Prelims Syllabus of the OSSSC Exam 2024
General Studies
1. History
1.1 Ancient India:
- Indus Valley Civilization: Origin, features, decline, major sites, art and architecture.
- Vedic Period: Sources, social and political organization, religion, literature (Vedas, Upanishads, epics).
- Buddhism and Jainism: Origin, teachings, spread, impact on Indian society.
- Mauryan Empire: Ashoka, administration, art and architecture, decline.
- Gupta Empire: Golden Age, art, literature, science, decline.
- Post-Gupta Period: Regional kingdoms, emergence of new religions, social and economic changes.
1.2 Medieval India:
- Delhi Sultanate: Establishment, major dynasties, administration, art and architecture, social and cultural impact.
- Mughal Empire: Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, administration, art and architecture, social and religious reforms.
- Vijayanagara Empire: Origin, administration, art and architecture, decline.
- Bhakti Movement: Major saints, teachings, impact on society.
- Sufi Movement: Major saints, teachings, impact on society.
1.3 Modern India:
- British Rule in India: East India Company, causes of British expansion, major policies, resistance movements.
- Nationalist Movement: Rise of nationalism, major leaders, methods of struggle, important events.
- Independence and Partition: Causes, consequences, impact on India.
- Post-Independence India: Challenges and achievements, major social and economic reforms.
2. Geography
2.1 Physical Geography:
- Earth and its Structure: Interior of the Earth, continents and oceans, major landforms, plate tectonics.
- Climate: Factors influencing climate, major climatic zones, monsoon winds, climate change.
- Natural Vegetation: Major vegetation types, distribution, conservation.
- Soil: Types of soil, distribution, soil degradation.
- Water Resources: Rivers, lakes, groundwater, water management.
2.2 Indian Geography:
- Location and Extent: Physiographic divisions, major rivers, climate, vegetation, soil.
- Population: Distribution, density, growth, demographic characteristics.
- Agriculture: Major crops, irrigation, agricultural reforms.
- Industry: Major industries, industrial regions, industrial policy.
- Transport and Communication: Major modes of transport, communication network.
2.3 World Geography:
- Continents and Oceans: Major continents and oceans, their features.
- Major Mountain Ranges and Plateaus: Himalayas, Alps, Andes, Tibetan Plateau.
- Major Rivers and Lakes: Amazon, Nile, Ganga, Great Lakes.
- Climate and Vegetation: Major climatic zones, vegetation types.
- International Organizations: UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank.
3. Polity
3.1 Indian Constitution:
- Salient Features: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties.
- Union Government: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament.
- State Government: Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, Judicial Review.
- Federalism: Centre-State relations, Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Bodies.
3.2 Political System:
- Political Parties: National and regional parties, their role in Indian politics.
- Election Commission: Role and functions.
- Public Policy: Policy making process, major policy areas.
- Civil Services: Role and functions.
- Social Justice: Issues related to caste, religion, gender, and minorities.
3.3 International Relations:
- India’s Foreign Policy: Non-alignment, strategic partnerships, regional cooperation.
- Major International Organizations: UN, SAARC, ASEAN, BRICS.
- Contemporary Global Issues: Terrorism, climate change, nuclear proliferation.
4. Economics
4.1 Indian Economy:
- Economic Development: Indicators of economic development, challenges and opportunities.
- Agriculture: Importance, contribution to GDP, reforms in agriculture.
- Industry: Major industries, industrial policy, role of public and private sectors.
- Services Sector: Growth and importance, challenges and opportunities.
- Infrastructure: Role of infrastructure in economic development, challenges and opportunities.
4.2 Economic Policies:
- Monetary Policy: Role of Reserve Bank of India, interest rates, inflation.
- Fiscal Policy: Government expenditure, taxation, budget.
- Foreign Trade: Balance of payments, trade policy.
- Economic Reforms: Liberalization, privatization, globalization.
4.3 Global Economy:
- World Trade Organization: Role and functions.
- International Monetary Fund: Role and functions.
- World Bank: Role and functions.
- Global Economic Issues: Financial crisis, inequality, climate change.
5. Science and Technology
5.1 General Science:
- Physics: Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, heat, light, sound.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of matter, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions.
- Biology: Basic concepts of living organisms, cells, tissues, organs, systems.
5.2 Current Developments in Science and Technology:
- Space Technology: Satellites, space exploration, applications of space technology.
- Information Technology: Computers, internet, mobile technology, artificial intelligence.
- Biotechnology: Genetic engineering, biotechnology applications in medicine and agriculture.
- Nanotechnology: Applications of nanotechnology in various fields.
- Renewable Energy: Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower.
6. Environment and Ecology
6.1 Environment:
- Environmental Issues: Pollution, climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss.
- Environmental Protection: Laws and regulations, international agreements.
- Sustainable Development: Concept and principles, sustainable practices.
6.2 Ecology:
- Ecosystems: Types of ecosystems, food chains and food webs.
- Biodiversity: Importance of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity.
- Conservation of Biodiversity: Protected areas, wildlife conservation.
7. Current Affairs
- National and International Events: Major events in India and the world.
- Important Personalities: Prominent personalities in various fields.
- Awards and Honors: Major awards and honors conferred in India and the world.
- Sports: Major sporting events, achievements of Indian athletes.
- Books and Authors: Important books and authors.
General Knowledge
1. Indian Culture and Heritage
- Art and Architecture: Major forms of Indian art and architecture, their features and significance.
- Literature: Major literary works, authors, genres.
- Music and Dance: Major forms of Indian music and dance, their features and significance.
- Festivals and Traditions: Major festivals and traditions of India, their significance.
- Religion and Philosophy: Major religions and philosophies of India, their teachings and impact.
2. Indian Economy and Society
- Economic Indicators: GDP, inflation, unemployment, poverty.
- Social Issues: Caste, gender, poverty, inequality.
- Development Programs: Government schemes and policies for social and economic development.
- Infrastructure: Roads, railways, airports, power, communication.
- Agriculture: Major crops, irrigation, agricultural reforms.
3. General Awareness
- Current Events: Major events in India and the world.
- Science and Technology: Recent advancements in science and technology.
- Sports: Major sporting events, achievements of Indian athletes.
- Books and Authors: Important books and authors.
- Awards and Honors: Major awards and honors conferred in India and the world.
4. Odisha Specific
- History of Odisha: Ancient, medieval, and modern history of Odisha.
- Culture and Heritage of Odisha: Art, architecture, literature, music, dance, festivals, traditions.
- Geography of Odisha: Physical features, climate, vegetation, soil, rivers, population.
- Economy of Odisha: Agriculture, industry, tourism, infrastructure.
- Important Personalities of Odisha: Prominent personalities in various fields.
Sample Tables
Table 1: Major Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate
| Dynasty | Founder | Reign | Important Rulers | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamluk Dynasty | Qutub-ud-din Aibak | 1206-1290 | Iltutmish, Razia Sultan | Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, construction of Qutub Minar |
| Khilji Dynasty | Jalal-ud-din Khilji | 1290-1320 | Alauddin Khilji | Expansion of the Sultanate, introduction of market control measures |
| Tughlaq Dynasty | Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq | 1320-1414 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firuz Shah Tughlaq | Construction of new cities, introduction of token currency |
| Sayyid Dynasty | Khizr Khan | 1414-1451 | Mubarak Shah | Consolidation of the Sultanate after Tughlaq decline |
| Lodi Dynasty | Bahlol Lodi | 1451-1526 | Sikandar Lodi, Ibrahim Lodi | Expansion of the Sultanate, introduction of land revenue reforms |
Table 2: Major Rivers of India
| River | Origin | Tributaries | Length | Basin Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ganga | Gangotri Glacier | Yamuna, Gomti, Ghaghra | 2,525 km | 1,100,000 sq km |
| Indus | Kailash Range | Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej | 3,180 km | 1,165,000 sq km |
| Brahmaputra | Chemayungdung Glacier | Dibang, Lohit, Subansiri | 2,900 km | 580,000 sq km |
| Godavari | Trimbakeshwar | Manjra, Pranhita, Wardha | 1,465 km | 311,683 sq km |
| Krishna | Mahabaleshwar | Tungabhadra, Koyna, Bhima | 1,400 km | 258,948 sq km |
Note: This syllabus is for informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Please refer to the official notification of the OSSSC for the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for OSSSC Prelims Exam 2024
History:
Q1. What are the major features of the Indus Valley Civilization?
A1. The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its urban planning, standardized weights and measures, advanced drainage systems, and unique art and artifacts.
Q2. Who was Ashoka and what were his major achievements?
A2. Ashoka was the emperor of the Mauryan Empire who embraced Buddhism and implemented policies of peace, non-violence, and social welfare. His major achievements include the spread of Buddhism, the construction of stupas and pillars, and the inscription of edicts promoting Dharma.
Q3. What were the major causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire?
A3. The Mughal Empire declined due to factors like internal conflicts, weak successors, economic decline, and the rise of regional powers.
Geography:
Q4. What are the major landforms of the Earth?
A4. The major landforms include mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, and deserts.
Q5. What are the factors influencing climate?
A5. Climate is influenced by factors like latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, prevailing winds, and ocean currents.
Q6. What are the major rivers of India?
A6. The major rivers of India include the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Godavari, and Krishna.
Polity:
Q7. What are the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution?
A7. The Fundamental Rights include the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and right to constitutional remedies.
Q8. What is the role of the President of India?
A8. 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.
Q9. What is the difference between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?
A9. The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament and is directly elected by the people. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house and is elected by the elected members of the state legislatures.
Economics:
Q10. What are the major indicators of economic development?
A10. Major indicators of economic development include GDP growth, per capita income, literacy rate, life expectancy, and infant mortality rate.
Q11. What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
A11. The RBI is the central bank of India responsible for regulating the monetary policy, managing the foreign exchange reserves, and controlling inflation.
Q12. What are the major economic reforms implemented in India?
A12. Major economic reforms include liberalization, privatization, and globalization, aimed at promoting economic growth and development.
Science and Technology:
Q13. What are the applications of space technology?
A13. Space technology has applications in communication, navigation, weather forecasting, remote sensing, and resource management.
Q14. What is biotechnology and what are its applications?
A14. Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms for the production of goods and services. Its applications include genetic engineering, drug development, and agricultural improvement.
Q15. What are renewable energy sources?
A15. Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally, such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower.
Environment and Ecology:
Q16. What are the major environmental issues facing the world today?
A16. Major environmental issues include pollution, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Q17. What is sustainable development?
A17. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Q18. What is the importance of biodiversity?
A18. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem services, providing food and medicine, and supporting human well-being.
Current Affairs:
Q19. What are the major national and international events that have occurred recently?
A19. This question requires knowledge of current events, so the answer will vary depending on the time of the exam.
Q20. Who are some of the prominent personalities in various fields?
A20. This question also requires knowledge of current events and prominent figures in various fields, such as politics, sports, science, and entertainment.
General Knowledge:
Q21. What are the major forms of Indian art and architecture?
A21. Major forms of Indian art and architecture include Mughal architecture, Dravidian architecture, and temple architecture.
Q22. What are the major social issues facing India?
A22. Major social issues include caste discrimination, gender inequality, poverty, and illiteracy.
Q23. What are some of the important books and authors?
A23. This question requires knowledge of popular and influential books and authors, both Indian and international.
Odisha Specific:
Q24. What are the major historical events in Odisha?
A24. Major historical events in Odisha include the rise and fall of the Kalinga Empire, the rule of the Ganga dynasty, and the establishment of the modern state of Odisha.
Q25. What are the major cultural and heritage sites in Odisha?
A25. Major cultural and heritage sites in Odisha include the Konark Sun Temple, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and the Dhauli Peace Pagoda.
Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The actual questions may vary depending on the specific exam paper. It is important to study the entire syllabus thoroughly and to stay updated on current affairs.