How Tough Is It To Crack APSC? This is a question many aspirants ask before beginning their journey toward the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE). The simple answer is it’s tough, but not impossible. With the right strategy, dedication, positive attitude, and guidance, cracking APSC is well within reach. In this article, we will discuss the APSC exam, how it is structured, and how to prepare for it.
Understanding the APSC Examination
Before we explore how tough it is to crack APSC, let’s understand the structure of this most sought-after APSC CCE exam conducted to recruit candidates for top administrative positions in the Assam state government. It comprises three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Preliminary Examination comprises two objective-type papers aimed at assessing a candidate’s conceptual understanding and aptitude.
| Details | Paper I (General Studies I) | Paper II (General Studies II – CSAT) |
| Number of Papers | One | One |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
| Duration | Two Hours | Two Hours |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Question Type | Objective/Multiple Choice | Objective/Multiple Choice |
| Medium of Exam | English | English |
| Mode of Exam | Offline | Offline |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted per question | 0.25 marks deducted per question |
2. APSC CCE Main Examination (Mains)
The Main Examination comprises six descriptive papers designed to assess a candidate’s in-depth knowledge, analytical ability, and writing skills.
| Component | Details |
| Number of Papers | Six |
| Paper Names | Paper I: EssayPaper II to VI: General Studies (including one Assam-specific paper) |
| Total Marks | 1500 (Each paper carries 250 marks.) |
| Duration per Paper | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Question Type | Descriptive-type |
Paper-wise Details
| Paper | Marks | Time Limit |
| Paper 1—Essay | 250 | 180 Minutes |
| Paper 2—General Studies | 250 | 180 Minutes |
| Paper 3 – General Studies | 250 | 180 Minutes |
| Paper 4—General Studies | 250 | 180 Minutes |
| Paper 5 – General Studies | 250 | 180 Minutes |
| Paper 6—Assam Specific | 250 | 180 Minutes |
3. Interview Phase
Candidates who successfully clear the written examination move on to the interview phase. This stage carries 180 marks and involves a personal interview conducted by a panel.
The panel evaluates the candidate’s:
- Personality and leadership qualities
- Decision-making and administrative skills
- Communication abilities
- Awareness of current affairs
- Overall suitability for public service roles
This final phase plays a crucial role in determining a candidate’s selection for Assam Civil Services and other allied services.
How Tough Is It To Crack APSC?
How tough is it to crack APSC? It’s a genuine concern, given the complexity of the exam. Several factors contribute to its difficulty:
- Vast Syllabus: Covering history, polity, geography, economy, science, and current affairs, the APSC syllabus is exhaustive.
- High Competition: Thousands of aspirants compete for a few coveted seats.
- Descriptive Paper Pattern: The Mains demand strong analytical thinking and answer-writing skills.
Despite these challenges, many aspirants successfully crack the exam every year. So, how tough is it to crack APSC? It depends on your preparation strategy.
Strategies to Crack the APSC CCE
1. Start Early and Be Consistent
Getting ready for civil service exams takes a lot of time and effort. Many successful candidates have said that starting early helped them do well in both UPSC and APSC. What’s important is that you begin your preparation seriously from today and don’t wait any longer. The earlier you begin, the more confident you become. If you’re late, don’t panic—just start now. Remember, how tough it is to crack APSC depends largely on your consistency.
2. Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Studying without knowing the syllabus is like sailing without a compass. Regularly refer to the official APSC syllabus to stay focused and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
3. Choose the Right Resources
Stick to standard books, NCERTs for basics, and a limited number of reliable current affairs magazines. Overloading with materials is a common mistake.
4. Practice, Revise, Repeat
Practice previous years’ question papers, take regular mock tests, and revise frequently. This will strengthen your memory and time-management skills. Wondering how tough it is to crack APSC without revision? Very.
5. Improve Answer-Writing Skills
For the Mains, answer writing is very important. Develop a structured style—introduction, body, conclusion—and stick to the word limit. The better your writing, the higher your score.
6. Stay Updated on Current Affairs
Reading newspapers like The Assam Tribune or The Hindu daily is vital. Current affairs impact both Prelims and Mains heavily. Many underestimate this, later realizing how tough is it to crack APSC without being current-aware.
7. Master Time Management
Make a practical timetable that balances reading, revision, and rest. Burnout can hinder performance, so maintain a healthy study-life balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding how tough is it to crack APSC also involves learning from others’ mistakes:
- Procrastination: Avoid delays; start preparation immediately.
- Ignoring Syllabus: This results in irrelevant studies and missed priorities.
- Skipping Answer Writing: Crucial for Mains, yet often neglected.
- Using Too Many Resources: Creates confusion. Stick to a few, master them well.
Coaching Institutes: A Helping Hand?
While many candidates succeed through self-study, coaching institutes offer structured guidance, peer learning, mock tests, and mentorship. They can be especially useful if you’re just starting and wondering how tough is it to crack APSC without expert direction.
The APSC CCE is a well-known and respected exam that needs a clear plan to crack. You must understand the syllabus well, manage your time wisely, and keep practicing for all three stages of the exam.
If you dream of becoming an officer and serving your state, Borthakur’s IAS Academy can be a big help. Since 2014, the academy has helped many students succeed in civil services. It offers both offline and online classes, covering subjects in a detailed and smart way. The motivational talks by IAS, ACS, and IPS officers also inspire students to stay focused on their goals. You’ll also get personal guidance from experienced teachers.
Still, just coaching is not enough. You must be disciplined, keep learning every day, and practice regularly. Many toppers say that a mix of good coaching, self-study, and daily practice helped them succeed. With the right mindset and effort, you can do it too!
Final Thoughts
So, how tough is it to crack APSC? It is challenging, but not insurmountable. With proper planning, resource selection, consistent effort, and a focus on current affairs and answer writing, success is achievable.
Let this be your starting point. Don’t just ask how tough is it to crack APSC—ask yourself what steps you’re taking today to make it easier tomorrow. Your journey starts now.
Also read : https://www.borthakursiasacademy.com/blog/apsc-syllabus-cce-2025/