DRDO CEPTAM Exam 2024: Prelims Syllabus Breakdown
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts the Centralized Employment Potential Test for All Ministries (CEPTAM) exam to recruit eligible candidates for various technical and non-technical posts. The exam is conducted in two stages: Prelims and Mains. This article focuses on the syllabus for the Prelims exam of DRDO CEPTAM 2024.
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section assesses the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning abilities. It includes topics like:
1.1. Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words or concepts.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Understanding the meaning of words and their opposites.
- Sentence Completion: Filling in missing words to complete a sentence logically.
- Logical Deduction: Drawing conclusions from given information.
- Verbal Classification: Grouping words based on shared characteristics.
- Coding-Decoding: Deciphering codes and patterns.
1.2. Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Series: Identifying patterns and missing elements in a series of figures.
- Analogy: Identifying relationships between figures.
- Classification: Grouping figures based on shared characteristics.
- Mirror Images: Identifying the mirror image of a given figure.
- Spatial Reasoning: Understanding spatial relationships and manipulating objects in space.
1.3. Data Interpretation:
- Tables: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tables.
- Graphs: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs).
- Charts: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in charts.
1.4. Logical Reasoning:
- Syllogisms: Analyzing and drawing conclusions from given statements.
- Puzzles: Solving logical puzzles and riddles.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and locations based on given information.
- Clocks and Calendars: Solving problems related to time and dates.
Table 1: Sample General Intelligence and Reasoning Questions
| Type | Question |
|---|---|
| Analogy | Which of the following pairs has the same relationship as “Book: Author”? |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | What is the synonym of “Enormous”? |
| Sentence Completion | The old man was so ______ that he could barely walk. |
| Logical Deduction | All cats are mammals. Some mammals are pets. Therefore, ______. |
| Series | Identify the missing figure in the series: _ _ _ _ _ _ |
| Analogy | Which figure is analogous to the given figure? |
| Classification | Which figure does not belong to the group? |
| Mirror Images | Identify the mirror image of the given figure. |
| Spatial Reasoning | If a cube is painted red on all sides and then cut into 27 smaller cubes, how many cubes will have three red sides? |
| Syllogisms | All birds can fly. Some birds are black. Therefore, ______. |
| Puzzles | There are five houses in a row, each painted a different color. The people in each house own a different pet, drink a different beverage, and smoke a different brand of cigarettes. Using the clues provided, determine who owns the fish. |
2. Quantitative Aptitude
This section assesses the candidate’s mathematical skills and ability to solve problems involving numbers. It includes topics like:
2.1. Arithmetic:
- Number Systems: Understanding different types of numbers, their properties, and operations.
- Percentage: Calculating percentages, discounts, profit, and loss.
- Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios, proportions, and their applications.
- Average: Calculating averages and weighted averages.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to work done by individuals or groups.
- Time and Distance: Solving problems related to speed, distance, and time.
- Simple and Compound Interest: Calculating interest on loans and investments.
2.2. Algebra:
- Linear Equations: Solving equations with one or more variables.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving equations with a variable raised to the power of two.
- Inequalities: Solving inequalities involving variables.
- Logarithms: Understanding logarithms and their properties.
- Sequences and Series: Identifying patterns and calculating sums of series.
2.3. Geometry:
- Lines and Angles: Understanding concepts related to lines, angles, and triangles.
- Triangles: Solving problems related to triangles, including their properties and theorems.
- Circles: Understanding concepts related to circles, including their properties and theorems.
- Mensuration: Calculating areas and volumes of various geometric shapes.
2.4. Data Interpretation:
- Tables: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tables.
- Graphs: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs).
- Charts: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in charts.
Table 2: Sample Quantitative Aptitude Questions
| Type | Question |
|---|---|
| Number Systems | What is the smallest number that can be divided by 2, 3, 4, and 5 without leaving a remainder? |
| Percentage | A shopkeeper marks up the price of an item by 20% and then offers a discount of 10%. What is the net profit percentage? |
| Ratio and Proportion | The ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:2. If there are 15 boys, how many girls are there? |
| Average | The average age of 5 students is 18 years. If the age of a new student is added, the average age becomes 19 years. What is the age of the new student? |
| Time and Work | A can complete a work in 10 days, and B can complete the same work in 15 days. How many days will it take them to complete the work together? |
| Time and Distance | A train travels at a speed of 60 km/h. How long will it take to cover a distance of 240 km? |
| Simple and Compound Interest | A sum of money doubles itself in 5 years at simple interest. What is the rate of interest? |
| Linear Equations | Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 11 |
| Quadratic Equations | Solve for x: x² – 5x + 6 = 0 |
| Inequalities | Solve for x: 3x – 2 > 7 |
| Logarithms | What is the value of logâ 8? |
| Sequences and Series | Find the sum of the first 10 natural numbers. |
| Lines and Angles | What is the sum of the angles of a triangle? |
| Triangles | The sides of a triangle are in the ratio 3:4:5. If the perimeter of the triangle is 48 cm, find the length of the longest side. |
| Circles | The circumference of a circle is 22 cm. Find the area of the circle. |
| Mensuration | Find the volume of a cube with a side length of 5 cm. |
3. General Awareness
This section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, science, and other general topics. It includes topics like:
3.1. Current Affairs:
- National and International Events: Knowledge of major events happening in India and around the world.
- Politics: Understanding the Indian political system, major political parties, and current political issues.
- Economy: Understanding the Indian economy, key economic indicators, and current economic challenges.
- Science and Technology: Knowledge of recent advancements in science and technology.
- Sports: Knowledge of major sporting events and achievements.
3.2. History:
- Indian History: Understanding the major events, dynasties, and personalities of Indian history.
- World History: Understanding the major events, civilizations, and personalities of world history.
3.3. Geography:
- Indian Geography: Understanding the physical features, climate, and resources of India.
- World Geography: Understanding the physical features, climate, and resources of the world.
3.4. Science:
- Physics: Basic concepts of physics, including motion, force, energy, and electricity.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of chemistry, including atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.
- Biology: Basic concepts of biology, including cells, tissues, organs, and systems.
3.5. Other General Topics:
- Environment: Understanding environmental issues and conservation efforts.
- Culture: Understanding Indian culture, art, and literature.
- Economy: Understanding basic economic concepts and current economic issues.
- Polity: Understanding the Indian Constitution and political system.
Table 3: Sample General Awareness Questions
| Type | Question |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | Who was the Prime Minister of India during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections? |
| History | What was the name of the first Mughal emperor of India? |
| Geography | Which is the highest mountain peak in the world? |
| Science | What is the chemical formula for water? |
| Environment | What is the main cause of global warming? |
| Culture | Which Indian state is known for its classical dance form, Bharatanatyam? |
| Economy | What is the full form of GDP? |
| Polity | What is the name of the Indian Parliament? |
4. General English
This section assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. It includes topics like:
4.1. Grammar:
- Tenses: Understanding and using different tenses correctly.
- Articles: Using articles (a, an, the) correctly.
- Prepositions: Using prepositions (on, in, at, etc.) correctly.
- Conjunctions: Using conjunctions (and, but, or, etc.) correctly.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensuring that the subject and verb agree in number.
- Active and Passive Voice: Understanding and using active and passive voice correctly.
4.2. Vocabulary:
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Understanding the meaning of words and their opposites.
- Idioms and Phrases: Understanding the meaning of common idioms and phrases.
- One-Word Substitutions: Identifying a single word that can replace a phrase.
4.3. Comprehension:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting written passages.
- Paragraph Completion: Completing a paragraph with a suitable sentence.
4.4. Composition:
- Sentence Formation: Constructing grammatically correct sentences.
- Paragraph Writing: Writing coherent and well-structured paragraphs.
Table 4: Sample General English Questions
| Type | Question |
|---|---|
| Tenses | Choose the correct tense: He ______ to the market yesterday. |
| Articles | Choose the correct article: I saw ______ cat in the garden. |
| Prepositions | Choose the correct preposition: He walked ______ the street. |
| Conjunctions | Choose the correct conjunction: He is tired, ______ he will continue working. |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Choose the correct verb: The dog ______ barking at the mailman. |
| Active and Passive Voice | Change the sentence to passive voice: The boy broke the window. |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | What is the synonym of “Happy”? |
| Idioms and Phrases | What is the meaning of the idiom “Once in a blue moon”? |
| One-Word Substitutions | What is the one-word substitution for “A person who studies birds”? |
| Reading Comprehension | Read the passage and answer the questions that follow. |
| Paragraph Completion | Complete the paragraph with a suitable sentence. |
| Sentence Formation | Construct a grammatically correct sentence using the given words. |
| Paragraph Writing | Write a paragraph on the topic “My Favorite Hobby”. |
5. General Science
This section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of basic scientific concepts. It includes topics like:
5.1. Physics:
- Motion: Understanding concepts related to motion, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
- Force: Understanding concepts related to force, gravity, and friction.
- Energy: Understanding concepts related to energy, work, and power.
- Heat: Understanding concepts related to heat, temperature, and specific heat.
- Light: Understanding concepts related to light, reflection, and refraction.
- Sound: Understanding concepts related to sound, its properties, and propagation.
- Electricity: Understanding basic concepts of electricity, including current, voltage, and resistance.
5.2. Chemistry:
- Matter: Understanding the states of matter, their properties, and changes.
- Atoms and Molecules: Understanding the structure of atoms and molecules.
- Chemical Reactions: Understanding different types of chemical reactions and their applications.
- Acids, Bases, and Salts: Understanding the properties and reactions of acids, bases, and salts.
- Periodic Table: Understanding the organization and properties of elements in the periodic table.
5.3. Biology:
- Cells: Understanding the structure and functions of cells.
- Tissues: Understanding different types of tissues and their functions.
- Organs and Systems: Understanding the structure and functions of organs and organ systems.
- Plants: Understanding the structure, functions, and classification of plants.
- Animals: Understanding the structure, functions, and classification of animals.
- Human Body: Understanding the structure and functions of the human body.
Table 5: Sample General Science Questions
| Type | Question |
|---|---|
| Physics | What is the unit of force? |
| Chemistry | What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide? |
| Biology | What is the smallest unit of life? |
| Physics | What is the speed of light in a vacuum? |
| Chemistry | What is the pH of a neutral solution? |
| Biology | What is the function of the heart? |
| Physics | What is the principle of Archimedes? |
| Chemistry | What is the difference between an element and a compound? |
| Biology | What is the process of photosynthesis? |
Note: This syllabus is a general guideline and may vary slightly depending on the specific post you are applying for. It is always advisable to refer to the official notification for the most accurate and updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for DRDO CEPTAM Exam 2024 Prelims
1. What is the exam pattern for DRDO CEPTAM Prelims?
The exam is an online computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions. It is divided into four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and General English.
2. What is the duration of the DRDO CEPTAM Prelims exam?
The exam duration is typically 2 hours.
3. Is there any negative marking in the DRDO CEPTAM Prelims exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking for incorrect answers. The exact marking scheme is mentioned in the official notification.
4. What is the syllabus for the General Intelligence and Reasoning section?
This section covers topics like verbal and non-verbal reasoning, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.
5. What is the syllabus for the Quantitative Aptitude section?
This section covers topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
6. What is the syllabus for the General Awareness section?
This section covers topics like current affairs, history, geography, science, and other general topics.
7. What is the syllabus for the General English section?
This section covers topics like grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and composition.
8. How can I prepare for the DRDO CEPTAM Prelims exam?
You can prepare by referring to relevant study materials, practicing mock tests, and joining coaching classes.
9. What are some good study materials for the DRDO CEPTAM Prelims exam?
There are various study materials available online and offline. You can refer to books, websites, and online courses.
10. What are some tips for cracking the DRDO CEPTAM Prelims exam?
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Practice mock tests regularly.
- Improve your time management skills.
- Focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
- Stay calm and confident during the exam.
11. What is the selection process for DRDO CEPTAM?
The selection process involves two stages: Prelims and Mains. Candidates who clear the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for the Mains exam.
12. What are the eligibility criteria for the DRDO CEPTAM exam?
The eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific post you are applying for. You can find detailed information in the official notification.
13. How can I apply for the DRDO CEPTAM exam?
You can apply for the exam online through the official DRDO CEPTAM website.
14. When will the DRDO CEPTAM exam be conducted?
The exam dates are usually announced in the official notification.
15. Where can I find the official notification for the DRDO CEPTAM exam?
The official notification is usually published on the DRDO CEPTAM website.
16. What are the important dates for the DRDO CEPTAM exam?
The important dates, including the application deadline, exam date, and result declaration date, are mentioned in the official notification.
17. What are the job profiles offered through the DRDO CEPTAM exam?
The exam offers various job profiles in different technical and non-technical fields.
18. What is the salary offered for the DRDO CEPTAM jobs?
The salary offered varies depending on the specific post and level of experience.
19. What are the benefits of working in DRDO?
Working in DRDO offers various benefits, including a competitive salary, good work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth.
20. What are the career prospects after joining DRDO?
DRDO offers excellent career prospects with opportunities for advancement and specialization in various fields.