Syllabus and Exam Pattern for Para Commando Exam 2024
The Para Commando exam is a highly competitive and challenging selection process for aspiring soldiers in the Indian Army’s elite Para (Special Forces) regiment. The exam is designed to test the physical, mental, and psychological endurance of candidates, ensuring only the most capable and determined individuals are chosen for this prestigious role.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 17.5 to 21 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent
- Physical Standards:
- Height: 162.5 cm (relaxed for certain categories)
- Chest: 77 cm (expansion 5 cm)
- Weight: Proportional to height
- Medical Fitness: Must be medically fit as per the standards set by the Indian Army
Exam Pattern
The Para Commando exam is conducted in multiple stages, each designed to assess different aspects of a candidate’s suitability. The stages are:
-
Preliminary Screening:
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT):
- 1.6 km Run: To be completed within 6 minutes 30 seconds
- Pull-ups: Minimum 8 repetitions
- Chin-ups: Minimum 6 repetitions
- Push-ups: Minimum 15 repetitions
- Medical Examination: To assess overall health and fitness
- Document Verification: To verify educational qualifications and other relevant documents
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT):
-
Written Examination:
- General Knowledge: Covers topics like history, geography, current affairs, and general science.
- Reasoning and Aptitude: Tests logical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- English: Assesses reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Mathematics: Covers basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
-
Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
- Obstacle Course: A challenging course with various obstacles designed to test agility, strength, and endurance.
- Rope Climbing: Candidates must climb a rope to a specified height.
- Long Jump: Candidates must jump a minimum distance.
- High Jump: Candidates must jump over a specified height.
-
Psychological Tests:
- Intelligence Test: Assesses cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
- Personality Test: Evaluates personality traits and suitability for the Para Commando role.
- Group Discussion: Assesses communication skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork abilities.
-
Medical Examination:
- Detailed Medical Examination: A thorough medical examination is conducted to ensure the candidate meets the required medical standards.
- Psychological Assessment: A psychiatrist assesses the candidate’s mental health and suitability for the demanding role.
-
Interview:
- Selection Board Interview: Candidates are interviewed by a board of senior officers to assess their motivation, leadership potential, and overall suitability for the Para Commando role.
-
Training:
- Basic Training: Successful candidates undergo rigorous basic training at the Para Commando Training Centre in Bangalore. This training focuses on physical fitness, weapon handling, tactical skills, and survival techniques.
- Advanced Training: After completing basic training, candidates undergo advanced training in specialized areas like parachuting, combat diving, and counter-terrorism operations.
Detailed Syllabus
1. General Knowledge:
- History: Indian History, World History, Important Events, Personalities, and their contributions.
- Geography: Indian Geography, World Geography, Major Landforms, Climate, and Natural Resources.
- Current Affairs: National and International events, Important Issues, and Developments.
- General Science: Basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science.
2. Reasoning and Aptitude:
- Logical Reasoning: Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, and Puzzles.
- Verbal Reasoning: Sentence Completion, Antonyms, Synonyms, and Comprehension Passages.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number Systems, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Speed and Distance, and Data Interpretation.
3. English:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages.
- Grammar: Parts of Speech, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, and Conjunctions.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, and Phrases.
4. Mathematics:
- Arithmetic: Number Systems, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, and Time and Work.
- Algebra: Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, and Inequalities.
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, and Circles.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Table 1: Written Examination Pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 50 | 1 hour |
| Reasoning and Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 1 hour |
| English | 50 | 50 | 1 hour |
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 | 1 hour |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 4 hours |
Table 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Marking Scheme
| Event | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Obstacle Course | Completion within stipulated time | 100 |
| Rope Climbing | Minimum height | 100 |
| Long Jump | Minimum distance | 100 |
| High Jump | Minimum height | 100 |
| Total | – | 400 |
Note: Candidates must clear the minimum requirements in each event of the PET to qualify for the next stage.
Preparation Tips
- Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the PFT and PET well in advance. Focus on building endurance, strength, and agility.
- Written Examination: Refer to standard textbooks and study materials for each subject. Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Psychological Tests: Be honest and genuine during the psychological tests. Practice relaxation techniques and focus on your strengths.
- Interview: Prepare well for the interview by researching the Para Commando role and practicing your communication skills.
Important Points to Remember
- The exam is highly competitive, and only a limited number of candidates are selected.
- The selection process is rigorous and demanding, requiring a high level of physical and mental fitness.
- Candidates must be physically and mentally prepared to face challenges and overcome obstacles.
- The Para Commando role is highly prestigious and offers a rewarding career in the Indian Army.
Conclusion
The Para Commando exam is a challenging but rewarding journey for aspiring soldiers seeking to join the elite Para (Special Forces) regiment. By preparing diligently and demonstrating the required physical, mental, and psychological qualities, candidates can increase their chances of success in this prestigious selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for the Para Commando exam?
The age limit is 17.5 to 21 years. There are relaxations for reserved categories.
2. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent.
3. What are the physical standards required?
Candidates must meet the minimum height, chest, and weight requirements. They must also be medically fit as per the Indian Army standards.
4. What are the stages of the Para Commando exam?
The exam is conducted in multiple stages, including preliminary screening, written examination, physical efficiency test, psychological tests, medical examination, interview, and training.
5. What are the subjects covered in the written examination?
The written exam covers General Knowledge, Reasoning and Aptitude, English, and Mathematics.
6. What are the events included in the Physical Efficiency Test (PET)?
The PET includes an obstacle course, rope climbing, long jump, and high jump.
7. What are the types of psychological tests conducted?
Psychological tests include intelligence tests, personality tests, and group discussions.
8. What is the duration of the training?
The training period includes basic training and advanced training, which can vary in duration.
9. What are some tips for preparing for the exam?
Focus on physical fitness, study diligently for the written exam, practice relaxation techniques for psychological tests, and prepare well for the interview.
10. What are the career prospects after joining the Para Commando regiment?
Para Commandos have a rewarding career in the Indian Army, with opportunities for advancement and specialized training.
11. What are the benefits of joining the Para Commando regiment?
Benefits include a prestigious career, challenging and rewarding work, and the opportunity to serve the nation.
12. How can I apply for the Para Commando exam?
Applications are usually made through the official website of the Indian Army.
13. What are the important dates for the Para Commando exam?
The exam dates are usually announced on the official website of the Indian Army.
14. What is the selection ratio for the Para Commando exam?
The selection ratio is highly competitive, with only a limited number of candidates being selected.
15. What are the challenges of being a Para Commando?
Para Commandos face demanding physical and mental challenges, including rigorous training, dangerous missions, and high-pressure situations.