Mains Syllabus of opsc pgt Exam 2024

Mains Syllabus of OPSC PGT Exam 2024

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) exam to recruit eligible candidates for teaching positions in various subjects in government-aided schools in Odisha. The exam consists of two stages:

• Preliminary Exam: Objective type, qualifying in nature.
• Mains Exam: Descriptive type, based on the syllabus outlined below.

General Studies (Paper I)

1. History of Odisha:

• Ancient Period:
  • Indus Valley Civilization and its impact on Odisha.
  • The Mauryan Empire and its influence on Odisha.
  • The Kalinga War and its significance.
  • The rise of the Ganga Dynasty and its impact on Odisha.
  • The Sailodbhava and Bhaumakara dynasties.
  • The Somavamsi and the Eastern Ganga dynasties.
• Medieval Period:
  • The Muslim invasions and their impact on Odisha.
  • The rise of the Suryavanshi Gajapati Kings.
  • The Vijayanagara Empire and its influence on Odisha.
  • The Mughal Empire and its impact on Odisha.
  • The Maratha rule in Odisha.
• Modern Period:
  • The British conquest of Odisha.
  • The Paika Rebellion and its significance.
  • The rise of nationalism in Odisha.
  • The freedom struggle in Odisha.
  • The integration of Odisha into the Indian Union.
  • Post-independence Odisha: Socio-economic development and challenges.

2. Geography of Odisha:

• Physical Geography:
  • Physiography, drainage, climate, soils, vegetation, and natural resources of Odisha.
  • Major rivers, hills, and plateaus of Odisha.
  • The coastal region of Odisha and its significance.
  • The impact of climate change on Odisha.
• Human Geography:
  • Population distribution, density, and growth.
  • Rural-urban divide and migration patterns.
  • Major industries and economic activities.
  • Infrastructure development and challenges.
  • Tourism and its potential in Odisha.

3. Culture and Heritage of Odisha:

• Art and Architecture:
  • Temple architecture of Odisha: Kalinga style, Nagara style, and Vesara style.
  • Famous temples of Odisha: Puri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and others.
  • Sculpture and painting in Odisha.
  • Traditional crafts and art forms of Odisha: Pattachitra, appliqué work, stone carving, and others.
• Literature and Music:
  • Odia literature: Ancient, medieval, and modern periods.
  • Famous Odia poets and writers: Sarala Das, Balaram Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and others.
  • Odia music: Classical, folk, and modern.
  • Traditional musical instruments of Odisha.
• Festivals and Traditions:
  • Major festivals of Odisha: Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, and others.
  • Traditional customs and rituals of Odisha.
  • The role of culture in shaping the identity of Odisha.

4. Indian Polity and Governance:

• Indian Constitution:
  • Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties.
  • The structure and functions of the Indian Parliament and the Judiciary.
  • The Union-State relations and the concept of federalism.
  • The role of the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
• Political System:
  • Major political parties and their ideologies.
  • The electoral system and the process of elections.
  • The role of the media and civil society in Indian democracy.
  • Current political issues and challenges facing India.
• Governance and Administration:
  • The structure and functions of the Indian bureaucracy.
  • The role of the Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
  • The concept of good governance and its principles.
  • The challenges of corruption and administrative reforms.

5. Current Affairs:

• National Issues:
  • Major economic, social, and political issues facing India.
  • Recent developments in science and technology, education, and healthcare.
  • The role of India in international affairs.
• International Issues:
  • Major global events and their impact on India.
  • The role of international organizations like the UN, WTO, and others.
  • The challenges of terrorism, climate change, and global inequality.

6. General Science:

• Physics:
  • Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, and work.
  • Properties of matter, heat, and light.
  • Electricity and magnetism.
  • Modern physics: Atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear energy.
• Chemistry:
  • Basic concepts of matter, atoms, and molecules.
  • Chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry.
  • Acids, bases, and salts.
  • Organic chemistry: Basic concepts and functional groups.
• Biology:
  • Cell structure and function.
  • Plant and animal tissues.
  • Human physiology and health.
  • Genetics and evolution.
  • Ecology and environment.

7. Reasoning and Analytical Ability:

• Logical Reasoning:
  • Analogies, classifications, series, and coding-decoding.
  • Blood relations, direction sense, and seating arrangements.
  • Syllogisms, statement and assumptions, and statement and conclusions.
• Analytical Ability:
  • Data interpretation and analysis.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills.

8. Pedagogy:

• Principles of Teaching and Learning:
  • Theories of learning and their application in the classroom.
  • Different teaching methods and their effectiveness.
  • Classroom management and discipline.
  • Assessment and evaluation of student learning.
• Educational Psychology:
  • Child development and learning.
  • Motivation and learning.
  • Individual differences and learning styles.
  • The role of the teacher in the learning process.
• Curriculum and Instruction:
  • The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and its implications.
  • Curriculum development and implementation.
  • Instructional materials and resources.
  • The role of technology in education.

9. Information and Communication Technology (ICT):

• Basic Concepts of ICT:
  • Hardware, software, and networking.
  • The internet and its applications.
  • E-learning and its benefits.
  • Digital literacy and its importance.
• ICT in Education:
  • The use of ICT in teaching and learning.
  • Educational software and online resources.
  • The role of ICT in assessment and evaluation.
  • The challenges and opportunities of ICT in education.

10. Environmental Studies:

• Environmental Issues:
  • Pollution (air, water, soil, noise).
  • Climate change and its impact.
  • Deforestation and biodiversity loss.
  • Natural disasters and their management.
• Environmental Conservation:
  • Sustainable development and its principles.
  • Environmental laws and regulations.
  • The role of individuals and organizations in environmental protection.
  • Environmental education and awareness.

Subject Specific Paper (Paper II)

The syllabus for the subject-specific paper will vary depending on the subject chosen by the candidate. The syllabus will cover the following aspects:

• Content Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the subject matter, including concepts, theories, principles, and applications.
• Pedagogy: Understanding of the principles of teaching and learning, and their application to the specific subject.
• Curriculum and Instruction: Knowledge of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and its implications for the subject.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Understanding of different assessment methods and their use in evaluating student learning in the subject.
• ICT in Education: Knowledge of the use of ICT in teaching and learning the subject.

Sample Table for Subject Specific Syllabus (Example: History)

Topic	Sub-Topics
Ancient History of India	Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mahajanapadas, Rise of Magadha, Mauryan Empire, Ashoka, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, Post-Gupta Period, South Indian Kingdoms
Medieval History of India	The Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Kingdom, Maratha Empire, The Rise of Regional Kingdoms
Modern History of India	The British East India Company, The Sepoy Mutiny, The Indian National Movement, The Struggle for Independence, Partition of India, Post-Independence India
History of Odisha	Ancient Odisha, Medieval Odisha, Modern Odisha, The Freedom Struggle in Odisha, Post-Independence Odisha
Pedagogy of History	Theories of Learning, Teaching Methods, Classroom Management, Assessment and Evaluation, ICT in History Education
Curriculum and Instruction	National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Curriculum Development, Instructional Materials, The Role of Technology in History Education

Sample Table for Subject Specific Syllabus (Example: English)

Topic	Sub-Topics
Literature	British Literature, American Literature, Indian English Literature, Literary Movements, Literary Genres, Literary Criticism
Language	Grammar, Vocabulary, Composition, Comprehension, Communication Skills
Pedagogy of English	Theories of Language Acquisition, Teaching Methods, Classroom Management, Assessment and Evaluation, ICT in English Education
Curriculum and Instruction	National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Curriculum Development, Instructional Materials, The Role of Technology in English Education

Important Points to Note:

• The syllabus for the OPSC PGT exam is vast and requires thorough preparation.
• Candidates are advised to refer to the official syllabus published by the OPSC for the latest updates.
• It is important to focus on both content knowledge and pedagogy.
• Practice writing essays and answering questions in a descriptive format.
• Stay updated on current affairs and national and international issues.
• Utilize online resources and study materials to enhance your preparation.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the syllabus for the OPSC PGT exam. By understanding the syllabus and preparing effectively, candidates can increase their chances of success in the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for OPSC PGT Exam 2024 Mains Syllabus

General Studies (Paper I)

1. What are the major dynasties that ruled Odisha in the ancient period?

• The major dynasties that ruled Odisha in the ancient period include the Mauryans, the Kalinga Kings, the Sailodbhava, the Bhaumakara, the Somavamsi, and the Eastern Ganga dynasties.

2. What is the significance of the Kalinga War?

• The Kalinga War, fought between Ashoka and the Kalinga King, marked a turning point in Ashoka’s life, leading him to embrace Buddhism and non-violence.

3. What are the major rivers of Odisha?

• The major rivers of Odisha include the Mahanadi, the Brahmani, the Baitarani, and the Rushikulya.

4. What are the major industries in Odisha?

• Odisha has a diverse industrial base, including steel, aluminum, mining, textiles, and tourism.

5. What are the major festivals celebrated in Odisha?

• Odisha is known for its vibrant festivals, including Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Nuakhai.

6. What are the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution?

• The fundamental rights include the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, the right to cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.

7. What is the role of the President of India?

• The President is the head of state and the supreme commander of the armed forces. He/She appoints the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

8. What are the major challenges facing India today?

• India faces various challenges, including poverty, inequality, unemployment, corruption, and climate change.

9. What are the basic principles of physics?

• The basic principles of physics include motion, force, energy, work, heat, light, electricity, and magnetism.

10. What are the major types of pollution?

• The major types of pollution include air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution.

Subject Specific Paper (Paper II)

1. What are the different theories of learning?

• Some prominent theories of learning include behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social learning theory.

2. What are the different teaching methods?

• Different teaching methods include lecture method, discussion method, project method, inquiry-based learning, and cooperative learning.

3. What is the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)?

• The NCF is a set of guidelines for curriculum development and implementation in India, aimed at improving the quality of education.

4. What are the different assessment methods?

• Assessment methods include formative assessment, summative assessment, diagnostic assessment, and performance-based assessment.

5. How can ICT be used in education?

• ICT can be used for online learning, interactive simulations, virtual field trips, and digital assessment.

6. What are the major literary movements in English literature?

• Major literary movements include Romanticism, Victorianism, Modernism, and Postmodernism.

7. What are the different types of literary genres?

• Literary genres include poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, and prose.

8. What are the different types of grammatical errors?

• Grammatical errors include errors in subject-verb agreement, tense, pronoun usage, and punctuation.

9. What are the different types of historical sources?

• Historical sources include primary sources (first-hand accounts) and secondary sources (interpretations of primary sources).

10. What are the different types of archaeological evidence?

• Archaeological evidence includes artifacts, monuments, inscriptions, and skeletal remains.

These FAQs and short answers are intended to provide a general overview of the topics covered in the OPSC PGT exam syllabus. It is important to consult the official syllabus and study materials for a comprehensive understanding of the exam requirements.