If you are an applicant hoping to secure a lucrative and reliable government position in the financial sector, it is necessary to know how to become an Assam Finance Service Officer (AFS) in Assam. The Assam Finance Service (AFS) plays the key role in managing the state’s financial policies and matters. In this article, we will explain the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, salary, and the different roles in the department.
What is AFS?
The full form of AFS is Assam Finance Service. In this service, officers are appointed to manage accounts, audits, budget allocations, and the implementation of financial policies under the Government of Assam Finance Department. They collaborate together with the state’s other financial institutions, including the Assam Financial Corporation.
How to Become AFS Officer in Assam: Eligibility Criteria
Before we find out how to become an AFS Officer in Assam, we need to check out the eligibility requirements:
- Age Limit: If you are the aspirant, you must not have crossed 50 years of age in the year of examination.
- Educational Qualification: The minimum educational qualification required is to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Citizenship: Applicant must be an Indian citizen and a resident of Assam.
- Age Proof: Age will be verified through the Matriculation/HSLC/HSSLC Admit Card or Certificate issued by a recognized Central/State Board/Council, to be uploaded during the application process.
Selection Process: How to Become an AFS Officer
If you’re wondering how to become an AFS officer, your journey requires dedication and preparation. There is more than one way to get recruited by the Assam Finance Department.Instead, it takes place through a combination of
- Dedicated competitive examinations conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) for the Assam Finance Service (AFS),
- Selections via the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for certain allied finance-related posts,
- Departmental promotion-based exams for internal candidates,
- And direct contractual appointments for technical or project-based roles.
Each of these recruitment routes is designed to meet specific staffing needs whether for core financial management, local fund audits, treasury operations, or policy implementation.
Direct Recruitment via APSC (Assam Finance Service – AFS Exam)
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) conducts a dedicated competitive examination exclusively for recruitment into the Assam Finance Service (AFS – Junior Grade II). This is not part of the APSC CCE.
Key Highlights of this recruitment process:
- Posts Recruited: Finance & Accounts Officer, Treasury Officer (AFS Junior Grade II)
- Eligibility:
- A degree in Arts, Science, or Commerce from a recognized university.
- Age: 21–38 years (relaxation applicable for reserved categories).
Written Examination
- The written exam consists of multiple papers that cover subjects related to AFS Junior Grade II
- Each exam lasts three hours, and in order to be eligible, candidates must receive at least 70 out of 150 points.
- Subjects include:
- General Accounts
- Fundamental Rules & Subsidiary Rules
- Financial Rules & Treasury Rules
- Commercial Bookkeeping
- Constitution of India & Public Finance
AFS Syllabus
| Paper | Subject |
| Paper I | General Accounts |
| Paper II | Fundamental Rules & Subsidiary Rules, Financial Rules & Treasury Rules |
| Paper III | Commercial Bookkeeping (Charter’s Advance Accounts, 4th Edition, Reprint 1955 or latest) |
| Paper IV | Constitution of India & Public Finance |
Stage II: Document Verification
- After qualifying in the written exam, you must appear for document verification
- All original documents related to age, education, and experience must be presented.
- Any kind of discrepancy may result in disqualification.
Through APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)
While most AFS posts are recruited via the dedicated AFS exam, some finance-related officer positions (under allied services) are also filled through the APSC CCE, along with ACS, APS, etc.
Key Points of this recruitment process:
- Depending on the year and vacancy distribution, positions related to the Finance Department may fall under the Allied Services cadres.
- These positions have a broader selection process, including
- Prelims (General Studies I & II)
- Mains (with optional subjects)
- Interview
- Unless otherwise noted, core Assam Finance Service positions are typically not filled through this method.
Clearing these stages is essential for anyone serious about how to become an AFS Officer in Assam.
Departmental Promotions and Internal Exams
Certain mid- and senior-level positions within the Assam Finance Department are filled through internal promotions and departmental examinations.
Examples:
- Audit Officer (Local Fund Audit Service):
- Recruited from among Assistant Audit Officers.
- Requires a minimum of 3 years of service in the feeder cadre.
- APSC conducts departmental promotional exams for these posts.
Direct Contractual Recruitment by the Finance Department
Occasionally, the Finance Department directly recruits professionals (on a contract basis) for specialized roles such as IT, accounts, data analysis, or project implementation under specific programs.
Example:
- The Institutional Finance Department is hiring under externally aided projects or special schemes.
Assam Finance Department: Role and Hierarchy
The Government of Assam Finance Department is the controlling authority for all AFS officers. It manages budgetary policies, financial reforms, and expenditure control. Planning how to become an AFS Officer in Assam requires an understanding of the departmental hierarchy in order to visualize your career development. Once selected, AFS Officers may be posted in various roles:
Finance (Establishment A) Department
Primary Responsibilities:
- Deals with matters related to the fixation of pay, special pay, and the equalization or stepping up of pay for government employees.
Finance (Establishment A) Department
This wing deals primarily with service-related financial decisions and policy interpretations. Key responsibilities include
- Fixation of pay, special pay, and increments
- Joining time extension
- Lien/quasi lien and deputation for training or foreign tours
- Release of DA/DR
- Gazetted status and Head of Department declarations
- Interpretation of Fundamental Rules, Assam Financial Rules, and Leave Rules
- Study leave, date of birth corrections, and suspension regularization
Finance (Establishment B) Department
This department oversees organizational management and cadre operations for finance-related services. It manages:
6 Key Directorates:
- Directorate of Accounts and Treasuries
- Directorate of Audit (Local Fund)
- Directorate of Financial Inspections
- Directorate of Small Savings
- Directorate of State Lotteries
- Registrar of Firms and Societies
Other Functions:
- Comprehensive Treasury Management Information System (CTMIS)
- Recruitment, promotions, and postings for AFS, Audit, and Accounts Services
- Re-employment of pensioners
- Fixation of pay and honorarium
- Managing Assam Finance (Economic) Service & Pay Research Service
- Treasury establishment and DDO (Drawing and Disbursal Officer) declaration
This department plays a key role in forming the service lives of new recruits and guarantees the core operations of the AFS cadre. Knowing how to become an AFS officer in Assam requires a thorough understanding of this department, which is essential for people in financial administrative positions.
Planning how to become an AFS Officer in Assam requires an understanding of the departmental hierarchy in order to visualize your career development.
AFS Officer Salary and Perks
The AFS Officer salary structure is based on Pay Band 4, which ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹110,000 with Grade Pay between ₹12,000 and ₹17,000 depending on the designation. In addition, officers receive
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Travel Allowance
- Pension and Retirement Benefits
1. Accounts and Treasuries/Audit (Local Fund)
| Post | Pay Band & Grade Pay |
| Director (Accounts & Treasuries/Audit LF) | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹16900 |
| Senior Financial Advisor | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹15700 |
| Financial Advisor/Sr. F&A Officer | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹14500 |
| Finance & Accounts Officer / Treasury Officer / Deputy Director, Audit (LF) | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹12700 |
2. Finance (Economic Affairs) Department
| Post | Revised Pay Band & Grade Pay |
| Director | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹16900 |
| Joint Director | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹15100 |
| Senior Research Officer | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹14500 |
| Research Officer | PB-4 ₹30000–110000, GP ₹13300 |
| Assistant Research Officer | PB-3 ₹22000–87000, GP ₹11500 |
| Research Assistant | PB-3 ₹22000–87000, GP ₹9100 |
3. Assam Local Fund Audit Service
| Post | Pay Band & Grade Pay |
| Audit Officer | PB-3 ₹22000–87000, GP ₹10300 |
| Assistant Audit Officer | PB-2 ₹14000–49000, GP ₹8700 |
This competitive salary package makes many curious about how to become an AFS Officer in Assam.
An AFS Officer’s Job Profile
AFS officers handle a variety of administrative and financial tasks. Among their responsibilities are the following: creating and overseeing state budgets
- Administration of the Treasury and Pensions
- Performing inspections and audits
- Giving departments financial advice
- Making sure financial regulations are applied correctly
- Managing the pension fund and CTMIS systems
Since they are assigned to various departments, directorates, and field offices under both Establishment A and Establishment B, it is even more important to comprehend every aspect of becoming an AFS officer in Assam.
Conclusion
Within departments such as Accounts and Treasuries, Economic Affairs, Local Fund Audit, and the Pay Research Unit, the Assam Finance Service (AFS) provides a well-organized and forward-looking career path. AFS officers are essential to the state’s financial management because of their regular pay adjustments and well-defined career paths, which range from Assistant Officers to Directors.
Aspirants preparing for this esteemed service must comprehend the departmental roles, pay structure, and hierarchy. Knowing how to become an AFS Officer in Assam is important if you want to join this elite cadre. Becoming an AFS Officer in Assam is a rewarding and attainable goal with commitment, preparation, and understanding of the position.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the full form of AFS?
The full form of AFS is Assam Finance Service. In this service, officers are appointed to manage accounts, audits, budget allocations, and the implementation of financial policies under the Government of Assam Finance Department.
2. How to become an AFS Officer in Assam?
To become an AFS Officer in Assam, you must qualify through one of the following methods:
- A dedicated competitive exam conducted by APSC for AFS (Junior Grade II)
- APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for some allied finance posts
- Departmental promotion for internal candidates
- Direct contractual recruitment for technical/project roles
3. What are the eligibility criteria for the AFS exam?
- Age Limit: 21–38 years (with upper age relaxation for reserved categories); must not exceed 50 years in the exam year.
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen and a resident of Assam
4. What is the selection process for Assam Finance Service Officers?
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination (four papers on finance, rules, bookkeeping, and public finance)
- Document Verification after qualifying in the written test
5. Is AFS part of the APSC CCE?
No, the dedicated AFS recruitment exam is separate from the APSC Combined Competitive Examination. However, some allied finance roles under AFS may be filled through the CCE based on vacancy.
6. What is the syllabus for the AFS written examination?
- Paper I: General Accounts
- Paper II: Fundamental Rules, Subsidiary Rules, Financial & Treasury Rules
- Paper III: Commercial Bookkeeping
- Paper IV: Constitution of India & Public Finance
7. What is the salary of an AFS Officer?
AFS Officers are placed under Pay Band 4 (₹30,000–₹110,000) with Grade Pay ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹17,000, depending on the designation. They also receive DA, HRA, TA, pension, and retirement benefits.
8. What kind of work does an AFS Officer do?
AFS Officers are responsible for:
- Preparing and managing state budgets
- Handling treasury operations and pensions
- Auditing and inspections
- Financial advisory to departments
- Implementing financial rules and reforms