1. Introduction

For government job aspirants in Assam, long waiting periods, limited vacancies, and intense competition are part of the journey. Many candidates keep a close watch on neighbouring state recruitments like Arunachal Pradesh, hoping for broader opportunities in the North-East.

The APSSB CLDCE Recruitment 2026 looks attractive at first glance-205 vacancies, Level-4 pay, clerical and driver posts. However, this recruitment is not a general open examination. It is a Combined Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (CLDCE) meant strictly for existing Arunachal Pradesh Government employees.

This article is written to help Assam aspirants clearly understand:

  • Why this notification is important but restricted
  • Who should genuinely consider it
  • Who should not waste time or money on it
  • How such departmental exams work in the North-East government ecosystem

If you are a first-generation aspirant from Assam, this clarity matters.

2. Key Details Table (Verified from Official Notification)

ParticularDetails
Recruiting BodyArunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB)
Examination NameCombined Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (CLDCE) 2026
Total Vacancies205
PostsLDC (122), JSA (14), Driver (69)
Nature of RecruitmentDepartmental only
Application ModeOnline
Application Start Date2026-02-12
Last Date to Apply2026-02-25 (03:00 PM)
Exam CentreItanagar only
Pay LevelLevel-4 (₹25,500 - ₹81,100)
Negative MarkingNot mentioned (No negative marking stated)
Assam Domicile EligibilityNot mentioned / Not applicable

3. Post-Wise Eligibility (Explained Clearly)

This is the most critical section for Assam aspirants.

Lower Division Clerk (LDC) & Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)

  • Must be currently working as:
    • Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) with 8 years of regular service, OR
    • Skilled Contingency Staff with 12 years of continuous service
  • Must already be certified by the Head of Department (HoD)
  • Must possess Class XII pass certificate
  • Typing speed of 35 WPM required (qualifying only)

Assam Reality Check:
If you are not already an employee under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, you are automatically ineligible, even if you meet educational criteria.

Driver Post

  • Only for:
    • Contingency skilled drivers with 10 years service, OR
    • Handymen with 6 years regular service
  • Must already be part of the Arunachal Pradesh Government system
  • Valid driving licence mandatory

Key Insight:
This is not a recruitment to enter government service. It is a promotion/advancement channel within service.

4. Who Should Apply (Assam Context)

You should consider this exam only if:

  • You are originally from Assam but currently working in an Arunachal Pradesh Government department
  • Your name is already included in the certified eligibility list sent by your HoD
  • You are seeking career progression, not entry-level employment

Who Should NOT Apply

  • Freshers from Assam
  • Unemployed candidates
  • Private sector employees
  • Candidates preparing for APSC, SLRC, SSC, Banking, or Police exams
  • Anyone without official departmental login credentials

For most Assam aspirants, this is not your exam.

5. How to Apply - Ground Reality

Application is not open registration.

Key steps:

  1. Login credentials are sent only by your department
  2. Apply through APSSB website using those credentials
  3. Upload photo and signature as per size guidelines
  4. Pay application fee online

Common North-East Mistakes:

  • Assuming PRC or domicile can substitute departmental service
  • Trying to register independently on the portal
  • Confusing CLDCE with open APSSB exams
  • Uploading casual photos/signatures (leads to rejection)

6. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook

  • Level-4 pay is respectable in North-East service structure
  • Entry pay of ₹25,500 is stable for district-level living
  • Posting is within Arunachal Pradesh departments
  • Promotion is slow but secure
  • Strong pension and service continuity benefits

For Assam aspirants:
Comparable stability exists through Assam Secretariat (SLRC) and Grade-III/IV posts without relocation to another state.

7. Exam Difficulty & Competition (Realistic View)

  • Competition is limited to departmental staff
  • Cut-offs are usually moderate, not extreme like SSC or APSC
  • Syllabus is basic but accuracy matters
  • English section is often underestimated by departmental candidates

This is not a speed-based exam; it rewards consistency and discipline.

8. Pros & Cons (Honest Assessment)

Pros

  • Secure government career progression
  • No negative marking
  • Predictable syllabus
  • Decent pay level

Cons

  • Closed recruitment system
  • Zero opportunity for fresh Assam aspirants
  • Exam centre only in Itanagar
  • Limited vacancies for JSA (only 14)

9. Applicant Checklist (Assam Aspirants - Reality Filter)

Before even thinking of applying, ask yourself:

  • Am I currently a Government of Arunachal Pradesh employee?
  • Has my HoD certified my eligibility?
  • Do I have official login credentials?
  • Am I ready to write the exam in Itanagar?

If any answer is NO, skip this notification.

10. Conclusion: Apply or Skip?

For most government job aspirants in Assam, this notification should be observed, not pursued.

Your energy is better invested in:

  • Assam SLRC Grade-III/IV
  • APSC Combined Competitive Exam
  • Assam Police & Forest recruitment
  • Central exams with North-East quotas

However, if you are an Assam-origin employee already serving in Arunachal Pradesh, this is a valuable internal opportunity worth taking seriously.

Clarity saves time. Discipline wins careers.

FAQ (Based on Common Assam Aspirant Doubts)

Q1. Can an Assam PRC holder apply?
No. PRC or domicile has no role here. Departmental service is mandatory.

Q2. Is this similar to SLRC Assam recruitment?
No. SLRC is open recruitment. CLDCE is internal promotion.

Q3. Will there be Assamese language paper?
Not mentioned in official notification.

Q4. Can fresh graduates apply?
No. Educational qualification alone is insufficient.

Q5. Should Assam freshers track APSSB notifications?
Yes-but only open APSSB recruitments, not CLDCE.