Examination:
For probationary officer exam there are two types of tests - objective and descriptive. Objective test includes following sections- Quantitative aptitude, Reasoning, English, Computer and General Awareness. Sometimes marketing is also asked. It is required to individually pass in all four sections. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks. Descriptive tests require writing essay type questions. There are 60 minutes allotted. It is a qualifying exam and the marks obtained here are not added while making the final list for interview.
In clerical exam there is only objective test. Sections are Quantitative aptitude, Reasoning, English and clerical aptitude.
Those who qualify for the written exam are called for the interview and then the final selection and are made.
Eligibility:
- Candidates must be between the age group of 21 and 30 years. Candidate must hold a Graduate degree with a minimum of 55% marks from any recognized university.
- For clerical cadre, the eligibility is a basic Graduate degree from any recognized university in any stream of study.
Preparation:
The candidate has to answer 200- 250 questions in 2 hours time. So the time is really short for answering all the questions. The cut off is to be cleared in all the sections. Thus the speed of solving questions has to build up.
For quantitative aptitude questions up to 10th level have to be practiced like algebra, arithmetic, profit loss, percentage, time and distance, mixtures and allegations etc. Tables, squares and cubes of numbers up to at least 20 if learned would be helpful in doing calculations fast. Practicing questions within the exam time frame will help a lot when solving questions in the actual exam.
For Reasoning verbal and non verbal both can be asked. Questions based on diagrams, analysis, statements are asked. They test your problem solving and decision making skills. Sole questions from some standard reasoning book.
For English questions on grammar, synonyms, antonyms, vocabulary, sentence formations etc are asked. 10th grade level English is the basic requirement. Multiple practice sessions on the various aspects of English grammar with focus on the difficult areas will help in doing this section well.
Comprehension questions play a vital part in the English section. You will find nearly 15 questions of this nature and constant practice will help excel this nature of questions. Understanding the passage given is very essential to this nature of questions.
For General Awareness there is no prescribed syllabus. Continuous reading of newspapers like the Hindu, Indian express etc. current affairs magazines, daily watching of news on T.V would help. Rest for banking awareness finds out the meaning of banking terms like repo rate, CRR, SLR on the Internet or in some book and read the business or financial news. Reading newspapers and articles will help in making your current affairs strong as well as it would strengthen your English.
For the computer section, basic knowledge and familiarity with computers is required. Getting acquainted with the basic operations with computers will be the key to clear this section.
Solve previous years question papers, which would help in building up speed as well as tell you the pattern of the exam.
Descriptive Paper is on English Composition like Essay, Précis, Letter Writing etc Candidates must have a good hold over the English language. Handwriting is an important aspect. Then it may be said that the candidate must be up to speed about the various current affairs.
Golden Rules to Prepare for Jobs:
The candidate has to answer 200- 250 questions in 2 hours time. So the time is really short for answering all the questions. The cut off is to be cleared in all the sections. Thus the speed of solving questions has to build up.
For quantitative aptitude questions up to 10th level have to be practiced like algebra, arithmetic, profit loss, percentage, time and distance, mixtures and allegations etc. Tables, squares and cubes of numbers up to at least 20 if learned would be helpful in doing calculations fast. Practicing questions within the exam time frame will help a lot when solving questions in the actual exam.
For Reasoning verbal and non verbal both can be asked. Questions based on diagrams, analysis, statements are asked. They test your problem solving and decision making skills. Sole questions from some standard reasoning book.
For English questions on grammar, synonyms, antonyms, vocabulary, sentence formations etc are asked. 10th grade level English is the basic requirement. Multiple practice sessions on the various aspects of English grammar with focus on the difficult areas will help in doing this section well.
Comprehension questions play a vital part in the English section. You will find nearly 15 questions of this nature and constant practice will help excel this nature of questions. Understanding the passage given is very essential to this nature of questions.
For General Awareness there is no prescribed syllabus. Continuous reading of newspapers like the Hindu, Indian express etc. current affairs magazines, daily watching of news on T.V would help. Rest for banking awareness finds out the meaning of banking terms like repo rate, CRR, SLR on the Internet or in some book and read the business or financial news. Reading newspapers and articles will help in making your current affairs strong as well as it would strengthen your English.
For the computer section, basic knowledge and familiarity with computers is required. Getting acquainted with the basic operations with computers will be the key to clear this section.
Solve previous years question papers, which would help in building up speed as well as tell you the pattern of the exam.
Descriptive Paper is on English Composition like Essay, Précis, Letter Writing etc Candidates must have a good hold over the English language. Handwriting is an important aspect. Then it may be said that the candidate must be up to speed about the various current affairs.
Golden Rules to Prepare for Jobs:
- Practice is the key in such aptitude tests.
- Speed is very important which will build up through practice.
- Accuracy is very important.
- Do not make wild guesses, as there is negative marking.
- Allocate proper time to each section as time management is of prime importance. Since cut off is to be cleared in each section.
- Solve previous years question papers.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses
- Do not waste time on difficult questions.
- Use dictionary extensively.
- Work hard and smart.
- In the exam make a strategy which section you want to do first and how much time is to be allotted to each section. Do not start solving right away.
- Be confident YOU CAN DO IT !
Written for e-Students Guide by Vaibhav. He is the founder and chief editor of Government Job Search. He can be reached at vaibhav[at]governmentjobsearch.in
