APSC Syllabus 2026 covers five distinct posts across geology, chemistry, mining, and geophysics disciplines, each with a two-paper screening test conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission. The exam consists of Paper-I (General Studies, common to all posts) and Paper-II (subject-specific content). This syllabus is based on the official notification released by APSC on 17/07/2026.
The Assam Public Service Commission conducts screening tests for specialised technical positions, including Assistant Geologist, Chemist, Drilling Engineer, Assistant Mining Engineer, and Geophysicist. Visit https://apsc.nic.in for official updates and candidate resources.
Understanding the APSC Exam
The APSC screening test evaluates candidates on domain-specific technical knowledge alongside foundational general awareness. Paper I assesses understanding of Indian geography, history, economics, and current affairs with a focus on Assam’s context, while Paper II tests deep subject expertise in specialised fields such as geology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, mining, or geophysics. Candidates who clear this screening qualify for higher stages of recruitment to Group A and Group B positions within the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Assam and related departments.
Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) |
| Posts Covered | Assistant Geologist, Chemist, Drilling Engineer, Assistant Mining Engineer, Geophysicist |
| Exam Mode | Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Total Papers | Paper-I (General Studies) and Paper-II (Subject-Specific) |
| Marks per Paper | 100 marks each |
| Duration per Paper | 2 hours each |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
Selection Process
- Screening Test (Written Exam): Candidates appear for Paper-I (General Studies) and Paper-II (subject-specific based on the post applied for). Both papers are mandatory.
- Merit Preparation: Candidates who qualify for the screening test are ranked based on their combined performance in both papers.
- Further Stages: Qualifying candidates may be called for an interview or additional rounds as specified by APSC.
Exam Pattern – Paper-I (General Studies)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 hours, Question Type: Multiple Choice, Objective Questions, Negative Marking: As per official notification
Exam Pattern – Paper-II (Subject-Specific)
| Post | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Geologist | Geology | 100 |
| Chemist | Chemistry | 100 |
| Drilling Engineer | Mechanical Engineering | 100 |
| Assistant Mining Engineer | Mining and Geology | 100 |
| Geophysicist | Geophysics | 100 |
Duration per Paper: 2 hours, Question Format: Objective Type (MCQ), Number of Questions: Not specified in official notification
Paper-I Detailed Syllabus: General Studies
Constitution and Political System of India
- Constitutional framework and fundamental principles
- Parliamentary system and governance structure
- Rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens
- Electoral process and democratic institutions
- Recent constitutional amendments
Current Events of National and International Importance
- Recent developments in Indian politics and governance
- International relations and diplomatic initiatives
- Global economic and political trends
- Major world events affecting India
- Regional and bilateral agreements
Indian Economy and Planning Process
- Economic structure and sectors of the Indian economy
- Five-Year Plans and long-term planning
- Fiscal and monetary policies
- Economic growth indicators and performance metrics
- Development and poverty reduction strategies
Geography of India, Assam and the World
- Physical geography: landforms, climate, water resources
- Political geography and administrative divisions
- Natural resources and their distribution
- Assam’s geography, rivers, mineral deposits, and regional significance
- World geography: continents, oceans, and geopolitical regions
Role of Science and Technology in India
- Scientific achievements and research institutions
- Technological advancement in agriculture, industry, and services
- Space exploration and satellite programs
- Information technology and digital transformation
- Science education and innovation policies
Culture and History of Assam, India and the World
- Ancient Indian civilization and empires
- Medieval and modern Indian history
- Assam’s history, cultural heritage, and regional identity
- World civilizations and historical movements
- Art, literature, architecture, and cultural traditions
Indian National Movement with Special Reference to Assam
- Freedom struggle and anti-colonial movements
- Key figures and organisations in India’s independence
- Assam’s role in the national movement
- Regional movements and struggles
- Independence and partition
Paper-II Detailed Syllabus: Assistant Geologist (Geology)
(A) Structural Geology and Seismology
- Stress and strain in crustal deformation
- Ductile and brittle deformation mechanisms
- Faults: normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults
- Fold structures and fold classification
- Thrust systems and shear zones
- Rheology of crustal materials
- Graphical interpretation of geological structures
- Earthquake terminology and definitions
- Seismic waves: P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves
- Magnitude scales: Richter, moment magnitude
- Focal depth and hypocentral location
- Peak ground acceleration and velocity
- Paleoseismology and seismic hazard assessment
(B) Mineralogy, Crystal Chemistry and Thermodynamics in Geology
- Chemical composition of minerals
- Crystal systems and mineral classification
- X-ray crystallography and crystal structure
- Ionic bonding in minerals
- Mineral transformation and exsolution in rock-forming silicates
- Silicate minerals and their structure
- Laws of thermodynamics in geological systems
- Gibbs free energy and phase equilibria
- Clausius-Clapeyron equation
- Raoult’s Law and Henry’s Law in solutions
- Activity-composition relationships
(C) Geoinformatics, Geomorphology and Quaternary Geology
- Remote sensing: principles and applications
- Photogrammetry and image interpretation
- Thermal and microwave remote sensing
- Image processing and enhancement
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis
- Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
- Quaternary Period: divisions and chronology
- Dating methods: radiocarbon, potassium-argon, thermoluminescence
- Quaternary climate and paleoclimate reconstruction
- Quaternary tectonics and neotectonics
- Quaternary stratigraphy and lithostratigraphy
- Sedimentary records and paleoenvironmental interpretation
(D) Hydrogeology, Climatology and Oceanography
- Hydrologic cycle and water balance
- Groundwater occurrence and aquifer types
- Groundwater movement and Darcy’s Law
- Well hydraulics and pumping test analysis
- Groundwater assessment and resource evaluation
- Atmospheric composition and structure
- Precipitation mechanisms and distribution
- Weather disturbances and extreme events
- Ocean water composition and classification
- Ocean circulation and current systems
- Tides and wave mechanics
(E) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Magma generation and source regions
- Mantle melting and partial melting processes
- Geochemical characteristics of magmas
- Phase equilibria and crystallisation
- IUGS classification of igneous rocks
- Granites, basalts, and other major rock types
- Plutonic and volcanic rock series
- Regional metamorphism and metamorphic facies
- Contact metamorphism and thermal aureoles
- Metamorphic textures and microstructures
- P-T-t (pressure-temperature-time) paths
- Mineral assemblages and mineral reactions
- Geothermometry and geobarometry calculations
(F) Geochemistry, Isotope Geology and Engineering Geology
- Crust-mantle geochemical systems
- Element distribution and trace element behaviour
- Radiogenic isotopes: Rb-Sr, K-Ar, U-Pb dating
- Stable isotopes: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur
- Isotope fractionation
- Statistical methods in geological data analysis
- Engineering properties of soils and rocks
- Rock strength and deformation
- Dam and reservoir engineering
- Tunnel construction and geotechnical assessment
- Foundation design and slope stability
- Rock blasting and excavation
(G) Economic Geology
- Genesis of ore deposits
- Hydrothermal and supergene processes
- Metallic mineral deposits of India: iron, copper, zinc, gold
- Non-metallic minerals: feldspar, mica, limestone
- Rare earth elements and strategic minerals
- Radioactive minerals: uranium, thorium
- Mineral prospecting and exploration methods
- Geochemical and geophysical exploration
- Mining and extraction techniques
- Environmental impact of mining
(H) Sedimentology and Surveying and Mapping
- Sediment transport and deposition
- Textural elements of sediments: grain size, shape, sorting
- Sedimentary structures and paleocurrent analysis
- Depositional environments: fluvial, deltaic, marine, lacustrine
- Genetic classification of sedimentary rocks
- Sandstones, shales, carbonates, and evaporites
- Diagenesis and compaction
- Types of geological surveys: reconnaissance, detailed
- Theodolite surveying and traverse
- GPS and GNSS technology
- Geologic field mapping
- Stratigraphic column construction
- Geological cross-sections
(I) Stratigraphy and Geodynamics
- Principles of stratigraphy: superposition, cross-cutting
- Lithostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy
- Biostratigraphy and index fossils
- Indian stratigraphy: Precambrian to Cenozoic
- Proterozoic geology and glaciation
- Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sequences
- Cenozoic geology and mountain building
- Stratigraphy of Northeast India and Assam
- Plate tectonics and plate boundaries
- Sea-floor spreading and oceanic crust
- Subduction zones and deep Earth processes
- Himalayan tectonics and orogeny
- Continental collision and crustal thickening
- Planetary geology and comparative planetology
(J) Palaeontology and Fuel Geology
- Micropalaeontology and microfossils
- Foraminifers and their biostratigraphy
- Ostracods and their paleoenvironmental significance
- Vertebrate palaeontology and evolution
- Paleontological methods and techniques
- Palynology and pollen analysis
- Palaeobotany and plant fossils
- Coal: origin, formation, and rank
- Coal sampling and petrography
- Coal utilization and energy
- Petroleum geology and hydrocarbon systems
- Source rocks and maturation
- Reservoir rocks and seal formations
- Migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons
- Drilling and exploration methods
(K) Fluvial System and Environmental Geology
- Drainage basin evolution and morphometry
- River systems and fluvial processes
- Erosion and deposition in river channels
- Fluvial landforms: terraces, meanders, deltas
- Fluvial depositional environments
- Alluvial fan and braided river systems
- Flood plains and channel morphology
- Environmental geology and environmental impact assessment
- Pollution from mining and industrial activity
- Landslides: causes, mechanisms, and hazard mitigation
- Flood hazards and flood management
- Water pollution and contamination
- Soil degradation and erosion control
- Coastal zone management
- Earthquake hazards and disaster management
Paper-II Detailed Syllabus: Chemist (Chemistry)
Group 1: Inorganic Chemistry
- Bonding in polyhedral boranes and carboranes
- Organoboranes and boron compounds
- Chemistry of aluminium (Al)
- Chemistry of gallium (Ga)
- Chemistry of indium (In)
- Chemistry of thallium (Tl)
- Fullerenes and carbon allotropes
- Silicates and silicate minerals
- Clays and clay minerals
- Zeolites and molecular sieves
- Organometallic compounds of lithium (Li)
- Organometallic compounds of beryllium (Be)
- Organometallic compounds of magnesium (Mg)
- Organometallic compounds of mercury (Hg)
- Chemistry of the second transition series elements
- Chemistry of the third transition series elements
- Bonding in coordination compounds
- Valence Bond Theory (VBT)
- Crystal Field Theory (CFT)
- Ligand field theory
- Electronic spectra of transition metal complexes
- Magnetic properties of transition metal complexes
- Mechanism of inorganic reactions
- Nuclear chemistry and radioactivity
- Radiochemistry applications
- Introduction to solid state chemistry
- Metal carbonyls and carbonyl complexes
- Metal alkyls and alkyl complexes
- Carbenes and carbene complexes
- Catalytic reactions in organometallic chemistry
Group 2: Modern Methods of Analysis
- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy
- Raman spectroscopy
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR)
- Mössbauer spectroscopy
- UV-visible spectroscopy
- Mass spectrometry (MS)
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
- Thermogravimetric derivative (DTG)
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD)
- Single crystal X-ray diffraction
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
- Polarography
- Cyclic voltammetry
- Other electroanalytical methods
Group 3: Physical Chemistry
- Equilibrium thermodynamics
- Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
- Statistical thermodynamics
- Partition functions
- Polymer chemistry and polymerisation
- Polymer properties and characterization
- Sampling methods in analysis
- Standard deviation and statistical measures
- Linear regression and curve fitting
- Correlation coefficient analysis
Group 4: Experiments on Conductometric Titrations
- Conductometric titration principles
- Strength comparison of solutions
- Determination of binary mixture components
- Determination of ternary mixture components
- Degree of hydrolysis determination
- Concentration determination by conductometry
Group 5: Spectroscopy
- Fundamentals of absorption spectroscopy
- Emission spectroscopy principles
- Rotational spectroscopy
- Vibrational spectroscopy
- Raman spectroscopy
- Electronic spectroscopy
- UV-visible spectroscopy
- Fluorescence spectroscopy
- Phosphorescence spectroscopy
Group 6: Organic Chemistry
- Sharpless epoxidation
- Jacobsen epoxidation
- Shi epoxidation
- Baeyer-Villiger oxidation
- Wacker oxidation
- Catalytic hydrogenation
- Metal-based reduction reactions
- Hydride transfer reagents
- Qualitative analysis of solid-solid mixtures
- Qualitative analysis of solid-liquid mixtures
- Qualitative analysis of liquid-liquid mixtures
Group 7: Catalysis Science and Technology
- Catalyst synthesis methods
- Catalyst preparation techniques
- Zeolites as catalysts
- Mesoporous materials
- Clays as catalysts
- Energy and catalytic processes
- Oil refining and catalysis
- Steam reforming processes
- Hydrotreating processes
- Fuel cells and catalysis
Group 8: X-ray Crystallography
- Crystalline state and crystal structure
- Principles of X-ray diffraction
- Bragg’s Law
- X-ray diffraction experimental methods
- Powder X-ray diffraction applications
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction applications
- Macromolecular crystallography
- Structure determination and refinement
Group 9: Green Chemistry
- Essentials of green chemistry
- Twelve principles of green chemistry
- Green chemistry metrics
- Waste production and prevention
- Atom economy
- Catalysis and sustainability
- Feedstock chemicals from biomass
- Renewable feedstocks
- Designing sustainable chemical solutions
- Life cycle assessment
Paper-II Detailed Syllabus: Drilling Engineer (Mechanical Engineering)
Statics
- Equilibrium equations and conditions
- Forces and force systems
- Moment and couple
- Friction and limiting friction
- Applications of equilibrium equations
Dynamics
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Equations of motion
- Simple harmonic motion
- Kinematics and kinetics
- Work and energy theorem
- Power and efficiency
Theory of Machines
- Links and mechanisms
- Kinematic pairs and chains
- Four-bar mechanism
- Cams and followers
- Gears and gear trains
- Speed ratios and gear ratios
- Governors: types and operation
- Flywheel and balancing
- Vibration of bars and beams
Mechanics of Solids
- Stress and strain relationships
- Hooke’s Law and elastic modulus
- Poisson’s ratio
- Bending moments and shear force diagrams
- Cantilever and simply supported beams
- Torsion of circular shafts
- Combined stresses
- Principal stresses and strains
- Failure theories
Manufacturing Science
- Metal cutting: orthogonal and oblique cutting
- Cutting tools and tool geometry
- Machining processes: turning, milling, grinding
- Casting methods and defects
- Welding processes: fusion and resistance welding
- Heat treatment of metals
- Forging and extrusion
- Surface finishing
Production Management
- Method study and work simplification
- Time study and standard time
- Product design and development
- Break-even analysis
- Cost estimation
- Routing and scheduling
- Quality control and statistical process control
Thermodynamics
- First Law of Thermodynamics
- Second Law of Thermodynamics
- Entropy and available energy
- Carnot Cycle
- Rankine Cycle
- Otto Cycle
- Diesel Cycle
- Brayton Cycle
Fluid Mechanics
- Properties of fluids
- Hydrostatics and pressure
- Buoyancy and floatation
- Continuity equation
- Bernoulli’s theorem and applications
- Laminar and turbulent flow
- Boundary layer theory
- Pipe flow and pressure drop
Heat Transfer
- Conduction heat transfer
- Fourier’s Law
- Thermal conductivity
- Fins and finned surfaces
- Convection heat transfer
- Convective heat transfer coefficient
- Radiation heat transfer
- Heat exchangers: types and design
Energy Conversion
- Compressors: reciprocating and rotary
- Hydraulic pumps and motors
- Turbines: impulse and reaction
- Boilers and steam generation
- Power plant layout and operation
- Energy efficiency
Environmental Control
- Refrigeration cycles
- Vapour compression refrigeration
- Refrigerants and environmental impact
- Psychrometrics and humid air
- Cooling and dehumidification
- Air conditioning systems
Paper-II Detailed Syllabus: Assistant Mining Engineer (Mining and Geology)
Unit 1: Basic Concepts of Mining and Geology
- Mining terminology and definitions
- Mineral resources and classification
- Energy resources
- Engineering geology basics
- Economic geology fundamentals
- Ore and gangue minerals
- Ore formation processes
- Weathering and supergene processes
- Indian mineral deposits: distribution and types
- Seismic zones of India
- Geological hazards
Unit 2: Mine Development and Surveying
- Access to mineral deposits: shafts, adits, inclines
- Underground drivage: tunnelling and development
- Drilling principles and theory
- Drilling machines: percussion and rotary
- Explosives: chemical composition and classification
- Blast design and fragmentation
- Blasting hazards and safety
- Mine surveying: theory and practice
- Levelling and differential levelling
- Theodolite surveying
- Tacheometry and measurement
- Triangulation and traversing
- GPS and Differential GPS (DGPS)
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Drone survey applications in mining
Unit 3: Geomechanics and Ground Control
- Geotechnical properties of rocks
- Rock strength and deformation characteristics
- Rock mass classification: RMR, Q system
- Theories of rock failure
- Stress analysis and redistribution
- Subsidence and ground movement
- Rock bursts: causes and control
- Pillar design and calculation
- Roof support systems
- Artificial support: props, beams, bolts
- Rock bolting technology
- Mine filling: hydraulic and dry filling
- Strata control measures
Unit 4: Mining Methods and Machinery
- Surface mining: open pit and open cast
- Mining layout and planning
- Equipment selection and utilization
- Underground coal mining: bord and pillar method
- Longwall mining systems
- Powered Support Systems (PSS)
- Underground metal mining: sublevel stoping, cut and fill
- Room and pillar mining
- Mining machinery: draglines and shovels
- Haulage systems: belt conveyors, haul trucks
- Hoisting systems and winding
- Crushers and comminution equipment
- Continuous miners and load-haul-dump vehicles
Unit 5: Surface Environment, Mine Ventilation, and Underground Hazards
- Air pollution control in mining
- Water pollution and acid mine drainage
- Soil contamination and remediation
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Mine ventilation systems
- Ventilation networks and analysis
- Ventilation planning and design
- Mine gases: classification and detection
- Methane and coal mine explosions
- Mine fires: prevention and control
- Dust control measures
- Mine inundation and water management
- Mine rescue operations and safety
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Occupational health in mining
Unit 6: Mine Economics, Mine Planning, Mine Management
- Mineral resource classification: geological and economic
- Reserve estimation methods
- Discounted cash flow analysis
- Mine valuation
- Investment analysis
- Sampling methods and statistics
- Cutoff grade calculation
- Pit planning and optimization
- Production planning
- PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)
- CPM (Critical Path Method)
- Budgetary control and cost management
- Mine closure planning
Unit 7: Mine Legislation
- Mining Lease approval process
- Mining Plan approval and requirements
- Mine Closure Plan requirements
- Environmental clearance procedures
- Forest clearance and permissions
- National Mineral Policy 2019
- Mineral Concession Rules
- Mines Act 1952: regulations and compliance
- Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 1956
- Coal Mine Regulation 2017
- Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) Circulars
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020
Paper-II Detailed Syllabus: Geophysicist (Geophysics)
Mathematics and Physics
- Vector calculus: gradient, divergence, curl
- Differential equations and solutions
- Fourier analysis and transforms
- Numerical methods and computation
- Classical mechanics: kinematics and dynamics
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Conservation laws
- Electromagnetism: electric and magnetic fields
- Maxwell’s equations
- Wave propagation
General Geology
- Physical geology and Earth processes
- Mineral and rock identification
- Mineralogy and crystal systems
- Petrology: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks
- Structural geology and tectonics
- Stratigraphy and chronology
- Plate tectonics and geodynamics
- Geomorphology and surface processes
Gravity and Magnetic Methods
- Earth’s gravitational field and variations
- Gravity anomalies and interpretation
- Reduction of gravity data
- Corrections: free air, Bouguer, terrain
- Earth’s magnetic field and secular variation
- Magnetic anomalies and sources
- Magnetic data processing
- Interpretation techniques
Seismic Methods
- Elastic wave theory
- Body waves and surface waves
- Seismic refraction method and ray paths
- Seismic reflection method and processing
- Seismology and earthquake seismology
- Crustal studies and velocity structure
- Seismic hazard assessment
Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods
- Resistivity surveys and methods
- Electrode arrays and configurations
- Self-potential (SP) method
- Induced polarisation (IP) method
- Time-domain electromagnetic (TEM)
- Frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM)
- Magnetotelluric (MT) method
- Borehole geophysics and logging
- Formation evaluation
Radiometric and Thermal Methods
- Natural radioactivity and decay
- Gamma-ray surveys
- Radiometric exploration methods
- Geothermal gradients
- Heat flow and heat transfer
- Geothermal resource assessment
- Temperature measurement and logging
Applied and Exploration Geophysics
- Mineral exploration using geophysical methods
- Coal exploration and characterization
- Groundwater exploration and assessment
- Oil and gas exploration basics
- Seismic interpretation for hydrocarbon exploration
- Engineering geophysics
- Geophysical site investigation
- Environmental geophysics
Remote Sensing, GIS and Computing
- Principles of remote sensing
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Satellite platforms and sensors
- Image processing and enhancement
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Spatial analysis and modeling
- Geophysical data integration
- Geophysical modeling
- Inversion techniques
Field Work and Practical
- Geophysical instrument operation
- Gravity meters and magnetic instruments
- Seismograph and recording systems
- Electrical and electromagnetic equipment
- Field survey techniques and procedures
- Data acquisition and quality control
- Technical report writing
- Interpretation and presentation
High-Weightage Areas
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Paper-I: General Studies | 100 |
| Paper-II: Subject-Specific | 100 |
Both papers carry equal weightage of 100 marks each, making the total examination weightage 200 marks. Paper-I tests foundational knowledge of Indian history, geography, economy, and governance, while Paper-II focuses on specialised domain expertise in your chosen field. Success requires balanced preparation for Paper-I combined with intensive subject-specific study for Paper-II.
Preparation Strategy for APSC Exam 2026
Since the exam carries 100 marks in each of Paper I and Paper II, neither paper can be overlooked. Paper-I (General Studies) requires consistent current affairs tracking alongside Assam-specific historical and cultural preparation, while Paper-II demands deep subject mastery of topics spanning multiple sub-disciplines within your chosen field. The 2-hour duration for each paper means approximately 1.2 minutes are available per question, requiring both conceptual clarity and speed; diagram-heavy subjects like structural geology, chemistry spectroscopy, and mechanical engineering require separate revision focused on visual representation and numerical problem-solving rather than pure memorisation.
How to Use This Syllabus Effectively
- Download the official syllabus PDF from the important links section below and keep it as your reference document. Use this page for quick topic lookup during your preparation.
- Go through the High-Weightage Areas table above and note that both papers carry equal marks (100 each), meaning you cannot ignore either Paper-I or Paper-II in your study plan.
- Work through the Detailed Syllabus section subject-by-subject for your chosen post, marking each topic as “done” as you complete it. This prevents accidental gaps in your coverage and ensures you address every listed topic.
- Use previous year question papers from APSC screening tests for technical posts (available on apsc.nic.in) alongside this syllabus to identify which topics within each unit appear most frequently and in what format.
- For Paper-II subjects with substantial numerical or diagram-based content (Geology, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering), allocate 30-40% of your revision time specifically to working through solved problems, numerical examples, and interpretation of diagrams rather than reading passages.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| Assistant Geologist Syllabus | Download PDF |
| Chemist Syllabus | Download PDF |
| Drilling Engineer Syllabus | Download PDF |
| Assistant Mining Engineer Syllabus | Download PDF |
| Geophysicist Syllabus | Download PDF |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the APSC Syllabus 2026 the same for all five posts?
Ans. Paper-I (General Studies) is common to all five posts, but Paper-II is entirely post-specific. An Assistant Geologist candidate studies Geology for Paper-II, while a Chemist candidate studies Chemistry based on Gauhati University standards. Each post has its own distinct subject syllabus.
Q2. Which topics in the APSC Syllabus 2026 should I prioritise for a limited time?
Ans. For Paper-I, prioritise current affairs, Assam’s geography and history, and the Indian economy since these are frequently tested. For Paper-II, identify the sub-sections with the highest density of topics within your chosen post and allocate 40% of study time there. For example, Assistant Geologist candidates should prioritise Structural Geology, Mineralogy, and Stratigraphy.
Q3. Is there negative marking in the APSC Screening Test 2026?
Ans. The official notification does not specify the exact negative marking scheme. Candidates must verify this detail on apsc.nic.in or contact APSC directly before finalising their test-taking strategy.
Q4. How many months of preparation are typically sufficient for the APSC Screening Test?
Ans. For a candidate with a relevant undergraduate degree in geology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or related fields, 4-6 months of focused preparation is generally adequate for both papers. If your academic background is not closely aligned with your chosen post’s subject, 6-8 months is safer. Paper I requires ongoing current affairs tracking alongside formal study.
Q5. Are previous year question papers available for this specific APSC Screening Test 2026?
Ans. The APSC website hosts previous year papers for various screening tests, though papers specific to this 2026 notification may not yet be available. Use papers from similar APSC screening tests for technical posts to understand question patterns, difficulty level, and time management requirements.
Q6. What is the best book or reference material for the APSC Assistant Geologist syllabus?
Ans. Since the syllabus is extensive and discipline-specific, rely on postgraduate-level textbooks like those used in Indian universities for geology honours or master’s programs. Standard references include books on structural geology, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry from authors recognised in geology academia. Your syllabus is topic-specific, so cross-reference it directly with textbook chapters rather than using a single “APSC-specific” guide.
Q7. How does the APSC Syllabus 2026 differ from the previous year’s syllabus?
Ans. The official APSC notification released on 17/07/2026 is the current reference. Compare it directly with previous year notifications on apsc.nic.in to identify any topic additions, removals, or restructuring. The core subject structure for each post typically remains consistent across years.
Q8. Can I prepare for multiple APSC posts simultaneously, or should I focus on one?
Ans. Since all five posts share the same Paper-I syllabus, you can prepare Paper-I comprehensively first. However, Paper-II syllabi are entirely different across posts. Choose one post based on your educational background and subject strength, as attempting multiple posts simultaneously will dilute preparation quality and increase study duration significantly.
How to Proceed
Start by downloading the official syllabus PDF specific to your chosen post from the Important Links section above. This is your foundation document and should guide every hour of your study. Focus first on building mastery of the high-weightage Paper-II topics within your specialisation, then layer Paper-I preparation through consistent daily engagement with current affairs and Assam-specific content. Stay updated with our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com for any official notifications or changes to this syllabus or exam schedule.
