APSC Syllabus 2026: Check Prelims and Mains Topics
APSC Syllabus 2026 is structured into prelims and mains. APSC prelims exam has 2 general studies papers which include topics on current affairs, history, geography, etc, aiming to test candidates’ awareness, reasoning ability, and comprehension of key issues. The mains exam is divided into 6 papers, covering areas that evaluate candidates’ depth of understanding, analytical thinking, and ability to present ideas effectively. Topics related to Assam are included in the mains section of APSC 2026. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam will be eligible for APSC Mains.
APSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
APSC Prelims exam consists of objective-type questions, which are divided into 2 papers. The detailed APSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 is given in the table below:
| Papers | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Studies 1 | Current events of national and international importance, History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, General issues on environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change that do not require subject specialisation, General Science |
| General Studies 2 | Comprehension, Interpersonal skills including communication skills, Logical reasoning and analytical ability, Decision-making and problem solving, General mental ability, Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc, Class 10 level), Data Interpretation |
APSC Mains Syllabus 2026
APSC Mains exam comprises 6 papers, including a paper on essay. The detailed APSC Mains 2026 syllabus is given in the table below:
| Papers | Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Essay on the given topics (in English or Assamese) |
| General Studies 1 | Salient Features of India's and World's Physical Geography, Distribution of key natural resources across the world, factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India), The Freedom Struggle, Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country, Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India, Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and remedies, Effects of Globalization on Indian society, Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present, Indian culture, Important Geophysical phenomena, geographical features and their location, changes in critical geographical features and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. |
| General Studies 2 | Indian Constitution, Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein, Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions, Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries, Parliament and State Legislatures, Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary, Ministries and Departments of the Government, pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity, Salient features of the Representation of People's Act, Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies, Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-Judicial bodies, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation, Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and their performance, mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections, Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger with emphasis on Assam, Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential, citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures with emphasis on Assam, Role of civil services in a democracy, India and its neighborhood relations, Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India affecting its interests, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests and Indian diaspora, Important international institutions, agencies and forums. |
| General Studies 3 | Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment, Inclusive growth and related issues, Government Budgeting, Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints, e-technology in aid of farmers, Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices, Public Distribution System, Food processing and related industries in India, Land reforms in India, Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth, Infrastructure, Investment models, Science and Technology, Achievements of Indians in science & technology, Indigenization of technology and developing new technology, Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, Disaster and disaster management with emphasis on Assam, Linkages between development and spread of extremism, Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security, Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security, money-laundering and its prevention, Security challenges and their management in border areas, linkages of organized crime with terrorism with emphasis on Assam, Various security forces and agencies and their mandate. |
| General Studies 4 | Ethics and Human Interface, Human Values, Attitude, Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, Emotional intelligence, Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world, Public/Civil service values and ethics in public administration, Probity in Governance, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption, Case Studies on the above issues. |
| General Studies on Assam | History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Assam, Major Landmarks in the History of Assam, Major Dynasties, their Administrative and Revenue systems, Socio-cultural Issues, Freedom Movement, Political Awakening and Integration, Salient features of Architecture and Monuments, Arts, Paintings and Handicrafts, Important Works of Literature, Fairs, Festivals, Folk Music and Folk Dances, Culture, Tradition and Heritage, Religious Movements, Leading Personalities, Geography of Assam, Population and Major Industries, Political and Administrative System of Assam, Public Policy, Legal Rights and Citizen Charter, Economy of Assam, Major Development, Government Welfare Schemes for SC/ST/Backward Class/Minorities/Disabled Persons, Destitute, Women, Children, Old Age People, Farmers & Laborers, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management with emphasis on the State of Assam. |
APSC 2026 prelims exam is conducted for a total of 400 marks, comprising two papers of 200 marks each. The mains exam carries a total of 1500 marks across the 6 papers. Candidates who qualify the mains are then called for the Interview/Personality Test. The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in both the mains and the interview.
APSC Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques: Does APSC syllabus include topics related to Assam?
Ans: Yes, APSC has included topics related to Assam in the mains exam. It covers areas such as Assam’s geography, culture, society, administration, heritage, etc.
Ques: Is there negative marking in APSC Prelims?
Ans: Yes. There is negative marking for APSC prelims exam. ¼ marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Ques: Should candidates compulsorily attend essay questions in English?
Ans: It is not compulsory for candidates to attend essay questions in English. They can choose between English and Assamese.
Ques: Does APSC mains have any optional subjects?
Ans: No, APSC mains does not have any optional subjects. There are 6 compulsory subjects, including one essay paper, 4 general studies papers and a general studies paper on Assam
Ques: Can candidates rely on NCERT for APSC exam?
Ans: Yes, candidates can rely on APSC, especially for the prelims. The syllabus of prelims (both papers) is mostly based on class 10 level topics.
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