Guide to the U.P. Assistant Prosecuting Officer (APO) Recruitment 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has released a new notification for the recruitment of Assistant Prosecuting Officer (APO). This is a great opportunity for law graduates aspiring to join the prosecution service in Uttar Pradesh. Here is a full-fledged guide to the recent notification, covering everything you need to know from eligibility to the exam pattern and syllabus.

Key Details at a Glance

• Recruiting Body: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)

• Post Name: Assistant Prosecuting Officer (APO)

• Total Vacancies: 182 [Unreserved (UR) 27, Scheduled Castes (SC) 67, Scheduled Tribes (ST) 09, Other Backward Classes (OBC) 61, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) 18, Ex-Servicemen 09, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) 07 (04-Low Vision, 02 - Hard of Hearing, 01 - OA), Dependents of Freedom Fighters (DFF) 03, Women (Horizontal Reservation) 36]

• Official Website: https://uppsc.up.nic.in/

• Application Dates: The online application process starts on September 16, 2025, and the last date to apply is October 16, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the U.P. APO exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India.

• Age Limit: As of July 1, 2025, candidates must be between 21 and 40 years of age. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC) and other eligible candidates as per government rules.

• Nationality: Candidates must be a citizen of India.

• Experience: No prior professional experience is required, making this an excellent opportunity for fresh law graduates. Preference may be given to candidates with two years of service in the Territorial Army or an "NCC B" certificate.

Selection Process

The selection for the U.P. APO post is a three-stage process, followed by a medical examination. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview.

1. Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type, multiple-choice test designed to screen candidates for the main exam.

2. Main Examination: This is a descriptive, written test to evaluate a candidate's in-depth knowledge of legal subjects and general topics.

3. Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who clear the main exam are called for an interview to assess their personality, character, and suitability for the role.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Preliminary Examination (150 Marks)

Part I: General Knowledge (50 questions)

• • General Science
• • Current Events of National and International Importance
• • History of India & Indian National Movement
• • Indian Polity & Economy
• • World Geography and Population

Part II: Law (100 questions)

• • The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
• • The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
• • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
• • U.P. Police Act and Regulations
• • Indian Constitution

Main Examination (500 Marks)

This is a descriptive examination with six papers. The General English and General Hindi papers are of a high school standard, while the law papers are at the degree level.

• सामान्य हिन्दी (100 अंक): इसमें व्याकरण, निबंध लेखन, सारांश और अनुवाद जैसे विषय शामिल हैं।

• General English (50 marks): Covers vocabulary, grammar, composition, and translation.

• General Knowledge (50 marks): Same syllabus as the Preliminary Examination.

• Criminal Law & Procedure (100 marks): Covers the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, focusing on trial procedures, arrest, and bail.

• Evidence Law (100 marks): Focuses on the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, covering admissibility of evidence, examination of witnesses, and more.

• Other Laws (100 marks): This paper includes a variety of special laws, such as the POCSO Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, and several state-specific laws like the U.P. Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act etc.

Personality Test/ Interview (50 Marks)

Suitability of the candidates shall be determined keeping in mind his efficiency, character, personality and physical fitness.

This recruitment is a significant opportunity for those with a legal background. It is highly recommended that candidates begin their preparation with a clear understanding of the new legal codes and a strong focus on the core law subjects, in addition to keeping up with current affairs and general knowledge.