Best Study plan for APSC: In the competitive environment of civil services, the Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Examination (APSC CCE) is a difficult task for ambitious bureaucrats. This test requires a thorough comprehension of its material, as it has the power to significantly impact the destiny of both the candidates and the state. In this blog, we will delve deeply into the APSC CCE curriculum, breaking down its components, and shedding light on successful test preparation strategies.
The Significance of the APSC CCE
The APSC CCE is a prominent examination that acts as a doorway to numerous administrative posts within the Assam state government. Exams are held for evaluation of candidates for multiple positions in the Assam Civil Service, Assam Revenue Service, Assam Police Service, and various other branches of the state, which the Assam Public Service Commission administers. The topics included in the exam will enable a more comprehensive evaluation of the applicants’ knowledge, analytical capabilities, and decision-making skills, all of which are essential for competent leadership.
Breaking Down the Syllabus
The APSC CCE curriculum is extensive, encompassing a broad range of topics. Aspirants are evaluated not just on how well they know the subject matter, but also on how well they see the world at large, and how well they can apply theoretical ideas to real-world issues.
The examination is divided into three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview (also known as a Viva-Voce). Each stage has distinct objectives, and the syllabus for the Preliminary and Main examinations covers a variety of topics.
1. APSC Preliminary Exam Syllabus
The APSC preliminary exam, consisting of two objective-type papers, adds up to a total of 400 marks with a time constraint of 2 hours each.
a. General Studies Paper- I
This assessment consists of 100 questions across a variety of subjects, crafted to assess your knowledge and skills. You will have 2 hours to complete the evaluation, which is valued at a total of 200 marks.
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Current events of National & International importance | Includes recent happenings and significant developments at the national and global levels. |
| History of India & Indian National Movement | Covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, with emphasis on the freedom struggle. |
| Indian & World Geography | Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World. |
| Indian Polity & Governance | Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. |
| Economic & Social Development | Topics such as Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, and Social Sector Initiatives. |
| General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change | Focus on concepts not requiring subject specialisation. |
| General Science | Basic understanding of scientific concepts and their applications in daily life. |
| Assam-Specific Questions (30-35%) | Includes topics related to Assam’s history, geography, culture, and socio-economic issues. |
b. General Studies Paper-II
The examination comprises 80 questions encompassing a range of topics, with a total of 200 marks available. Candidates are allotted 2 hours to complete the assessment.
| Category | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Mathematical Concepts | General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, Simplification, Number System, Square Roots, Ratio & Proportion, LCM & HCF, Averages, Surds & Indices. |
| Data Handling & Analysis | Set Theory Data Interpretation (Graphs, Tables, Charts) Data Sufficiency Data Comparison and Calculation. |
| Logical Reasoning | Series Completion Analogies Blood Relations Direction Sense Coding-Decoding Decision Making Statement & Assumptions. |
| Analytical Reasoning | Arrangements (Linear & Circular)Puzzles Syllogism Statement & Conclusion Inference-Making. |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Word Problems Series & Patterns Visual Reasoning, Venn Diagrams Non-Verbal Series, Logical Operations Cubes, Dice, and Mathematical Operations. |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms Vocabulary Idioms & Phrases Error Spotting Reading Comprehension Passage Analysis. |
| Interpersonal Skills | Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication Active Listening Empathy, Relationship Management Clarity in Expression |
Candidates must attain a minimum qualifying score in Paper II, while the score from Paper I is used for merit ranking. To effectively prepare for the Prelims, candidates should focus on current events, static subjects, and practice problems related to the CSAT.
2. APSC Main Exam Syllabus
The APSC Main examination evaluates a candidate’s comprehensive understanding and analytical abilities. It comprises six descriptive papers, including one essay paper, three General Studies papers, one Ethics paper, and one paper dedicated to Assam. This structure allows candidates to demonstrate not only their knowledge across various subjects but also their critical thinking, writing skills, and ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
The total marks allocated for the main examination amount to 1500. Each paper is assigned a value of 250 marks and is subject to a time limit of 3 hours. Including the interview marks, the total score for the APSC examination is 1680, highlighting the importance of every component in the evaluation process.
Essay Paper
Candidates’ capacity to convey their views logically and analytically will be evaluated through the essay. It includes a broad range of subject areas and frequently requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of social, economic, political, and environmental concerns.
a. General Studies-I
This test assesses the examinees’ familiarity with Indian history, culture, and geography. It covers a wide range of disciplines, from ancient to contemporary history, art and culture, Indian and world geography, and more.
b. General Studies–II
The constitution, polity, government, social justice, and international relations of India are among the primary topics covered in this paper. Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of topics such as the Constitution of India, contemporary social and political issues, and international organisations.
c. General Studies–III
The areas of assessment that are most focused on in this paper are economics, science and technology, and disaster management. The development of the economy, advances in science and technology, and methods for managing natural disasters are some of the topics covered.
d. General Studies– IV (Ethics)
Integrity, aptitude, and ethics are the topics covered in this paper. Candidates’ moral and ethical beliefs, their outlook on social concerns, and their capacity for making sound decisions are all evaluated.
e. General Studies- V (Dedicated to Assam)
In 2020, the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) introduced General Studies V (Paper VI) to assess candidates’ knowledge of Assam’s history, culture, geography, polity, economy, and biodiversity.
Interview
After completing the Written Examination (Mains), candidates will be invited for the APSC interview. This interview evaluates the personality, communication skills, and overall suitability of a candidate for an administrative position. It is worth 180 marks and examines several factors, including decision-making ability, clarity of thought, and awareness of both regional and national issues. The goal of the APSC is to identify individuals who possess the essential personal attributes required for effective public administration in Assam.
Checklist for Effective APSC CCE Study Plan/Preparation
While preparing for the APSC, it is essential to create a checklist. Below are some of the items you can incorporate into your checklist:
- Understand the Syllabus: Get a thorough comprehension of the contents of each paper and the primary emphasis of the topic.
- Create a Study Plan: You need to divide your time between the many papers and subjects efficiently.
- Focus on Current Affairs: Enhance your understanding of the most recent events happening in your community, country, and the world. Continue to follow the newspapers for recent events, or check out the YouTube videos by our own Satyajit Sir. SPM IAS Academy also offers a monthly newsletter that you can subscribe to.
- Develop Strong Basics: Create a solid foundation in the fields that are essential to clear the exam.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Make sure you are familiar with the test format and the different kinds of questions asked in the exam.
- Optimise Time Management: You can efficiently increase your speed and accuracy in answering different questions by practising with mock exams. Choose an elective topic that caters to your skills and puts you in the best position to succeed.
- Enhance Writing Skills: Exercise your ability to write essays and improve your language skills.
- Ethical and Moral Awareness: Spend significant time learning about ethical behaviour, integrity, and contemporary societal problems.
- Regular Revision: It is essential to review the material regularly to reinforce your understanding of the material.
Conclusion
To navigate the intricate APSC CCE syllabus successfully, candidates must adopt a well-structured approach and delve deeply into its components. Aspirants should understand the relevance of each paper, choose the right optional topic, and practice regularly. Customising preparation plans, comprehending the material, and building confidence for the APSC examination are made easy with the provided tables and checklists. APSC CCE preparation requires perseverance, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of the material. Candidates can improve their chances on this challenging test by deconstructing subjects, prioritising current issues, and utilising effective preparation techniques. Remember that the APSC CCE assesses both knowledge and capability as an administrator focused on Assam.
