If you’re aiming to make a prestigious career in the Assam Finance Service, how to become an Assistant Accounts Officer in Assam (AAO), you are in the right place. This post, officially categorized under Junior Grade-II, offers not just job security and a respectable salary but also a clear path for career advancement within the Assam government.
In this article, we’ll discuss your roadmap on how to become an Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) in Assam, as well as the salary and career growth.
Eligibility Criteria to become an Assistant Account Officer in Assam
First and foremost, thing in your roadmap on how to become an Assistant Account Officer is to know the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for the AAO position in Assam, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualifications
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
| General Candidates | Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Science/Commerce with a minimum of 55% marks For B.Com: 55% in Major/Honours For BA/B.Sc: If Maths/Statistics is a subject, then 55% in aggregate or Honours |
| SC/ST/OBC/MOBC | Minimum 50% marks in a Bachelor’s Degree |
| Departmental Candidates | Minimum 50% marks in a Bachelor’s Degree |
2. Computer Proficiency
| Requirement | Details |
| Computer Knowledge | Must have proficiency in computer applications |
| Certification Required | Minimum 3-month Diploma in Computer Applications |
3. Age Limit (as of 01/01/2025)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
| General | 21 years | 38 years | |
| SC/ST (P&H) | 21 years | 43 years | 5 years of relaxation |
| OBC/MOBC | 21 years | 41 years | 3 years of relaxation |
| PwBD | 21 years | 48 years | 10 years of relaxation |
4. Residency
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Domicile | Must be a permanent resident of Assam |
| Documents Required | Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) issued in Assam (for education)OR Employment Exchange Registration Certificate |
Recruitment Process of Becoming an AAO
Understanding how to become an Assistant Accounts Officer means grasping the competitive selection procedure. The recruitment process for the AAO position typically involves the following stages:
1. APSC CCE (Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Examination)
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- The preliminary exam is a screening test that consists of multiple-choice questions. It tests the candidates’ general knowledge and understanding of the relevant subjects.
- The Prelims exam is common for various administrative positions and serves as the first step in the selection process.
- Stage 2: Main Examination
- After qualifying the Prelims, candidates who are shortlisted are called for the Mains exam. The Mains exam consists of one essay paper and five papers on General Studies.
- Stage 3: Interview
- The final stage involves a personal interview. This stage evaluates the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
2. APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Limited)
- Direct Recruitment Process.
- APDCL also follows its recruitment process for Assistant Accounts Officers, which may involve a written test first, then subsequently an interview.
- Recruitment through APDCL may focus specifically on job roles involving accounts in the power sector and is unrelated to the general APSC CCE recruitment.
Both recruitment processes are highly competitive, and candidates need to clear the written exams and interviews to secure the position of Assistant Accounts Officer.
Administrative Grades of Assam Finance Service
The administrative structure of the Finance Department is broadly categorized into the following hierarchical grades, each with defined roles and responsibilities:
1. Selection Grade
- Top-level officials who lead financial policymaking and oversee entire departments.
- Posts Include:
- Additional Secretary, Finance (Budget)
- Additional Secretary, Finance (Audit & Fund)
2. Senior Grade-I
- Officers in this grade hold high-level administrative and supervisory roles.
- Posts Include:
- Director of Accounts & Treasuries
- Director of Audit (Local Fund)
- Director of Finance (Budget)
- Director of Pension
3. Senior Grade-II
- Officers supervise major financial functions and mid-level managerial tasks.
- Posts Include:
- Joint Director of Accounts & Treasuries
- Joint Director of Budget
- Joint Director of Audit
- Joint Director of Financial Inspection
- Joint Director of Pension
4. Junior Grade-I
- Entry point to mid-level managerial positions after promotion or training.
- Posts Include:
- Deputy Director of Finance (Budget)
- Deputy Director of Accounts & Treasuries
- Financial Advisers to Heads of Departments
5. Junior Grade-II (Entry-level Grade)
- The starting point for officers recruited through APSC or departmental promotion.
- Posts Include:
- Assistant Accounts Officer
- Treasury Officer
- Finance & Accounts Officer
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment to Junior Grade-II is done in two ways:
- Direct Recruitment (50%): Through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).
- Promotion (50%): From subordinate services such as Audit Officers, Treasury Accountants, and Senior Assistants.
Training and Probation Period of Assistant Account Officer:
- Officers undergo 6 months of training and 3 months of attachment post-selection.
- On successful completion and examination, they become eligible for promotions and service benefits.
Career Growth in Assam Finance Service
| Grade | Promoted From | Minimum Service Required | Post Titles |
| Junior Grade-II | Direct Recruitment / Promotion | Entry Level | Assistant Accounts Officer, Treasury Officer, Finance & Accounts Officer |
| Junior Grade-I | Junior Grade-II | 5 years + Departmental Exam | Deputy Director (Finance/Budget), Financial Adviser (Dept.) |
| Senior Grade-II | Junior Grade-I | 4 years | Joint Director of Audit, Treasury, Pension, Budget, Inspection, etc. |
| Senior Grade-I | Senior Grade-II | 3 years | Director of Finance, Audit (Local Fund), Accounts & Treasuries, Pension |
| Selection Grade | Senior Grade-I | 2 years | Additional Secretary (Finance – Budget, Audit, Fund) |
Pay Scale & Grade Pay of Assistant Account Officer.
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Pay (PB‑3) | ₹22,000–₹97,000 |
| Grade Pay | ₹9,100 |
| In hand (approx.) | ₹65,000/month |
| SDA | +12.5% of basic pay (Northeast) |
| Other Allowances (DA, HRA, TA…) | Variable |
Allowances & Perks of an Assistant Account Officer
In addition to basic pay, AAOs receive a comprehensive set of allowances as per Assam government norms:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Medical Allowance
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Insurance Coverage
- Pension & Gratuity
Moreover, since AAOs often serve in northeastern regions like Assam, they may be eligible for Special Duty Allowance (SDA):
- SDA is typically 12.5% of basic pay for non-AIS officers posted in the Northeast
Roles and Responsibilities of Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO)
(Under Junior Grade-II of Assam Finance Service)
| Domain | Responsibilities |
| Accounts Management | Maintain accounts for government departments and offices.Ensure accuracy in bookkeeping and entries under financial rules. |
| Budget Implementation | Assist in preparing and implementing departmental budgets.Monitor expenditure against budgetary allocations. |
| Treasury Operations | Supervise and manage treasury-related tasks such as disbursement, receipts, and cash book reconciliation. |
| Audit and Inspection | Assist higher officers in pre-audit/post-audit of financial records.Ensure compliance with Assam Financial Rules and Treasury Rules. |
| Bill Scrutiny | Verify and process bills before payments are made by the treasury. |
| Advisory Role | Support departments in following financial procedures and ensure adherence to financial discipline. |
| Reporting | Compile monthly and annual financial reports.Submit reconciled statements to senior officials and the Accountant General. |
| Training and Learning | Undergo training in financial rules, treasury management, and audit to be eligible for higher posts. |
| Coordination Duties | Liaise with other departments, treasuries, audit offices, and the Finance Department for smooth operations. |
These responsibilities reflect the foundational nature of the AAO post, which serves as the stepping stone to higher administrative and financial roles in the Assam Finance Service.
Conclusion
Becoming an Assistant Accounts Officer in Assam is a rewarding career path for those with a strong academic background and an interest in public finance. With job security, a respectable salary, and clear promotional avenues within the Assam Finance Service, this role offers both stability and growth. If you’re serious about how to become an Assistant Accounts Officer in Assam, start preparing early—focus on building your subject knowledge, computer skills, and understanding of the recruitment process. This position can truly open the door to a long, impactful, and respected career in the state’s administrative system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the role of an Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) in Assam?
An AAO is an entry-level officer in the Assam Finance Service (Junior Grade-II). It’s a government job that involves managing finances, supervising treasury operations, and ensuring financial discipline in various departments. It’s a great starting point for a stable and respectable career in the Assam government.
2. What qualifications do I need to become an AAO in Assam?
You need a graduate degree in Arts, Science, or Commerce. For the General category, a minimum of 55% is required; for SC/ST/OBC/MOBC or departmental candidates, 50% is enough. You also need basic computer knowledge with at least a 3-month diploma in computer applications.
3. What’s the age limit for applying?
You must be at least 21 years old. The maximum age is 38 for the general category. There’s relaxation for reserved categories—OBC/MOBC up to 41 years, SC/ST up to 43 years, and PwBD up to 48 years.
4. Do I have to be from Assam to apply?
Yes, you must be a permanent resident of Assam. You’ll need to show either a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) or a valid registration in the Employment Exchange of Assam.
5. How do I get selected as an AAO?
There are two main routes—through the APSC Combined Competitive Exam (Prelims, Mains, and Interview) or directly through APDCL (written test and interview). Both are competitive, so preparation is key.
6. What happens after I’m selected?
After selection, you’ll undergo six months of training and three months of on-the-job attachment. Once that’s done, you officially begin your career and become eligible for further promotions and benefits.
7. How much salary does an AAO receive?
You’ll earn a basic pay between ₹22,000–₹97,000 with a grade pay of ₹9,100. Including allowances, your in-hand salary is around ₹65,000 per month. Plus, if you’re posted in the Northeast, you get a 12.5% Special Duty Allowance (SDA).
8. What kind of allowances do AAOs get?
You’ll receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), Medical, LTC, insurance, pension benefits, and SDA if posted in the Northeast.
9. Can I grow in this job?
Absolutely. You start at Junior Grade-II and can be promoted to Junior Grade-I, then to Senior Grades, and eventually reach top positions like Additional Secretary in the Finance Department—based on experience, exams, and service years.
10. What are my day-to-day duties as an AAO?
Your work will include handling accounts, helping with budget planning, checking bills, supervising treasury functions, assisting in audits, advising departments on financial rules, and reporting to higher authorities. It’s a key role in maintaining financial order in government offices.