Understanding the APSC CCE exam pattern 2026 is essential for candidates preparing for the Combined Competitive Examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). Knowing the structure of Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages helps candidates prepare strategically and manage time effectively.
The official exam pattern is released by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) on its official website along with the recruitment notification.
In this article, we provide a complete breakdown of the APSC CCE 2026 exam structure, paper pattern, marking scheme, and stage-wise details.
For regular government job updates in Assam, candidates can also check our updated Assam Job Alert page.
Table of Contents
Overview of APSC CCE 2026 Selection Stages
The APSC CCE is conducted in three stages:
1️⃣ Preliminary Examination (Objective)
2️⃣ Main Examination (Descriptive)
3️⃣ Interview / Personality Test
Candidates must clear each stage to move to the next.
APSC CCE Exam Pattern 2026 – Preliminary Exam
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage and acts as a screening test.
Number of Papers: 2
Mode of Exam: Offline (OMR-based)
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Paper I – General Studies
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Objective Type
This paper tests general awareness and knowledge across multiple subjects.
Marks obtained in Prelims are generally used only for shortlisting candidates for Mains and do not count toward final merit.
Paper II – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Objective Type
- Qualifying Nature (minimum qualifying marks required)
CSAT usually requires candidates to secure minimum qualifying marks (as specified in official notification).
Candidates must clear both papers to qualify for the Mains examination.
APSC CCE Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify Prelims appear for the Main Examination, which is descriptive in nature.
The Mains exam typically includes:
- Essay Paper
- General Studies Papers
- Optional Subject Papers
Mode: Written (Descriptive)
Language: English (except language papers if applicable)
Structure of Mains Examination
Essay Paper
- Total Marks: 250
- Candidates must write structured essays on given topics.
General Studies Papers
Usually 4 papers covering:
- Indian Heritage & Culture
- Governance & Constitution
- Economic Development
- Ethics & Integrity
Each paper carries substantial marks and plays a crucial role in final merit ranking.
Optional Subject Papers
Candidates must choose one optional subject.
- Two papers for optional subject
- Each paper generally carries 250 marks
Optional subjects contribute significantly to overall score.
APSC CCE Interview Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify the Mains examination are called for Interview.
Total Marks: Generally 275 (subject to notification)
The Interview assesses:
- Personality
- Communication skills
- Administrative aptitude
- Current affairs awareness
- Decision-making ability
The final merit list is prepared based on Mains + Interview marks.
Marking Scheme in APSC CCE 2026
Prelims:
- Objective type
- Negative marking may apply (as per notification)
Mains:
- Descriptive answers
- No negative marking
- Marks counted for final ranking
Interview:
- Marks added to Mains score for final merit list
Exact marking scheme will be confirmed in the official notification.
Comparison Between Prelims & Mains Pattern
| Feature | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Objective | Descriptive |
| Purpose | Screening | Merit-based |
| Marks Counted in Final Merit | No | Yes |
| Subjects | General Studies + CSAT | Essay + GS + Optional |
Understanding this difference helps in planning preparation.
Important Points Regarding APSC CCE Exam Pattern
- Prelims is qualifying in nature.
- Mains and Interview determine final selection.
- Time management is critical.
- Optional subject choice impacts overall score.
- Answer writing practice is essential for Mains.
Candidates must align preparation with syllabus and pattern simultaneously.
You can check the complete subject-wise syllabus in our detailed guide on APSC CCE syllabus 2026.
Relation With Eligibility & Age Criteria
Before focusing on exam preparation, candidates must ensure they meet eligibility requirements such as:
Failure to meet eligibility conditions leads to rejection even after clearing exams.
Preparation Tips Based on Exam Pattern
To prepare effectively:
- Focus on clearing Prelims with strong fundamentals
- Practice descriptive answer writing daily
- Choose optional subject wisely
- Revise current affairs regularly
- Take mock tests for both Prelims and Mains
Candidates should also understand career benefits like APSC CCE salary 2026 to stay motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages are there in APSC CCE 2026?
There are three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Are Prelims marks counted in final merit?
No, Prelims is only for screening.
Does Mains include optional subject?
Yes, candidates must choose one optional subject.
Is there negative marking in Prelims?
Negative marking depends on official notification.
Where can I check official exam pattern?
The official exam pattern is published on the APSC website and updates are also available under our Assam Job Alert section.
Conclusion
The APSC CCE exam pattern 2026 includes a structured three-stage selection process designed to assess knowledge, analytical ability, and personality traits of candidates. Understanding the exam pattern helps aspirants prepare systematically and avoid strategic mistakes.
Candidates should regularly check official notifications and align preparation according to the prescribed structure.
For continuous updates regarding Assam government jobs, visit our Assam Job Alert page regularly.