APSC Eligibility Criteria 2025: Complete Guide for Assam Civil Services Aspirants

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) conducts the Assam Civil Services (ACS) Examination to recruit officers for prestigious administrative posts in the state government. Before starting preparation, every aspirant must clearly understand the APSC eligibility criteria, as even a minor mismatch can lead to disqualification at later stages.

This detailed guide explains APSC eligibility criteria covering nationality, age limit, age relaxation, educational qualification, residency requirements, language proficiency, number of attempts, and important FAQs. Whether you are a first-time aspirant or a repeat candidate, this article will help you verify your eligibility with clarity and confidence.

What is the APSC Exam?

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is the constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates for civil services and other government posts in Assam. The Assam Civil Services (Combined Competitive Examination) is the most sought-after exam conducted by APSC.

The selection process consists of:

• Preliminary Examination
• Main Examination
• Interview / Personality Test

Meeting the APSC eligibility criteria is mandatory at every stage of this process.

APSC Eligibility Criteria: Overview

Before applying, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:

• Nationality
• Age limit (with relaxations)
• Educational qualification
• Residency status
• Language proficiency
• Attempt limits

Failure to meet any of these criteria can result in rejection of candidature, even after clearing written exams.

Criteria	Requirement
Nationality	Indian citizen
Age Limit	21–38 years
Age Relaxation	SC/ST: 5 yrs, OBC: 3 yrs, PwBD: 10 yrs
Education	Graduation (any discipline)
Residency	Permanent resident of Assam (PRC required)
Language	Assamese / official Assam language
Attempts	No limit (age-based)

Nationality Requirement for APSC Exam

As per official guidelines under the APSC eligibility criteria:

The candidate must be a citizen of India.

There is no provision for foreign nationals, OCI card holders, or NRI candidates. Proof of Indian citizenship may be verified during document verification.

Age Limit for APSC Exam

Age Criteria (as on 1st January of the Exam Year)

According to the APSC eligibility criteria, the age limits are:

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 38 years

This age is calculated as on 1st January of the year in which the examination notification is issued.

Example:
If the APSC notification is released in 2025, the candidate’s age on 1st January 2025 will be considered.

Age Relaxation Under APSC Eligibility Criteria

APSC provides age relaxation to candidates belonging to reserved categories, as per Assam government rules.

Category-wise Age Relaxation

• SC / ST candidates: Relaxation of 5 years
• OBC / MOBC candidates: Relaxation of 3 years
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Relaxation of 10 years
• Ex-servicemen: Age relaxation as per applicable Assam government rules

Important Notes:

• Age relaxation benefits are applicable only to candidates of Assam.
• Valid caste certificates and disability certificates must be produced during verification.
• Multiple relaxations are not cumulative unless specified in the official notification.

Educational Qualification for APSC Exam

Minimum Qualification Required

As per APSC eligibility criteria, a candidate must:

Possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.

The degree can be in any discipline — Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical, or Professional courses.

Final-Year Students

Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation are eligible to apply for the Preliminary Examination. However, they must produce proof of passing the graduation exam before appearing in the Main Examination.

Important Clarifications:

• Degrees obtained through distance education are accepted if recognized by UGC.
• Professional degrees (B.Tech, MBBS, BBA, etc.) are valid.

Residency Requirement for APSC Exam

Residency is a crucial and Assam-specific component of the APSC eligibility criteria.

Permanent Resident of Assam

To be eligible:

The candidate must be a permanent resident of Assam.

Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC)

Candidates must possess a valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) issued by competent Assam authorities. PRC is mandatory during document verification.

Why Residency Matters

APSC is a state civil service, and preference is given to candidates who:

• Understand Assam’s administrative structure
• Are familiar with local issues, culture, and governance
• Can serve effectively in district and state-level roles

Language Requirement for APSC Eligibility Criteria

Language proficiency is an important but often overlooked aspect.

Language Knowledge Required

Candidates must:

Have knowledge of Assamese or any official language of Assam.

Official languages include:

• Assamese
• Bengali (in Barak Valley districts)
• Bodo
• Other officially recognized languages as notified by the Assam government

Language proficiency may be assessed during:

• Interview stage
• Service allocation
• Field postings

Number of Attempts in APSC Exam

Attempt Limit Policy

Under the APSC eligibility criteria:

There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts.

Key Condition:
Candidates can attempt the exam as many times as they want, provided they remain within the prescribed age limit.

This makes APSC more flexible compared to some other competitive exams and encourages consistent improvement across attempts.

Important Documents Required to Prove Eligibility

Candidates must produce original documents during verification:

• Proof of age (HSLC certificate)
• Graduation degree / provisional certificate
• Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-servicemen certificate (if applicable)
• Valid ID proof

Failure to produce documents can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make Regarding APSC Eligibility Criteria

• Assuming PRC is optional
• Miscalculating age as on the wrong date
• Applying without proper caste certificate format
• Believing final-year students can skip degree proof later
• Ignoring language requirements

Understanding APSC eligibility criteria thoroughly can save years of preparation from going waste.

Final Words on APSC Eligibility Criteria

The APSC eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that only qualified, state-connected, and capable candidates enter Assam’s administrative services. Before starting preparation, every aspirant should carefully cross-check eligibility and keep all documents ready.

Understanding eligibility early helps you:

• Avoid last-minute rejections
• Plan attempts strategically
• Focus fully on preparation without uncertainty

Preparing for APSC with the Right Guidance

Clearing APSC requires not just eligibility, but structured preparation, Assam-specific guidance, and consistent mentoring.

Only Competition IAS, Guwahati, is one of Assam’s most trusted institutes for APSC preparation, known for:

• Assam-focused GS coverage
• Updated APSC exam pattern orientation
• Answer writing and interview guidance
• Experienced faculty with state service expertise

If you are serious about clearing APSC and fulfilling the APSC eligibility criteria with confidence, the right guidance can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there any optional subject in APSC exam?
No. The APSC CCE currently does not have an optional subject.

Can candidates from other states apply for APSC?
No. Only permanent residents of Assam with valid PRC are eligible.

Is there any upper limit on attempts?
No fixed attempt limit, only age limit applies.

Can diploma holders apply?
No. A graduation degree is mandatory.