Prelims Syllabus for UPSC Stenographer Exam 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Stenographer Exam to recruit candidates for the post of Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ in various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. The exam consists of two stages:
- Stage I: Computer Based Examination (CBE)
- Stage II: Skill Test (Stenography)
This article focuses on the syllabus for Stage I, the Computer Based Examination.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems. The syllabus includes:
1. Analogies:
- Number Analogy: Identifying the relationship between two numbers and applying it to another pair.
- Letter Analogy: Identifying the relationship between two letters and applying it to another pair.
- Word Analogy: Identifying the relationship between two words and applying it to another pair.
2. Similarities and Differences:
- Identifying similarities and differences between objects, concepts, or situations.
3. Classification:
- Grouping items based on common characteristics.
4. Series:
- Identifying the pattern in a series of numbers, letters, or figures and finding the missing element.
5. Coding-Decoding:
- Decoding messages based on a given code or creating a code for a given message.
6. Blood Relations:
- Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
7. Direction Sense:
- Determining directions based on given information.
8. Logical Venn Diagrams:
- Representing relationships between different sets using Venn diagrams.
9. Syllogisms:
- Drawing logical conclusions from given statements.
10. Statement and Assumptions:
- Identifying assumptions made in a given statement.
11. Statement and Conclusions:
- Drawing logical conclusions from given statements.
12. Statement and Arguments:
- Identifying strong and weak arguments in relation to a given statement.
13. Data Sufficiency:
- Determining whether the given information is sufficient to answer a question.
14. Critical Reasoning:
- Analyzing arguments, identifying flaws, and drawing conclusions.
15. Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Solving problems based on figures and patterns.
Example Table:
| Topic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Number Analogy | 2:4 :: 6: ? | 2:4 :: 6:8 (The relationship is doubling the first number) |
| Letter Analogy | A:Z :: B: ? | A:Z :: B:Y (The relationship is reverse alphabetical order) |
| Word Analogy | Doctor: Patient :: Teacher: ? | Doctor: Patient :: Teacher: Student (The relationship is professional to client) |
| Classification | Apple, Banana, Orange | These are all fruits |
| Series | 2, 4, 6, 8, ? | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 (The pattern is adding 2 to the previous number) |
| Coding-Decoding | If A=1, B=2, C=3, then what is the code for CAT? | CAT = 3120 (The code is the numerical value of each letter) |
General Awareness
This section covers a wide range of topics related to current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science, and culture.
1. Current Events:
- National and International events of the past year.
- Major developments in politics, economics, science, technology, sports, and culture.
2. History:
- Indian History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods.
- Important events, personalities, and movements.
3. Geography:
- Physical Geography: Landforms, climate, vegetation, and natural resources.
- Indian Geography: Major rivers, mountains, plains, and cities.
- World Geography: Major continents, countries, and their geographical features.
4. Polity:
- Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties.
- Political System: Parliament, Judiciary, and Executive.
- Important Acts and Amendments.
5. Economics:
- Basic Economic Concepts: Demand, Supply, Inflation, and Deflation.
- Indian Economy: Growth, development, and challenges.
- International Economics: Global trade, financial institutions, and economic policies.
6. Science:
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environment.
- Latest Discoveries and Innovations.
7. Culture:
- Indian Culture: Art, literature, music, dance, and festivals.
- World Culture: Major cultural traditions and their significance.
Example Table:
| Topic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Current Events | Recent developments in the field of space exploration | India’s successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 mission |
| History | The Indian National Movement | The role of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle |
| Geography | Major rivers of India | The Ganga River and its tributaries |
| Polity | The Indian Parliament | The role of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in lawmaking |
| Economics | The concept of inflation | Rising prices of essential commodities leading to a decrease in purchasing power |
| Science | The discovery of a new planet | The detection of a potentially habitable exoplanet by the James Webb Space Telescope |
| Culture | Indian classical music | The different ragas and their significance in Indian music |
English Language
This section tests the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The syllabus includes:
1. Comprehension:
- Reading and understanding passages of different types.
- Identifying the main idea, supporting details, and author’s purpose.
2. Vocabulary:
- Understanding the meaning of words and phrases.
- Using synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.
3. Grammar:
- Understanding the rules of English grammar.
- Identifying errors in grammar and usage.
4. Sentence Structure:
- Recognizing different types of sentences.
- Identifying errors in sentence structure.
5. Composition:
- Writing clear and concise sentences.
- Organizing ideas logically.
6. Idioms and Phrases:
- Understanding the meaning of common idioms and phrases.
7. One Word Substitution:
- Replacing a phrase with a single word.
8. Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Identifying words with similar and opposite meanings.
9. Spellings:
- Recognizing and correcting spelling errors.
10. Error Detection:
- Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
Example Table:
| Topic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension | Reading and understanding a passage about climate change | Identifying the main idea of the passage, such as the causes and effects of climate change |
| Vocabulary | Understanding the meaning of the word “ambiguous” | The instructions were ambiguous, so I wasn’t sure what to do. |
| Grammar | Identifying the correct tense of the verb | The sun has been shining all day. |
| Sentence Structure | Recognizing a complex sentence | Although it was raining, we went for a walk. |
| Composition | Writing a paragraph about your favorite hobby | My favorite hobby is reading because it allows me to escape into different worlds. |
| Idioms and Phrases | Understanding the meaning of “once in a blue moon” | I only see my old friends once in a blue moon. |
| One Word Substitution | Replacing the phrase “a person who studies the stars” | Astronomer |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | Identifying a synonym for “happy” | Joyful |
| Spellings | Recognizing the correct spelling of “necessary” | Necessary |
| Error Detection | Identifying the grammatical error in the sentence “I am going to the store, I need to buy some milk.” | The sentence should be “I am going to the store because I need to buy some milk.” |
General Knowledge
This section covers a wide range of topics related to current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science, and culture. The syllabus is similar to the General Awareness section, but it focuses on a broader range of topics and may include more in-depth questions.
Example Table:
| Topic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Current Events | Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence | The impact of ChatGPT on various industries |
| History | The Mughal Empire | The reign of Akbar and his policies of religious tolerance |
| Geography | The Himalayan region | The impact of climate change on the glaciers in the Himalayas |
| Polity | The Indian Judiciary | The role of the Supreme Court in protecting fundamental rights |
| Economics | The concept of globalization | The impact of globalization on the Indian economy |
| Science | The human genome project | The implications of understanding the human genome for medical research |
| Culture | Indian classical dance | The different forms of Indian classical dance and their origins |
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Carefully go through the syllabus and identify the key topics and sub-topics.
- Refer to Relevant Books and Study Materials: Use standard textbooks, reference books, and online resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solving previous years’ papers will help you understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked.
- Develop Time Management Skills: The exam is time-bound, so it is essential to develop effective time management skills.
- Focus on Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events by reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals.
- Improve English Language Skills: Practice reading, writing, and grammar exercises to enhance your English language skills.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Stay Motivated and Focused: Maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on your goal.
Note: The syllabus for the UPSC Stenographer Exam may vary from year to year. It is advisable to refer to the official notification for the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UPSC Stenographer Exam 2024 (Prelims)
General Intelligence and Reasoning:
Q1: What are some common types of analogies asked in the exam?
A1: Number analogies, letter analogies, word analogies, and picture analogies are common.
Q2: How can I improve my logical reasoning skills?
A2: Practice solving puzzles, riddles, and logic problems. Analyze the reasoning behind solutions and identify patterns.
Q3: What are some tips for solving coding-decoding questions?
A3: Look for patterns in the code, try to identify the relationship between letters and numbers, and practice decoding messages using different coding techniques.
General Awareness:
Q4: How far back should I study current events for the exam?
A4: Focus on current events from the past year, particularly major national and international developments.
Q5: What are some good resources for preparing for the history section?
A5: NCERT textbooks, standard history books, and online resources like websites and YouTube channels can be helpful.
Q6: How can I stay updated on current affairs?
A6: Read newspapers, magazines, and online news portals regularly. Follow reputable news sources and subscribe to relevant newsletters.
English Language:
Q7: What are some tips for improving reading comprehension?
A7: Read actively, identify the main idea and supporting details, and practice summarizing passages.
Q8: How can I enhance my vocabulary?
A8: Read widely, use a dictionary and thesaurus, and practice using new words in your writing and speaking.
Q9: What are some common grammatical errors to watch out for?
A9: Subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, pronoun usage, and article usage are common areas where errors occur.
General Knowledge:
Q10: What are some important topics to focus on for the General Knowledge section?
A10: Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science, and culture are all important areas to cover.
Q11: How can I prepare for the General Knowledge section effectively?
A11: Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources regularly. Refer to standard textbooks and study materials for a comprehensive understanding of the topics.
Q12: What are some tips for answering General Knowledge questions?
A12: Read the questions carefully, eliminate incorrect options, and choose the most accurate and relevant answer.
Exam-Related:
Q13: What is the exam pattern for the UPSC Stenographer Exam (Prelims)?
A13: The exam is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions covering General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and General Knowledge.
Q14: How many questions are there in the exam?
A14: The number of questions and the duration of the exam are specified in the official notification.
Q15: What is the qualifying score for the Prelims exam?
A15: The qualifying score is determined by the UPSC based on the performance of all candidates.
Q16: What is the next stage of the exam after Prelims?
A16: Candidates who qualify in the Prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the Skill Test (Stenography).
Q17: Where can I find the official notification for the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
A17: The official notification is published on the UPSC website.
Q18: What are some tips for managing time during the exam?
A18: Allocate time for each section based on the number of questions and difficulty level. Avoid spending too much time on any single question.
Q19: How can I stay calm and focused during the exam?
A19: Practice relaxation techniques, get enough sleep the night before the exam, and eat a healthy breakfast.
Q20: What are some general tips for preparing for the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
A20: Understand the syllabus, refer to relevant study materials, practice previous years’ papers, develop time management skills, and stay motivated and focused.