Preliminary examination
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| Numerical Ability (OA) / Quantitative Aptitude (Scale I) | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 45 minutes |
Main examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 15 minutes |
| English OR Hindi | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Marking and qualification
An incorrect objective answer attracts a penalty of one quarter of the marks assigned to that question. An unanswered question has no penalty. Apply the rule to the marks for the question, not automatically to a fixed number regardless of the section.
Candidates must meet the required qualifying standards. A minimum qualifying standard and the score needed to be shortlisted are different concepts; this page does not invent a universal safe score.
Stage differences to keep in mind
Office Assistant proceeds through prelims and mains. Officer Scale I has an interview stage after mains. Scale II and Scale III use a different single-examination route; do not apply this preliminary table to those cadres. The official notification contains their separate tables.
Use the structure in mock practice
- Set the section timer rather than pooling all preliminary time.
- Choose English or Hindi for the main language test, not both as extra scoring sections.
- Review accuracy and time by section after each mock.
- Read the information handout issued with your call letter for the operational instructions.