Introduction
Each academic session, the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) releases a prescribed reading list for the Assistant Principal of Schools (APS) examination. For the 202122 session, the list comprises two major groups of publications: the textbooks authored by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and a curated selection of books from reputable private publishers.
This page outlines the purpose of the two categories, how the books are selected, and provides a concise but comprehensive list of the titles that candidates should study. The information is presented in plain English, keeping the total word count under 1500.
NCERT Books
NCERT textbooks are the backbone of the Indian school curriculum. For the APS exam, the commission expects candidates to be familiar with the content, concepts, and pedagogical approaches presented in these volumes.
Why NCERT Matters
- Uniformity: All schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) use these books, ensuring a common knowledge base.
- Conceptual Depth: NCERT emphasizes clear explanations, diagrams, and examples that align with the syllabus.
- Exam Relevance: Many APS questions are directly drawn from NCERT exercises or are framed around its chapters.
List of Mandatory NCERT Titles (202122)
| Class | Subject | Title |
|---|---|---|
| VI | Science | Science Textbook (Part I & II) |
| VII | Science | Science Textbook (Part I & II) |
| VIII | Science | Science Textbook (Part I & II) |
| IX | Science | Science Textbook (Part I & II) |
| X | Science | Science Textbook (Part I & II) |
| VIX | Mathematics | Mathematics Textbook (All Classes) |
| VIX | Social Science | Social Science Textbook (All Classes) |
| VIX | English | English Textbook (All Classes) |
| XI | Physics | Physics Part I & II |
| XI | Chemistry | Chemistry Part I & II |
| XI | Biology | Biology Part I & II |
| XI | Mathematics | Mathematics Part I & II |
| XII | Physics | Physics Part I & II |
| XII | Chemistry | Chemistry Part I & II |
| XII | Biology | Biology Part I & II |
| XII | Mathematics | Mathematics Part I & II |
All the above titles are available free of cost on the official NCERT website. Candidates should download the latest PDFs, verify the edition (202021), and study the chapters thoroughly.
Books from Private Publishers
Private publishers supplement NCERT textbooks by providing additional explanations, solved examples, practice questions, and examoriented guidance. The APS commission selects publishers that are renowned for quality, relevance, and alignment with the curriculum.
Key Publishers Recognised for APS 202122
- Oxford University Press (OUP) Known for Conceptual Physics & Chemistry.
- Pearson Education Provides comprehensive Mathematics and Biology guides.
- McGrawHill Education Offers concise revision notes and practice workbooks.
- Cambridge University Press Features English Language and Literature aids.
- Vikas Publishing House Strong in Social Science and General Studies.
Criteria for Inclusion
- Content must be mapped to the CBSE syllabus for classes VIXII.
- Books should contain solved examples, previousyear questions, and model test papers.
- Authors must be subjectmatter experts with academic or research credentials.
- Publication must be recent (2020 or later) to reflect the latest syllabus changes.
How the List Was Compiled
The APS Working Group consulted the following sources while finalising the book list:
- Curriculum Framework released by the Ministry of Education.
- Feedback from senior teachers and academicians across Assam.
- Sales and usage data of textbooks in CBSEaffiliated schools.
- Performance analytics of previous APS candidates.
A crosscheck was performed to ensure that every topic covered in the APS syllabus appears in at least one of the listed titles. Where overlap existed, the book with the most lucid presentation was chosen.
Recommended Study List (Condensed)
Below is a practical checklist that aspirants can use while preparing. It groups titles by subject and class for quick reference.
Science (Class VIX)
- NCERT Science (Part I & II) All Classes
- OUP Concepts of Physics Class IXX
- Pearson Chemistry Fundamentals Class IXX
Mathematics (Class VIXII)
- NCERT Mathematics All Classes
- Pearson Mathematics for Class XIXII Twovolume set
- McGrawHill Quick Revision Mathematics Class XIXII
Social Science (Class VIX)
- NCERT Social Science All Classes
- Vikas Social Science Guide Class VIIX
English (Class VIX)
- NCERT English All Classes
- Cambridge English Literature & Language Class IXX
Physics (Class XIXII)
- NCERT Physics Part I & II
- OUP Fundamentals of Physics Class XIXII
Chemistry (Class XIXII)
- NCERT Chemistry Part I & II
- OUP Organic & Inorganic Chemistry Class XIXII
Biology (Class XIXII)
- NCERT Biology Part I & II
- Pearson Biology Simplified Class XIXII
Students are advised to first master the NCERT content, then use the privatepublisher books for deeper practice and clarification of doubts.
Conclusion
The 202122 APS examination places equal emphasis on NCERT textbooks and carefully selected privatepublisher titles. By systematically covering the prescribed NCERT volumes and complementing them with the recommended books listed above, candidates can build a solid conceptual foundation, gain ample practice, and increase their chances of scoring high.
Regular revision, solving previousyear papers, and timed mock tests remain essential components of any successful study plan.
