Prelims Syllabus of Postal Assistant Exam 2024
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section assesses a candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
1.1. Analogies:
- Verbal Analogies: Identifying the relationship between two words and applying it to another pair.
- Numerical Analogies: Identifying the relationship between two numbers and applying it to another pair.
- Figural Analogies: Identifying the relationship between two figures and applying it to another pair.
1.2. Similarities and Differences:
- Identifying similarities and differences between objects, concepts, or situations.
1.3. Classification:
- Grouping items based on shared characteristics.
1.4. Series:
- Identifying patterns in sequences of numbers, letters, or figures.
1.5. Coding-Decoding:
- Deciphering codes and applying them to decode messages.
1.6. Blood Relations:
- Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
1.7. Directions:
- Determining directions and distances based on given information.
1.8. Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Solving problems using visual representations, such as diagrams, figures, and patterns.
1.9. Logical Reasoning:
- Analyzing arguments, identifying fallacies, and drawing logical conclusions.
1.10. Data Interpretation:
- Interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
Table 1: Sample General Intelligence and Reasoning Questions
| Type | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Analogy | Doctor : Patient :: Teacher : ? | Student |
| Numerical Analogy | 12 : 36 :: 15 : ? | 45 |
| Classification | Which of the following does not belong? Apple, Orange, Banana, Carrot | Carrot |
| Series | 2, 4, 6, 8, ? | 10 |
| Coding-Decoding | If A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, then what is the code for CAT? | 3120 |
| Blood Relations | If A is the father of B and C is the brother of B, then what is the relationship between A and C? | Brother-in-law |
| Directions | You are facing North. You turn 90 degrees to your right. Which direction are you facing now? | East |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Identify the missing figure in the sequence. (Image of a sequence of figures) | (Image of the missing figure) |
| Logical Reasoning | All dogs are mammals. Some mammals are pets. Therefore, some dogs are pets. | True |
| Data Interpretation | A table showing the number of students enrolled in different courses. What is the total number of students enrolled in all courses? | (Calculate the total from the table) |
2. Quantitative Aptitude
This section assesses a candidate’s ability to solve mathematical problems. It covers topics such as:
2.1. Number Systems:
- Understanding different types of numbers, including natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers.
- Performing operations on numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponents.
2.2. Arithmetic:
- Percentage: Calculating percentages, discounts, profit, loss, and simple interest.
- Ratio and Proportion: Solving problems involving ratios and proportions.
- Average: Calculating averages and weighted averages.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to time, work, and efficiency.
- Time and Distance: Solving problems related to speed, distance, and time.
- Profit and Loss: Calculating profit, loss, and markup.
2.3. Algebra:
- Linear Equations: Solving linear equations in one or two variables.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving quadratic equations using factorization, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
- Inequalities: Solving linear and quadratic inequalities.
2.4. Geometry:
- Basic Geometric Shapes: Understanding properties of triangles, squares, rectangles, circles, and other basic geometric shapes.
- Mensuration: Calculating areas and perimeters of various shapes.
- Solid Geometry: Understanding properties of cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, and spheres.
2.5. Data Interpretation:
- Interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
Table 2: Sample Quantitative Aptitude Questions
| Type | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Number Systems | What is the sum of the first five natural numbers? | 15 |
| Percentage | A shopkeeper sells an item for Rs. 1200 after giving a discount of 20%. What was the original price? | Rs. 1500 |
| Ratio and Proportion | The ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:2. If there are 15 boys, how many girls are there? | 10 |
| Average | The average of five numbers is 10. What is the sum of the five numbers? | 50 |
| Time and Work | A can complete a work in 10 days and B can complete the same work in 15 days. How many days will it take them to complete the work together? | 6 days |
| Time and Distance | A car travels at a speed of 60 km/h. How far will it travel in 3 hours? | 180 km |
| Profit and Loss | A shopkeeper buys an item for Rs. 500 and sells it for Rs. 600. What is his profit percentage? | 20% |
| Linear Equations | Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 11 | x = 3 |
| Quadratic Equations | Solve for x: x² – 5x + 6 = 0 | x = 2 or x = 3 |
| Geometry | What is the area of a triangle with a base of 10 cm and a height of 5 cm? | 25 cm² |
| Data Interpretation | A bar graph showing the sales of a company over the last five years. What was the average sales over the five years? | (Calculate the average from the graph) |
3. English Language
This section assesses a candidate’s understanding of the English language and their ability to use it effectively. It covers topics such as:
3.1. Reading Comprehension:
- Understanding and interpreting written passages.
- Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author’s purpose.
- Drawing inferences and making predictions.
3.2. Vocabulary:
- Understanding the meaning of words and phrases.
- Identifying synonyms and antonyms.
3.3. Grammar:
- Understanding the rules of grammar, including parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
- Identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
3.4. Sentence Completion:
- Choosing the best word or phrase to complete a sentence.
3.5. Error Detection:
- Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
3.6. Paragraph Writing:
- Writing a coherent paragraph on a given topic.
3.7. Comprehension of Instructions:
- Understanding and following instructions.
Table 3: Sample English Language Questions
| Type | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Read the passage and answer the following question: What is the main idea of the passage? | (Identify the main idea from the passage) |
| Vocabulary | Choose the synonym of the word “happy”: | Joyful |
| Grammar | Identify the correct sentence: | (Choose the grammatically correct sentence) |
| Sentence Completion | The weather was so _ that we decided to stay inside. | (Choose the best word to complete the sentence) |
| Error Detection | Identify the grammatical error in the sentence: “I am going to the store, I need to buy some milk.” | (Identify the error) |
| Paragraph Writing | Write a paragraph about your favorite hobby. | (Write a coherent paragraph) |
| Comprehension of Instructions | Follow the instructions given in the question. | (Follow the instructions) |
4. General Awareness
This section assesses a candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, science, and other general topics. It covers a wide range of subjects, including:
4.1. Current Events:
- Knowledge of recent events in India and the world.
- Understanding of major political, economic, social, and cultural developments.
4.2. History:
- Basic knowledge of Indian history, including the ancient, medieval, and modern periods.
- Understanding of important historical events, personalities, and movements.
4.3. Geography:
- Knowledge of Indian geography, including physical features, climate, and natural resources.
- Understanding of major geographical concepts and terms.
4.4. Science:
- Basic knowledge of science, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Understanding of scientific concepts and discoveries.
4.5. Indian Polity:
- Knowledge of the Indian Constitution, including its features, principles, and amendments.
- Understanding of the Indian political system, including the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
4.6. Economy:
- Basic knowledge of the Indian economy, including its structure, sectors, and challenges.
- Understanding of economic concepts and policies.
4.7. Sports:
- Knowledge of major sports events and personalities.
4.8. Culture:
- Understanding of Indian culture, including art, music, dance, literature, and festivals.
4.9. Environment:
- Knowledge of environmental issues and concerns.
4.10. Banking and Finance:
- Basic knowledge of banking and financial institutions.
4.11. Information Technology:
- Basic understanding of computers and the internet.
4.12. Current Affairs Related to Postal Department:
- Knowledge of recent developments and initiatives in the Indian Postal Department.
Note: The syllabus for the Postal Assistant Exam 2024 is subject to change. It is recommended to refer to the official notification released by the India Post for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Postal Assistant Exam 2024
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the Postal Assistant Exam?
- You must be a citizen of India.
- You must have a minimum educational qualification of 10+2 or equivalent.
- Age limit varies depending on the category.
2. What is the exam pattern for the Postal Assistant Exam?
- The exam is conducted in two stages: Prelims and Mains.
- Prelims is a computer-based exam consisting of four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness.
- Mains is a descriptive paper consisting of a letter writing and essay writing section.
3. What is the syllabus for the General Intelligence and Reasoning section?
- Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Directions, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation.
4. What is the syllabus for the Quantitative Aptitude section?
- Number Systems, Arithmetic (Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Profit and Loss), Algebra (Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities), Geometry (Basic Geometric Shapes, Mensuration, Solid Geometry), Data Interpretation.
5. What is the syllabus for the English Language section?
- Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Completion, Error Detection, Paragraph Writing, Comprehension of Instructions.
6. What is the syllabus for the General Awareness section?
- Current Events, History, Geography, Science, Indian Polity, Economy, Sports, Culture, Environment, Banking and Finance, Information Technology, Current Affairs Related to Postal Department.
7. How can I prepare for the Postal Assistant Exam?
- Start your preparation early.
- Refer to the official syllabus and study materials.
- Practice mock tests regularly.
- Stay updated with current affairs.
8. What are some good books for preparing for the Postal Assistant Exam?
- There are many good books available in the market. You can refer to books by R.S. Aggarwal, Kiran Prakashan, and Arihant Publications.
9. What are the important topics to focus on for the exam?
- All topics are important, but you should focus on topics that are frequently asked in the exam.
10. What are some tips for the exam day?
- Reach the exam center on time.
- Carry all necessary documents.
- Stay calm and focused.
- Read the instructions carefully before attempting the exam.
11. What is the selection process for the Postal Assistant Exam?
- Candidates who clear the Prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the Mains exam.
- Final selection will be based on the performance in both the Prelims and Mains exams.
12. What is the salary of a Postal Assistant?
- The salary of a Postal Assistant varies depending on the location and experience.
13. What are the career prospects for a Postal Assistant?
- A Postal Assistant can progress to higher positions in the Indian Postal Department.
14. What are the job responsibilities of a Postal Assistant?
- A Postal Assistant is responsible for handling mail, sorting mail, delivering mail, and providing customer service.
15. How can I apply for the Postal Assistant Exam?
- You can apply for the Postal Assistant Exam online through the official website of the India Post.
Note: These are just some of the frequently asked questions. The actual questions and answers may vary depending on the specific exam and the year. It is always recommended to refer to the official notification and study materials for the most up-to-date information.