The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has released the official schedule for the APSC CCE Mains 2026. Candidates who cleared the Preliminary Examination can now apply online for the Combined Competitive (Main) Examination, 2025, with the written papers set for October. Here is a complete, easy-to-scan breakdown of dates, eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern and syllabus.
Quick Facts
APSC CCE Mains 2026: Important Dates
The Commission has published the Main examination schedule on its official website. Candidates who qualified the Preliminary Examination must complete their online Mains application within the prescribed window below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 31 July 2026 |
| Prelims result declared | 30 July 2026 |
| Online application opens | 4 August 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| Online application closes | 24 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last date for fee payment | 26 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Main Examination | 9, 10 & 11 October 2026 (two shifts daily) |
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Final-year candidates awaiting results may also apply but must submit their final degree or marksheet at the time of Mains document verification.
- Nationality & domicile: Must be an Indian citizen and an original inhabitant of Assam.
- Language: Proficiency in Assamese, or another official/associate official language of the state, is required.
- Age limit: Between 21 and 38 years as on 1 January 2026, with the following relaxations:
- SC / ST(P) / ST(H): up to 43 years
- OBC / MOBC: up to 41 years
- PwBD: up to 48 years
APSC CCE 2025-26 Vacancy Details
A total of 78 vacancies have been notified across 11 state services under Advertisement No. 01/2026. Assam Civil Service (Junior Grade) accounts for the largest share of posts.
| Service / Post | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assam Civil Service (Jr. Grade) | 45 |
| Assam Police Service | 6 |
| Assistant Employment Officer | 8 |
| Inspector of Labour | 5 |
| Sub-Registrar | 4 |
| District Transport Officer | 3 |
| Other allied services | Remaining posts |
Figures are drawn from the Commission’s notification summaries and may be revised; confirm exact, category-wise numbers in the official PDF on apsc.gov.in before applying.
APSC CCE Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Mains is a fully descriptive examination — there is no optional subject and no negative marking. Candidates may write their answers in English or Assamese.
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
| General Studies I | 250 | 3 hours |
| General Studies II | 250 | 3 hours |
| General Studies III | 250 | 3 hours |
| General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hours |
| General Studies V (Assam-specific) | 250 | 3 hours |
Total: 1500 marks across six papers, spread over three days in two shifts. The Assam-specific General Studies-V paper covers the history, geography, polity, economy, culture, biodiversity and disaster management of the state. The Essay paper is evaluated on clarity of thought, structure of argument and command over language.
Candidates who clear the written stage are called for an Interview / Personality Test worth 180 marks, in a ratio of roughly 1:3 against advertised vacancies. Final ranking is based on combined Mains (written) and Interview marks.
APSC CCE Mains Syllabus: Broad Coverage
- History: Ancient, medieval and modern Indian history, with emphasis on Assam and the Northeast.
- Polity & Governance: Indian Constitution, governance structures, public policy, rights issues.
- Geography: Physical, economic and social geography of India and Assam.
- Economy: Indian economic development, planning, and Assam’s economy.
- Environment & Disaster Management: Ecology, biodiversity, climate issues, and disaster management relevant to Assam.
- Current Affairs: National and state-level developments, government schemes, and Assam-specific issues.
- Essay: Analytical and issue-based writing on general and Assam-relevant topics.
How to Apply for APSC CCE Mains 2026
- Visit the official APSC website or the dedicated recruitment portal linked in the Mains notification.
- Log in using the credentials created during Preliminary Exam registration.
- Fill in the Mains application form, choosing exam centre and medium of answer (English/Assamese).
- Upload required documents, including proof of Preliminary qualification if asked.
- Pay the applicable category-wise application fee online before the deadline.
- Submit the form and save/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
Bookmark these official links for the latest updates on the APSC CCE Mains 2026 application and notification.
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Mains) | apscrecruitment.in |
| Download Mains Notification PDF | Add direct PDF link here |
| APSC CCE Prelims Result | Add direct result link here |
| Official APSC Website | apsc.gov.in |
| APSC CCE Syllabus (Official) | Add direct syllabus link here |
Preparation Tips for APSC CCE Mains
- Study the exam pattern paper-by-paper so preparation time is allocated correctly across all six papers.
- Practise timed answer-writing early — most successful candidates follow a strict per-question time budget to attempt every question within 3 hours.
- Build and revise an Assam-specific fact sheet daily, since General Studies-V and several current-affairs questions carry a strong state angle.
- Break down each question by its directive word (discuss, examine, analyse, evaluate) and address every part of a multi-part question.
- Structure answers with a clear introduction, point-wise body, and a crisp conclusion to maximise marks within limited time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the APSC CCE Mains 2026 exam?
The Main Examination is scheduled from 9 to 11 October 2026 in Guwahati, conducted in two shifts (forenoon and afternoon) each day.
What is the last date to apply for APSC CCE Mains 2026?
Online applications are accepted from 4 August 2026 (12:00 Noon) to 24 August 2026 (5:00 PM). Fee payment can be completed until 26 August 2026 (5:00 PM).
How many vacancies are there in APSC CCE 2025-26?
A total of 78 vacancies have been notified across 11 state services, with Assam Civil Service (Junior Grade) accounting for the largest share at 45 posts.
How many papers are there in the Mains exam?
Six descriptive papers of 250 marks each (1500 marks total): Essay and General Studies I–V. There is no optional subject and no negative marking.
Who is eligible to apply for the Mains?
Only candidates who qualified the APSC CCE Preliminary Examination, 2025 can apply. General age limit is 21–38 years as on 1 January 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories.
This article is compiled from publicly available reports on the APSC CCE Mains 2026 schedule for general informational purposes. Vacancy figures, fees, and dates are subject to revision by the Commission. Candidates should always verify final details from the official APSC notification and website (apsc.gov.in) before applying or making preparation decisions.