Becoming an Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) is a prestigious career option for law graduates who aspire to serve as a government lawyer in the judicial system. APOs are responsible for representing the government in criminal cases in district courts and play a crucial role in the legal framework of the country. If you’re wondering how to become an APO in India and APO Full Form , especially through the UPPSC APO exam, this detailed guide will walk you through the qualifications, exam pattern, salary structure, and career path.
APO Full Form is : Assistant Prosecution Officer. An Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) Sarkari Adhivakta is a government-appointed advocate who represents the state in criminal cases in district courts. APOs play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by ensuring that criminals are brought to justice based on evidence and law.
Depending on the court hierarchy, government lawyers are known by different titles:
Supreme Court: Attorney General of India
High Court: Advocate General of the State
District Court: Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO)
How to Get a Job as a Sarkari Vakil?
For law graduates aspiring to enter the government sector, becoming a Sarkari Vakil (Government Lawyer) is a prestigious career option. After completing a degree in law, candidates can pursue a Sarkari Naukri by appearing for the APO Exam (Assistant Prosecution Officer Exam). These exams are conducted by various state public service commissions like UPPSC. In some cases, experienced advocates are also appointed directly based on their years of legal practice.
How to Prepare for the APO Exam?
To clear the APO Exam, candidates must first understand the exam pattern and syllabus. The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Written Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Key subjects include General Knowledge, Criminal Law, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. A dedicated and strategic preparation approach, including solving previous years’ papers, mock tests, and revision of important legal concepts, can significantly boost your chances of success.
Government Opportunities for Law Graduates
Practicing lawyers have a unique opportunity to secure a Sarkari Naukri as a Sarkari Vakil. These roles are not only respected but also come with job security, a good salary, and additional benefits. The government hires lawyers under different titles depending on the jurisdiction—Attorney General at the national level, Advocate General at the state level, and Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) at the district level. Those interested in this path should be well-versed with the eligibility criteria, selection process, and duties of a government prosecutor.
How to Become an Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) in UP | APO Exam, Eligibility, Salary
🎓 Eligibility Criteria to Become an APO
There are two main pathways to become an Assistant Prosecution Officer:
1. Based on Experience:
To be appointed as an APO on the basis of legal experience, you must meet these criteria:
Be an Indian citizen
Minimum 7 years of experience in legal practice
Minimum age: 35 years
2. Through Competitive Examination:
Most commonly, APOs are selected through the UPPSC APO exam. The eligibility includes:
Must be a Law graduate (LLB) from a recognized university
Indian citizen
Age between 21 to 40 years
Age relaxation: Up to 55 years for Divyang (disabled) candidates
📝 UPPSC APO Exam Overview
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts the APO recruitment exam in three stages:
Stage
Type of Exam
Marks
Preliminary Exam
Objective (MCQ)
150
Main Exam
Written (Descriptive)
400
Personality Test
Interview
50
📊 APO Preliminary Exam Pattern
The preliminary exam includes two parts with objective-type questions:
Part I – General Knowledge (50 Marks)
Indian History – 8 marks
Indian National Movement – 8 marks
Geography & Environment – 8 marks
Indian Polity & Economy – 8 marks
General Science – 8 marks
Current Affairs – 10 marks
Part II – Law (100 Marks)
Indian Penal Code (IPC) – 35 marks
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) – 25 marks
Indian Evidence Act – 25 marks
UP Police Act & Regulations – 15 marks
📚 UPPSC APO Mains Exam Pattern
Subject
Marks
General Knowledge
100
General Hindi
100
General English
100
Law of Evidence
100
Criminal Law and Procedure
100
💡 Tip: Practice previous year papers and mock tests to excel in both Preliminary and Mains exams.
Detailed Overview of UPPSC APO Syllabus 2025
The UPPSC APO Syllabus 2025 is designed to comprehensively assess the knowledge, legal understanding, and linguistic abilities required for the role of Assistant Prosecution Officer in Uttar Pradesh. The recruitment process is divided into two key stages – Preliminary Examination and Main Examination.
In the Prelims, candidates are tested on General Knowledge and Law. The General Knowledge syllabus includes important topics like Indian History, National Movement, Geography, Indian Politics and Economy, Science and Technology, Environmental Issues, and Current Affairs (National & International). This section ensures that candidates stay updated with relevant social and political developments.
The Law section in the Preliminary stage covers core subjects such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Indian Constitution, and Fundamental Rights. These topics form the legal backbone for any prosecution officer.
In the UPPSC APO Mains syllabus, candidates face a more detailed and descriptive paper. It includes two crucial papers: General Hindi and Law. The General Hindi syllabus focuses on grammar, language usage, and comprehension, covering topics like वाक्य संरचना, मुहावरे, अलंकार, पर्यायवाची, विलोम शब्द, and वर्तनी त्रुटियाँ.
The Law syllabus for APO Mains is vast and in-depth, including major acts like the Indian Evidence Act, Contract Act, Transfer of Property Act, Family Law, Specific Relief Act, and Administrative Law. It also includes essential legal concepts such as Judicial Review, Delegated Legislation, International Law, Sources of Law, Legal Doctrines, Tort Law, and State Responsibility under international conventions.
Candidates preparing for the UPPSC Assistant Prosecution Officer Exam 2025 must develop a clear understanding of both factual and conceptual legal matters. The detailed and structured syllabus ensures that only the most competent and well-prepared individuals qualify for this prestigious legal role.
💼 APO Salary in India – Pay Scale and Allowances
The APO post is a Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officer role under the state government. As per the 7th Pay Commission, the salary structure is as follows:
Pay Band: ₹9300 – ₹34,800
Grade Pay: ₹4,800
Basic Pay: ₹47,600/month
Gross Monthly Salary: ₹60,000 – ₹70,000 (including HRA, DA, TA)
📈 Over time, with promotions, APOs can rise to higher posts like District Prosecution Officer, Joint Director, and even Director of Prosecution.
Salary – APO
🛣️ Career Path of an APO
Position
Promotion After
Assistant Prosecution Officer
4–6 years
District Prosecution Officer
10+ years
Joint Director of Prosecution
15–20 years
Director of Prosecution
Senior-most rank
🎯 Final Words
Becoming an Assistant Prosecution Officer is a noble and powerful career path for law graduates who want to serve justice and contribute to the legal system. Whether you’re just graduating or have legal experience, the UPPSC APO exam is your gateway to becoming a respected government lawyer.
Stay updated with UPPSC notifications, prepare consistently, and aim to secure your place in this esteemed profession.
