The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has announced a crucial departmental examination aimed at promoting eligible Assistant Audit Officers to the position of Audit Officer (Local Fund) within the Finance Department of Assam. This presents an excellent opportunity for career advancement for those currently serving in the audit cadre.
| Last Date | October 24, 2024 |
Key Details of the Examination
- Post: Audit Officer (Local Fund), Assam
- Department: Finance (Establishment – B) Department, Government of Assam
- Total Vacancies: 53 (including backlog vacancies reserved for SC/ST candidates)
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: September 25, 2024
- Online Application End Date: October 24, 2024
- Last Date for Fee Submission: October 26, 2024
Vacancy Breakdown
- Open Category (OC): 36 posts
- OBC/MOBC: 0 posts
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 5 posts
- Scheduled Tribe (Plains) [STP]: 8 posts
- Scheduled Tribe (Hills) [STH]: 4 posts
Salary and Benefits
Selected Audit Officers will be placed in Pay Band 3, with a salary range of Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 97,000, along with a Grade Pay of Rs. 11,800. This competitive compensation package reflects the importance of the role within the Finance Department.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Service Requirements
- Candidates must currently serve as Assistant Audit Officers under the Director of Audit (Local Fund), Assam.
- A minimum of three years of service is required as of January 1, 2023.
- A certificate from the Appointing Authority verifying service must accompany the application.
2. Age Criteria
- Age will be calculated based on the date of birth as mentioned on the Matriculation/HSLC/HSSLC Admit Card or Certificate issued by a recognized Central/State Board. No other documents will be accepted for age verification.
3. Educational Qualifications
- Candidates must possess a graduate degree from a recognized university.
4. Documentation
- Applicants must upload the Declaration Form (Annexure-I) and the Recommendation of the Appointing Authority (Annexure-II) while completing the online application.
Application Fee Details
The application fee structure is as follows:
- Processing Fee: Rs. 40 + 18% tax = Rs. 47.20 (charged by CSC-SPV)
Category-wise Fee Structure:
- General Category: Rs. 250 + Rs. 47.20 = Rs. 297.20
- SC/ST/OBC/MOBC: Rs. 150 + Rs. 47.20 = Rs. 197.20
Note: Application fees are non-refundable.
Reservation and Required Documents
Candidates claiming reservation benefits (SC, STP, STH, or OBC/MOBC) must upload a relevant certificate issued by a competent authority of the State of Assam before the application deadline.
Examination Pattern and Syllabus
The Departmental Promotion Examination will include both written and practical assessments. Here’s the breakdown of subjects and their weightage:
- Paper I: Essay or Precis and Drafting – 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks
- Paper II: Elementary Bookkeeping – 3 hours, 100 marks
- Papers III & IV: General Accounts
- Paper III (Without Books) – 3 hours, 100 marks
- Paper IV (With Books) – 3 hours, 100 marks
- Papers V & VI: Audit and Inspection Rules and Regulations
- Paper V (Without Books) – 3 hours, 100 marks
- Paper VI (With Books) – 3 hours, 100 marks
- Papers VII & VIII: Assam Panchayat and Municipal Act
- Paper VII (Without Books) – 3 hours, 100 marks
- Paper VIII (With Books) – 3 hours, 100 marks
Total Marks: 800
Study Resources
For effective preparation, candidates are encouraged to refer to the following resources:
- Essay or Precis and Drafting: Materials at a level similar to a degree-level examination.
- Elementary Bookkeeping: Recommended textbooks include:
- “The Student’s Complete Commercial Book Keeping, Accounting, and Banking” by Arthur Fieldhouse
- “Advance Accounts” (Third Edition, 1949) by R.N. Carter (focus on bookkeeping, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cost accounting)
Conclusion
The APSC Departmental Examination offers a vital pathway for Assistant Audit Officers to secure a promotion to the role of Audit Officer (Local Fund). This is a remarkable chance for eligible candidates to advance their careers while contributing to the efficiency of the Finance Department in Assam. Interested candidates should prepare their applications and submit them before the deadlines outlined above.