If you are preparing for the APSC CCE (Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Exam) Mains 2025, then understanding the APSC Mains GS-II syllabus is crucial. GS Paper-II focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. This paper is analytical in nature and requires conceptual clarity along with current affairs linkage.
APSC Mains Examination Overview
The APSC Mains Examination has six papers: one Essay, four General Studies, and one Assam-specific paper. Each carries 250 marks with a 3-hour duration. GS Paper-II carries 250 marks and plays a decisive role in the final merit. After the written exam (1500 marks), a 180-mark interview follows, taking the total to 1680
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV (Ethics) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | General Studies-V (Assam Specific) | 250 |
| Total (Written) | 1500 | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 180 |
| Grand Total | 1680 |
APSC Mains – General Studies Paper -II Syllabus
The APSC Mains General Studies Paper-II is about how our country is run and how it connects with the world. It includes topics such as the Indian Constitution, the rights and duties of citizens, the role of the government at the Centre and the States, and the work of important constitutional bodies. It also discusses good governance, the use of technology in government, and the importance of transparency and accountability. Social justice is another big part, covering welfare schemes and support for weaker sections of society. Finally, it also looks at India’s relations with neighboring countries and international organizations. This paper helps students understand both our system of governance and India’s role in world affairs.
| Sl. No. | Topic Area | Details |
| i | Indian Constitution | Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure. |
| ii | Federal Structure | Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federalism; devolution of powers and finances to local levels and related challenges. |
| iii | Separation of Powers | Distribution of powers among organs of government; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. |
| iv | Comparative Constitution | Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. |
| v | Legislature | Parliament and State Legislatures: structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges, and related issues |
| vi | Executive & Judiciary | Structure, organization, functioning of the Executive and Judiciary; Ministries and Departments; role of pressure groups and formal/informal associations in polity. |
| vii | Representation of the People’s Act | Salient features of the Act. |
| viii | Constitutional Bodies | Appointment to various Constitutional posts; powers, functions, and responsibilities. |
| ix | Statutory/Regulatory Bodies | Statutory, Regulatory, and various Quasi-Judicial bodies. |
| x | Government Policies | Policies and interventions for development in various sectors; issues in design and implementation. |
| xi | Development Processes | Role of NGOs, SHGs, groups/associations, donors, charities, institutions, and other stakeholders in development. |
| xii | Welfare Schemes | Schemes for vulnerable sections by the Centre and States; performance of schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies for protection and betterment. |
| xiii | Social Sector (General) | Issues in the development and management of health, education, and human resources. |
| xiv | Social Sector (Assam Focus) | Issues in health, education, human resources, poverty, and hunger, with special emphasis on Assam. |
| xv | Governance | Governance aspects: transparency, accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, citizen charters, institutional measures, with emphasis on Assam. |
| xvi | Civil Services | Role of civil services in a democracy. |
| xvii | India & Neighbourhood | India and its neighborhood relations. |
| xviii | Global Groupings | Bilateral, regional, and global groupings/agreements involving or affecting India. |
| xix | Global Politics & India | Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; the Indian diaspora. |
| xx | International Institutions | Important international institutions, agencies, and forums; their structure and mandate. |
Why APSC Mains PYQs Are a Game-Changer for Your Preparation
Practicing APSC Mains Previous Year Questions (PYQs) is one of the smartest ways to prepare for the exam. PYQs help you understand the type of questions asked, the pattern of the paper, and the areas that are most important in the syllabus. By solving them, you can improve your answer-writing skills, manage time better, and gain confidence for the actual exam. They also give you clarity on how to approach analytical and descriptive questions. If you are preparing seriously, PYQs are a must-have tool for success.
Download the APSC Mains PYQ from the link below.
- Download APSC Mains PYQ 2020 – Click here
- Download APSC Mains PYQ 2022 – Click here
- Download APSC Mains PYQ 2023 – Click here
Preparation Strategy for APSC Mains GS Paper-II
1. Constitution and Federal Structure
First and foremost, begin with the basics of the Indian Constitution. Use NCERT Polity (Class 11–12) for conceptual clarity and Laxmikant’s Indian Polity for detailed study. Focus on the evolution of the Constitution, amendments, significant provisions, and the basic structure doctrine. Study landmark Supreme Court judgments such as Kesavananda Bharati and SR Bommai to understand constitutional interpretation. For comparative studies, make short notes contrasting India’s system with those of the USA, UK, and France.
Here, you can see in the image, the question in APSC Mains GS 2 on the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution of India. The question requires you to understand the origin and meaning of the doctrine as laid down in the Kesavananda Bharati case, the essential features that form part of it, the debates surrounding the extent of parliamentary amending power, and the different perspectives offered by the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) on whether this doctrine should be retained, modified, or clarified.
2. Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, and Bodies
Develop a strong understanding of Parliament, State Legislatures, the Executive, and the Judiciary. Cover their structure, powers, and functioning, as well as issues like anti-defection, privileges, and judicial appointments. For Constitutional, Statutory, and Regulatory bodies (EC, UPSC, CAG, NHRC, NITI Aayog, SEBI, NGT, etc.), prepare their mandates, challenges, and reforms. Always link these topics with current debates, such as judicial overreach or electoral reforms.
To answer this question, which came in the APSC Mains 2022, GS-2 paper, you have to know how the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) safeguards the interests of investors. It requires knowing the regulatory powers of SEBI and the mechanisms it uses to ensure transparency in the securities market. Further, you have to know its role in preventing unfair trade practices. It also includes the initiatives in investor education and grievance redressal, and how these measures together contribute to building trust and protecting small investors.
3. Government Policies and Welfare Schemes
Policies and interventions by the government form the heart of this paper. So, you have to read about the flagship schemes of both the Centre and the Assam Government. Pay attention to their objectives, implementation challenges, and performance. Focus particularly on schemes for vulnerable groups like women, children, SCs, STs, minorities, and the elderly. Supplement with sources like PIB, PRS India, and state portals.
The question in APSC Mains 2023 requires you to know how the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme aligns with the larger goal of poverty alleviation. The scheme aims for the socio-economic empowerment of women. Hence, you have to know the objectives and features and their focus on skill development and entrepreneurship through self-help groups. In addition, you should also be able to interlink its role in enhancing financial independence, which leads to income generation. So, you have to go through such kind of schemes that contribute to reducing poverty, promote inclusive growth, and achieve gender equality that align with the national development goals.
4. Social Sector and Development Issues
Cover topics such as health, education, human resources, poverty, and hunger. Use reports like NFHS, ASER, and NITI Aayog Index for updated data. Since Assam has special emphasis, include state-specific examples like Orunodoi, Amrit Brikshya Andolan, and Nijut Moina. Linking national schemes with regional outcomes will enrich your answers.
In the APSC Mains GS-2, 2020, this question asked for your views on the problems and prospects of the micro-finance program as a tool for empowerment and poverty eradication. Well, the point to be noted is, it requires you to make the answer with special reference to Assam. Henceforth, you have to know the concept and objectives of microfinance, its role in promoting financial inclusion and women’s empowerment. Along with case studies or examples from Assam, you should also know the challenges, such as over-indebtedness, high-interest rates, and regulatory issues. And last but not least, you should know how to assess its future potential in reducing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
5. Governance, Transparency, and Civil Services
Understand key concepts of transparency, accountability, e-governance, citizen charters, and RTI. Collect case studies of successful governance practices in Assam for value addition. Study the role of civil services in democracy, focusing on their functions in policy-making and implementation. This section requires practical examples to score better.
This question, which was asked in APSC Mains GS-2, 2023, requires you to know the vision and objectives of the mission as a national capacity-building program for civil servants. Hence, you have to know its features, like the iGOT digital platform, continuous learning ecosystem, and competency-based approach. Further, you should also know the challenges that affected the traditional bureaucratic structure. Moreover, you have to understand how to interlink everything in promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in civil service reforms.
6. International Relations and Global Affairs
Prepare India’s neighborhood relations with countries like China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Cover bilateral, regional, and global groupings such as SCO, ASEAN, BRICS, and QUAD. Keep track of how policies of developed and developing nations affect India’s interests, especially in trade, security, and diaspora relations. For international institutions (UN, IMF, WTO, World Bank), prepare their structure, mandate, and India’s contribution. Current affairs should be integrated here through daily newspaper reading.
This question requires you to know the origin and objectives of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). Hence, you have to know about its origin as a strategic forum involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, to its evolving nature of cooperation beyond security. It also expands into areas like technology, health, and climate. Further, you have to be able to interlink the opportunities ot offer India in terms of strengthening maritime security, diversifying supply chains, gaining technological partnerships, and enhancing its role in the Indo-Pacific region.
7. Answer Writing and Revision
Since GS-II is dynamic, practice writing analytical answers regularly. Try to combine static knowledge with current affairs in your responses. Use flowcharts, diagrams, and short notes for quick revision. Revision of important judgments, recent bills, and government initiatives is essential in the last weeks before the exam.
Conclusion
Dear aspirants, remember that this exam is just one part of your journey, not the end of it. Every hour you invest in learning, every page you turn, and every answer you practice is shaping you into a stronger, more disciplined version of yourself. So, do not let the pressure weigh you down take breaks, breathe deeply, and enjoy the process of growth and discovery. Success in competitive exams comes not only from hard work but also from patience and consistency. So, trust yourself, keep moving forward, and know that this path is building a foundation for something greater than just one result. Borthakur’s IAS Academy wishes you good luck and unshakable confidence on this journey.
Also read : APSC Mains GS-I Syllabus 2025: Detailed Guide With Preparation Strategy