If you are preparing for the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), you already know the intense competition in the preliminary exam. With only three months left until your exam, it’s natural to feel concerned about how to complete your syllabus. You may be wondering where to start, what to focus on, and what to skip. To help ease your worries, we have put together some strategies and methods in this article so that you can enhance your preparation in a structured and holistic way. As you know, mindless reading does not benefit anyone. It’s important to approach your study for the APSC Prelims in 3 months with a clear strategy.
APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) Overview :
The APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is a state-level civil services exam conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in Assam. Below you will find the necessary details.
| Exam Details | Information |
| Exam Name | Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Examination (APSC CCE) |
| Conducting Body | Assam Public Service Commission |
| Post Name | ACS, APS, AFS, and other allied service. |
| Job Category | State Government Job |
| Job Location | Assam |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, & Interview |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://apsc.nic.in/ |
Three-Month Structured Preparation Plan
Here is a structured preparation plan outlining key tasks and goals for the next three months. It ensures systematic coverage of subjects with a focus on timely revisions and practice.
| Month | Focus Areas | Key Activities |
| Month 1 | Build a Strong Foundation | Cover core subjects, make short notes, and focus on NCERTs and standard books. |
| Month 2 | Strengthen Concepts & Practice | Attempt sectional tests, revise current affairs, and solve previous year questions. |
| Month 3 | Intensive Revision & Exam Strategy | Attempt full-length mock tests, focus on weak areas, and manage time effectively. |
Month 1: Building a Strong Foundation
1. Understanding the APSC CCE Exam Pattern and syllabus
A clear understanding of the APSC CCE exam pattern and syllabus helps streamline preparation by focusing on relevant topics and question formats. It also enhances time management and boosts confidence, ensuring a strategic approach to the exam.
APSC CCE Prelims Exam Pattern:
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | General Studies I | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | General Studies II (Qualifying) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
2. APSC CCE Prelims Syllabus Breakdown
Understanding the APSC CCE syllabus helps in strategic planning and efficient time management, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all topics in your APSC Prelims preparation in 3 months. When you have the overall idea of subject topics, it also prevents unnecessary studying of irrelevant materials, keeping your preparation focused and goal-oriented.
| Topic | Key Areas Covered |
| Current Affairs | National and international events of significance. |
| Indian History & Freedom Struggle | Major historical events, independence movements, and key personalities. |
| Geography | Indian and World Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Aspects. |
| Polity & Governance | Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues. |
| Economy & Social Development | Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Government Initiatives. |
| Environment & Ecology | General awareness of environmental issues, biodiversity, and climate change. |
| General Science | Fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with real-world applications. |
| Assam-Specific Topics | 30–35% of questions will cover Assam’s history, geography, politics, economy, environment, and current affairs. |
3. Subject-wise Study Plan
General Studies-I:
- History: For the history part, particularly focus on major historical events, independence movements, and key personalities. Simultaneously, keep preparing for the Assam history.
- Polity: Start with the NCERTs, then you go for standard books such as Laxmikant’s Polity book. Read the Indian Constitution, key amendments, governance, and important articles.
- Geography: Basically, we suggest you begin with the Class 11 NCERTS book. For Physical Georaphy, you can rely on G.C. Leon and for Indian Geography, you either can read the book of Majid Hussain or also rely on the course material of your trusted institute. Also, don’t skip Assam geography, rivers, climate, and topography.
- Economy: Start with the basics of the Indian economy. Then go for budget, economic surveys, and Assam’s economy.
- Environment & Ecology: Read about biodiversity, conservation efforts, and climate change.
- Science & Tech: Focus on basic concepts, recent developments, and applications.
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers, government reports, and PIB updates daily.
General Studies II (CSAT):
- Improve comprehension skills through regular reading. For that, start solving the previous year’s question papers.
- Practice reasoning and numerical ability from previous year question papers.
- Take mock tests to enhance problem-solving speed and accuracy. Learn the elimination tricks for time management.
4. Study Sources
- NCERTs (Class 6-12) for fundamental concepts
- Laxmikanth for Indian Polity
- Spectrum for Modern Indian History
- G.C. Leong for Geography
- Economic Survey & Budget Reports
- Assam Tribune & The Hindu for Current Affairs
Month 2: Strengthening Concepts & Practice
1. Revision of Key Subject: Without revision, adding more topics and materials in your study session just makes you confused and leads to stress and burnout. So, make sure you allocate time for revising each topic you previously covered. Focus on short notes, mind maps, and quick reference materials.
2. Answer Writing & Mock Tests : Get yourself enrolled in a mock-test series of your trusted coaching institute and start solving thematic and sectional mock tests. After the test, prioritize analyzing it. Go through the explanations and read thoroughly. It will help you identify your weak and strong areas, and accordingly, you can work on your priority areas.
3. Newspaper & Current Affairs Compilation : While preparing for the current affair, make concise notes from newspapers. If you can’t consistently follow the daily newspaper, you can take the monthly magazine from your trusted institute.
Month 3: Intensive Revision & Exam Strategy
1. Full-Length Mock Tests & Time Management: Mock tests play a very important role in exam preparation. So, at least aim to attempt at least two full-length mock tests every week. Practicing previous years’ question papers will help you understand the exam pattern. Regular timed practice will enhance your speed and accuracy, boosting your overall performance.
2. Focus strategically : Prioritize frequently asked topics such as polity, geography, and history. Revise maps, important articles, and economic terms. It seems that so many candidates struggle with time management for CSAT papers. So, don’t ignore the CSAT paper.
3. Last-Minute Preparation & Mental Readiness : Avoid studying new topics in the last two weeks. Revise formulae, key facts, and important events. Maintain a positive mindset and follow a healthy routine for better retention
Key Do’s and Don’ts for APSC Prelims
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Follow a structured timetable | Avoid random study without planning |
| Revise regularly | Do not leave revision for the last moment |
| Revise regularly | Do not leave revision for the last moment |
| Take mock tests | Don’t ignore CSAT, even if it’s qualifying |
| Keep updated with current affairs | Avoid excessive reliance on social media |
| Manage time effectively | Avoid burnout and stress |
Borthakur’s IAS Academy: Your Trusted Partner for APSC Prelims
With a track record of success since 2014, Borthakur’s IAS Academy remains a trusted name for civil service aspirants. We ensure that you receive the right guidance and resources to turn your civil service dream into reality. Here’s how we can help you:
- Structured Preparation: With our comprehensive and strategic study plan for APSC Prelims, we cover the syllabus in a systematic manner.
- Expert Faculty: With our expert faculties, students get high-quality mentorship without needing to relocate to Delhi or other coaching hubs.
- Exclusive Study Materials: Well-curated and exam-oriented study materials can help you to enhance your preparation and focus on important topics.
- Mock Test Series: You can also opt for a highly regarded mock test series for Prelims, which simulates the actual exam and can help you improve their speed, accuracy, and confidence
- Current Affairs & Assam-Specific Topics: You will get dedicated coverage of regional and national current affairs. This will be crucial for clearing the APSC Prelims.
- Motivational Seminars & Officer Interaction: Regular seminars by serving IAS, ACS, and IPS officers offer insights into the examination process and life in civil services.
- Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one mentorship and doubt-clearing sessions address individual challenges and can help refine your exam strategies.
- State-of-the-Art Learning Facilities: Modern classrooms, online resources, and blended learning options create a comfortable and focused study environment.
- Interview Preparation: For those advancing to the final stage, expert guidance from retired officers and professionals ensures well-rounded preparation.
Conclusion
Preparing for the APSC Prelims in three months requires discipline, consistency, and smart strategies. By following this structured plan, you can effectively cover the syllabus, enhance their problem-solving skills, and boost their confidence for the exam. Stay focused, revise regularly, and practice diligently to maximize your chances of success. The key to success lies in a well-balanced approach that integrates conceptual understanding, regular practice, and time management. Stick to your schedule, believe in yourself, and success will follow.