The Uttar Pradesh Assistant Prosecution Officer Exam is one of the most sought-after law recruitment tests conducted by UPPSC. Every year, thousands of law graduates apply for this exam to secure a government position in the prosecution department.
If you are wondering what is UP APO exam and how it works, this guide covers its eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, application process, and career opportunities in detail.
UP APO Full Form
The full form of UP APO is Uttar Pradesh Assistant Prosecution Officer. It is a competitive exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) to recruit law graduates for the post of Assistant Prosecution Officer in the state’s prosecution department.
What is UP APO Exam?
The UP APO Exam is a state-level recruitment test held by UPPSC to appoint Assistant Prosecution Officers. It is conducted in three stages – Preliminary exam, Main exam, and Interview. The role offers legal responsibilities in criminal justice, representing the state in courts, and ensuring smooth prosecution of cases.
Who is APO?
An APO (Assistant Prosecution Officer) is a government-appointed law officer responsible for representing the state in criminal cases. The APO works under the prosecution department, assists senior prosecutors, examines evidence, prepares legal documents, and argues cases in court to ensure justice is delivered effectively on behalf of the state.
Uttar Pradesh APO Exam Highlights 2025
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UP APO (Uttar Pradesh Assistant Prosecution Officer) Exam |
| Conducting Body | Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) |
| Exam Level | State-level recruitment exam |
| Frequency | Conducted as per vacancies (not annual, depends on requirement) |
| No. of vacancies | 182 |
| Stages of Exam | Preliminary Exam → Main Exam → Interview |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper-based) |
| Prelims Paper | General Knowledge, Law (Objective) |
| Mains Papers | General Knowledge, General Hindi, Criminal Law & Procedure, Contract & Torts (Descriptive) |
| Age Limit | 21–40 years (with relaxation as per category) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) |
| Job Location | Across Uttar Pradesh |
| Official Website | uppsc.up.nic.in |
UP APO Vacancy & Notification 2025
The UP APO Vacancy Notification 2025 was released by UPPSC on 12 September 2025. It announced 182 vacancies for the post of Assistant Prosecution Officer, subject to increase or decrease depending on circumstances. Below is a quick overview:
| Particulars | Details |
| Notification Release Date | 12 September 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) |
| Total Vacancies | 182 |
| Application Start Date | 16 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2025 |
| Last Date for Corrections | 24 October 2025 |
| UP APO Exam Date | Yet to be announced |
Eligibility Criteria for UP APO Exam 2025
Below is the UP APO eligibility criteria 2025:
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India |
| Age Limit (as on 1 July 2025) | Minimum: 21 years Maximum: 40 years (Born between 2 July 1985 and 1 July 2004) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university |
| Physical & Character Requirements | Candidate must be of sound health and good moral character; should not have been debarred by UPPSC or any other authority |
Uttar Pradesh APO Exam Pattern & Selection Process 2025
Below is the UP APO exam pattern 2025, along with selection process:
| Stage | Paper / Component | Marks | Duration | Type of Exam |
| Prelims | General Knowledge | 150 | 2 Hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Law (General) | 150 | 2 Hours | Objective (MCQ) | |
| Total | 300 | 4 Hours | ||
| Mains | General Knowledge | 100 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| General Hindi | 100 | 3 Hours | Descriptive | |
| Criminal Law & Procedure (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act) | 100 | 3 Hours | Descriptive | |
| Law of Contract & Torts | 100 | 3 Hours | Descriptive | |
| Total | 400 | — | ||
| Interview | Personality Test / Viva-Voce | 50 | — | Face-to-Face |
| Grand Total | Prelims + Mains + Interview | 750 | — | — |
Note: Candidates must qualify in each stage (Prelims → Mains → Interview) to be considered for final selection.
UP APO Syllabus 2025
Below is the UP APO syllabus 2025:
| Exam Stage | Subjects / Papers | Syllabus Details |
| Prelims | General Knowledge | Indian History, Indian Polity, Economy, Current Affairs (National & International), Geography, Science & Technology, General Awareness |
| Law (General) | Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Indian Evidence Act, Contract Law, Torts, Landmark Case Laws | |
| Mains | General Knowledge | National & International Events, Indian Culture, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Developments |
| General Hindi | Essay Writing, Grammar, Comprehension, Precis Writing, Usage & Vocabulary | |
| Criminal Law & Procedure | Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Indian Evidence Act with important case references | |
| Law of Contract & Torts | General Principles of Contract, Special Contracts, Partnership, Law of Torts, Relevant Case Laws | |
| Interview | Viva-Voce | Legal knowledge, awareness of current legal issues, personality assessment, communication skills, suitability for prosecution services |
UP APO Application Form 2025
The application process for the UP APO Exam 2025 will be conducted online through the official website uppsc.up.nic.in. The registration window will remain open from 16 September 2025 to 16 October 2025, and corrections can be made till 24 October 2025.
Here is how to apply for UP APO exam 2025:
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to uppsc.up.nic.in and select the link for UP APO 2025 Online Application.
2. Complete Registration
Fill in your basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID to generate login credentials.
3. Fill the Application Form
Log in and enter personal, academic, and communication details accurately as per official records.
4. Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
5. Pay the Application Fee
Make the payment through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Ensure the transaction is successful.
6. Submit the Application
Review all entered details carefully, then submit the form. Download the confirmation page for your records.
7. Print the Form
Take a printout of the final submitted form for future reference such as admit card verification or document submission.
UP APO Salary, Job Profile & Career Growth
The post of Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) in Uttar Pradesh comes under the state government’s pay scale.
- Pay Scale: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (Level 8, 7th CPC)
- Grade Pay: ₹4,800
- Monthly In-Hand Salary (approx.): ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 (including allowances)
Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance, Medical Benefits, and other government perks.
UP APO Job Profile
As an Assistant Prosecution Officer, the primary responsibility is to represent the State in criminal cases. Key duties include:
- Conducting criminal trials on behalf of the government.
- Scrutinizing case files and preparing charge sheets.
- Examining witnesses and presenting evidence in court.
- Assisting senior prosecutors in high-profile cases.
- Ensuring fair and speedy prosecution to uphold justice.
Career Growth of UP APO
The role of APO offers a structured career path with promotions and higher responsibilities. Growth typically follows this hierarchy:
- Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO)
- Deputy Prosecution Officer (DPO)
- Additional District Prosecution Officer (ADPO)
- District Prosecution Officer (DPO)
- Joint Director / Deputy Director (Prosecution Department)
With experience, APOs may also be considered for senior administrative roles in the prosecution department or deputation in other legal wings of the government.
Uttar Pradesh APO Exam Preparation Tips 2025
- Focus on Core Law Subjects: Prioritize IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and Constitution of India as they form the backbone of the exam. Make short notes and revise regularly.
- Strengthen General Knowledge: Read newspapers daily, follow monthly current affairs, and stay updated on legal developments, government schemes, and international news.
- Practice Hindi Writing: Since the mains includes a General Hindi paper, work on essay writing, grammar, and comprehension to improve accuracy and presentation.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Go through past UP APO question papers to understand exam trends, difficulty level, and important topics. Practice them under timed conditions.
- Take Regular Mock Tests: Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment. Attempt full-length and sectional tests to boost speed, accuracy, and confidence.
- Plan a Balanced Study Schedule: Divide your time wisely between law, GK, and Hindi. Stick to a daily timetable that covers study, revision, and test practice.
- Seek Expert Guidance if Needed: If self-study feels overwhelming, join structured programs like Law Prep’s coaching or mock test series for mentorship, doubt clearing, and systematic preparation.
FAQs About UP APO Exam 2025
The exam is conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC).
The selection process includes Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview.
Candidates must be between 21 and 40 years as of 1 July 2025.
A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university.
The UP APO Vacancy 2025 has 182 posts, subject to change.
The exam date has not been announced yet. It will be updated on the official website.