the Prelims stage. It’s important to practice thoroughly to achieve a good score. Some students take a long time to read the passage, but if you apply your logical reasoning, you can find the solution in seconds. In mathematics, using short tricks and understanding the underlying concepts can help you complete your paper more efficiently.
- Over-relying on Rote Memorization Instead of Understanding Concepts: Memorizing everything is not feasible; you must have a solid grasp of specific topics. Simplify the material and focus on understanding it to improve your preparation.
- Skipping Assam-Specific Content: Don’t overlook this aspect! A significant portion of the questions is designed to test your knowledge of the state. It’s crucial to include Assam-specific content in your studies.
- Not Analyzing Mistakes in Mock Tests: Taking mock tests is important, but failing to evaluate your performance can lead to passive learning. If you’re unaware of your strengths and weaknesses, you won’t know where to focus your preparation.
- Procrastinating on Current Affairs: Avoid getting lost in the overwhelming number of resources available for current affairs. Use your logical abilities to stay on track and efficient in your studies.
With disciplined effort and a subject-focused approach, cracking the APSC Prelims in three months is achievable. By following this guide, you can confidently tackle the APSC Prelims and move one step closer to your dream job. At SPM IAS Academy, we are dedicated to making your dreams a reality. Always believe in your dreams and continue to work diligently towards your goals. Success is within your reach