Mains Syllabus of OSSSC Exam 2024
General Studies
1. History
- Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Buddhism and Jainism, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, South Indian Dynasties, Art and Architecture, Social and Economic Life.
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Trade and Commerce, Social and Cultural Developments.
- Modern India: British Rule, Indian National Movement, Social Reforms, Economic Development, Independence and Partition.
- Odisha History: Ancient and Medieval History, Rise of the Ganga Dynasty, Maratha Rule, British Rule, Freedom Struggle in Odisha.
2. Geography
- Physical Geography: Landforms, Climate, Soils, Vegetation, Natural Resources.
- Indian Geography: Major Physiographic Regions, Climate, Rivers, Soils, Vegetation, Population Distribution.
- Odisha Geography: Physical Features, Climate, Rivers, Soils, Vegetation, Mineral Resources.
- World Geography: Continents, Oceans, Major Mountain Ranges, Climate Zones, Population Distribution.
3. Polity and Governance
- Indian Constitution: Salient Features, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Government, State Government, Judiciary, Parliamentary System.
- Political System: Political Parties, Electoral System, Pressure Groups, Public Opinion.
- Governance and Administration: Central and State Administration, Local Self-Government, Public Policy, Good Governance.
- Odisha Polity: State Government, Legislative Assembly, Executive, Judiciary, Local Self-Government.
4. Economy
- Indian Economy: Structure, Sectors, Economic Growth, Inflation, Poverty, Unemployment, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy.
- Economic Reforms: Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization.
- Odisha Economy: Agriculture, Industry, Tourism, Infrastructure Development.
- International Economy: Global Trade, International Organizations, Economic Integration.
5. Science and Technology
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environment.
- Information Technology: Computers, Internet, Software, Cybersecurity.
- Space Technology: Satellites, Space Exploration, Applications of Space Technology.
- Biotechnology: Genetic Engineering, Biomedical Applications.
6. Current Affairs
- National: Major Events, Policies, Schemes, Appointments.
- International: Major Events, International Relations, Global Issues.
- Odisha: Major Events, Policies, Schemes, Development Initiatives.
7. Environment and Ecology
- Environmental Issues: Pollution, Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Deforestation.
- Conservation: Wildlife Conservation, Forest Conservation, Sustainable Development.
- Environmental Laws and Policies: National Environment Policy, Wildlife Protection Act.
8. Art and Culture
- Indian Art and Culture: Classical Music and Dance, Literature, Painting, Architecture, Festivals.
- Odisha Art and Culture: Classical Music and Dance, Literature, Painting, Architecture, Festivals, Folk Arts.
9. Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Logical Reasoning: Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations.
- Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Completion, Reading Comprehension.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Figures, Patterns, Spatial Reasoning.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number Systems, Averages, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work.
10. General Knowledge
- Sports: Major Sports Events, Sportspersons, Records.
- Awards and Honors: National and International Awards.
- Books and Authors: Important Books and Authors.
- Current Events: Major Events in the Recent Past.
Table 1: Syllabus Distribution by Subject
| Subject | Percentage |
|---|---|
| General Studies | 60% |
| Reasoning and Mental Ability | 20% |
| General Knowledge | 20% |
Table 2: Sample Question Paper Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 100 | 100 |
| Reasoning and Mental Ability | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Note: This is a sample question paper pattern and may vary depending on the specific exam.
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and the weightage given to each subject.
- Refer to Standard Textbooks: Refer to standard textbooks and study materials for each subject.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Practice previous year papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Focus on Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs, both national and international.
- Develop Time Management Skills: Learn to manage time effectively during the exam.
- Take Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level.
Important Resources
- NCERT Textbooks: NCERT textbooks are a good source of information for General Studies.
- Odisha State Textbook Board Books: Books published by the Odisha State Textbook Board are helpful for Odisha-specific topics.
- Newspapers and Magazines: Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers and magazines.
- Online Resources: There are many online resources available for exam preparation, including websites, blogs, and YouTube channels.
Conclusion
The OSSSC exam is a competitive exam that requires thorough preparation. By following a well-structured study plan and utilizing the right resources, candidates can increase their chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
General Studies:
Q: What are the major dynasties of ancient India?
A: The major dynasties of ancient India include the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, and the Chola Dynasty.
Q: What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
A: Key features include federalism, parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights, and a strong judiciary.
Q: What are the major environmental issues facing India?
A: Major environmental issues include air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Q: What are the major economic reforms implemented in India?
A: Major economic reforms include liberalization, privatization, and globalization.
Reasoning and Mental Ability:
Q: What are some common types of logical reasoning questions?
A: Common types include analogies, classifications, series, coding-decoding, and blood relations.
Q: What are some tips for improving verbal reasoning skills?
A: Tips include reading extensively, practicing vocabulary, and understanding grammar rules.
Q: What are some strategies for solving quantitative aptitude problems?
A: Strategies include understanding basic mathematical concepts, practicing formulas, and using shortcuts.
General Knowledge:
Q: What are some important sports events held in India?
A: Important sports events include the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Pro Kabaddi League, and the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Q: What are some prominent awards and honors given in India?
A: Prominent awards include the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Awards, and the Nobel Prize.
Q: What are some recent events that have made headlines in India?
A: Recent events include the COVID-19 pandemic, the farmers’ protests, and the ongoing political developments.
Odisha Specific:
Q: What are the major rivers flowing through Odisha?
A: Major rivers include the Mahanadi, the Brahmani, and the Baitarani.
Q: What are some famous temples in Odisha?
A: Famous temples include the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, and the Konark Sun Temple.
Q: What are some important festivals celebrated in Odisha?
A: Important festivals include Rath Yatra, Diwali, and Durga Puja.
Q: What are some major industries in Odisha?
A: Major industries include steel, aluminum, and mining.
Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The actual questions may vary depending on the specific exam.