Prelims Syllabus of SSB Constable Exam 2024
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Constable exam is a highly competitive examination for recruitment into the SSB. The exam is conducted in two stages: Preliminary Exam and Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). This article focuses on the syllabus for the Preliminary Exam, which is the first hurdle in the selection process.
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of four sections:
| Section | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 1 hour | |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 50 | 1 hour | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 1 hour | |
| English Language | 50 | 1 hour | |
| Total | 200 | 4 hours |
Detailed Syllabus for Each Section
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section assesses the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning abilities. The syllabus includes:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words, objects, or concepts.
- Classification: Grouping items based on common characteristics.
- Series: Identifying patterns and missing elements in sequences.
- Coding-Decoding: Decoding messages based on given codes.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and solving problems related to them.
- Logical Venn Diagrams: Representing relationships between sets using Venn diagrams.
- Syllogisms: Drawing logical conclusions from given statements.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Solving problems based on visual patterns and figures.
- Data Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
2. General Knowledge and Current Affairs
This section tests the candidate’s awareness of current events, history, geography, science, and other general knowledge topics. The syllabus includes:
- Current Events: National and international events, major happenings, and significant developments.
- History: Indian History, major events, personalities, and movements.
- Geography: Indian Geography, physical features, climate, rivers, and important locations.
- Science: Basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Polity: Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, and important institutions.
- Economy: Indian Economy, major sectors, and economic policies.
- Sports: Major sporting events, achievements of Indian athletes, and important sports personalities.
- Culture: Indian Culture, art, music, dance, and literature.
- Environment: Environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable development.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
This section assesses the candidate’s mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills. The syllabus includes:
- Number Systems: Types of numbers, operations, and properties.
- Averages: Calculating averages and related problems.
- Percentages: Calculating percentages, discounts, and profit/loss.
- Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios, proportions, and related problems.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to work done by individuals or groups.
- Time and Distance: Calculating speed, time, and distance.
- Simple and Compound Interest: Calculating interest and related problems.
- Data Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
- Algebra: Basic algebraic equations and operations.
- Geometry: Basic concepts of geometry, including triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals.
4. English Language
This section assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The syllabus includes:
- Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
- Grammar: Understanding grammar rules, tenses, and sentence structure.
- Comprehension: Reading and understanding passages and answering questions based on them.
- Error Detection: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
- Sentence Rearrangement: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Cloze Test: Filling in the blanks in a passage with appropriate words.
- Paragraph Writing: Writing short paragraphs on given topics.
Preparation Tips for the Preliminary Exam
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and the topics covered in each section.
- Refer to Relevant Study Material: Use reliable study materials like textbooks, online resources, and previous years’ question papers.
- Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to complete the exam within the allotted time.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and online news sources to stay updated with current events.
- Improve English Language Skills: Practice reading, writing, and speaking English regularly to improve your language skills.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a calm and confident attitude during the exam.
Sample Question Papers
Here are some sample questions from each section of the SSB Constable Preliminary Exam:
General Intelligence and Reasoning:
- Analogies: Which of the following pairs is similar to the pair “Doctor : Patient”?
- (a) Teacher : Student
- (b) Lawyer : Client
- (c) Engineer : Building
- (d) Artist : Painting
- Series: Find the missing number in the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, ___.
- (a) 24
- (b) 32
- (c) 48
- (d) 64
- Coding-Decoding: If “CAT” is coded as “XZW”, then what is the code for “DOG”?
- (a) VRS
- (b) RVS
- (c) SRV
- (d) VSR
General Knowledge and Current Affairs:
- Current Events: Who is the current Chief Justice of India?
- History: Who was the first Prime Minister of India?
- Geography: Which river is known as the “Ganga of the South”?
- Science: What is the chemical formula for water?
- Polity: What is the name of the Indian Parliament?
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Averages: The average of 5 numbers is 10. If one number is removed, the average becomes 9. What is the removed number?
- Percentages: A shopkeeper marks up the price of an item by 20%. He then offers a discount of 10%. What is the overall profit percentage?
- Time and Work: A can complete a work in 10 days, and B can complete the same work in 15 days. If they work together, in how many days will they complete the work?
English Language:
- Vocabulary: Choose the synonym of the word “Enormous”:
- (a) Tiny
- (b) Huge
- (c) Small
- (d) Moderate
- Grammar: Identify the correct sentence:
- (a) He is going to the market.
- (b) He going to the market.
- (c) He goes to the market.
- (d) He gone to the market.
- Comprehension: Read the passage and answer the question: “The sun is a star. It is the closest star to Earth. It provides light and heat to Earth.” What is the main idea of the passage?
Important Points to Remember
- The syllabus for the SSB Constable Preliminary Exam is vast and requires thorough preparation.
- The exam is highly competitive, so it is essential to start preparing early.
- Practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge.
- Focus on your weak areas and improve your English language skills.
- Maintain a calm and confident attitude during the exam.
Table of Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | |
| Online Application | |
| Admit Card Release | |
| Preliminary Exam | |
| Result Declaration |
Table of Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| SSB Official Website | |
| Previous Years’ Question Papers | |
| Online Study Materials | |
| Textbooks | |
| Mock Test Series |
Note: The dates and resources mentioned above are subject to change. Please refer to the official SSB website for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the SSB Constable Exam?
- Answer: The eligibility criteria include age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards. These vary depending on the specific category and post. Refer to the official notification for detailed information.
2. How many stages are there in the SSB Constable selection process?
- Answer: The selection process typically involves two stages:
- Preliminary Exam (CBT): A computer-based test assessing general knowledge, reasoning, aptitude, and English language skills.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET): These tests evaluate physical fitness and endurance.
3. What is the syllabus for the SSB Constable Preliminary Exam?
- Answer: The syllabus covers four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Each section has specific topics and sub-topics. Refer to the official notification or syllabus for detailed information.
4. How can I prepare for the SSB Constable Preliminary Exam?
- Answer: Start your preparation early. Refer to relevant study materials, practice mock tests, focus on your weak areas, and stay updated with current affairs. Time management is crucial.
5. Are there any negative markings for incorrect answers in the Preliminary Exam?
- Answer: Yes, there is usually a negative marking for incorrect answers. The marking scheme is specified in the official notification.
6. What are the important dates for the SSB Constable Exam?
- Answer: The important dates, including notification release, application deadline, admit card release, exam date, and result declaration, are announced on the official SSB website.
7. What are some good resources for preparing for the exam?
- Answer: Refer to the official SSB website, previous years’ question papers, online study materials, textbooks, and mock test series.
8. What are the physical standards required for the PST and PET?
- Answer: The physical standards, including height, chest measurement, and running time, are specified in the official notification.
9. What are the career prospects after joining the SSB?
- Answer: SSB Constables serve in various roles, including border guarding, security, and law enforcement. They have opportunities for promotion and career advancement within the organization.
10. How can I contact the SSB for any queries?
- Answer: You can contact the SSB through their official website, email address, or phone number provided in the notification.