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Overview of APSC Syllabus 2026

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially announced the syllabus for the recruitment screening test for various positions under the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Assam. This includes roles such as Assistant Geologist, Chemist, Drilling Engineer, Assistant Mining Engineer, and Geophysicist. In this detailed overview, we will explore the APSC Assistant Geologist syllabus for 2026 along with the syllabi for the other listed positions. As all five positions share a common Paper-I and have individual subject-specific Paper-IIs, this comprehensive outline aids candidates in strategizing their preparation effectively.

APSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview

Exam Pattern for APSC 2026

The structure of the exams is consistent across all five posts, as each role features the same Paper-I and distinct Paper-IIs tailored to the respective fields.

Paper-I Exam Pattern (Common for All Posts) - General Studies

Paper-II Exam Pattern (Post-wise) - Subject Paper

The official notification does not specify the number of questions for Paper-II across any of the five posts.

APSC Exam Syllabus 2026

The syllabus is categorized into Paper-I (General Studies, common for all posts) and Paper-II (specific to each subject). Below is the detailed breakdown of the subject-wise topics for all five posts.

1. Paper-I: General Studies (Common for All Five Posts)

• Constitution and Political System of India
• Current events of National and International Importance
• Indian Economy and Planning Process of India
• Geography of India, Assam, and World
• Role of Science and Technology in India
• Culture and History of Assam, India, and World
• Indian National Movement with a focus on Assam

2. Assistant Geologist Syllabus - Paper-II: Geology

• (A) Structural Geology and Seismology:
  • Structural Geology: strain and stress, deformation characteristics, folds and faults, thrust systems, strike-slip faults, shear zones, and rheology.
  • Seismology: terminology related to earthquakes, waves of seismic nature, scales of magnitude, depth of focus, peak ground acceleration and velocity, palaeoseismology.
• (B) Mineralogy, Crystal Chemistry, and Thermodynamics in Geology:
  • Mineralogy: composition of minerals on a chemical level, crystallography via X-ray, bonding types in minerals, transformation and exsolution processes in rock-forming silicates.
  • Thermodynamics: fundamental laws, Gibbs free energy, Clausius-Clapeyron relationship, Raoult's and Henry's laws.
• (C) Geoinformatics, Geomorphology, and Quaternary Geology:
  • Geoinformatics: techniques of remote sensing, photogrammetric methods, thermal and microwave remote sensing, processing of images, GIS applications.
  • Geomorphology and Quaternary Geology: subdivisions of the Quaternary Period, methods for dating, tectonics and climate of the Quaternary, stratigraphic studies, sedimentary records from India.
• (D) Hydrogeology, Climatology, and Oceanography:
  • Hydrogeology: hydrological cycle analysis, occurrence and flow of groundwater, understanding Darcy's law, well hydraulics, groundwater assessment strategies.
  • Climatology and Oceanography: components of the atmosphere, precipitation processes, weather disruptions, classifications of oceans.
• (E) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology:
  • Igneous Petrology: generation of magma, chemical characteristics, phase equilibrium, IUGS categorization, major types of igneous rocks.
  • Metamorphic Petrology: textures of regional metamorphic rock, paths of P-T-t, mineral assemblages, techniques for geothermometry and geobarometry.
• (F) Geochemistry, Isotope Geology, and Engineering Geology:
  • Geochemistry and Isotope Geology: geochemical systems within the crust and mantle, isotopes both radiogenic and stable, geological statistics.
  • Engineering Geology: properties of soils and rock in engineering contexts, geotechnical considerations for dams and reservoirs, tunnelling geotechnics.
• (G) Economic Geology:
  • Formation mechanisms of ore deposits, both metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits in India, radioactive minerals, methods for prospecting, exploration, and extraction of minerals.
• (H) Sedimentology, Surveying, and Mapping:
  • Sedimentology: elements of texture, structures in sedimentary rocks, environments of deposition, genetic classifications for sedimentary rocks.
  • Surveying and Mapping: various types of surveys, GPS/GNSS methodologies, geological surveying and field mapping techniques.
• (I) Stratigraphy and Geodynamics:
  • Stratigraphy: principles governing stratigraphic studies, Indian stratigraphy spanning from Precambrian to Cenozoic, stratigraphic insights for Northeast India.
  • Geodynamics: understanding plate tectonics, sea-floor spreading processes, tectonics of the Himalayas, geology of planetary bodies.
• (J) Palaeontology and Fuel Geology:
  • Palaeontology: studies in micropalaeontology, foraminiferal studies, vertebrate palaeontology, analysis of palynology.
  • Fuel Geology: origins of coal, sampling and petrographic analysis, coal utilization, origins, characteristics of reservoir rocks, exploration, and drilling of petroleum.
• (K) Fluvial System and Environmental Geology:
  • Fluvial System: evolution of drainage basins, fluvial processes and their resultant landforms, environments of fluvial deposition.
  • Environmental Geology: pollution and hazards related to mining activities, risks of landslides, floods, and water contamination.

3. Chemist Syllabus - Paper-II: Chemistry (Based on Gauhati University Syllabus)

• Group 1: Inorganic Chemistry:
  • Bonding characteristics in polyhedral boranes and carboranes, organoboranes, chemistry pertaining to Al, Ga, In, and Tl.
  • Fullerenes, silicates, clays, zeolites, along with organometallic compounds of Li, Be, Mg, and Hg.
  • Chemistry related to the second and third transition series elements, bonding characteristics in coordination compounds (VBT, CFT, ligand field theories).
  • Magnetic properties and electronic spectra pertaining to transition metal complexes.
  • Mechanisms for inorganic reactions, foundations of nuclear and radiochemistry, introductory concepts in solid state chemistry.
  • Organometallic chemistry: metal carbonyls, metal alkyls, carbenes, with a focus on catalytic reactions.
• Group 2: Modern Methods of Analysis:
  • Characterization techniques for inorganic and organic molecules utilizing IR, Raman, NMR, EPR, Mössbauer, UV-visible, MS.
  • Thermal analytical methods (TGA, DTA, DTG, DSC), diffraction analysis (powder and single crystal XRD).
  • Separation approaches (GC, HPLC, GPC), and electro-analytical techniques (polarography, cyclic voltammetry).
• Group 3: Physical Chemistry:
  • Thermodynamics: equilibrium and non-equilibrium concepts, statistical thermodynamics, principles of polymer chemistry.
  • Sampling and data interpretation: understanding standard deviation, linear regression, correlation coefficients.
• Group 4: Experiments on Conductometric Titrations:
  • Comparison of strengths and determination of components in binary and ternary mixtures through conductometric titration.
  • Measurement of hydrolysis degree and concentration via conductance analysis.
• Group 5: Spectroscopy:
  • Key concepts of absorption and emission spectroscopy, including rotational, vibrational, and Raman spectroscopy.
  • Electronic spectroscopy aspects covering UV-visible, fluorescence, and phosphorescence phenomena.
• Group 6: Organic Chemistry:
  • Oxidation reactions (Sharpless, Jacobsen, Shi epoxidation, Baeyer-Villiger, Wacker oxidation techniques).
  • Reduction reactions (catalytic hydrogenation processes, metal-catalyzed reductions, hydride transfer reagents).
  • Qualitative assessments of binary mixtures (solid-solid, solid-liquid, liquid-liquid).
• Group 7: Catalysis Science and Technology:
  • Techniques for catalyst synthesis and preparation, zeolite-formation, mesoporous materials, and clays.
  • Energy-related processes in catalysis: oil refining techniques, steam reforming, hydrotreating, fuel cell applications.
• Group 8: X-ray Crystallography:
  • Understanding the crystalline state, principles behind X-ray diffraction, applications in X-ray diffraction.
  • Utilization of powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, as well as concepts in macromolecular crystallography.
• Group 9: Green Chemistry:
  • Fundamental principles and essentials of green chemistry, metrics, strategies for waste reduction and prevention.
  • Sustainability in catalysis, biomass as feedstock chemicals, and designing sustainable solutions.

4. Drilling Engineer Syllabus - Paper-II: Mechanical Engineering

• Statics: application of equilibrium equations
• Dynamics: equations of motion, simple harmonic motion, work energy and power
• Theory of Machines: links and mechanisms, gears, governors, balancing, vibration of bars
• Mechanics of Solids: stress-strain relations, Hooke's law, bending moments, shear force diagrams, torsion of beams
• Manufacturing Science: metal cutting, machining processes, casting, welding methods
• Production Management: method and time study, product design, break-even analysis
• Thermodynamics: laws of thermodynamics, Carnot, Rankine, Otto, and Diesel cycles
• Fluid Mechanics: hydrostatics, continuity equation, Bernoulli's theorem, flow regimes
• Heat Transfer: conduction, fins, heat transfer coefficients, heat exchangers
• Energy Conversion: compressors, hydraulic pumps, turbines, boilers, power plant layout
• Environmental Control: refrigeration cycles, refrigerants, psychometrics, cooling, and dehumidification

5. Assistant Mining Engineer Syllabus - Paper-II: Mining and Geology

• Unit 1: Basic Concepts of Mining and Geology:
  • Terminology in mining, understanding mineral and energy resources, foundational concepts in economic geology, relationships between ore and gangue, processes of ore formation, mineral deposits in India, seismic zones identified for India.
• Unit 2: Mine Development and Surveying:
  • Methods for accessing deposits, underground excavation procedures, principles and machinery for drilling, explosive usage, design of blasts.
  • Mine surveying tools: leveling techniques, theodolite applications, tacheometry methods, triangulation strategies, GPS/DGPS applications, GIS principles, and drone surveying use in mining.
• Unit 3: Geomechanics and Ground Control:
  • Geotechnical properties analysis of rocks, classification of rock masses, theories surrounding rock failure, subsidence phenomena, rock bursts.
  • Design principles for pillars, roof support systems, and mine filling strategies.
• Unit 4: Mining Methods and Machinery:
  • Layout planning for surface mining and mechanization, underground coal mining strategies (bord and pillar, longwall), methods for underground metal mining.
  • Mining machinery considerations: haulage systems, conveyors, hoisting mechanisms, crushing systems, continuous miners.
• Unit 5: Surface Environment, Mine Ventilation, and Hazards:
  • Control measures for environmental pollution, assessments of impact, systems for ventilation, network structures.
  • Underground hazards including mine gases, fire risks, explosion potentials, dust issues, inundation challenges; protocols for mine rescue and ensuring safety.
• Unit 6: Mine Economics, Planning, and Management:
  • Classification of mineral resources, financial analysis concerning cash flow, valuation and investment strategies for mines.
  • Methods for sampling, estimation of reserves, planning for cut-off grades, pit planning techniques, control over budgeting, PERT/CPM methodologies.
• Unit 7: Mine Legislation:
  • Approval processes for Mining Plans and Closure Plans, procedures for granting mining leases, necessary clearances concerning environment and forests.
  • Regulatory guidelines: 2019 National Mineral Policy, rules regarding mineral concessions, Mines Act of 1952, regulations governing coal mining from 2017, directives from DGMS.

6. Geophysicist Syllabus - Paper-II: Geophysics

• Mathematics and Physics: vector calculus, differential equations, Fourier transform techniques, numerical methodologies, classical mechanics concepts
• General Geology: study of physical geology, geomorphological principles, mineralogical aspects, petrological analysis, structural geology fundamentals, stratigraphy, concepts in plate tectonics
• Gravity and Magnetic Methods: Earth's fields, anomalies, corrections, data processing and interpretation
• Seismic Methods: elastic wave theory, refraction and reflection seismology, crustal studies
• Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods: techniques for resistivity, self-potential methods, induced polarization, TEM/FDEM/MT, geophysics applied to boreholes
• Radiometric and Thermal Methods: exploration of natural radioactivity, gamma-ray surveys, geothermal studies
• Applied Geophysics: exploration of minerals, coal, and groundwater, fundamentals of oil and gas exploration, environmental considerations in geophysics
• Remote Sensing, GIS, and Computing: underlying principles, applications of GIS, modeling in geophysics, inversion techniques
• Field Work and Practical: utilizing geophysical instruments, methodology, composing technical reports

Preparation Tips for APSC Assistant Geologist Exam 2026

Begin your preparation by thoroughly examining the official syllabus PDF to identify the topics under each section. For the General Studies Paper-I, develop a regular routine for current affairs along with Assam-specific historical and cultural content. Segment your study plan for Paper-II by organizing the topics into lettered sections (A-K for Assistant Geologist and analogous units for other roles) and establish weekly objectives. Utilize standard postgraduate-level textbooks pertinent to each subject area since the exam focuses on specific topics. Additionally, practicing prior years’ question papers can enhance your familiarity with the exam's format and level of difficulty. Pay special attention to topics that require diagrammatic or numerical responses to ensure adequate preparation for applied questions.

Important Links

• APSC Assistant Geologist Syllabus 2026
• APSC Chemist Syllabus 2026
• APSC Drilling Engineer Syllabus 2026
• APSC Assistant Mining Engineer Syllabus 2026
• APSC Geophysicist Syllabus 2026
• Official Website

APSC Syllabus 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the APSC Exam syllabus 2026?

The APSC Exam syllabus for 2026 includes Paper-I General Studies, which covers topics such as the Constitution, current affairs, Indian economy, geography, science and technology, Assam's culture and history, and the national movement. Paper-II focuses on Geology, organized into groups covering structural geology, mineralogy, petrology, and economic geology, among others.

What is the exam pattern for APSC Exam Syllabus 2026?

The exam format consists of two papers: Paper-I and Paper-II, each worth 100 marks with a duration of 2 hours. Paper-I features 100 objective-type questions. The official notification does not specify the number of questions for Paper-II.

How many questions are asked in the APSC Assistant Geologist exam?

In Paper-I (General Studies), 100 objective-type questions are included. However, the precise number of questions for Paper-II (Geology) has not been provided in the official announcement.

Where can I download the APSC Exam syllabus PDF?

The official syllabus PDFs are accessible on the APSC website. Direct links to the syllabi for all five positions are included in the Important Links section above.

Is the APSC Assistant Geologist syllabus the same as the syllabus for Chemist, Drilling Engineer, Assistant Mining Engineer, or Geophysicist?

While Paper-I (General Studies) is uniform for all five roles, Paper-II differs for each position: Geology for the role of Assistant Geologist, Chemistry for the Chemist role, Mechanical Engineering for Drilling Engineer, Mining and Geology for Assistant Mining Engineer, and Geophysics for the Geophysicist position.