Last Updated: April 13, 2026 | By Smart IAS Foundation Editorial Team
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025 vide Advertisement No. 01/2026, dated 10th April 2026. This is one of the most awaited and prestigious state-level examinations in Assam, offering a direct gateway to top administrative, police, and allied civil services under the Government of Assam.
A total of 78 posts across multiple departments and services have been advertised this year. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for 5th July 2026 (Sunday), and the online application window opens from 13th April 2026 and closes on 3rd May 2026 at 5:00 PM. The last date for fee payment is 5th May 2026 at 5:00 PM.
At Smart IAS Foundation, we have been guiding APSC and UPSC aspirants since 2009. In this comprehensive article, we cover every detail you need — from eligibility criteria and vacancy details to the exam pattern, syllabus overview, pay scale, application fee, and a step-by-step application process — so you do not have to look anywhere else.
📄 Download Official APSC CCE 2025 Notification PDF
✅ Apply Online for APSC CCE 2025
APSC CCE 2026 — Quick Overview
Before diving into the details, here is a quick snapshot of all the key information about the APSC Combined Competitive Examination 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025 |
| Advertisement No. | 01/2026 |
| Notification Date | 10th April 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 78 Posts |
| Exam Level | State-Level |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Application Start Date | 13th April 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 3rd May 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5th May 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Prelims Date (Tentative) | 5th July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Exam Centre | Guwahati Only |
| Official Website | apscrecruitment.in |
What is APSC CCE?
The APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission for recruitment to various Group A and Group B gazetted services under the Government of Assam. It is considered the most prestigious state-level civil services examination in Assam, equivalent in prestige and difficulty to the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the national level.
The examination follows a three-tier selection process — Preliminary Examination → Main Examination → Interview/Personality Test. Successful candidates are appointed to key administrative roles such as Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers, Assam Police Service (APS) officers, District Transport Officers, Sub-Registrars, and several other important positions that form the backbone of Assam’s administrative machinery.
Clearing the APSC CCE requires months of dedicated preparation, a thorough understanding of Assam’s history, culture, geography, and polity, along with a strong foundation in general studies. At Smart IAS Foundation, our specialised Foundation APSC – AARAMBH course and the APSC Prelims Crash Course 2026 are specifically designed to help you crack this examination.
APSC CCE 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of all the important dates related to the APSC CCE 2026 examination. Missing any deadline can result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Here is a consolidated table of all key dates:
| Event | Date |
| APSC CCE 2025 Notification Released | 10th April 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 13th April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 3rd May 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5th May 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date (Tentative) | 5th July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Examination Centre | Guwahati Only |
APSC CCE 2026 Vacancy Details — 78 Posts
The APSC CCE 2026 notification advertises a total of 78 posts across multiple services and departments under the Government of Assam, including category-wise reservations for women and PwBD candidates. The majority of vacancies are for the prestigious Assam Civil Service (Junior Grade), with 45 out of 78 posts in this category alone.
Candidates are advised to carefully check the post-wise and category-wise reservation details in the official notification before applying. Below is the complete service-wise vacancy breakdown:
| Sl. No. | Service / Post | Total Posts | Reserved for Women |
| 1 | Assam Civil Service (Junior Grade) | 45 | 13 |
| 2 | Assam Police Service (Junior Grade) | 06 | — |
| 3 | District Transport Officer | 03 | — |
| 4 | Superintendent of Excise | 01 | — |
| 5 | Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies | 02 | — |
| 6 | Assam Urban Administrative Service (EO, Jr. Grade II) | 02 | — |
| 7 | Inspector of Labour | 05 | — |
| 8 | Inspector of Excise | 01 | — |
| 9 | Assistant Employment Officer | 08 | 01 |
| 10 | Sub-Registrar | 04 | — |
| 11 | Research Assistant (Border Protection & Development Dept.) | 01 | — |
| Total | 78 | 14 | |
APSC CCE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, every candidate must carefully go through the eligibility conditions laid down by the Assam Public Service Commission. Applying without meeting the eligibility criteria can lead to disqualification at any stage of the selection process, even after clearing the examination.
1. Nationality
The candidate must be an Indian Citizen and must hold a valid domicile of Assam.
2. Age Limit (As on 01st January 2025)
| Criteria | Age |
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age (General) | 38 Years |
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
| Category | Relaxation | Effective Upper Limit |
| SC / ST | +5 Years | 43 Years |
| OBC / MOBC | +3 Years | 41 Years |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | +10 Years | 48 Years |
3. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Graduate Degree from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Government of Assam. The qualifying degree must be completed before the date of application. Final year students who are yet to complete their degree are not eligible to apply.
4. Language Proficiency
A candidate must be able to speak Assamese or any other official language, associate official language, or tribal language of the State of Assam. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure that selected officers can effectively communicate with the public they serve.
5. Employment Exchange Registration
The candidate must be registered in an Employment Exchange in Assam at the time of application. Candidates should ensure their registration is active and valid.
6. Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for APSC CCE. A candidate may appear in the examination as many times as they wish, provided they are within the prescribed age limit for their respective category. This is a significant advantage over the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which has a fixed attempt limit.
APSC CCE 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for APSC CCE 2025 varies by category. Candidates must pay the fee online through the official portal. The fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. Below is the complete fee breakup:
| Category | Base Fee | Processing Fee | Tax (GST) | Total Fee |
| General / Ex-Servicemen | ₹250 | ₹40 | ₹7.20 | ₹297.20 |
| OBC / MOBC | ₹150 | ₹40 | ₹7.20 | ₹197.20 |
| SC / ST / BPL / PwBD / Women | Nil | ₹40 | ₹7.20 | ₹47.20 |
Important: Payment can be made via net banking, debit card, credit card, or through a Common Service Centre (CSC). The fee is strictly non-refundable even if the application is rejected or the examination is cancelled.
How to Apply for APSC CCE 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for APSC CCE 2025 is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official APSC recruitment portal and complete all steps carefully. Below is the complete step-by-step guide:
Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Application Portal Opens | 13th April 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 3rd May 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5th May 2026 (5:00 PM) |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Official Portal — Go to apscrecruitment.in and click on the “Online Recruitment Portal” link on the homepage.
- Register Yourself — Click the “Register” tab. Enter your name, valid mobile number, and email ID. Generate and verify the OTP to complete registration.
- Login to Your Account — After registration, log in using your registered email ID and password.
- Fill in the Application Form — Enter all personal, educational, and contact details accurately. Double-check every field before proceeding.
- Upload Required Documents — Upload your scanned photograph (50 KB to 200 KB, JPEG format), signature, and any other documents specified in the notification.
- Pay the Application Fee — Complete payment online through the portal or via a Common Service Centre (CSC).
- Submit and Save — Submit the final application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Rules for Application
- Only one application is allowed per candidate. If multiple applications are submitted, only the latest one will be considered.
- Ensure your qualifying degree is completed before the date of application.
- Verify all details carefully before submitting. No corrections will be permitted after final submission.
- Candidates applying under reserved categories must ensure they hold valid category certificates.
✅ Click Here to Apply Online for APSC CCE 2025
APSC CCE 2026 Selection Process
The APSC Combined Competitive Examination 2025 follows a rigorous three-stage selection process. Each stage is qualifying in nature, and candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next.
Stage 1 — Preliminary Examination (Screening Round)
The Preliminary Examination is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. The marks obtained in the Prelims are not counted in the final merit list. They are used only to determine qualification for the Mains. This makes it important to treat Prelims as a targeted elimination round.
Stage 2 — Main Examination (Written)
The Main Examination is the most critical stage. It consists of conventional (essay/descriptive type) papers and carries the highest weightage in the final merit list. Answer writing quality, factual accuracy, and structured presentation play a decisive role at this stage.
Stage 3 — Interview / Personality Test
The final stage is an Interview or Personality Test, which assesses the candidate’s suitability for public service. It evaluates personality traits, leadership qualities, general awareness, intellectual depth, and communication skills.
APSC CCE 2026 Exam Pattern — Complete Structure
Preliminary Examination Pattern
The APSC Prelims consists of two objective-type (MCQ) papers. Candidates must note the following key points:
- Paper II is a qualifying paper with a minimum qualifying mark of 33%.
- There is negative marking — one-fourth (¼) of the total marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Marks of the Prelims are NOT counted in the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Type |
| Paper I | General Studies – I | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper II | General Studies – II (CSAT) — Qualifying | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Total | 400 | ||||
Main Examination Pattern
The Main Examination consists of 6 papers of conventional (essay/descriptive) type. It tests depth of knowledge, analytical thinking, and quality of written expression. The marks obtained in the Mains are counted in the final merit list.
| Component | Papers | Marks per Paper | Duration | Total Marks |
| Paper 1 | Essay | 250 | 3 Hours | 250 |
| Paper 2 to Paper 6 | General Studies (5 Papers) | 250 each | 3 Hours each | 1250 |
| Interview / Personality Test | — | — | — | 180 |
| Grand Total | 1680 Marks | |||
APSC CCE 2026 Syllabus — Overview
A thorough understanding of the APSC CCE syllabus is essential before you begin your preparation. The syllabus for both Preliminary and Main Examination covers a wide range of subjects, with particular emphasis on Assam’s history, geography, polity, economy, and current affairs.
Preliminary Examination — Key Topics
- History of India and Assam — Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods; Freedom Struggle; History of Ahom Kingdom
- Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights
- Geography of India and Assam — Physical, Economic, and Social Geography; River systems of Assam
- Indian Economy — Economic Development, Planning, Agriculture, Industry
- General Science and Environment — Basic science, Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change
- Current Affairs — National and International events; Assam-specific developments
- CSAT (Paper II — Qualifying) — Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Basic Numeracy
For the complete and detailed APSC CCE syllabus, download the APSC Syllabus PDF here.
APSC CCE 2026 Pay Scale
One of the most attractive aspects of the APSC CCE is the pay scale and career progression it offers. Officers selected through APSC CCE are placed in senior pay bands from day one, making it one of the most sought-after careers for graduates in Assam. Below is the complete pay scale for all posts:
| Service / Post | Pay Band | Pay Scale | Grade Pay |
| Assam Civil Service (Junior Grade) | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹13,300 |
| Assam Police Service (Junior Grade) | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹13,300 |
| District Transport Officer | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹12,700 |
| Superintendent of Excise | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹12,700 |
| Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹12,700 |
| Assam Urban Administrative Service (EO, Jr. Grade II) | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹12,700 |
| Inspector of Labour | PB-3 | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 | ₹9,400 |
| Inspector of Excise | PB-3 | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 | ₹9,400 |
| Assistant Employment Officer | PB-3 | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 | ₹9,400 |
| Sub-Registrar | PB-3 | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 | ₹9,400 |
| Research Assistant (Border Protection & Development Dept.) | PB-3 | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 | ₹9,400 |
APSC CCE 2026 Exam Centres
Preliminary Examination — 30 Centres Across Assam
The Preliminary Examination will be held at 30 centres across Assam. Candidates can select their preferred centre at the time of filling the application form, subject to availability.
The exam centres are: Aminagaon, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath Chariali, Dibrugarh, Diphu, Goalpara, Golaghat, Guwahati, Haflong, Hailakandi, Hamren, Hatsingimari, Hojai, Jorhat, Kajalgaon, Kokrajhar, Majuli, Mangaldoi, Morigaon, Mushalpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Lakhimpur, Pathshala, Silchar, Sivasagar, Sonari, Tinsukia, Udalguri.
Main Examination Centre
The Main Examination will be conducted exclusively in Guwahati. Candidates clearing the Preliminary Examination must be prepared to travel to Guwahati for the subsequent stages. Smart IAS Foundation’s coaching centre at Guwahati (Zoo Road Tiniali) is ideally located for students preparing for and appearing in the Mains examination.
APSC CCE 2026 Admit Card
The APSC CCE 2025 Admit Card will be made available for download on the official APSC website closer to the examination date. Candidates must download and carry the admit card to the examination centre, along with a valid government-issued photo ID proof.
Acceptable Photo ID Proofs at Exam Centre
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Note: Candidates who fail to carry the admit card and a valid photo ID will not be allowed to enter the examination hall under any circumstances.
APSC CCE 2026 Preparation Tips — From Smart IAS Foundation Experts
At Smart IAS Foundation, with over 15 years of experience in coaching APSC and UPSC aspirants from Assam, we have identified the most effective preparation strategies that consistently produce results. Here is our comprehensive advice for APSC CCE 2025 aspirants:
For Preliminary Examination
- Start with the syllabus: Do not study blindly. Map every topic to the syllabus. Stick to what APSC tests, not what seems interesting.
- NCERT Foundation: Read NCERT textbooks from Class 6 to Class 12 for History, Geography, Polity, and Science to build a solid conceptual base.
- Assam-specific content is non-negotiable: A significant portion of the APSC Prelims tests knowledge of Assam — its history (Ahom Kingdom, colonial period), geography (Brahmaputra basin, national parks), culture, economy, and current governance. This is where Assam-based coaching gives you an edge.
- Practice previous year papers: Solving APSC Prelims previous year question papers gives you the best sense of difficulty level, question patterns, and frequently repeated topics.
- Negative marking strategy: Never guess randomly. With ¼ negative marking, only attempt questions where you are at least 60-70% confident.
- Daily Quiz practice: Practice with our Daily Quiz section to keep your GS knowledge sharp throughout the preparation period.
For Main Examination
- Answer writing is everything: The Mains is an essay-type examination. Start answer writing practice from Day 1 of Mains preparation. Focus on structure — introduction, body, conclusion.
- Quality over quantity: Do not try to cover too many sources. Master a few standard references and know them thoroughly.
- Assam-specific Mains preparation: The Mains syllabus heavily emphasises Assam’s society, economy, history, and administration. Regularly read state-specific reports and Assam government policies.
- Time management in the exam hall: Each Mains paper is 3 hours long. Practice writing under time pressure so that you complete all questions within the allotted time.
For Interview / Personality Test
- Know your home district: APSC interview panels frequently ask about the candidate’s home district — local issues, geography, economy, administration, and development challenges. Prepare this thoroughly.
- Stay current: The interview panel will test your awareness of current national and state-level events. Follow trusted news sources daily.
- Confidence and composure: The interview is not just about knowledge — it assesses your temperament, clarity of thought, and ability to handle pressure. Practice mock interviews.
Our Foundation APSC – AARAMBH course covers all three stages comprehensively, with dedicated sessions for answer writing and mock interviews. Contact us to know more about enrollment.
Important Guidelines and Warnings
Candidates are strongly advised to read the following guidelines carefully before applying:
- No false information: Any misrepresentation of facts or submission of false or fabricated documents will lead to immediate disqualification and may result in legal action.
- Commission’s decision is final: APSC reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel the examination at any stage. The Commission’s decision on all matters shall be final and binding on all candidates.
- Eligibility verification is done later: Submission of the application and being shortlisted for the examination does not guarantee that a candidate is eligible. Eligibility is verified only at a later stage.
- Single application only: If multiple applications are submitted, only the latest one will be considered. Ensure your final application is complete and accurate.
- Scribe and PwBD provisions: Candidates with physical writing limitations must submit the prescribed certificate (Appendix II). Candidates using their own scribe must submit the required undertaking (Appendix III).
Key Dates at a Glance — APSC CCE 2026
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 10th April 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 13th April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd May 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5th May 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam (Tentative) | 5th July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Exam Centre | Guwahati Only |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — APSC CCE 2026
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in APSC CCE 2026?
The total number of vacancies in APSC CCE 2026 is 78 posts across various services under the Government of Assam, including Assam Civil Service, Assam Police Service, and several other posts.
Q2. What is the application start date for APSC CCE 2026?
The online application process for APSC CCE 2026 starts on 13th April 2026 at the official portal apscrecruitment.in.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for APSC CCE 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 3rd May 2026 by 5:00 PM. The last date for fee payment is 5th May 2026 by 5:00 PM.
Q4. When is the APSC CCE 2026 Preliminary Examination?
The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for 5th July 2026 (Sunday). Candidates should check the official APSC website for any updates or changes to the exam date.
Q5. What is the age limit for APSC CCE 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 38 years as on 01st January 2025. Age relaxation is available — SC/ST (+5 years), OBC/MOBC (+3 years), and PwBD (+10 years).
Q6. What is the educational qualification required for APSC CCE 2026?
A Graduate degree from a recognised university is required. The degree must be completed before the date of application. Final year students are not eligible to apply.
Q7. What is the application fee for APSC CCE 2026?
The application fee is ₹297.20 for General category, ₹197.20 for OBC/MOBC, and ₹47.20 for SC/ST/BPL/PwBD/Women. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
Q8. Is there negative marking in APSC CCE 2026 Prelims?
Yes, negative marking is applicable in the Preliminary Examination. One-fourth (¼) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer. Candidates should avoid random guessing.
Q9. What are the stages of APSC CCE 2026?
The exam has three stages: Preliminary Exam (400 marks) → Main Examination (1,500 marks) → Interview/Personality Test (180 marks). The total marks for final merit calculation is 1,680.
Q10. How many attempts are allowed in APSC CCE?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for APSC CCE. A candidate can appear in the examination as many times as they wish, as long as they are within the prescribed age limit for their category.
Q11. Is APSC CCE 2025 and APSC CCE 2026 the same exam?
Yes, they refer to the same examination. The official name is APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025, as per the official notification. The advertisement number is 01/2026 because it was released in the year 2026. Both terms are used interchangeably.
Q12. Where will the APSC CCE 2026 Main Examination be held?
The Main Examination will be conducted only in Guwahati. Candidates from other districts of Assam must make necessary arrangements to appear in Guwahati for the Mains stage.
Q13. Can I apply for APSC CCE 2026 more than once?
Only one application is recommended per candidate. If multiple applications are submitted, only the latest application will be considered by the Commission.
Conclusion
The APSC CCE 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates across Assam aspiring to join the state’s prestigious administrative and allied services. With 78 posts on offer and the Preliminary Examination scheduled for 5th July 2026, now is the ideal time to begin structured and focused preparation. Do not delay — the application window closes on 3rd May 2026.
At Smart IAS Foundation, we have helped hundreds of students crack the APSC CCE over the past 15+ years. Our experienced faculty, Assam-specific study materials, daily quiz practice, and focused crash courses give our students a decisive edge over self-studying candidates. Whether you are just starting out or are in your final lap of preparation, we have a course tailored for you.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on the official APSC CCE 2026 notification (Advertisement No. 01/2026) released on 10th April 2026. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official APSC website before applying. Smart IAS Foundation does not claim responsibility for any changes made by the Commission after the publication of this article. Last Updated: April 13, 2026.
