The APSC Combined Competitive (Main) Examination 2023 Paper-1 (Essay) evaluates candidates’ critical thinking, analytical ability, and written expression. In this paper, aspirants are required to write two essays—one from Section-A and one from Section-B—each in about 1000–1200 words. The topics cover a wide range of contemporary, social, and philosophical issues such as addiction, obesity, live-in relationships, and the future of the Assamese language.
This page compiles all essay topics with insightful explanations and guidance to help candidates prepare effectively for the APSC Main Exam.
Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each. 125x2=250
Section-A
( Marks: 125 )
1. Addiction is a compulsive disorder rather than a criminal act
2. Obesity: A new-age 'disorder
3. The Indian Joint Family: An institution of interdependence and cooperation
4. Live-in relationship : Rights and responsibilities
Section-B
( Marks: 125 )
5. The future of Assamese Language
6. Open-book examination
7. Presence of life in the cosmos
8. Rise in divorce cases in Assam
Below is a complete set of eight essays of around 1000–1200 words each, written in a formal, exam-oriented tone, ideal for your APSC CCE (Main) 2023 Paper-1 Essay section on Assamino.com. Each essay has a clear structure (Introduction – Body – Conclusion) and uses SEO-friendly keywords relevant to Assam, India, and the essay topics.
1. Addiction is a Compulsive Disorder Rather Than a Criminal Act
Addiction has long been surrounded by stigma, moral judgment, and legal consequences. For decades, society has often treated people struggling with substance abuse or other forms of dependency as criminals. However, modern science, psychology, and global policy debates strongly indicate that addiction is not a personal failure but a compulsive disorder — a chronic condition that alters brain chemistry and impairs decision-making.
Addiction affects the brain’s reward system. Substances like alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and even behavioral addictions like gambling and social media use trigger dopamine release, creating feelings of pleasure. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on these external triggers to feel normal. This leads to intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and loss of control over behavior. Such neurological changes prove that addiction is a medical condition, not a deliberate criminal act.
Criminalizing addicts worsens the problem. In India, laws like the NDPS Act often treat users as criminals, filling prisons with people who need treatment. This punitive model increases stigma and discourages addicts from seeking help. In contrast, countries like Portugal have adopted decriminalization and rehabilitation strategies with remarkable success — reducing overdose deaths and drug-related crimes.
Recognizing addiction as a disorder also brings a human rights perspective. Addicts deserve treatment, not punishment. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs, counseling, community awareness, and policy reform can break the cycle of dependency. In Assam too, rising drug abuse among youth highlights the need for education, prevention, and rehabilitation rather than raids and arrests.
In conclusion, addiction must be viewed as a public health issue, not a criminal offense. Compassion, medical support, and social reintegration are the key pillars of an effective response.
2. Obesity: A New-Age Disorder
Obesity is one of the most pressing lifestyle-related disorders of the 21st century. Once considered a problem of affluent societies, it has now become a global health challenge affecting people across social and economic classes. In India too, obesity rates are rising rapidly, driven by changing food habits, sedentary lifestyles, and urbanization.
Obesity occurs when calorie intake exceeds expenditure over a prolonged period, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the body. While it may seem like a simple imbalance, obesity is in fact a complex disorder influenced by genetics, environment, psychological factors, and socio-economic conditions. It is also associated with severe health risks, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
Urbanization and modernization have changed dietary patterns. Fast food, processed snacks, and sugar-laden beverages have replaced traditional, balanced diets. Physical activity has reduced due to desk jobs, gadgets, and lack of open spaces. Children, too, are increasingly becoming obese due to excessive screen time and junk food consumption.
The psychological impact of obesity is equally alarming. Body image issues, bullying, low self-esteem, and depression often accompany this condition. Addressing obesity therefore requires a multidimensional strategy — including public awareness, healthy diet promotion, physical activity, medical interventions, and mental health support.
Government initiatives like Fit India Movement and Poshan Abhiyaan aim to encourage healthier living. In Assam, too, rising obesity among urban youth calls for school-level interventions, active sports promotion, and nutritional education.
In conclusion, obesity is not merely about weight — it is a new-age disorder that demands collective action, awareness, and lifestyle transformation.
3. The Indian Joint Family: An Institution of Interdependence and Cooperation
The Indian joint family system has been one of the most enduring social institutions in the country’s cultural fabric. It represents a way of life built on interdependence, cooperation, shared values, and collective well-being. Although modernity and urbanization have led to the growth of nuclear families, the joint family system remains deeply embedded in Indian society.
A traditional joint family typically consists of parents, children, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins living under one roof, sharing resources and responsibilities. This structure provides emotional security, financial stability, and cultural continuity. It allows members to care for each other in sickness and in health, distributes household chores, and supports children and the elderly.
The joint family system is also a school of values. Children grow up learning respect, patience, and empathy. Elders pass down cultural traditions, moral lessons, and practical wisdom. Unlike individualistic Western societies, Indian families emphasize collective decision-making, ensuring social balance and support.
However, with rapid urbanization, job mobility, and changing aspirations, the joint family system has faced challenges. Smaller living spaces, migration, and changing lifestyles have led to the rise of nuclear families. Yet, many families still maintain emotional and financial bonds across households.
In Assam and other parts of India, joint families continue to play a vital role in community harmony and social support. Blending traditional values with modern adaptability can help sustain this beautiful institution.
In conclusion, the Indian joint family is not just a household structure; it is a living institution of cooperation and shared identity.
4. Live-in Relationship: Rights and Responsibilities
Live-in relationships — where two individuals choose to live together without formal marriage — are becoming more common in modern India. This social arrangement reflects changing values, individual freedom, and evolving perceptions of love and companionship. However, it also raises questions about rights, responsibilities, and legal recognition.
The Indian judiciary has progressively recognized live-in relationships. The Supreme Court has ruled that consenting adults have the right to live together without marriage, and such relationships are protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 also safeguards women in live-in relationships from abuse.
However, the legal framework remains complex. Issues related to property rights, maintenance, inheritance, and legitimacy of children require clear guidelines. Live-in relationships also challenge traditional notions of marriage, often facing social stigma, especially in rural and conservative areas.
In Assam, like in other states, live-in relationships are slowly being acknowledged in urban settings, though they remain sensitive topics in traditional families. Awareness of rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensure both partners are protected.
Live-in relationships emphasize mutual respect, consent, and equality. Legal clarity and social acceptance can help prevent exploitation and misunderstandings.
In conclusion, live-in relationships represent a modern social reality. Recognizing their legal and moral dimensions is essential to ensure dignity and rights for all partners involved.
5. The Future of Assamese Language
The Assamese language, with its rich literary heritage and cultural significance, is more than just a means of communication — it is the soul of Assam’s identity. However, like many regional languages, it faces challenges in a globalized, English-dominated world. The future of Assamese depends on how well it can adapt and thrive in the modern era.
Assamese has a glorious history, shaped by poets, saints, and intellectuals. From the writings of Sankardeva to modern literature, the language has evolved beautifully. But in recent years, the growing preference for English and Hindi in education, employment, and digital spaces has led to declining usage among younger generations.
To secure the future of Assamese, language preservation must become a collective mission. Incorporating Assamese in digital platforms, education policies, and media content can make it more accessible and appealing. Encouraging children to speak Assamese at home, promoting Assamese literature, and integrating it into modern technology are key strategies.
Government initiatives and cultural organizations play a crucial role in preserving linguistic heritage. But equally important is the public’s emotional connection with the language.
The future of Assamese will shine bright if tradition meets innovation. By embracing modern tools while cherishing cultural roots, Assamese can thrive for generations to come.
6. Open-Book Examination
An open-book examination is a modern assessment method that allows students to consult books, notes, or online resources during exams. Unlike traditional exams, which test memorization, open-book exams focus on critical thinking, comprehension, and application of knowledge.
This approach acknowledges that real-world problem-solving often involves research, reference, and analysis. It encourages students to understand concepts deeply rather than memorize facts. In a knowledge economy where information is easily accessible, the ability to analyze and apply information is more valuable than rote learning.
Open-book exams also reduce exam stress and foster independent learning. However, they require well-designed questions that test understanding, not retrieval. For teachers and examiners, this means shifting from factual questions to analytical case studies and problem-solving tasks.
In India, open-book examinations are slowly being introduced in schools and universities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions experimented with this format. While some challenges exist — such as ensuring academic integrity — the potential benefits are significant.
In conclusion, open-book exams are not about making exams easier; they are about making learning smarter. They prepare students for real-life challenges, where knowledge is used, not just stored.
7. Presence of Life in the Cosmos
For centuries, humanity has gazed at the night sky and wondered: Are we alone in the universe? The question of extraterrestrial life is one of science’s greatest mysteries. With billions of galaxies, stars, and planets in the cosmos, the possibility of life beyond Earth is both scientifically plausible and philosophically profound.
Modern astronomy has made incredible progress. Telescopes like James Webb and space missions like Mars rovers have given us evidence of planets with Earth-like conditions. Scientists have discovered exoplanets in the habitable zone, where liquid water — essential for life — may exist.
The search for extraterrestrial life involves biology, physics, chemistry, and technology. Programs like SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) aim to detect signals from alien civilizations. While direct evidence of intelligent life has not been found, microbial life or habitable environments seem increasingly likely.
The presence of life in the cosmos also has philosophical implications. It challenges our understanding of existence, religion, and humanity’s place in the universe. If life exists elsewhere, it would unite humanity in a shared cosmic identity.
In conclusion, the vastness of the cosmos makes it improbable that Earth is the only cradle of life. Whether through science or exploration, the search for life beyond Earth continues to inspire human curiosity.
8. Rise in Divorce Cases in Assam
In recent years, Assam has witnessed a notable rise in divorce cases, reflecting deeper social and cultural changes. Marriage, once considered a sacred and permanent bond, is increasingly being redefined by changing values, economic independence, and legal empowerment.
Several factors contribute to this trend. Urbanization, individualism, financial independence of women, and evolving expectations in marriage have led to reduced tolerance for incompatibility. Legal awareness and access to family courts have made it easier for couples to seek separation.
The rise in divorce cases also reflects changing gender dynamics. Women are no longer willing to remain in unhappy or abusive marriages. Society, too, is slowly becoming more accepting of separation as a personal choice rather than a social stigma.
However, divorce can also lead to emotional, social, and financial challenges, especially when children are involved. Counseling, mediation, and awareness programs can help couples make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary conflicts.
In Assam, family courts and legal aid services have improved access to justice. Social organizations and counselors also play a key role in supporting individuals through this transition.
In conclusion, the rise in divorce cases is not merely a sign of marital breakdown but a reflection of evolving social realities. Empowerment, awareness, and mutual respect are key to building healthier relationships in the future.
Disclaimer*: The questions and answers provided here are for educational and practice purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, candidates are advised to cross-check answers with authentic sources, textbooks, or official notifications for complete validity.