Prelims Syllabus of SSC CPO Exam 2024
General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
1. Analogies:
- Verbal Analogies: Identifying the relationship between two words and applying that relationship to another pair of words.
- Numerical Analogies: Identifying the relationship between two numbers and applying that relationship to another pair of numbers.
2. Similarities and Differences:
- Identifying similarities and differences between objects, concepts, or situations.
3. Classification:
- Grouping items based on shared characteristics.
4. Series:
- Identifying patterns in a series of numbers, letters, or figures.
5. Coding-Decoding:
- Deciphering codes and messages.
6. Blood Relations:
- Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
7. Directions:
- Determining directions and distances based on given information.
8. Clocks and Calendars:
- Solving problems related to time, days, and dates.
9. Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Solving problems using visual patterns and figures.
10. Analytical Reasoning:
- Analyzing information and drawing logical conclusions.
11. Data Interpretation:
- Interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
12. Logical Venn Diagrams:
- Understanding and interpreting Venn diagrams to solve logical problems.
13. Syllogisms:
- Identifying valid conclusions based on given premises.
14. Statement and Assumptions:
- Identifying assumptions made in a given statement.
15. Statement and Conclusions:
- Identifying valid conclusions based on a given statement.
16. Statement and Arguments:
- Identifying strong and weak arguments related to a given statement.
17. Critical Reasoning:
- Evaluating arguments and identifying fallacies.
18. Decision Making:
- Making logical decisions based on given information.
19. Problem Solving:
- Solving problems using logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
20. Verbal Reasoning:
- Understanding and interpreting verbal information.
Example Table 1: Analogies
| Word 1 | Word 2 | Relationship | Word 3 | Word 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor | Patient | Treats | Teacher | Student |
| Hot | Cold | Opposites | Up | Down |
Example Table 2: Series
| Series | Pattern | Next Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 | +2 | 12 |
| 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 | Square of consecutive numbers | 36 |
Quantitative Aptitude
This section tests the candidate’s ability to solve mathematical problems. It covers topics such as:
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 modulo.
- Solving problems related to number properties, such as divisibility rules, prime numbers, and composite numbers.
2. Arithmetic:
- Percentage: Calculating percentages, discounts, profit, loss, and simple interest.
- Ratio and Proportion: Solving problems related to ratios, proportions, and variations.
- Average: Calculating averages and weighted averages.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to work done by individuals or groups.
- Time, Speed, and Distance: Solving problems related to distance, speed, and time.
- Profit and Loss: Calculating profit, loss, and markup.
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest: Calculating simple interest and compound interest.
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.
- Simultaneous Equations: Solving systems of linear equations.
- Polynomials: Understanding and performing operations on polynomials.
4. Geometry:
- Lines and Angles: Understanding concepts related to lines, angles, and triangles.
- Triangles: Solving problems related to triangles, including area, perimeter, and properties.
- Circles: Solving problems related to circles, including circumference, area, and properties.
- Quadrilaterals: Understanding and solving problems related to quadrilaterals, including squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and rhombuses.
- Mensuration: Calculating areas and volumes of various shapes.
5. Trigonometry:
- Understanding trigonometric ratios, identities, and formulas.
- Solving problems related to trigonometric functions and their applications.
6. Data Interpretation:
- Interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
- Solving problems based on data analysis.
7. Statistics:
- Understanding basic statistical concepts, including mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
- Solving problems related to data analysis and interpretation.
Example Table 3: Arithmetic
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| A shopkeeper sells an item for Rs. 1200, making a profit of 20%. What is the cost price of the item? | Let the cost price be x. Profit = 20% of x = 0.2x Selling price = Cost price + Profit 1200 = x + 0.2x 1200 = 1.2x x = 1200/1.2 x = 1000 Therefore, the cost price of the item is Rs. 1000. |
General Awareness
This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science, and general knowledge.
1. Current Events:
- National and International events of the past year.
- Major happenings in politics, economics, sports, and culture.
- Important awards and recognitions.
2. History:
- Indian History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
- Important events, personalities, and movements.
- Indian Constitution and its evolution.
3. Geography:
- Indian Geography: Physical features, climate, flora, fauna, and natural resources.
- World Geography: Major continents, oceans, countries, and their geographical features.
- Important geographical phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change.
4. Polity:
- Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties.
- Structure and functioning of the Indian government.
- Important institutions like Parliament, Judiciary, and Executive.
- Political system and major political parties.
5. Economics:
- Indian Economy: Economic indicators, growth, development, and challenges.
- Basic economic concepts, such as inflation, deflation, and unemployment.
- Monetary and fiscal policies.
- International economic organizations.
6. Science:
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Basic concepts and applications of science.
- Recent scientific discoveries and advancements.
7. General Knowledge:
- Important facts and figures related to various fields, such as sports, culture, art, and literature.
- Current trends and developments in technology, environment, and society.
English Language
This section tests the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. It covers topics such as:
1. Vocabulary:
- Understanding the meaning of words and phrases.
- Using appropriate vocabulary in different contexts.
2. Grammar:
- Understanding the rules of English grammar.
- Using correct grammar in writing and speaking.
3. Comprehension:
- Reading and understanding passages of different lengths and complexities.
- Identifying the main idea, supporting details, and author’s purpose.
4. Sentence Correction:
- Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences.
5. Cloze Test:
- Filling in the blanks in a passage with appropriate words.
6. Error Spotting:
- Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
7. Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Understanding the meaning of synonyms and antonyms.
8. Idioms and Phrases:
- Understanding the meaning of idioms and phrases.
9. One Word Substitution:
- Replacing a phrase with a single word.
10. Paragraph Writing:
- Writing coherent and grammatically correct paragraphs.
11. Comprehension:
- Understanding and interpreting written passages.
12. Sentence Rearrangement:
- Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
13. Fill in the Blanks:
- Filling in the blanks in sentences with appropriate words.
14. Active and Passive Voice:
- Understanding and using active and passive voice.
15. Direct and Indirect Speech:
- Understanding and using direct and indirect speech.
16. Parts of Speech:
- Identifying and understanding the different parts of speech.
17. Tenses:
- Understanding and using different tenses correctly.
18. Articles:
- Understanding and using articles correctly.
19. Prepositions:
- Understanding and using prepositions correctly.
20. Conjunctions:
- Understanding and using conjunctions correctly.
Example Table 4: Comprehension
| Passage | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The sun is a star. It is the closest star to Earth. The sun is a giant ball of hot gas. It provides light and heat to Earth. | What is the sun? | A star |
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and the topics covered in each section.
- Refer to Previous Year Papers: Analyze previous year papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
- Prepare a Study Plan: Create a realistic study plan that covers all the topics and allows sufficient time for revision.
- Use Quality Study Material: Refer to reliable study materials, such as textbooks, online resources, and mock tests.
- Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous year papers to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to them.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated with current events.
- Improve English Language Skills: Practice reading, writing, and speaking English to enhance your language skills.
- Take Care of Your Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation journey.
Important Points to Remember
- The SSC CPO exam is a competitive exam, so it is important to prepare well and score high marks.
- The exam pattern and syllabus may change slightly from year to year, so it is essential to refer to the official notification for the latest information.
- The exam is conducted in two stages: Prelims and Mains. Candidates must clear the Prelims exam to be eligible for the Mains exam.
- The final selection is based on the performance in both the Prelims and Mains exams, followed by a Physical Endurance Test (PET) and a Medical Examination.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that offers a promising career in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). By following the preparation tips and understanding the syllabus, candidates can increase their chances of success in the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Q: What are some common types of analogies asked in the exam?
A: Verbal analogies, numerical analogies, and figurative analogies are common.
Q: How can I improve my problem-solving skills for this section?
A: Practice solving puzzles, riddles, and logical reasoning problems.
Q: What are some tips for solving coding-decoding questions?
A: Look for patterns, identify the code used, and apply it to decode the message.
Quantitative Aptitude
Q: What are the most important topics in arithmetic for the exam?
A: Percentage, ratio and proportion, average, time and work, time, speed, and distance are crucial.
Q: How can I improve my speed in solving math problems?
A: Practice regularly, learn shortcuts and formulas, and focus on accuracy.
Q: What are some common types of data interpretation questions?
A: Tables, charts, graphs, and pie charts are frequently used to present data.
General Awareness
Q: How can I stay updated with current affairs?
A: Read newspapers, magazines, and online news sources regularly.
Q: What are some important historical events to focus on?
A: Major events, personalities, and movements from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
Q: What are some key economic concepts to understand?
A: Inflation, deflation, unemployment, and economic indicators are important.
English Language
Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for the exam?
A: Read extensively, use a dictionary and thesaurus, and practice vocabulary exercises.
Q: What are some common grammatical errors to watch out for?
A: Subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, pronoun usage, and article usage are important.
Q: How can I improve my reading comprehension skills?
A: Practice reading different types of passages, identify the main idea, and analyze the author’s purpose.
General
Q: What is the exam pattern for the SSC CPO exam?
A: The exam is conducted in two stages: Prelims and Mains.
Q: What is the syllabus for the SSC CPO exam?
A: The syllabus covers General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English Language.
Q: What are some tips for preparing for the exam?
A: Understand the syllabus, refer to previous year papers, practice regularly, and stay motivated.
Q: What is the selection process for the SSC CPO exam?
A: The final selection is based on the performance in both the Prelims and Mains exams, followed by a Physical Endurance Test (PET) and a Medical Examination.