Prelims Syllabus for PSU Exams 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
1. General Awareness
This section tests your knowledge of current affairs, static GK, and general awareness about India and the world.
1.1 Current Affairs:
- National: Major events, policies, schemes, appointments, awards, and significant developments in various sectors like economy, politics, social issues, and science & technology.
- International: Global events, international organizations, summits, treaties, conflicts, and major developments in various countries.
- Business & Economy: Economic indicators, financial markets, major companies, mergers & acquisitions, and global economic trends.
- Science & Technology: Latest discoveries, inventions, space exploration, advancements in medicine, and technological innovations.
- Sports: Major sporting events, tournaments, and achievements of Indian athletes.
- Culture & Heritage: Important festivals, art forms, literature, and historical events.
1.2 Static GK:
- History: Indian National Movement, Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, Important personalities, and major events.
- Geography: Physical features of India, climate, rivers, flora & fauna, important geographical locations, and natural resources.
- Indian Polity: Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Union & State Governments, Judiciary, and important institutions.
- Economy: Indian Economy, Five-Year Plans, major industries, economic reforms, and financial institutions.
- Science: Basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, important scientific discoveries, and technological advancements.
- Environment: Environmental issues, pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.
1.3 General Awareness:
- Current affairs related to PSUs: Latest developments, financial performance, major projects, and initiatives of various PSUs.
- Government policies and schemes: Important policies and schemes related to various sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Social issues: Poverty, inequality, unemployment, and other social problems in India.
- International relations: India’s foreign policy, bilateral relations with other countries, and participation in international organizations.
1.4 Preparation Tips:
- Read newspapers and magazines: Stay updated with current affairs by reading reputable newspapers and magazines like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Economic Times.
- Refer to GK books and websites: Utilize standard GK books and websites like Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook, and GKToday.
- Follow news channels and social media: Stay informed through reliable news channels and social media platforms.
- Practice mock tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to assess your understanding and improve your time management skills.
2. Reasoning Ability
This section assesses your logical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
2.1 Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words or concepts.
- Classification: Grouping words or objects based on common characteristics.
- Series: Identifying patterns and completing sequences.
- Coding-Decoding: Deciphering codes and messages.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and navigating through a given scenario.
- Logical Deduction: Drawing conclusions from given information.
2.2 Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Figure Series: Identifying patterns and completing sequences of figures.
- Analogy: Identifying relationships between figures.
- Classification: Grouping figures based on common characteristics.
- Mirror Image: Identifying the mirror image of a given figure.
- Water Image: Identifying the water image of a given figure.
- Spatial Reasoning: Understanding spatial relationships and solving problems based on them.
2.3 Analytical Reasoning:
- Data Interpretation: Analyzing data presented in various formats like tables, charts, and graphs.
- Logical Puzzles: Solving logical puzzles and deducing information from given clues.
- Critical Reasoning: Evaluating arguments, identifying assumptions, and drawing conclusions.
2.4 Preparation Tips:
- Practice regularly: Solve reasoning questions from various sources like books, websites, and mock tests.
- Understand the concepts: Learn the basic principles and techniques of reasoning.
- Develop logical thinking: Practice solving puzzles and riddles to enhance your logical thinking skills.
- Analyze your mistakes: Identify your weaknesses and work on improving them.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
This section tests your mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills.
3.1 Arithmetic:
- Number Systems: Number properties, HCF & LCM, factors & multiples, divisibility rules.
- Percentage: Calculating percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest.
- Ratio & Proportion: Solving problems involving ratios, proportions, and variations.
- Average: Calculating averages, weighted averages, and finding missing values.
- Time & Work: Solving problems related to work done by individuals or groups.
- Time & Distance: Calculating speed, distance, and time.
- Pipes & Cisterns: Solving problems related to filling and emptying tanks.
- Mixtures & Alligations: Solving problems involving mixtures and their proportions.
3.2 Algebra:
- Linear Equations: Solving linear equations in one or two variables.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving quadratic equations and finding roots.
- Inequalities: Solving inequalities and representing solutions on a number line.
- Surds & Indices: Simplifying expressions involving surds and indices.
- Logarithms: Understanding logarithms and their properties.
3.3 Geometry:
- Lines & Angles: Properties of lines, angles, and triangles.
- Triangles: Properties of different types of triangles, congruence, and similarity.
- Quadrilaterals: Properties of different types of quadrilaterals.
- Circles: Properties of circles, chords, tangents, and arcs.
- Mensuration: Calculating areas and volumes of various geometric shapes.
3.4 Trigonometry:
- Trigonometric Ratios: Understanding trigonometric ratios and their relationships.
- Trigonometric Identities: Solving trigonometric equations and proving identities.
- Heights & Distances: Solving problems involving heights and distances.
3.5 Data Interpretation:
- Tables: Analyzing data presented in tables.
- Charts: Analyzing data presented in bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs.
- Graphs: Interpreting data from various types of graphs.
3.6 Preparation Tips:
- Practice regularly: Solve quantitative aptitude questions from various sources.
- Understand the concepts: Learn the basic formulas and concepts of mathematics.
- Develop problem-solving skills: Practice solving problems involving different concepts.
- Improve your calculation speed: Use shortcuts and techniques to speed up your calculations.
4. English Language
This section assesses your proficiency in the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
4.1 Grammar:
- Parts of Speech: Understanding the different parts of speech and their functions.
- Tenses: Using tenses correctly in different contexts.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Matching subjects and verbs correctly.
- Articles: Using articles (a, an, the) appropriately.
- Prepositions: Using prepositions correctly to show relationships between words.
- Conjunctions: Using conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and clauses.
- Sentence Structure: Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure.
4.2 Vocabulary:
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Understanding the meaning of words and their opposites.
- Idioms & Phrases: Understanding the meaning of common idioms and phrases.
- One-Word Substitutions: Replacing phrases with single words.
- Word Formation: Understanding how words are formed through prefixes, suffixes, and roots.
4.3 Comprehension:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages of text.
- Paragraph Completion: Completing paragraphs with appropriate sentences.
- Sentence Completion: Completing sentences with appropriate words or phrases.
4.4 Preparation Tips:
- Read extensively: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Practice grammar exercises: Solve grammar exercises from various sources to strengthen your grammar foundation.
- Improve your vocabulary: Learn new words regularly and use them in your writing and speaking.
- Practice mock tests: Attempt mock tests to assess your English language skills and identify areas for improvement.
5. Technical Subjects
This section covers technical subjects relevant to the specific PSU you are applying for. The syllabus varies depending on the discipline and the specific requirements of the PSU.
5.1 Engineering Subjects:
- Mechanical Engineering: Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Machine Design, Manufacturing Processes, etc.
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Circuit Theory, Electronics, etc.
- Civil Engineering: Structural Analysis, Soil Mechanics, Concrete Technology, Surveying, Transportation Engineering, etc.
- Computer Science Engineering: Data Structures & Algorithms, Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Computer Networks, etc.
- Chemical Engineering: Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Control, Mass Transfer, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, etc.
5.2 Other Technical Subjects:
- Finance: Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, etc.
- Marketing: Marketing Management, Consumer Behavior, Sales Management, Advertising & Promotion, etc.
- Human Resources: Human Resource Management, Recruitment & Selection, Training & Development, Compensation & Benefits, etc.
5.3 Preparation Tips:
- Refer to your engineering textbooks: Review your engineering textbooks and notes to refresh your knowledge.
- Practice previous year papers: Solve previous year papers of the specific PSU to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Join online courses or coaching classes: Enroll in online courses or coaching classes to get structured guidance and practice materials.
- Stay updated with industry trends: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments and trends in your field.
6. Sample Tables
Table 1: General Awareness Topics and their Importance
| Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | High, as it reflects your awareness of recent events and their impact. |
| Static GK | High, as it tests your knowledge of fundamental concepts and historical facts. |
| General Awareness about PSUs | High, as it demonstrates your understanding of the PSU sector and its role in the economy. |
| Government Policies and Schemes | Moderate, as it shows your awareness of government initiatives and their impact on various sectors. |
| Social Issues | Moderate, as it reflects your understanding of social problems and their implications. |
| International Relations | Moderate, as it demonstrates your awareness of India’s foreign policy and its role in the global arena. |
Table 2: Quantitative Aptitude Topics and their Importance
| Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | High, as it covers fundamental mathematical concepts used in everyday life. |
| Algebra | Moderate, as it involves solving equations and inequalities, which are essential for various applications. |
| Geometry | Moderate, as it deals with shapes and their properties, which are relevant for various engineering and architectural applications. |
| Trigonometry | Moderate, as it involves the study of triangles and their relationships, which are used in various fields like surveying and navigation. |
| Data Interpretation | High, as it assesses your ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats. |
Note: This is just a sample syllabus and may vary depending on the specific PSU and the discipline you are applying for. It is important to refer to the official notification for the exact syllabus and exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
General Awareness:
Q: How can I stay updated with current affairs for the PSU exam?
A: Read reputable newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Economic Times. Follow news channels and reliable social media platforms.
Q: What are some good books for static GK preparation?
A: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook, and GKToday are popular choices.
Q: How important is knowledge about PSUs for the exam?
A: It’s crucial to be aware of the latest developments, financial performance, and major projects of the specific PSU you’re applying for.
Reasoning Ability:
Q: What are some common types of reasoning questions asked in PSU exams?
A: Analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, logical deduction, figure series, analogy, classification, mirror image, water image, spatial reasoning, data interpretation, logical puzzles, and critical reasoning.
Q: How can I improve my logical thinking skills?
A: Practice solving puzzles and riddles. Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement.
Quantitative Aptitude:
Q: What are some important arithmetic topics for the exam?
A: Number systems, percentage, ratio & proportion, average, time & work, time & distance, pipes & cisterns, and mixtures & alligations.
Q: How can I improve my calculation speed?
A: Use shortcuts and techniques. Practice solving problems involving different concepts.
English Language:
Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for the exam?
A: Read extensively, learn new words regularly, and use them in your writing and speaking.
Q: What are some common grammar errors to watch out for?
A: Subject-verb agreement, tense usage, article usage, preposition usage, and sentence structure.
Technical Subjects:
Q: What are some important topics in Mechanical Engineering for PSU exams?
A: Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Machine Design, and Manufacturing Processes.
Q: How can I prepare for the technical section of the exam?
A: Review your engineering textbooks and notes. Practice previous year papers of the specific PSU. Join online courses or coaching classes.
General:
Q: When is the PSU exam usually conducted?
A: The exam dates vary depending on the specific PSU. Check the official notification for details.
Q: What are some tips for managing exam stress?
A: Get enough sleep, eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and practice relaxation techniques.
Q: What are some resources for PSU exam preparation?
A: Books, websites, online courses, coaching classes, and previous year papers.
Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The specific questions and answers may vary depending on the specific PSU and the discipline you are applying for. It is important to refer to the official notification and other relevant resources for more detailed information.