Cracking the UP APO Preliminary Examination is your entry ticket. But the Mains is where selections are actually made. Many aspirants who clear Prelims with good margins fall at the Mains stage — not because they lack knowledge, but because they underestimate what the Mains demands.
The Uttar Pradesh APO Mains is a comprehensive descriptive examination testing your command over criminal law, procedural codes, special legislation, language proficiency, and general knowledge. The best way to understand what this exam truly demands is through previous year papers.
This blog brings you the official exam pattern, complete Mains syllabus, free PDF download, and a smart preparation guide — curated by Aashayein Judiciary to help you convert Prelims success into Mains selection.
About the UP APO Exam
The Uttar Pradesh Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) examination is conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). APOs represent the state government in criminal courts across UP.
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Detail |
Information |
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Exam Name |
Uttar Pradesh Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) |
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Conducting Body |
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) |
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Minimum Qualification |
Law Degree (LLB) from a recognised university |
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Age Limit |
21 to 40 years (relaxation for reserved categories) |
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Key Stages |
Preliminary Exam → Mains Exam → Personality Test (Interview) |
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Mode of Application |
Online |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline |
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Official Website |
UP APO Selection Process: A Three-Stage Journey
• Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective)
• Stage 2: Mains Examination (Descriptive)
• Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview
UP APO Preliminary Examination: Quick Overview
Before the Mains comes the Prelims. Here is the official pattern:
• Total Questions: 150
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Maximum Marks: 150
• Negative Marking: One-third of marks assigned to that question
|
Part |
Subject |
No. of Questions |
|
Part I – General Knowledge |
General Science |
08 |
|
|
Current Events (National & International) |
10 |
|
|
History of India |
08 |
|
|
Indian National Movement |
08 |
|
|
Indian Polity & Economy |
08 |
|
|
World Geography and Population |
08 |
|
Part II – Law |
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) |
30 |
|
|
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) |
25 |
|
|
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) |
20 |
|
|
U.P. Police Act and Related Regulations |
15 |
|
|
Constitution of India, 1950 |
10 |
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Total |
— |
150 |
💡 Critical Update for 2026: The UP APO Prelims now tests the new criminal codes — BNS 2023 (replacing IPC), BSA 2023 (replacing Evidence Act), and BNSS 2023 (replacing CrPC) — not the old codes. Aspirants must prepare the new legislation.
UP APO Mains Examination: Complete Pattern & Syllabus
The Mains Examination carries 500 marks in total. It is a descriptive exam testing legal knowledge, language skills, and general awareness in depth.
Mains Exam Pattern
|
Subject |
Marks |
Duration |
Details |
|
General Hindi |
100 |
3 Hours |
High School level question paper |
|
General English |
50 |
1.5 Hours |
High School level question paper |
|
General Knowledge |
50 |
1.5 Hours |
Same syllabus as Prelims GK component |
|
Criminal Law & Procedure |
100 |
3 Hours |
Includes Police Act & regulations; Law Degree standard |
|
Sakshya Adhiniyam |
100 |
3 Hours |
Direct and applied questions; Law Degree level |
|
Anya Adhiniyam (Other Acts) |
100 |
3 Hours |
Multiple special laws (see below) |
|
Total |
500 |
— |
— |
Criminal Law & Procedure (100 Marks)
This paper covers the new criminal codes and procedural law:
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)
• U.P. Police Act and Related Regulations
Sakshya Adhiniyam (100 Marks)
This paper is dedicated to the law of evidence:
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)
• Both direct and applied questions at the Law Degree level
Anya Adhiniyam / Other Acts (100 Marks)
This is the paper on Special Laws — one of the most important and often neglected papers:
|
# |
Act |
|
1 |
Arms Act, 1959 |
|
2 |
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) |
|
3 |
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 |
|
4 |
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 |
|
5 |
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 |
|
6 |
Information Technology Act, 2000 |
|
7 |
Explosives Act, 1884 |
|
8 |
Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 |
|
9 |
Essential Commodities Act, 1955 |
|
10 |
Uttar Pradesh Control of Goondas Act, 1970 |
|
11 |
UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 |
|
12 |
U.P. Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955 |
|
13 |
UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 |
|
14 |
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) |
|
15 |
UP Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 |
|
16 |
Foreigners Act, 1946 |
Personality Test / Interview
• Maximum Marks: 50
• Candidate's suitability evaluated on capacity, character, personality, and physical fitness.
• Marks from written test combined with Personality Test marks to determine final ranking.
Download UP APO Mains Previous Year Question Papers – Free PDF
Aashayein Judiciary provides UP APO Mains previous year papers with model answer frameworks and paper-wise analysis — aligned to the current exam pattern including the new criminal codes.
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UP APO Mains Previous Year Question Papers |
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UP APO MAIN 2018 ALL PAPER |
Download PDF |
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UP APO Criminal Law & Procedure With Police Act And Regulations |
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UP APO Mains Exam Paper 2022 – Law Of Evidence |
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UP APO Mains Exam Paper 2022 - GK |
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UP APO Mains Exam Paper 2022 - Hindi |
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How Aashayein Judiciary Helps UP APO Aspirants
Aashayein Judiciary provides UP APO-specific resources including Mains answer writing modules, Act-wise tests for all 16 special laws, updated content on new criminal codes, and expert mentorship. Our approach is aligned to the actual UPPSC APO examination pattern — not generic judiciary preparation
Preparing for competitive exams requires the right strategy and consistent effort. Judiciary coaching plays a crucial role by providing expert guidance, structured study material, and regular mock tests. It helps you stay focused, improve conceptual clarity, and develop strong answer writing skills, ultimately increasing your chances of success.
