If you are preparing for the APSC CCE (Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Exam) Mains 2025, then understanding the APSC Mains GS-I syllabus is important.. GS Paper-I covers Indian culture, modern Indian history, society, and world & Indian geography, making it one of the most scoring papers if prepared strategically.
In this article, we will discuss the detailed syllabus of the GS paper-1 of the APSC mains as well as the preparation study. In addition, we will also look into the previous year’s question papers to understand the familiarity.
APSC Mains Examination Overview
The APSC Mains Examination consists of six papers: one Essay paper, three General Studies papers, one Ethics paper, and one paper on Assam-specific topics. Each paper is worth 250 marks and has a duration of three hours, making the written exam a total of 1500 marks. After this, candidates appear for a 180-mark Personality Test (Interview), bringing the overall total to 1680 marks. This pattern checks a candidate’s knowledge, writing skills, and understanding of both national and Assam-related issues.
| 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, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | General Studies-V (Assam Specific) | 250 |
| Total (Written) | 1500 | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 180 |
| Grand Total | 1680 |
APSC Mains – General Studies Paper -1 Syllabus
Below is a list of the key topics covered in APSC Mains General Studies Paper 1.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Indian Culture | Art forms, Literature, Architecture (ancient to modern), Paintings, Sculpture, Puppetry, Pottery, Dance, Music, Philosophy, Tribes & Festivals, Architecture styles (Harappan to Colonial) |
| Modern Indian History (1750s–Present) | Advent of Europeans, Regional powers, Revolt of 1857, Growth of Nationalism, Economic impact of British rule, Militant & Mass movements, Role of Gandhi, Quit India, Partition & Independence |
| Freedom Struggle | National movement phases, leaders & contributions, Peasant & Tribal movements, Revolutionary activities, Role of Press, Women’s participation |
| Post-Independence India | Partition, Integration of princely states, Language issue, Reorganisation of states, Tribal consolidation, Economic reforms, Foreign policy, Social movements, Emergency, Rise of regional parties |
| Indian Society | Salient features, Diversity, Unity & pluralism, Inequality, Social stratification, Family system |
| Women, Population & Development | Role of women & organisations, Social reform movements, Demography, Poverty, Urbanisation – issues & remedies |
| Globalisation & Indian Society | Impact on the economy, culture, agrarian sector, and women |
| Social Issues | Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism |
| Geography – India & World | Physical Geography (Earth’s origin, tectonics, landforms, climate, soils, oceanography), Distribution of resources, Industrial location, Human geography, Economic geography |
| Geophysical Phenomena | Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, Cyclones, Climate change, Desertification, Melting ice caps, Environmental impacts |
APSC Mains GS-I Preparation Guide (Section-wise)
Indian Culture
For Indian Culture, you have to cover a wide range of topics that showcase India’s heritage from ancient to modern times. This includes paintings—from Ajanta-Ellora caves to Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, and folk styles like Madhubani, Warli, and Pattachitra; sculpture traditions of Harappan, Mauryan, Gupta, medieval, and modern periods; and performing arts such as classical dances, folk dances, and music. This section also covers puppetry, pottery, handicrafts, and the philosophies of Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, Bhakti-Sufi, and Sikh traditions. Alongside, focus on festivals, tribal culture with emphasis on Assam, and architecture ranging from Harappan to temple styles, Indo-Islamic monuments, colonial buildings, and modern structures.
| Theme | Sub-topics to Cover |
| Paintings | – Rock & Cave paintings (Bhimbetka, Ajanta, Ellora)- Mughal School (Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan periods)- Rajput & Pahari paintings- Folk & Tribal styles: Madhubani (Bihar), Warli (Maharashtra), Pattachitra (Odisha), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Phad (Rajasthan), Gond (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Sculpture & Visual Art | – Harappan sculptures (Dancing Girl, Priest-King, Seals)- Mauryan art (Ashokan pillars, Yakshi of Didarganj)- Gupta art (Buddha images, Sarnath school)- Medieval sculptures (Khajuraho, Chola bronzes, Jain sculptures)- Modern period (Raja Ravi Varma, Ramkinkar Baij) |
| Performing Arts | – Classical dances (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya from Assam)- Folk dances (Bihu, Garba, Ghoomar, Lavani, Yakshagana, Chhau, etc.)- Music: Hindustani & Carnatic classical; Folk music traditions |
| Puppetry, Pottery & Handicrafts | – Puppetry: String (Kathputli, Rajasthan), Shadow (Tholu Bommalata, Andhra), Rod (West Bengal), Glove (Kerala)- Pottery: Harappan pottery, Black-and-Red ware, Painted Grey ware, Blue pottery of Jaipur, Terracotta- Handicrafts: weaving, woodwork, metal craft, jewelry, bamboo & cane crafts (esp. Assam & Northeast) |
| Philosophy & Spiritual Traditions | – Vedic philosophy (Upanishads, Vedanta)- Buddhist philosophy (Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana)- Jain philosophy (Syadvada, Anekantavada, Ahimsa)- Bhakti & Sufi movements (Kabir, Mirabai, Guru Nanak, Chishti & Suhrawardi Sufi orders)- Sikhism: Guru tradition, Khalsa Panth |
| Festivals & Tribal Culture | – National festivals (Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, etc.)- Harvest festivals (Onam, Pongal, Bihu, Makar Sankranti)- Tribal culture & practices with Assam focus (Mishing, Bodo, Karbi, Rabha, Dimasa, Tiwa tribes – dances, festivals, rituals) |
| Architecture | – Harappan architecture (town planning, Great Bath, granaries)- Buddhist stupas & rock-cut caves (Sanchi, Barabar, Ajanta, Ellora)- Temple architecture: Nagara, Dravida, Vesara styles- Indo-Islamic architecture: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal monuments (Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb)- Colonial architecture (Rashtrapati Bhavan, Victoria Memorial, Gateway of India)- Modern architecture (Le Corbusier in Chandigarh, Charles Correa, contemporary projects) |
APSC Mains PYQ
As you can see in the image, the question in the 2023 APSC Mains GS 1 is about the dissent and protests in the preaching of various Bhakti saints in Medieval India. The question requires you to know the social, religious, and cultural context of the period, the key Bhakti saints and their teachings, the nature of the social reforms they advocated, and how their messages challenged prevailing norms and practices.
How to study:
- Don’t be overwhelmed. The syllabus is vast, and you have less time. So, organize topics chronologically (ancient → medieval → modern). Go through it, keep connecting dots, and practice answer writing.
- Compare schools/styles (e.g., Nagara vs. Dravida temples).
- Keep short notes on features + examples.
- For Assam: include Satriya dance, Bihu, Sankardeva, and Ahom architecture.
Answer writing:
- Always remember, you are here to write an answer within a specific timeframe, but not to make a research paper. So, be very, very particular about it. Adding facts and data is not gonna help you. Hence, define briefly → give features → add examples.
- Do not underestimate the importance of value addition in your answers. Add maps/diagrams for temple styles, dance regions.
- Conclude with cultural continuity and present relevance.
Modern Indian History (Mid-18th Century – 1947)
For the Freedom Struggle section, you have to go through the advent of Europeans, the decline of the Mughals, and the rise of regional powers, followed by major wars like the Carnatic wars, Plassey, Buxar, Anglo-Mysore, and Anglo-Punjab. The Revolt of 1857—its causes, leaders, and outcomes—is a key milestone. Then comes the growth of nationalism (1858–1905) with moderates, the press, and education shaping early political awakening. You also need to study the economic impact of British rule, including the drain of wealth, famines, agriculture, and industries. Next are revolutionary and militant movements (1905–1918), the Gandhian phase with Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India, and finally the developments from 1939–1947—World War II, Cripps Mission, INA, and the Partition leading to independence.
| Period / Theme | Sub-topics to Cover |
| Advent of Europeans & Decline of Mughals | Arrival of Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, Danes)Decline of the Mughal EmpireRise of regional powers (Hyderabad, Bengal, Awadh, Marathas, Mysore, Sikhs) |
| Major Wars & Expansion | Carnatic WarsBattle of Plassey (1757)Battle of Buxar (1764)Anglo-Mysore WarsAnglo-Punjab Wars |
| Revolt of 1857 | Causes (political, economic, social, military, religious)Important leaders (Mangal Pandey, Rani Laxmibai, Bahadur Shah II, Nana Sahib, Kunwar Singh, etc.)Outcomes and significance |
| Growth of Nationalism (1858–1905) | Role of Moderates (Dadabhai Naoroji, GopalKrishna Gokhale, etc.)Impact of press & literatureRole of education in political awakening |
| Economic Impact of British Rule | Drain of Wealth (Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory)Famines & their impactAgriculture under colonial ruleDecline of handicrafts and industries |
| Revolutionary & Militant Nationalism (1905–1918) | Partition of Bengal (1905) & Swadeshi Movement Revolutionary activities in India & abroad (Anushilan Samiti, Ghadar Movement, India House, etc.)\Leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak |
| Gandhian Phase (1919–1939) | Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)Quit India Movement (1942 – though overlaps 1939–47 phase, often studied together)Role of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose |
| Towards Independence (1939–1947) | Impact of World War IICripps Mission (1942)Indian National Army (Subhas Chandra Bose)Cabinet Mission PlanMountbatten Plan & PartitionIndependence (1947) |
How to study:
- Make timelines for major movements.
- Focus on the causes, significance, and outcomes of each struggle.
- Study contributions from different regions (including Assam).
Answer writing:
- Use chronology.
- Highlight mass participation and regional contributions.
- Conclude with an impact on national unity.
Freedom Struggle
For the Freedom Struggle, you have to cover the rise of nationalism, the Revolt of 1857, early moderate and extremist movements, Swadeshi and Home Rule movements, and the Gandhian phase with Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India. You also need to study revolutionary activities, the role of peasants, workers, women, and tribes, the impact of world wars, and the contributions of leaders, parties, and organizations that led to independence and partition.
| Theme | Sub-topics to Cover |
| Early Nationalist Phase (Moderates) | – Formation of INC (1885)- Moderates’ ideology: constitutional reforms, petitions, dialogues- Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee- Drain of Wealth theory |
| Extremists & Revolutionary Groups | – Extremist ideology & methods (Swadeshi, Boycott, passive resistance)- Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh- Revolutionary secret societies in Bengal, Punjab & abroad (India House, Ghadar Movement, Anushilan Samiti, Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) |
| Gandhian Leadership & Mass Movements | – Gandhi’s arrival (1915) & Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad struggles- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)- Quit India Movement (1942)- Gandhi’s philosophy: satyagraha, non-violence, mass mobilization |
| Peasant Movements | – Indigo Revolt (1859–60)- Deccan Riots (1875)- Eka Movement- Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)- Tebhaga Movement (1946)- Role of peasants in Gandhian struggles |
| Tribal Uprisings | – Early tribal resistance to colonial rule- Santhal Revolt (1855–56)- Munda Rebellion (Birsa Munda, 1899–1900)- Kol Uprising (1831–32)- Bhil Revolts- Khasi & Singpho resistance in Northeast India |
| Women’s Participation | – Role in Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India- Leaders: Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Begum Hazrat Mahal- Women in revolutionary movements |
| Role of Press, Literature & Regional Leaders | – Growth of nationalist press (Kesari, Amrita Bazar Patrika, Young India, Hindustan Times)- Literature as a tool for awakening (Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil contributions)- Regional leaders & movements across provinces (Subhas Chandra Bose, C. Rajagopalachari, Jayaprakash Narayan, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, etc.) |
| Impact of World Wars & Global Factors | – Impact of World War I on Indian politics & economy- Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms & Rowlatt Act- World War II: Cripps Mission, Quit India, INA- International influence: Russian Revolution, rise of socialism, decolonization trends |
How to study:
- Prepare separate notes on peasant & tribal struggles.
- Focus on regional movements in Assam.
Answer writing:
- Use flowcharts/timelines for clarity.
- Mention both mainstream & regional struggles.
- Conclude with their contribution to freedom.
Post-Independence India
For Post-Independence India, you have to study the challenges of nation-building after 1947, including partition, integration of princely states, framing of the Constitution, and reorganization of states. Focus on political developments, the role of leadership, economic planning, land reforms, foreign policy, social justice measures, and major movements. Also cover communal issues, regional aspirations, the emergency period, and the journey of India’s democracy and development in the decades after independence.
| Theme | Sub-topics to Cover |
| Partition & Integration | – Partition & refugee crisis (social, political, economic impact)- Integration of princely states (role of Sardar Patel, VP Menon, diplomacy & military action)- Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir issues |
| Reorganization of States | – Linguistic reorganization (States Reorganisation Act, 1956)- Official language debate (Hindi vs. regional languages)- Federal challenges |
| Regional Aspirations & Tribal Movements | – Tribal consolidation & policies- Regional aspirations (Punjab, Northeast, Kashmir, Telangana, Gorkhaland, etc.)- Autonomy vs. integration debates |
| Foreign Policy | – Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)- Panchsheel principles- India’s wars: 1947, 1962 (China), 1965 & 1971 (Pakistan), Kargil (1999)- Nuclear policy & Pokhran tests |
| Economic Policies | – Five-Year Plans & Planning Commission- Land reforms (zamindari abolition, tenancy reforms, ceilings)- Green Revolution & food security- Operation Flood (White Revolution)- Economic liberalization (1991 reforms & aftermath) |
| Political Developments | – Congress dominance (Nehru, Indira Gandhi era)- Rise of opposition parties & regional parties- Emergency period (1975–77) & its impact- Coalition politics & changing party system |
| Social Issues & Movements | – Women’s movements (post-1970s empowerment struggles)- Challenges of communalism & secularism- Naxalite movement & internal security issues- Social justice measures (reservations, Mandal Commission) |
| Democracy & Development | – Strengthening of democratic institutions- Electoral reforms- Civil society & media role- Challenges of corruption, inequality, environment & sustainable development |
From APSC MAINS PYQ
As you can see, a question in the 2022 APSC Mains GS 1 on the role of Sardar Patel in nation-building requires you to know the political and historical context of India during independence, the challenges faced in integrating over 500 princely states, Patel’s strategies and administrative skills in unifying them, his vision for a strong and cohesive India, and his contributions to establishing key national institutions and governance structures.
How to study:
- Make chronological notes of phases (1947–65, 65–77, post-1991).
- Connect events with present-day relevance (e.g., regional aspirations in the Northeast).
Answer writing:
- Highlight challenges + government responses.
- Conclude with how these shaped modern India.
Indian Society
For Indian Society, you have to study the features of Indian diversity, caste, class, and gender relations, and how these shape social structure. Key areas include population and demographic trends, poverty, urbanization, globalization, and social empowerment. You also need to cover the role of women’s movements, challenges of communalism, regionalism, secularism, and issues of social justice, along with the impact of modernization and changing social values in India.
| Theme | Sub-topics to Cover |
| Features of Indian Society | – Diversity of India (religion, language, caste, region)- Unity in diversity- Pluralism & composite culture |
| Social Stratification | – Caste system & its transformation- Class relations & mobility- Inequality & exclusion (based on caste, tribe, gender, region, disability, etc.) |
| Family & Kinship | – Features of Indian family system (joint & nuclear)- Changing nature of family & marriage- Kinship ties and social change |
| Population & Demographics | – Population trends & policies- Demographic dividend & challenges- Migration patterns |
| Poverty & Development Issues | – Causes of poverty- Methods of measurement- Consequences of poverty (social & economic) |
| Urbanization | – Trends & growth of cities- Problems of urbanization (slums, housing, transport, waste, pollution)- Remedies & planning |
| Globalization & Social Change | – Impact of globalization on culture, family, youth, education, and employment- Social media & cultural changes |
| Social Empowerment & Challenges | – Empowerment of weaker sections (SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, differently-abled)- Communalism & its impact- Regionalism & separatist tendencies- Secularism & constitutional safeguards |
| Modernization & Changing Values | – Modernization vs. Westernization- Changing social values & aspirations- Impact on traditions, family, and institutions |
APSC Mains GS-1 PYQ
As you can see, a question in the 2023 APSC Mains GS 1 on the feminisation of poverty requires you to know why women are more vulnerable to poverty due to socio-economic inequalities, limited access to education and employment, wage gaps, and unpaid care work, as well as the recent steps taken to address the issue, including women-focused skill development, financial inclusion programs, social protection schemes, and legal reforms promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.
How to study:
- Understand concepts & definitions.
- Relate to current issues (urban floods, women’s safety, population control).
Answer writing:
- Start with a definition/example.
- Add statistics or reports (e.g., census, NITI Aayog).
- Conclude with government initiatives or a way forward.
Geography (India & World)
This section of the APSC Mains GS-1 syllabus covers physical, economic, and human geography. Here, you have to cover physical geography like landforms, climate, soils, vegetation, and natural resources. Economic geography includes agriculture, industries, energy, infrastructure, and trade. Human geography focuses on population, migration, settlements, urbanization, and regional development. Along with India, you also need to understand the world geography patterns and their interlinkages with India.
| Theme | Sub-topics to Cover |
| Physical Geography | – Earth’s interior- Plate tectonics & continental drift- Earthquakes & volcanoes- Cyclones & atmospheric circulation- World climate & climatic zones- Soils & soil formation- Oceanography (currents, tides, waves) |
| World Geography | – Distribution of continents & oceans- Climatic regions & vegetation types- Major natural resources (minerals, forests, water, energy)- World agriculture & industrial regions |
| Indian Geography | – Physiographic divisions (Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal & Island regions)- River systems (Himalayan & Peninsular)- Climate & monsoon- Soils of India- Natural vegetation- Resources (land, water, forest, minerals, energy) |
| Resource Distribution | – Land use patterns- Forest resources- Water resources & management- Agricultural resources- Mineral & energy resources (coal, petroleum, natural gas, renewables) |
| Industrial Location Factors | – Role of raw materials, power, labour, market & transport- Location of major industries in India & world (iron & steel, textiles, IT, automobile, petrochemical, etc.) |
| Geophysical Phenomena | – Tsunamis- Glacial melting & its impact- Desertification & land degradation- Biodiversity changes & conservation |
| Human Geography | – Demographics & population distribution- Census analysis (India)- Migration patterns- Settlements (rural & urban)- Urbanization & its challenges- Regional development & planning |
| Economic Geography | – Agriculture (crops, patterns, Green Revolution, challenges)- Industries (types & growth)- Transport (road, rail, air, waterways)- Communication (traditional & modern)- Trade (internal & international, India’s trade with world) |
How to study:
- Use maps extensively – rivers, soils, industries, mineral belts.
- Link physical geography with economy (e.g., monsoons & agriculture).
APSC Mains PYQ
As you can see, a question in the 2023 APSC Mains GS 1 on the major earthquake-prone areas of the world and the details of the Circum-Pacific Belt requires you to know the global distribution of seismic zones such as the Circum-Pacific Belt, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Himalayan Belt, and other fault zones, along with the geological reasons behind their vulnerability. It also demands a clear understanding of why the Circum-Pacific Belt, often called the “Ring of Fire,” is the most seismically active zone, its tectonic plate boundaries, frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and its impact on countries bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Answer writing:
- Draw maps/diagrams in answers.
- Use case studies/examples from India & the world.
- Conclude with sustainable solutions.
Conclusion
The APSC CCE Mains GS-I syllabus plays an important role in determining success in the APSC 2025 exam. If you can’t decode the syllabus, you are most likely to end up feeling overloaded. Since the paper covers Indian culture, modern Indian history, Indian and world geography, and society, it is considered one of the most scoring sections of the APSC Mains Exam. Aspirants should focus on a smart preparation strategy that combines NCERTs, standard reference books, and updated current affairs. Practicing previous year APSC GS 1 question papers and improving answer-writing skills will help in scoring higher marks. With consistent revision and structured preparation, candidates can master APSC GS 1 preparation and gain an edge in the APSC Mains 2025.
Also read : APSC Mains GS-II Syllabus 2025: Detailed Guide With Preparation Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is covered under the APSC Mains GS-I paper?
GS-I broadly covers Indian Culture, Modern Indian History, the Freedom Struggle, Post-Independence India, Indian Society, and both Indian and World Geography. It’s considered one of the most scoring papers if prepared with the right strategy.
How many marks is GS-I worth in the APSC Mains exam?
GS-I carries 250 marks. Since the Mains has six papers worth 250 marks each, GS-I plays a crucial role in improving your total score.
Why is GS-I often called a “scoring paper”?
Because it deals with topics like history, culture, and geography, which are largely factual and conceptual. With structured preparation and good presentation, you can secure higher marks compared to analytical papers.
Do I need to focus on Assam-specific topics in GS-I?
Yes, definitely. While Assam has a separate GS-V paper, GS-I also expects you to include examples from Assam like Sattriya dance, Sankardeva, Ahom architecture, and tribal culture to add local relevance to your answers.
How many papers are there in APSC Mains?
There are a total of 6 papers in APSC mains: one Essay paper, three General Studies papers, one Ethics paper, and one paper on Assam-specific topics. Each paper is worth 250 marks and has a duration of three hours, making the written exam a total of 1500 marks
Are current affairs important for GS-I?
Yes. While most topics are static, linking them with current developments makes your answers stand out. For example, when writing about earthquakes, you can mention a recent quake and its impact.
What is the best way to approach answer writing for GS-I?
Keep your answers structured: start with a short definition or context, explain features with examples, and conclude with relevance in today’s time. Use maps, timelines, and flowcharts wherever possible.
How do previous year questions help in GS-I preparation?
They show you the examiners’ pattern and help you understand how broad topics are converted into specific questions. Practicing PYQs ensures you don’t just study but also learn how to answer.
Which sections of GS-I require extra attention?
Modern Indian History and Indian Society are heavily tested. Indian Culture and Geography also carry high weightage. Balancing all sections while giving more time to history and society is a good strategy.
What is the overall strategy for scoring well in GS-I?
Cover the syllabus systematically, revise multiple times, practice answer writing, and use diagrams wherever possible. Remember, quality answers with clear structure and relevant examples matter more than stuffing facts.