Prelims Syllabus of OSSTET Exam 2024
The Odisha State Teacher Eligibility Test (OSSTET) is a mandatory exam for aspiring teachers in Odisha. The exam is conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha (BSE, Odisha) to assess the candidate’s eligibility to teach in government and private schools in the state. The OSSTET exam is divided into two papers: Paper 1 for classes 1-5 and Paper 2 for classes 6-8.
Paper 1: For Classes 1-5
1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
- Understanding Child Development:
- Principles of child development and their application in the classroom.
- Stages of child development (cognitive, socio-emotional, language, and physical) according to Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky.
- Factors influencing child development (heredity, environment, and socio-cultural factors).
- Individual differences among learners (learning styles, multiple intelligences, and special needs).
- Learning and Pedagogy:
- Theories of learning (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social constructivism).
- Teaching-learning process: planning, organization, and evaluation.
- Different teaching methods and strategies (project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and differentiated instruction).
- Assessment for learning, assessment of learning, and formative and summative assessment.
- The Learner and the School:
- The role of the teacher in the learning process.
- Classroom management and discipline.
- Inclusive education and addressing the needs of diverse learners.
- The role of the school in the development of the child.
2. Language I (Odia) (30 Marks)
- Language Comprehension and Composition:
- Reading comprehension passages and answering questions based on the text.
- Writing skills: essay writing, letter writing, and paragraph writing.
- Grammar and usage: parts of speech, tenses, voice, and punctuation.
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
- Language Pedagogy:
- Principles of language teaching and learning.
- Methods of language teaching (grammar-translation method, direct method, communicative approach, and CLIL).
- Assessment of language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Language curriculum and its implementation.
3. Language II (English) (30 Marks)
- Language Comprehension and Composition:
- Reading comprehension passages and answering questions based on the text.
- Writing skills: essay writing, letter writing, and paragraph writing.
- Grammar and usage: parts of speech, tenses, voice, and punctuation.
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
- Language Pedagogy:
- Principles of language teaching and learning.
- Methods of language teaching (grammar-translation method, direct method, communicative approach, and CLIL).
- Assessment of language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Language curriculum and its implementation.
4. Mathematics (30 Marks)
- Number System:
- Natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, and real numbers.
- Operations on numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
- Number patterns and sequences.
- Algebra:
- Basic algebraic concepts (variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities).
- Solving linear equations and inequalities.
- Introduction to polynomials.
- Geometry:
- Basic geometric shapes (lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles).
- Perimeter, area, and volume of geometric figures.
- Introduction to coordinate geometry.
- Data Handling:
- Collection, organization, and interpretation of data.
- Measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode).
- Bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs.
- Mathematics Pedagogy:
- Principles of mathematics teaching and learning.
- Methods of mathematics teaching (problem-solving, inquiry-based learning, and cooperative learning).
- Assessment of mathematics skills.
- Mathematics curriculum and its implementation.
5. Environmental Studies (30 Marks)
- The Natural World:
- The Earth and its environment (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere).
- Plants and animals: their characteristics, habitats, and interdependence.
- Natural resources (water, air, soil, minerals, and energy).
- Environmental issues (pollution, deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss).
- The Social World:
- Family, community, and society.
- Different cultures and traditions.
- Social issues (poverty, inequality, and discrimination).
- The role of government and law in society.
- Health and Hygiene:
- Personal hygiene and sanitation.
- Healthy habits and lifestyle.
- Common diseases and their prevention.
- First aid and emergency procedures.
- Environmental Studies Pedagogy:
- Principles of environmental studies teaching and learning.
- Methods of environmental studies teaching (field trips, hands-on activities, and project-based learning).
- Assessment of environmental studies skills.
- Environmental studies curriculum and its implementation.
Paper 2: For Classes 6-8
1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
- Understanding Child Development:
- Principles of child development and their application in the classroom.
- Stages of child development (cognitive, socio-emotional, language, and physical) according to Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky.
- Factors influencing child development (heredity, environment, and socio-cultural factors).
- Individual differences among learners (learning styles, multiple intelligences, and special needs).
- Learning and Pedagogy:
- Theories of learning (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social constructivism).
- Teaching-learning process: planning, organization, and evaluation.
- Different teaching methods and strategies (project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and differentiated instruction).
- Assessment for learning, assessment of learning, and formative and summative assessment.
- The Learner and the School:
- The role of the teacher in the learning process.
- Classroom management and discipline.
- Inclusive education and addressing the needs of diverse learners.
- The role of the school in the development of the child.
2. Language I (Odia) (30 Marks)
- Language Comprehension and Composition:
- Reading comprehension passages and answering questions based on the text.
- Writing skills: essay writing, letter writing, and paragraph writing.
- Grammar and usage: parts of speech, tenses, voice, and punctuation.
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
- Language Pedagogy:
- Principles of language teaching and learning.
- Methods of language teaching (grammar-translation method, direct method, communicative approach, and CLIL).
- Assessment of language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Language curriculum and its implementation.
3. Language II (English) (30 Marks)
- Language Comprehension and Composition:
- Reading comprehension passages and answering questions based on the text.
- Writing skills: essay writing, letter writing, and paragraph writing.
- Grammar and usage: parts of speech, tenses, voice, and punctuation.
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
- Language Pedagogy:
- Principles of language teaching and learning.
- Methods of language teaching (grammar-translation method, direct method, communicative approach, and CLIL).
- Assessment of language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Language curriculum and its implementation.
4. Mathematics (30 Marks)
- Number System:
- Rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers.
- Operations on numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
- Number patterns and sequences.
- Algebra:
- Linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables.
- Quadratic equations and their solutions.
- Introduction to polynomials and their factorization.
- Geometry:
- Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and their properties.
- Perimeter, area, and volume of geometric figures.
- Introduction to coordinate geometry.
- Data Handling:
- Collection, organization, and interpretation of data.
- Measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode).
- Bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, and histograms.
- Mathematics Pedagogy:
- Principles of mathematics teaching and learning.
- Methods of mathematics teaching (problem-solving, inquiry-based learning, and cooperative learning).
- Assessment of mathematics skills.
- Mathematics curriculum and its implementation.
5. Science (30 Marks)
- Physics:
- Motion, force, work, energy, and power.
- Heat, light, and sound.
- Electricity and magnetism.
- Chemistry:
- Matter and its properties.
- Atoms and molecules.
- Acids, bases, and salts.
- Biology:
- Living organisms and their characteristics.
- Plant and animal kingdoms.
- Human body systems.
- Science Pedagogy:
- Principles of science teaching and learning.
- Methods of science teaching (experiments, demonstrations, and project-based learning).
- Assessment of science skills.
- Science curriculum and its implementation.
6. Social Studies (30 Marks)
- History:
- Ancient India, Medieval India, and Modern India.
- Important historical events and personalities.
- Indian national movement.
- Geography:
- Physical features of India.
- Climate and natural resources of India.
- Population and settlements in India.
- Civics:
- Indian Constitution and its features.
- Fundamental rights and duties.
- The Indian government and its institutions.
- Social Studies Pedagogy:
- Principles of social studies teaching and learning.
- Methods of social studies teaching (storytelling, role-playing, and project-based learning).
- Assessment of social studies skills.
- Social studies curriculum and its implementation.
Exam Pattern
Paper 1 and Paper 2:
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 2.30 hours
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, no negative marking.
Important Resources for Preparation
- OSSTET Syllabus: Download the official syllabus from the BSE, Odisha website.
- Previous Year Papers: Practice with previous year papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Study Materials: Refer to textbooks, study guides, and online resources for comprehensive preparation.
- Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Coaching Classes: Consider joining coaching classes for structured guidance and expert advice.
Table 1: OSSTET Exam Pattern
Paper | Subject | Total Marks | Duration | Type of Questions | Marking Scheme |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 2.30 hours | MCQs | 1 mark for each correct answer, no negative marking |
Language I (Odia) | 30 | ||||
Language II (English) | 30 | ||||
Mathematics | 30 | ||||
Environmental Studies | 30 | ||||
Paper 2 | Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 2.30 hours | MCQs | 1 mark for each correct answer, no negative marking |
Language I (Odia) | 30 | ||||
Language II (English) | 30 | ||||
Mathematics | 30 | ||||
Science | 30 | ||||
Social Studies | 30 |
Table 2: Important Topics for OSSTET Preparation
Subject | Important Topics |
---|---|
Child Development and Pedagogy | Stages of child development, Theories of learning, Teaching-learning process, Assessment for learning |
Language I (Odia) | Reading comprehension, Writing skills, Grammar and usage, Language pedagogy |
Language II (English) | Reading comprehension, Writing skills, Grammar and usage, Language pedagogy |
Mathematics | Number system, Algebra, Geometry, Data handling, Mathematics pedagogy |
Environmental Studies | The natural world, The social world, Health and hygiene, Environmental studies pedagogy |
Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science pedagogy |
Social Studies | History, Geography, Civics, Social studies pedagogy |
Note: The syllabus and exam pattern are subject to change. It is recommended to refer to the official website of BSE, Odisha for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the OSSTET Exam 2024
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the OSSTET exam?
- You must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in any discipline.
2. How many papers are there in the OSSTET exam?
- There are two papers: Paper 1 for classes 1-5 and Paper 2 for classes 6-8.
3. What is the exam pattern for the OSSTET exam?
- Both papers are objective type with multiple choice questions (MCQs). Each paper carries 150 marks and the duration is 2.30 hours.
4. What is the marking scheme for the OSSTET exam?
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking.
5. How can I apply for the OSSTET exam?
- You can apply online through the official website of the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha (BSE, Odisha).
6. What are the important topics to focus on for the OSSTET exam?
- Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I (Odia), Language II (English), Mathematics, Environmental Studies (for Paper 1), Science and Social Studies (for Paper 2).
7. Are there any age restrictions for the OSSTET exam?
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in the OSSTET exam.
8. What are the best resources for preparing for the OSSTET exam?
- The official syllabus, previous year papers, study materials, mock tests, and coaching classes are helpful resources.
9. What is the validity of the OSSTET certificate?
- The OSSTET certificate is valid for a lifetime.
10. What are the benefits of clearing the OSSTET exam?
- Clearing the OSSTET exam makes you eligible to apply for teaching positions in government and private schools in Odisha.
11. What is the syllabus for the OSSTET exam?
- The syllabus is available on the official website of BSE, Odisha. It covers topics related to child development, pedagogy, language, mathematics, science, and social studies.
12. When is the OSSTET exam conducted?
- The exam is conducted twice a year, usually in the months of June and December. The exact dates are announced by BSE, Odisha.
13. What are the important dates for the OSSTET exam?
- The important dates, including the application deadline, exam date, and result declaration date, are announced by BSE, Odisha on their official website.
14. How can I check the OSSTET exam results?
- The results are declared online on the official website of BSE, Odisha. You can check your results by entering your application number and date of birth.
15. What are the cut-off marks for the OSSTET exam?
- The cut-off marks vary each year depending on the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and the number of vacancies.
16. What are the career opportunities after clearing the OSSTET exam?
- You can apply for teaching positions in government and private schools in Odisha. You can also pursue higher education in education or related fields.
17. What are the tips for preparing for the OSSTET exam?
- Start your preparation early, understand the syllabus thoroughly, refer to quality study materials, practice mock tests regularly, and stay motivated.
18. What are the important things to remember on the day of the OSSTET exam?
- Carry your admit card, a valid photo ID, and a blue or black ballpoint pen. Reach the exam center on time and avoid any last-minute rush.
19. What are the common mistakes to avoid during the OSSTET exam?
- Avoid guessing answers, manage your time effectively, read the questions carefully, and avoid any distractions.
20. What are the future prospects for teachers in Odisha?
- The demand for qualified teachers in Odisha is high. With a good OSSTET score, you can secure a stable and rewarding career in the education sector.