The Assam Police Sub-Inspector (SI) examination is one of the most competitive and respected state-level recruitment processes in Assam, offering a career in frontline law enforcement under the State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB). Conducted periodically for Sub-Inspector posts in the Unarmed Branch (UB), Assam Police Radio Organisation (APRO), Fire & Emergency Services, and the Prison Department, this exam demands simultaneous preparation across written knowledge, physical fitness, and personal communication. This guide is relevant for Assam graduates between 20 and 27 years of age who are planning their first or subsequent attempt at police service.
Article Scope: This guide covers everything an SI aspirant needs in one place — eligibility criteria, physical standards, the complete three-subject written exam syllabus with topic-level detail, the PET marks framework, salary structure, and the full selection process — based on official SLPRB Assam notifications and the Assam Police recruitment rules.
What Is the Assam Police SI Post?
A Sub-Inspector (SI) in Assam Police is a supervisory officer-level post in the state police hierarchy. It sits above the rank of Head Constable and below that of Inspector. An SI typically functions as the officer-in-charge of a police station beat, leading field operations, supervising constables, registering FIRs, carrying out investigations, maintaining law and order at the grassroots level, and acting as the primary interface between the local community and the district administration.
The SI is one of the few police posts in Assam that requires a bachelor's degree as a minimum qualification, reflecting the investigative and administrative responsibilities the role carries. Selected candidates undergo a structured one-year training programme before assuming full duties.
The conducting body for all Assam Police SI recruitment is the State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB), Assam, headquartered in Guwahati. The official website is slprbassam.in, and applications are submitted through apcap.in (Assam Police Common Application Portal). There is no application fee for any SLPRB recruitment.
For a broader understanding of how SI-level posts compare to Group A and B services like APSC CCE, see our guide on Group A, B, C & D Govement Jobs Explained.
Posts Covered Under SI-Level Recruitment
SLPRB Assam recruits for multiple officer-level posts under the same broad SI-equivalent recruitment drive. Understanding which post you are applying for matters because physical standards and specific eligibility conditions can vary slightly by post:
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Each post has its own vacancy allocation per reservation category. The total number of posts varies across notification cycles. This guide focuses primarily on the Sub-Inspector (Unarmed Branch) post, which is the most common and widely applied for. The exam patte, syllabus, and physical standards described below apply to SI (UB) unless specifically noted otherwise.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality and Domicile
Candidates must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of Assam. A valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) or equivalent domicile documentation is required at the document verification stage. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC/MOBC categories are exempted from certain domicile-related documentation requirements as specified in the notification — but must still be residents of Assam.
Educational Qualification
A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university is the minimum qualification for Sub-Inspector (UB). For SI (Communication) posts, a degree in Electronics, Information Technology, or Computer Science — or an equivalent technical diploma — may be required.
Final-year students are not eligible. The degree must be complete at the time of application.
Age Limit
Age is calculated as on 1st January of the year of the notification. Based on the standard rules that have goveed previous SLPRB SI notifications:
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Note on age relaxation: SLPRB has revised the upper age limit for unreserved candidates upward in recent notification cycles. Candidates should always verify the exact age cutoff from the official notification PDF for the cycle they are applying for, as these figures have been updated between 2023 and 2026.
Physical Standards Test (PST): Requirements
The Physical Standard Test (PST) carries no marks. It is entirely qualifying in nature. Candidates who do not meet the minimum physical measurements are disqualified and cannot proceed further regardless of their written exam scores.
Height
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Chest (Male Candidates Only)
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Medical Checkup at PST Stage
After height and chest measurements, a Medical Officer present at the PST venue conducts a preliminary examination for the following conditions — candidates found positive are disqualified at this stage:
- Knocked knees
- Flat feet
- Varicose veins (note: varicose vein is treated as a temporary disqualification under some notifications — candidates should verify from the official PDF)
- Physical deformities of any kind
- Colour blindness
- Vision: Minimum 6/6 in one eye, not worse than 6/9 in the other, without corrective glasses
Colour blindness is an absolute disqualification and cannot be waived. Candidates with any vision conce should get a formal eye checkup before applying.
Selection Process: All Stages in Sequence
The Assam Police SI selection process has five stages. Candidates must clear each stage to progress. The first stage (Written Exam) determines who is called for PST/PET. PST is non-scoring but eliminates physically ineligible candidates. PET awards marks. The Viva-Voce awards marks. The Medical Examination is the final qualifying gate before appointment.
Stage 1 → Written Examination (100 Marks)
Stage 2 → Physical Standard Test / PST (Qualifying, No Marks)
Stage 3 → Physical Efficiency Test / PET (40 Marks)
Stage 4 → Viva-Voce / Oral Interview (5 Marks)
Stage 5 → Medical Examination (Qualifying)
→ Document Verification → Final Merit List
Grand Total: Written (100) + PET (40) + Viva (5) = 145 Marks
Who Gets Called for PST/PET?
After the written examination, candidates are called for PST and PET based on written test merit at the rate of 5 times the number of vacancies per category. If candidates score equal marks at the cutoff boundary, all of them are called — so the actual number called may slightly exceed the 5× figure in such cases.
Who Gets Called for Viva-Voce?
After PET, candidates are shortlisted for the Viva-Voce at the rate of 2 times the number of vacancies per category, based on combined merit from the written exam and PET scores.
Medical Examination
After the Viva-Voce, the final recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical examination at a govement hospital. This is a comprehensive assessment, not just the preliminary check done at PST. Candidates found medically unfit at this stage are not appointed. The medical examination may include costs for investigation at a govement hospital — this is the only stage of the process that may involve any expense.
Written Examination: Exam Patte
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The three sections and their approximate weightage are:
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The negative marking rate of 0.50 per wrong answer is critical. Two wrong answers cancel one correct answer. This is significantly more punishing than the ADRE (0.25 per wrong answer) and on par with or higher than most national-level exams. Selective, confident answering matters far more than attempting all 100 questions.
For timed MCQ practice across all three subject areas, use Assam247's free daily mock tests and the 3000+ MCQ question bank.
Complete Subject-wise Written Exam Syllabus
Section A — Logical Reasoning, Aptitude & Comprehension (~35 Marks)
This section has three distinct components that require separate preparation approaches.
Logical Reasoning Topics: Analogies and similarities; differences and classification; odd one out; space visualisation; coding and decoding; number series and letter series; blood relations; direction sense; seating arrangements; clocks and calendars; syllogisms; statement and conclusion; statement and assumption; verbal and figure classification; non-verbal reasoning (mirror images, water images, figure completion, embedded figures); analytical puzzles.
Quantitative Aptitude Topics: Number system and HCF/LCM; percentages; ratio and proportion; profit and loss; simple interest and compound interest; time and work; time, speed, and distance; average; data interpretation (tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs); basic arithmetic simplification.
Comprehension Topics: Reading comprehension passages in English — testing understanding, inference, and interpretation; vocabulary in context; basic grammar application (subject-verb agreement, tense usage, error spotting); sentence correction.
Preparation Insight: Most national guides treat this section as purely mathematical aptitude. However, the comprehension component has historically carried consistent weight in SLPRB SI papers. Aspirants who neglect English comprehension and focus only on reasoning often underperform in this section. Daily reading of an English newspaper for 20–30 minutes addresses both comprehension and current affairs simultaneously.
Section B — History and Culture of India & Assam (~35 Marks)
This is the highest-scoring section for well-prepared Assam candidates. It draws from both national history and — crucially — deep Assam-specific content that national preparation books barely cover. Aspirants from Assam who invest in this section seriously gain a structural advantage over generalist candidates.
Indian History: Ancient Indian history — major dynasties, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, administrative systems; medieval India — Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, regional kingdoms; mode India — arrival of Europeans, British colonial administration, socio-religious reform movements; the Indian National Movement — 1857 revolt, formation of INC, Swadeshi movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, role of key personalities; post-independence consolidation — integration of princely states, linguistic reorganisation of states, Five Year Plans and their themes.
Indian Culture: Art forms — classical dance styles, folk arts; literature — major works and literary traditions from different periods; architecture — ancient temples, mosque architecture, colonial-era buildings; major religions of India and their philosophical traditions; world heritage sites in India.
History of Assam (High Priority): Ancient Assam — Pragjyotishpur, the Varman dynasty, the Pala dynasty; the Ahom Kingdom (1228–1826) — Sukaphaa's founding, Ahom administrative system (Paik system, Khel system), major battles (Battle of Saraighat, 1671), Lachit Borphukan; colonial period — the Anglo-Assamese wars, Treaty of Yandabo (1826), British tea and oil policy, role of Assam in the independence movement; post-independence Assam — linguistic reorganisation, creation of Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh from Assam; the Assam Accord (1985) — its background, provisions, and clause 6; major political and social movements in mode Assam.
Geography of Assam (High Priority): Physical features — Brahmaputra valley, Barak valley, North Cachar Hills; major rivers — Brahmaputra, Barak, Subansiri, Jiabharali, Kopili, Dhansiri; climate and rainfall pattes; soil types — alluvial, red, sandy; major crops — tea, paddy, jute, mustard; forests and forest cover; national parks — Kaziranga National Park (one-hoed rhinoceros, UNESCO World Heritage Site), Manas National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Orang National Park, Nameri National Park; wildlife sanctuaries; important districts, headquarters, and interstate boundaries.
Socioeconomic Development of Assam: Tea industry — history, production, districts; petroleum sector — Digboi, Duliajan, Numaligarh Refinery; agriculture and land use; important govement schemes operational in Assam; key infrastructure projects.
Culture of Assam: Bihu festivals — Rongali (Bohag), Kongali (Kati), Bhogali (Magh) — their agricultural and cultural significance; Sattra institution of Vaishnava philosophy — role of Srimanta Sankardeva; major tribal communities — Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Dimasa, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori — their cultures and geographic spread; classical music and dance of Assam; major literary personalities.
Renowned Personalities of Assam: Major political figures, freedom fighters, litterateurs, artists, sportspersons, administrators, and social workers from Assam — their contributions and significance.
Our weekly current affairs section for APSC, ADRE & Assam exams regularly covers Assam-specific GK and current events that feed directly into this section.
Section C — General Knowledge & Current Affairs (~30 Marks)
Static General Knowledge: National and inteational organisations — United Nations (structure, principal organs, major agencies), WHO, IMF, World Bank, WTO; major inteational summits and their themes (G7, G20, BRICS, SAARC); India's foreign policy and key bilateral relationships; important treaties and agreements; world geography — continents, oceans, major rivers and mountain ranges, important countries and capitals; Indian polity — constitutional provisions, Parliament, state legislatures, fundamental rights and duties, directive principles; national symbols of India; major scientific discoveries and inventions; space exploration — ISRO missions, satellite launches; defence and military — major exercises, weapon systems; environment and ecology — inteational environmental agreements, climate summits, biodiversity hotspots; sports — major touaments, India's performance, notable achievements.
Current Affairs (National & Inteational): Events of national and inteational significance from the preceding 12–18 months before the exam; govement schemes and their objectives; recent appointments to constitutional and statutory positions; national and inteational awards (Nobel, Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards); important days and their themes; recent scientific and technological developments; developments in Northeast India specifically.
Important Note for Current Affairs: The SLPRB SI exam typically tests current events from a window of approximately 12–18 months before the exam date. Since the exam is held several months after the notification, aspirants should begin tracking current affairs from approximately 18 months before their expected exam date. Our current affairs archive for Assam exams provides organised weekly coverage specifically curated for SLPRB and APSC aspirants.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Marks Framework
The PET carries 40 marks and consists of two events: a running race and a long jump. Both events are graded — more marks are awarded for better performance, not just for clearing the minimum threshold.
Event 1: Running Race (20 Marks)
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For male candidates, the 1600-metre race carries 20 marks. Completing it in 300 seconds (5 minutes) or less eas the maximum 20 marks. For every additional 30 seconds beyond 300 seconds, marks are progressively reduced. The maximum qualifying time is 450 seconds (7.5 minutes) — candidates who exceed this are disqualified from the PET.
Event 2: Long Jump (20 Marks)
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Candidates get 3 attempts at the long jump. The longest valid jump is counted. Marks are awarded on a sliding scale between the minimum qualifying distance (which eas 10 marks) and the maximum distance (which eas 20 marks). A jump below the minimum qualifying distance is a disqualification.
PET Preparation Reality Check: The gap between "just clearing" the PET (scoring near 20 out of 40) and performing well in it (scoring 32–38 out of 40) can be decisive in the final merit list. A candidate who clears the 1600m in exactly 450 seconds and achieves a 335cm long jump scores approximately 10+10 = 20 marks. A candidate who runs in 300 seconds and jumps 480cm scores approximately 20+18 = 38 marks. That 18-mark difference on a 145-mark final total is enormous — equivalent to getting 18 more correct answers in the written exam. Physical fitness training must begin at least 3–4 months before the expected PET date and should be treated with the same seriousness as written exam preparation.
Viva-Voce (Oral Interview): 5 Marks
The Viva-Voce carries 5 marks and is conducted at the SLPRB office in Guwahati. It is a short structured interaction designed to assess the candidate's suitability for a career in law enforcement. The board typically evaluates:
- General awareness and knowledge of current events
- Communication clarity and confidence
- Presence of mind and basic decision-making ability
- Knowledge of Assam's socioeconomic and administrative landscape
- Personal background, motivation for joining the police, and basic values
While 5 marks may appear small, in a competitive merit list where dozens of candidates are clustered within 2–3 marks of each other, a strong Viva-Voce performance can shift a candidate's rank significantly. For guidance on structured self-introduction and handling common interview questions, our Interview Preparation Guide 2026 and how to introduce yourself in an interview are directly applicable.
Salary and Service Benefits
Selected Assam Police Sub-Inspectors are placed in Pay Band No. 2 under the Assam Govement pay scale with a Grade Pay of ₹8,700. The pay scale range is ₹14,000 to ₹60,500 per month (basic pay), with additional allowances including:
- Deaess Allowance (DA): Revised periodically based on AICPI; constitutes a significant portion of total monthly eaings
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies by posting location
- Medical Allowance
- Travelling Allowance
- Uniform and kit allowance on joining
The approximate annual package for a newly appointed SI ranges between ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 per annum depending on posting location and applicable allowances. To understand how these components are structured, read our guide on how govement salary is calculated in India and our Deaess Allowance explained guide.
Probation and Training
All newly recruited SIs undergo a mandatory one-year training programme at a designated police training centre before taking up independent charge. During the training period, candidates receive a stipend. On successful completion of training and probation, they are confirmed in service.
Career Progression
The promotion ladder for Assam Police SI runs: Sub-Inspector → Inspector → Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) → Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) → Superintendent of Police (SP). Promotions are based on a combination of seniority, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) recommendations, and Annual Confidential Reports (ACR). Exceptional performers may also be considered for direct promotion to IPS-level posts through the Limited Competitive Examination conducted by UPSC.
How to Prepare: A Holistic Strategy
Unlike purely written exams such as ADRE or even APSC CCE, the Assam Police SI exam demands preparation across three simultaneous tracks: academic, physical, and communicative. Neglecting any one of them leads to failure even if the others are strong.
Written Exam Track:
Start with Section B (History & Culture of Assam & India) — it rewards systematic coverage and has the highest predictability of topics. Use NCERT History textbooks (Classes 6–12) for the national history base, then layer Assam-specific material from the Assam Year Book and SEBA Class 9–10 Social Science textbooks. For Section A, practice logical reasoning and aptitude from standard SSC-CGL level books since the difficulty is comparable. For Section C, maintain a daily current affairs habit starting at least 12 months before the expected exam date.
Physical Fitness Track:
Begin a structured fitness programme immediately. For the 1600m run, aim to bring your timing below 360 seconds (6 minutes) — this is a realistic target with 12–16 weeks of consistent training and eas a strong score. For the long jump, a 420–450cm jump requires technique as much as raw strength — practice approach run consistency, takeoff angle, and landing posture. Include a weekly height and chest measurement check if you are borderline on PST standards, and train upper body exercises (push-ups, pull-ups) to ensure the 5cm chest expansion is comfortably achievable.
Viva-Voce Track:
Begin reading Assam's daily newspapers (The Assam Tribune or Pratidin) regularly at least 6 months before your expected interview. Stay informed on current policing initiatives in Assam, major state govement schemes, and Assam's administrative geography. Practise mock interview sessions with friends or family to build comfort with structured answers under time pressure.
For Knowledge Enhancement resources including topic-wise preparation support, visit Assam247's Knowledge Enhancement section.
Common Misunderstandings About the Assam Police SI Exam
"Clearing the written exam guarantees selection." — Far from it. The written exam only determines who is called for PST/PET — at 5 times the vacancies. Most written exam qualifiers are eliminated either at PST (physical standards) or perform poorly in PET, reducing their final score drastically. The written exam is the gateway, not the destination.
"PET is just qualifying." — Absolutely not for SI posts. The PET carries 40 marks that directly count in the final merit total of 145 marks. This is different from the Assam Police Constable recruitment, where PET structures may differ. For SI recruitment, PET performance determines your rank.
"The Viva-Voce is just a formality worth 5 marks." — Five marks on a 145-mark total can separate dozens of candidates in a competitive merit list. It is not a formality and should be prepared for seriously.
"Any bachelor's degree holder can appear for all SI-equivalent posts." — Not entirely. SI (Communication) requires a relevant technical qualification. Station Officer and Squad Commander posts may have additional physical or operational requirements. Always read the post-specific eligibility section in the official notification.
"There is no negative marking in Assam Police exams." — This is frequently confused because constable-level posts under SLPRB typically have no negative marking. For the Sub-Inspector written exam, there is a 0.50 mark deduction per wrong answer. This distinction is critical for attempt strategy.
Important Clarification
The eligibility criteria, physical standards, written exam patte, and PET structure described in this article are based on official SLPRB Assam notifications from previous SI recruitment cycles (2022–2026) and are consistent across recruitment cycles. While the core framework remains stable, some details — particularly the maximum age limit, specific vacancy breakdowns, and the exact PET marks formula — have been revised between cycles. Candidates should always:
- Download the official SLPRB notification PDF from slprbassam.in for the specific cycle they are applying for
- Verify age limits, physical standards, and PET grading as specified in the official PDF
- Check the Assam247 All Exams page for the latest notification release updates
Official Sources & References
- State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB), Assam — slprbassam.in
- Assam Police Common Application Portal — apcap.in
- SLPRB Assam Official SI (UB) Notifications — 2022, 2023, 2025–26 series
- Assam Police Recruitment Rules under the Assam Police Act, 2007
- APSC CCE Rules (for comparative Grade reference) — apsc.nic.in
FAQs — Assam Police SI Exam
Q1. What is the educational qualification required for Assam Police Sub-Inspector? A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university is the minimum requirement for Sub-Inspector (Unarmed Branch). For SI (Communication) posts, a degree or diploma in Electronics, IT, or Computer Science may be required. Final-year students are not eligible — the degree must be complete at the time of application.
Q2. What is the age limit for Assam Police SI? Unreserved candidates must be between 20 and 27 years of age as on 1st January of the notification year. OBC/MOBC candidates get 3 years relaxation (up to 30); SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (up to 32). The exact cutoff has been revised in some recent cycles — always verify from the official notification.
Q3. What is the total marks for Assam Police SI selection? The final merit is calculated on 145 marks: Written Examination (100) + Physical Efficiency Test PET (40) + Viva-Voce (5). The Physical Standard Test (PST) and Medical Examination are qualifying stages and carry no marks.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the Assam Police SI written exam? Yes. A deduction of 0.50 marks applies for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. This makes selective, confident answering critical — two wrong answers cancel one correct answer.
Q5. What are the physical standards for Assam Police SI? Male candidates from Unreserved/OBC/SC categories need a minimum height of 167 cm and chest measurement of 85 cm (unexpanded) to 90 cm (expanded), with at least 5 cm expansion. ST/Tea Tribe candidates require 160 cm height and 81–86 cm chest. Female candidates need 155 cm (Unreserved/OBC/SC) or 150 cm (ST/Tea Tribe) height. Colour blindness is an absolute disqualification.
Q6. What events are included in the Assam Police SI PET and how are marks calculated? The PET has two events: a running race and a long jump, each carrying 20 marks. Male candidates run 1600 metres (maximum 20 marks for completing in 300 seconds or less; disqualified beyond 450 seconds) and perform a long jump (maximum 20 marks for 500 cm or more; disqualified below 335 cm). Female candidates run 800 metres and need a minimum 244 cm long jump. Both events are graded on a sliding scale — better performance eas more marks, not just a pass/fail outcome.
Q7. What subjects are covered in the Assam Police SI written exam? The written exam has three sections: (A) Logical Reasoning, Aptitude & Comprehension; (B) History and Culture of India & Assam; and (C) General Knowledge & Current Affairs. Each carries approximately 30–35 marks. Section B on Assam history, geography, and culture is particularly high-weightage and distinctly Assam-centric.
Q8. What is the salary of an Assam Police Sub-Inspector? Selected SI candidates are placed in Pay Band No. 2 with a Grade Pay of ₹8,700 and a pay scale range of ₹14,000 to ₹60,500 per month. Additional allowances include DA, HRA, medical, and travelling allowances. The approximate annual package ranges from ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 depending on posting location and current DA rates.
Q9. What is the sequence of the selection process for Assam Police SI? The selection runs in this order: Written Examination → Physical Standard Test (PST) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Viva-Voce → Medical Examination → Document Verification → Final Merit List. The written exam comes first, and candidates are called for PST/PET only after qualifying in the written test based on category-wise merit.
Q10. How many candidates are called for PET and Viva-Voce? For PST/PET, candidates are called at 5 times the number of vacancies per category based on written test merit. For the Viva-Voce, candidates are shortlisted at 2 times the number of vacancies per category based on combined written and PET merit.
