For many years, there was a silent belief in Assam that UPSC is only for English-medium students or for those who studied in metros. Society often assumed that civil services were “not for us,” and Assamese medium students carried the extra weight of doubt, comparison, and underestimation.
But times have changed — and so have the opportunities. In this article, we will discuss the UPSC preparation tips for Assamese medium students.
Today, UPSC Preparation Tips for Assamese medium students are not just about books and strategies; they’re about breaking a mindset that has existed for decades.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
The Changing Scenario in Assam
When we talk about the UPSC preparation tips for Assamese Medium students, let’s look back to old times. Earlier, coaching options along with mentorship for UPSC for Assamese medium students were limited. Access to quality guidance was a challenge, and the lack of internet resources made UPSC look too distant.
But now?
- Coaching centres in Guwahati are producing top rankers
- Online classes have removed geographical barriers
- Assamese medium graduates are clearing UPSC and APSC with confidence
- Social media has made toppers’ strategies accessible to everyone
The ecosystem is finally growing, and the mindset is evolving.
Understanding UPSC: The Exam That Tests You, Not Your Background
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination every year to recruit:
- IAS (Indian Administrative Service)
- IPS (Indian Police Service)
- IFS (Indian Foreign Service)
- IRS and many other Group A & B services
UPSC does not judge your schooling medium, accent, background, or state. It only checks:
- Analytical ability
- Clarity of thought
- Integrity
- Consistency
- Knowledge
And the biggest truth?
You can write the UPSC Mains exam entirely in Assamese. The biggest flex of UPSC preparation tips for Assamese students.
Language is not a barrier — the mindset is.
Overview of UPSC CSE:
| Component | Details |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Exam Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Eligibility | Graduated from any discipline |
| Age Limit | 21–32 years (general category), relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, PwD |
| Attempts Allowed | General – 6, OBC – 9, SC/ST – Unlimited (within age limit) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
1. UPSC Prelims Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Objective (MCQ) |
| Papers | GS Paper I & CSAT |
| Purpose | Screening for Mains |
| CSAT | Qualifying (33% required) |
2. UPSC Mains Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Descriptive (Written) |
| Total Papers | 9 |
| Qualifying Papers | English & Indian Language |
| Merit Papers | Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Paper I & II |
3. UPSC Interview (Personality Test) Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Personal Interview |
| Panel | UPSC Board Members |
| Marks | 275 |
| Focus | Personality, confidence, attitude, and suitability for civil services |
Earlier Setbacks Assamese Medium Students Faced
If we talk about the UPSC preparation tips for Assamese medium students, let’s be real — Assamese medium students did face certain disadvantages earlier:
- Lack of availability of standard textbooks
- Very few peer groups for guidance
- Limited exposure to English comprehension
- Society’s discouragement: “UPSC bohut dangor dream, tumar mur karone nhoi…”
- Confusion about optional subjects
But every one of these issues now has a solution.
Practical UPSC Preparation Tips for Assamese Medium Students
1. Use Assamese for Strength, English for Support
Write your mains in Assamese if you’re comfortable, but focus on improving English for prelims, comprehension, and the interview stage. You don’t need perfect English — you just need functional English that helps you understand questions clearly and express your thoughts without confusion. This is one of the most practical UPSC preparation tips for Assamese medium students, as it lets you play to your strengths while gradually strengthening the areas where language matters.
You don’t need perfect English — you just need functional English.
2. Start with NCERTs — They Are the Strongest Foundation
No matter which medium you studied in, NCERTs (Class 6–12) are your entry point to UPSC. You can start with the basic books to build conceptual clarity and then move to standard references. This is one of the most essential UPSC preparation tips for Assamese medium students, because NCERTs help bridge any language gap while giving you a strong, exam-relevant foundation.
- Read them in English
- Watch Assamese explanation videos alongside
- Make bilingual notes (Assamese + English keywords)
This helps bridge the gap smoothly.
3. Choose the Right Optional — Not the Popular One
For Assamese medium students, good optional choices are:
- Assamese Literature
- Geography
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
Pick one based on comfort, availability of resources, and guidance.
4. Solve Previous Years’ Papers Religiously
It doesn’t matter which medium you are from — UPSC rewards pattern understanding.
Assamese medium students especially benefit because:
- The more papers you solve, the faster your confidence grows
- You understand how UPSC thinks
- You learn the answer structure
This reduces fear drastically.
5. Build Your Answer Writing Skills Early
Start writing answers in Assamese (or English) from day one.
The goal is:
- Clarity
- Structure
- Keyword usage
Not fancy English.
6. Use Online Resources — The Biggest Game-changer
Today, no Assamese medium student is “behind.”
Because you have:
- YouTube lectures in Assamese
- Telegram groups
- Assamese current affairs
- Coaching classes you can attend from home
And most importantly, your mindset. When you believe in yourself, no one can ever tell you that UPSC is too big to be chased.
7. Improve English Slowly — Not Overnight
UPSC doesn’t want Shakespearean English.
You only need basic skills for:
- Prelims CSAT passages
- Interview clarity
- Reading standard books
Spend just 20 minutes daily on English reading — that’s enough.
8. Build a Strong Peer Group
Study with:
- Friends
- Aspirants online
- Coaching batchmates
A good peer group removes fear, boosts competitiveness, and keeps you consistent.
The New Reality: There Is No Language Barrier Now
Assamese is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. When the Constitution came into force in 1950, there were originally 14 languages, including Assamese. Over time, through subsequent amendments, the list expanded to 22. In 1968, UPSC officially permitted candidates to write the Mains examination in any Eighth Schedule language, which means Assamese medium aspirants have been eligible to write UPSC Mains in Assamese from that year onward. They can also choose Assamese Literature as their optional subject. So, for more than five decades, Assamese medium candidates have had full constitutional and UPSC recognition to write the exam in their mother tongue — awareness, access, and mindset have only strengthened it today.
UPSC gives equal respect to every language.
What was once a barrier is now an outdated belief.
Assamese medium students today have:
- Digital access
- Guidance
- Mentorship
- Study material
- Successful role models
And above all, confidence.
Final Words: You Are Never “Less” Because You’re Assamese Medium
The journey of UPSC is tough, yes.
But language isn’t what decides your rank.
Your consistency does.
Your grit does.
Your clarity does.
If you are an Assamese medium student dreaming of becoming an IAS or IPS officer, the doors are fully open.
Walk in with courage.
And stay consistent.
Because UPSC does not check your medium — it checks your merit.
Also read – UPSC Preparation in Assam: Strategy, Coaching & Study Plan 2025
UPSC Preparation Tips for Assamese Medium Students
Can an Assamese medium student crack UPSC?
Yes, an Assamese medium student can absolutely crack UPSC. Every year, many candidates from regional language backgrounds clear the exam with top ranks. UPSC evaluates your understanding, clarity, and analysis — not your language or schooling medium. With the right strategy and consistency, Assamese medium aspirants can compete on equal footing.
Can I write the UPSC Mains exam in Assamese?
Yes, you can write the UPSC Mains examination in Assamese. UPSC allows candidates to use any of the 22 languages from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and Assamese is one of them. You can also choose Assamese Literature as your optional paper if you’re comfortable with the language.
Will English be a problem for an Assamese medium student in UPSC?
No. English is not a barrier. You only need basic English skills to read NCERTs, understand standard books, handle CSAT passages, and communicate clearly during the interview. UPSC does not expect high-level English — just clarity and comprehension. Many regional language toppers have cleared the exam with simple English.
Which optional subject is best for Assamese medium students?
If your grip on Assamese is strong, Assamese Literature is an excellent optional because resources, guidance, and past papers are easily available. If you prefer non-language optionals, subjects like History, Geography, Sociology, and PSIR are great choices due to their scoring potential and availability of study materials in both Assamese and English.
Is coaching necessary for Assamese medium students preparing for UPSC?
Coaching is not compulsory. Many students clear UPSC through self-study. However, coaching can help with structure, discipline, doubt-clearing, and guidance. If you don’t live in Guwahati or any major city, online coaching classes are an effective alternative — they provide lectures, notes, and test series right at home.
How long does UPSC preparation take for Assamese medium candidates?
Generally, 12–18 months of sincere and consistent preparation is enough to cover the entire UPSC syllabus. The timeline may vary depending on your foundation, study hours, and discipline, but with a steady routine and smart strategy, one and a half years is sufficient for strong preparation.