The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released an official notification inviting applications for the recruitment of 25 posts of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE). This recruitment is exclusively for in-service government staff under the District Ministerial Cadre and the Arunachal Pradesh Secretariat Clerical Service Cadre.
This is an excellent opportunity for government employees with a proven track record in administrative services to advance their careers into a Group B (Non-Gazetted) position with a substantial pay scale and enhanced responsibilities.
About Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
The APPSC is the premier agency responsible for recruiting officers to various civil services in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Commission ensures transparency, meritocracy, and fairness in the selection process. Over the years, APPSC has gained a reputation for conducting highly competitive examinations and departmental promotions, making it a prestigious platform for career advancement in the state government.
By participating in this recruitment, candidates have the chance to join an influential administrative position that allows them to contribute meaningfully to governance and public service in Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Highlights of APPSC ASO Recruitment 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 25th September 2025 |
| Number of Posts | 25 |
| Mode of Recruitment | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) |
| Eligible Candidates | Upper Division Clerks (District Ministerial Cadre) and Senior Secretariat Assistants (Secretariat Clerical Service Cadre) |
| Pay Scale | Level-6, ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Application Mode | Offline, through Cadre Controlling Authority recommendation |
| Last Date for Submission | 30th October 2025 (Thursday) by 3:00 PM |
| Date of Written Examination | 28th November 2025 (Friday) |
Age limit
- Only in-service employees are eligible:
- Upper Division Clerks of the District Ministerial Cadre
- Senior Secretariat Assistants of the Arunachal Pradesh Secretariat Clerical Service Cadre
- They must have completed 6 years of regular service in their current grade.
Effectively, this 6-year service requirement serves as the minimum “functional age eligibility,” meaning candidates are typically well above 21 years old, depending on when they joined their cadre.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates intending to apply for the Assistant Section Officer post must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
1. Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree / Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
2. Service Requirement
- Upper Division Clerks of the District Ministerial Cadre with 6 years of regular service.
- Senior Secretariat Assistants of the Arunachal Pradesh Secretariat Clerical Service Cadre with 6 years of regular service.
3. Performance Grading
- Candidates must have received at least 1 ‘Very Good’ ACR/APAR grading consecutively for the last 5 years.
Vacancies and Reservation
The total number of vacancies for the post of Assistant Section Officer (Group B – Non-Gazetted) is 25, which includes reservation for APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes) candidates as follows:
| Name of Post | Grade | Pay Matrix | APST | Unreserved | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | Level-6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | 20 | 5 | 25 |
Selection Procedure
The selection for the Assistant Section Officer post will involve multiple stages, ensuring that the most competent candidates are selected.
Stage 1: Written Examination
Candidates will have to appear for a written examination consisting of objective-type questions across several subjects. The details of the exam are as follows:
| S.No | Subject/Paper | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General English (Objective) | 100 |
| 2 | AP Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure Drafting / General Knowledge (Objective) | 80 |
| 3 | FR & SR / GFR / CCS (CCA) (Objective) | 100 |
| 4 | ACR Grading | 20 |
| 5 | Viva Voce | 40 |
| Total | 340 |
Important Notes:
- Candidates must score at least 33% aggregate in the written examination to qualify for the viva voce.
- A minimum of 20% marks in each individual paper is mandatory.
Stage 2: Viva Voce
The viva voce will assess candidates’ overall suitability for the post, including:
- Administrative capabilities
- Communication skills
- Understanding of office procedures
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
The viva voce carries 40 marks and plays a crucial role in the final selection process.
Application Process
Step 1: Download Application Form
- Visit the official APPSC website.
- Download the application form for the LDCE.
Step 2: Recommendation by Cadre Controlling Authority
- The application must be duly recommended and nominated by the Cadre Controlling Authority.
- Include details of ACR/APAR grading for the last 5 years (must include at least 1 “Very Good” rating).
Step 3: Document Submission
Along with the application, the following documents must be submitted:
- Recent color passport-size photograph (white background, front-facing, without headgear or sunglasses).
- Degree certificates and mark sheets (self-attested).
- Matriculation certificate as proof of age.
- APST certificate (if applicable) and PRC/Aadhar card for General candidates.
- Appointment order to the current post.
- IPO of application fee (₹150 for APST, ₹200 for others).
Step 4: Submission
- Submit the duly filled and recommended application to the APPSC office on or before 30th October 2025 by 3:00 PM.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| APST candidates | ₹150 | IPO |
| Other candidates | ₹200 | IPO |
Note: Fee must be paid in the form of an Indian Postal Order (IPO). Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Important Dates
- Notification Release: 25th September 2025
- Last Date of Submission: 30th October 2025 (Thursday) by 3:00 PM
- Written Examination: 28th November 2025 (Friday)
- Viva Voce: To be intimated separately
Key Instructions for Candidates
- Eligibility Decision Final: APPSC’s decision regarding eligibility is final and binding. No personal correspondence will be entertained.
- Original Documents Required: Candidates must produce all certificates, degree marksheets, ACR/APAR reports, and other relevant documents in original at the time of viva voce.
- Provisional Selection: Selection is provisional and subject to verification of documents and eligibility.
- Multiple Applications: Only one application per candidate is allowed. Any duplicate submissions will be rejected.
Pay Scale and Benefits
- Level-6 of the Pay Matrix: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
- Group B – Non-Gazetted position
- In addition to the pay, selected candidates are eligible for:
- Allowances as per GoAP rules
- Government benefits including leave, medical, and retirement benefits
- Opportunities for career progression to higher administrative grades
Why Apply for APPSC ASO?
The Assistant Section Officer post is an excellent opportunity for in-service government employees in Arunachal Pradesh to:
- Advance their career to a Group B administrative position.
- Take part in policy implementation and office administration at a higher level.
- Gain recognition and authority within the Secretariat and District administration.
- Improve professional credentials and open doors to future promotions in the state civil services.
How to Prepare
Candidates applying for the LDCE for Assistant Section Officer should focus on:
- General English: Grammar, comprehension, précis writing, vocabulary.
- Office Procedures: AP Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure, drafting skills, correspondence rules.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, governance, and administrative structure.
- Finance & Rules: Fundamental Rules (FR), Service Rules (SR), General Financial Rules (GFR), Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules.
- Performance Record: Ensure ACR/APAR grading documentation is accurate and complete.
Regular study, solving past papers, and reviewing departmental manuals are highly recommended for success.
