Examination: SSA/UDC Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2024 (DoPT)

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Exam Overview

• Total Marks: 200
• Number of Questions: 200 (50 questions per subject)
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark per question; 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
• Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for scribe-eligible candidates as per para 35(i), (ii), & (iii))
• Question Type: Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Subjects:
  1. Comprehension and General English (50 marks)
  2. Parliamentary Procedure (50 marks)
  3. General Knowledge (50 marks)
  4. Noting and Drafting (50 marks)
     
• Language: Bilingual (English and Hindi), except for Comprehension and General English, which is primarily in English or Hindi based on candidate’s choice

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1. Comprehension and General English

Syllabus Description

Candidates will be tested in simple composition and applied grammar. This section evaluates your ability to understand written passages (in English or Hindi, depending on your choice) and use language effectively, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and basic writing skills.

This section checks how well you can:

• Read and understand: Read a short passage and answer questions about its meaning, main idea, or details.
• Use correct grammar: Spot and fix mistakes in sentences, such as wrong tenses, prepositions, or articles.
• Build vocabulary: Know the meanings of words, their synonyms, antonyms, and how to use them.
• Write clearly: Form simple, correct sentences or short paragraphs.

Key Topics and Detailed Explanation

1. Reading Comprehension:
   • What It Is: You’ll read a passage (150–200 words) and answer 4–5 questions. Questions may ask about the main idea, specific details, inferences (what the passage implies), or word meanings.
   • Applied Grammar:
     
   • Parts of Speech: Understand nouns (e.g., book, city), pronouns (e.g., he, they), verbs (e.g., run, is), adjectives (e.g., big, happy), adverbs (e.g., quickly, well), prepositions (e.g., in, on), conjunctions (e.g., and, but), and interjections (e.g., wow, oh).
   • Tenses: Know present (e.g., I eat), past (e.g., I ate), future (e.g., I will eat), and their forms (simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous).
   • Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb matches the subject (e.g., “She runs” not “She run”).
   • Articles: Use “a,” “an,” or “the” correctly (e.g., “an apple,” “the sun”).
   • Prepositions: Use words like “in,” “on,” “at” correctly (e.g., “at 5 PM,” “in Delhi”).
   • Sentence Correction: Spot errors in grammar or structure (e.g., “He go to school” → “He goes to school”).
   • Active and Passive Voice: Understand active (e.g., “She writes a letter”) vs. passive (e.g., “A letter is written by her”).
   • Direct and Indirect Speech: Convert sentences (e.g., Direct: She said, “I am tired” → Indirect: She said she was tired).
   • Example Question: Find the error: “The boys is playing football.” (Answer: “is” should be “are” due to plural subject “boys”.)
     
2. Vocabulary:
   
   • Synonyms and Antonyms: Know similar (e.g., big = large) and opposite words (e.g., big ≠ small).
   • One-Word Substitutions: Single words for phrases (e.g., “A person who loves books” = Bibliophile).
   • Idioms and Phrases: Understand meanings (e.g., “Break the ice” = Start a conversation).
   • Example Question: What is the synonym of “Candid”? (A) Dishonest (B) Frank (C) Quiet (D) Shy (Answer: B)
     
3. Simple Composition:
   
   • What It Is: Ability to write clear, concise sentences or short paragraphs with proper grammar.
   • Skills Tested: Organizing thoughts, using correct grammar, and avoiding redundancy.
   • Example Question: Choose the correctly written sentence: (A) She go market daily (B) She goes to the market daily (C) She going market daily (Answer: B)

Preparation Strategy

• Study: Focus on grammar rules (tenses, articles, prepositions), vocabulary lists (100–200 common words), and comprehension techniques.
• Practice: Solve 2–3 comprehension passages (10–15 questions) daily. Practice 20–30 grammar MCQs and 10–15 vocabulary questions daily.
• Resources: Use Cracktarget’s English study notes (PDFs on grammar, vocabulary) and MCQ section for practice (cracktarget.com → SSC SSA/UDC → English).
• Time Management: Spend 40–45 minutes on this section in the exam to balance speed and accuracy, avoiding guesses due to negative marking.

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2. Parliamentary Procedure

Syllabus Description

This section includes simple questions relating to sessions of Parliament and handling of Parliament questions. It tests your basic understanding of how the Indian Parliament functions and the procedures for managing parliamentary questions.

Explanation in Simple Language

This section checks your knowledge of:

• Parliament’s structure: How the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha work.
• Sessions: When and why Parliament meets (e.g., Budget Session).
• Questions: How MPs ask questions and how they’re answered by the government.
• Key terms: Basic rules and terms like Question Hour or adjournment.

Key Topics and Detailed Explanation

1. Structure of the Indian Parliament:
   
   • Bicameral Legislature: Parliament has two houses—Lok Sabha (House of the People, 543 elected + 2 nominated members) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States, 238 elected + 12 nominated members).
   • Presiding Officers: Lok Sabha is led by the Speaker; Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Vice President (Chairman). Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairman assist.
   • Roles: Lok Sabha passes laws and budgets; Rajya Sabha reviews and suggests changes.
   • Example Question: Who presides over the Rajya Sabha? (Answer: Vice President)
     
   • Click Here for : Detailed Study Notes
     
2. Sessions of Parliament:
   
   • Three Main Sessions:
     
     • Budget Session (February–May): Discusses the Union Budget and major policies.
     • Monsoon Session (July–August): Addresses legislative and policy issues.
     • Winter Session (November–December): Covers remaining or urgent matters.
       
   • Summoning: The President calls Parliament to meet.
   • Adjournment and Prorogation: Adjournment pauses a session; prorogation ends it.
     
     Click Here for : Detailed notes with MCQs
     
     
3. Parliamentary Questions:
   Key Parliamentary Terms:

Preparation Strategy

• Study: Focus on Cracktarget’s notes on Parliament structure, sessions, and question-handling procedures (cracktarget.com → SSC SSA/UDC → Parliamentary Procedure).
• Practice: Solve 20–30 MCQs daily from Cracktarget’s MCQ section on parliamentary terms and procedures.
• Resources: Use Cracktarget’s PDFs on Indian Parliament and question processes.
• Time Management: Spend 35–40 minutes on this section, as it involves factual recall but requires careful reading to avoid negative marking.
• 
  
  Click Here for Detailed Notes and MCQs

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3. General Knowledge

Syllabus Description

This section tests knowledge of current events, matters of everyday observation, experience, and general information about India. It evaluates awareness of national and international events, Indian history, geography, polity, and culture.

Explanation in Simple Language

This section checks:

• Current Events: Recent news (2023–2025) in India and globally.
  Click Here for current Affairs
  
• Everyday Knowledge: Facts about India’s history, geography, and government.
  
• General Information: Basic details about India’s economy, culture, and society.

Key Topics and Detailed Explanation

1. Current Events (2023–2025):
   • National: Government schemes (e.g., PM Awas Yojana, Digital India), elections, policy changes.
   • International: Summits (e.g., G20 2023 hosted by India), global agreements, conflicts.
   • Awards: Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Nobel Prizes.
   • Sports: Olympics 2024, Cricket World Cup.
   • Science: ISRO missions (e.g., Chandrayaan-3), new technologies.
   • Example Question: Which country hosted the G20 Summit in 2023? (Answer: India)
     Link
     
     
2. Indian History:
   • Ancient: Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan Empire (Ashoka), Gupta Empire.
   • Medieval: Mughal Empire, Delhi Sultanate.
   • Modern: Freedom struggle (Gandhi, Nehru), events like Dandi Salt March (1930), Quit India Movement (1942).
   • Example Question: Who led the Quit India Movement? (Answer: Mahatma Gandhi)
3. Indian Geography:
   • Physical: Major rivers (Ganga, Godavari), mountains (Himalayas), national parks (Jim Corbett).
   • Political: States (28), Union Territories (8), capitals.
   • Economic: Major crops (rice, wheat), ports (Mumbai, Chennai).
   • Example Question: Which is the longest river in India? (Answer: Ganga)
4. Indian Polity:
   • Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights (6), Directive Principles.
   • Government: Roles of President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court.
   • Example Question: How many Fundamental Rights are in the Constitution? (Answer: Six)
5. Indian Economy:
   • Basics: GDP, inflation, fiscal policy.
   • Schemes: Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
   • Example Question: What does GDP stand for? (Answer: Gross Domestic Product)
6. General Science:
   • Physics: Newton’s laws, gravity.
   • Chemistry: Periodic table, acids/bases.
   • Biology: Human body systems, photosynthesis.
   • Example Question: What gas do plants use in photosynthesis? (Answer: Carbon Dioxide)
7. Indian Culture:
   • Festivals: Diwali, Holi, Eid.
   • Dances: Bharatanatyam, Kathak.
   • Heritage: UNESCO sites (e.g., Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar).
   • Example Question: Which dance is from Odisha? (Answer: Odissi)

Preparation Strategy

• Study: Use Cracktarget’s GK notes (history, geography, polity, current affairs) from cracktarget.com → SSC SSA/UDC → General Knowledge.
• Practice: Solve 50 MCQs daily (25 static GK, 25 current affairs) from Cracktarget’s MCQ section.
• Resources: Refer to Cracktarget’s current affairs PDFs (2024–2025) and static GK summaries.
• Time Management: Spend 35–40 minutes, focusing on high-confidence answers to minimize negative marking.

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4. Noting and Drafting

Syllabus Description

This section includes simple questions from Chapters 7, 8, and 9 of the latest Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure (CSMOP), covering:

• Guidelines on Noting
• Communication, Forms, Channels, and Procedure
• Guidelines on Drafting of Communications

Explanation in Simple Language

This section tests your ability to:

• Write notes: Summarize or comment on official files.
• Draft documents: Write formal letters, memos, or notices.
• Follow office rules: Use standard formats and procedures in government offices.

Key Topics and Detailed Explanation

1. Chapter 7: Guidelines on Noting:
   • What Is Noting: Written remarks on a file to summarize facts, analyze issues, or suggest actions.
   • Purpose:
     • Record decisions or discussions.
     • Help superiors make informed decisions.
   • Features of a Good Note:
     • Clarity: Use simple, clear language.
     • Conciseness: Be brief but include all key points.
     • Logical Structure: Present facts → analysis → recommendations.
     • Objectivity: Stick to facts, avoid personal opinions.
   • Types of Notes:
     • Routine Notes: Summarize progress or facts.
     • Decision Notes: Analyze issues and suggest solutions.
     • Parallel Notes: Multiple sections comment on the same file.
   • Format:
     • Written on the left side of a note sheet.
     • Includes date, designation, signature, and references (e.g., “Para 3 above”).
   • Example Question: What is the main purpose of noting? (Answer: To record facts and aid decision-making)
   • 
     Click Here for detailed study notes and MCQ
     
2. Chapter 8: Communication, Forms, Channels, and Procedure:
   • Forms of Communication:
     • Letter: Formal, for external agencies (e.g., other ministries).
     • Memorandum (Memo): Internal, within a department.
     • Office Memorandum (OM): Formal instructions or guidelines.
     • Circular: Information for multiple recipients.
     • Email: Official electronic communication.
   • Channels:
     • Follow hierarchy (e.g., Under Secretary → Deputy Secretary).
     • Use proper formats as per CSMOP.
   • Procedure:
     • Include file number, date, subject.
     • Use formal salutations (e.g., “Sir/Madam” for letters).
   • Example Question: Which communication is used for internal instructions? (Answer: Memorandum)
     
3. Chapter 9: Guidelines on Drafting of Communications:
   • Drafting Principles:
     • Clarity: Use simple, direct language.
     • Politeness: Maintain a courteous tone.
     • Accuracy: Ensure facts and references are correct.
     • Structure: Subject, context, main content, action required.
   • Types of Drafts:
     • Demi-Official (DO) Letter: Semi-formal, used by senior officers.
     • Office Order: Instructions for immediate compliance.
     • Notification: Published in the Gazette for public information.
   • Steps:
     • Identify purpose (e.g., reply, instruction).
     • Refer to relevant files or correspondence.
     • Use standard CSMOP formats.
   • Example Question: What is the tone of a DO letter? (Answer: Semi-formal)

Preparation Strategy

• Study: Use Cracktarget’s notes on CSMOP Chapters 7–9 (cracktarget.com → SSC SSA/UDC → Noting and Drafting).
• Practice: Write 2 notes and 2 drafts (letter, memo) daily using Cracktarget’s sample templates. Solve 15–20 MCQs on CSMOP terms daily.
• Resources: Download Cracktarget’s CSMOP summaries and practice questions.
• Time Management: Spend 45–50 minutes, as questions may require careful reading of options.

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General Tips for Exam Preparation

• Use Cracktarget:
  
• Negative Marking: Attempt only confident answers to avoid losing marks (0.25 per wrong answer).
• Time Allocation: Divide 3 hours as: English (40 min), Parliamentary Procedure (35 min), GK (35 min), Noting and Drafting (50 min).
• Mock Tests: Take 2–3 full-length 200-question mock tests on Cracktarget to simulate exam conditions.
• Revision: Create concise notes from Cracktarget’s material for last-minute review.

Syllabus	Study Material Link
Structure of the Indian Parliament	Click Here
Sessions of Parliament	Click Here
Key Parliamentary Terms	Click Here
Guidelines on Noting	Click Here
Communication, Forms, Channels, and Procedure	Click here

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Sample MCQs for Practice

1. Comprehension and General English:
   • Q: Choose the antonym of “Generous.”
     (A) Kind
     (B) Selfish
     (C) Brave
     (D) Honest
   • A: (B) Selfish
     
2. Parliamentary Procedure:
   • Q: What is the first hour of a Parliament sitting called?
     (A) Zero Hour
     (B) Question Hour
     (C) Adjournment Hour
     (D) Debate Hour
   • A: (B) Question Hour
     
3. General Knowledge:
   • Q: Which Indian state is known as the “Land of Five Rivers”?
     
     (A) Punjab
     (B) Gujarat
     (C) Assam
     (D) Kerala
   • A: (A) Punjab
     
4. Noting and Drafting:
   • Q: Which communication form is used for public announcements in the Gazette?
     (A) Memo
     (B) Notification
     (C) Letter
     (D) Circular
   • A: (B) Notification

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