UPSC SCRA 2014 Preparation Plan

How to Prepare for Special Class Railway Apprentices' Exam ?

UPSC SCRA 2014 Preparation Plan

UPSC Special Class Railway Apprentices Examination is a test that is held to recruit professionals in the mechanical department of Indian Railways. UPSC conducts SCRA examination and select candidates for Special Class Apprenticeship each year. Let us know about this great job opportunity in Indian Railways which lets you to engage in a nice job in a small age with just intermediate qualification with science group.

Qualifications: Should be Indian with 10+2 qualification (2^nd Class) or higher with Math, Physics and Chemistry. 

Age should be between 17 to 21 years.

UPSC SCRA Selection Process:

Candidates’ selection is done in 2 phases. Part 1 is written test and Part 2 is personality test.

Part -1 (written test) question paper will be objective type and at intermediate level.

Subject	Code No	Time	Marks
Paper-1 General Ability Test	01	2 hours	200
Paper-2 Physical Sciences (Physics & Chemistry)	02	2 hours	200
Paper-3 Mathematics	03	2 hours	200
Total – 600 marks

Note: Negative marks for wrong answers.

Syllabus and Preparation Plan for UPSC SCRA

Part 1 consists of 3 papers. 1. General Ability, 2.Physical Sciences, 3. Mathematics

Paper 1 General Ability Test: (SCRA 2013)

The objective of this paper is to test the candidates understanding of present circumstances.

English: Questions on basis grammar points, synonyms, antonyms, sentences and comprehension are given in it.

General Knowledge: Questions on History, Politics, Indian Constitution, Technological Development, Population Control, Poverty, Poverty Reduction, backward classes welfare, Human Body Structure, food balance, deceases, pollution, solar system, natural disasters etc are given in it. In addition Indian economy, development, 5 year plans, agriculture, industrial growth, inflation, taxes, national income, resources allocation etc issues are also in it.

Psychological test: to test the basic understanding of the candidate in Mechanical field some questions are given.

Preparation:

As general ability syllabus is vast, you have to make a strong preparation plan if you really want to get hold on this. For this divide your syllabus according to your convenience. Study science and social studies text books from 6^thclass to 10+2 along standard material. Read news papers constantly to cover the current affairs, National and International summits, awards, eminent persons, appointments, Central and state government welfare programs, latest developments in science and technology and experiments. Read major newspapers from six months before the SCRA examination. Keep noting down important points and revise regularly. Cover United Nations, Indian Constitution – important features, Fundamental Rights and duties. Remember, it is quite important to read text books thoroughly from class 6^th to intermediate for a better understanding of General Ability test for Special Class Apprentice Examination.

For Englishrevise grammar you have studied at 10^th and 10+2 level. Especially understand tenses, verbs, Synonyms, antonyms and Comprehension. Practice Comprehension passages daily. Inter science students may feel general ability part as newly. Questions may arise what type of questions will come? And how much time to be allocated etc. To clear these doubts practice with model papers. By doing this candidates can understand design SCRA examination strategy.

Paper-2 (Physical Sciences) (SCRA 2013)

Questions are based on the physics subject read by the applicant at 10+2 level. Some important things are screw gauge, time and mass measurement, Newton’s laws of motion, gravitation, Pascal law, Principle of Archimedes,  temperature measurement, wave motion, Microscopes and Telescopes, Magnetic Movement, Electric charge and Columbus law etc.

a.     Chemistry (Physical Chemistry): Atomic structure, periodic classification, electro chemistry, oxidation, natural and artificial radio-activity etc are in it.

b.      Inorganic chemistry: Treatment of elements, Hydrogen, Metallurgical process, metals and Group elements are in it.

c.     Organic Chemistry: Tetrahedral nature of carton, general methods of off preparation, nitro compounds, aldehydes and ketones, easters, fats, lipids and polymers etc. are in it.      

UPSC SCRA Preparation:

This paper is totally based on subject, so study and understand the basics first. The grip on the basic issues would be quite beneficial in this section. Try to understand inorganic chemistry lessons completely. Prepare notes bits wise while studying, to remember them and revise them in future. To improve your speed and reduce mistakes in the examination, practice with bit banks thoroughly. Study theory properly so you can easily solve the problems.

Paper -3 (mathematics) (SCRA 2014)

Algebra (sets, binary operation, matrix etc.), trigonometry (addition and subtraction formula, ranges and graphics etc.), analytical geometry (two dimension, co-ordination system, standard equations of parabola etc.), differential calculus (real value function concepts etc.), integral calculus, vector applications, statistics and probability etc related questions are given in it.

Preparation:

Speed is important for this subject. To get grip over it, it is quite necessary to understand the basic principals besides practicing bit banks. Write down the principles you have learned from class 6^th to 10+2 and use them in solving problems. Never forget to use principles while solving problems. It saves your time tremendously.  Do not worry to score high in this chapter. If you prepare chapter wise, you will definitely get grip over this.

Part -2. Personality Test (interview) (200 marks): (SCRA 2014)

Depending upon the talent shown in the written test the candidates are called for interview. Leadership qualities, mental and physical ability are tested here. To succeed this stage, learn railway history and development related issues.  

Plan is required:

To succeed in Special Class Railway Apprentices Examination 2013, a definite plan is required. By reading systematically with perfect time management you can complete your syllabus within the prescribed time and will be able score high. Prepare a study schedule keeping your exam date in mind. Get the help of your college lecturers and parents. Allocate time properly (less time subjects easier and much time hard subjects) and wisely.

Model Papers Practice:

Special Class Railway Apprentices Examination is highly competitive. As seats are few, speed is quite important to succeed. To gain speed practicing with model papers and old papers is quite useful. By doing this you can find out your weak and strong points and change your strategies accordingly.

UPSC SCRA Final Selection:

Qualified candidates in both written test and interview are selected for Special Class Railway Apprenticeship. After 2 years of training they will be appointed in Indian railway.

UPSC SCRA Application Process:

Application for Special Class Railway Apprentice should be done in online mode only. Application fee should be paid before filling up application. Scan your passport size photograph and signature. Upload this photo and signature while filling up online application. Mention your email id. This email is used for communication during the entire recruitment process. There is no need to send the application hard copy to the Union Public Service Commission. After final selection only the required attested copies of certificates to be sent.

Things to Remember while preparing for UPSC SCRA 2014

Read text books and understand the basics from Class 6^th to 12^th.

SCRA is a national level examination, so accuracy with speed is required to succeed in this exam.

Use shortcut methods for mathematical solutions to save time.

Practice as much model papers and old papers as possible for a clear understanding of SCRA 2013 Examination.

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UPSC Special Class Apprentices' Notification and Online Application