Introduction
The pretest is a 50-mark objective screening exam conducted by the PSC for positions in organized institutions like NEA, NTC, and government banks. It serves as a filter to select candidates for the main written examination. Success requires a broad understanding of General Knowledge, Reasoning, and basic language proficiency.
Main Content
- GK and Current Affairs (30%): Covers Nepal's geography, history, constitution, and recent national/international events. Focus on the last 6 months of news.
- Reasoning and Aptitude (20%): Includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning, numerical aptitude (percentages, ratios), and logical patterns.
- Language Proficiency: English (8 marks) and Nepali (7 marks) sections test grammar, vocabulary, and basic comprehension.
- Computer Basics (10%): Fundamental knowledge of hardware, software, and office applications like Word and Excel.
- Negative Marking: 20% to 25% marks (typically 1 mark for every 4 wrong answers) are deducted for incorrect responses.
| Subject Area | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| GK and Current Affairs | 15 | 15 |
| Reasoning and Aptitude | 10 | 10 |
| English Language | 8 | 8 |
| Nepali Language | 7 | 7 |
| Computer and IT Basics | 5 | 5 |
| Nepal-specific Awareness | 5 | 5 |
Key Takeaways
- The pretest consists of 50 multiple-choice questions worth 1 mark each.
- The duration is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- GK and Reasoning together account for 50% of the total marks.
- Passing the pretest is mandatory to appear in the main written examination.
What to Avoid
- Do not spend more than 60-90 seconds on a single reasoning question; move on and return later.
- Avoid random guessing due to the negative marking system.
- Do not ignore the Nepali grammar section, as it often contains high-scoring but tricky questions.
FAQ
Q1: Is the pretest score added to the final merit list? In most institutions, the pretest is only for screening, but some may add a percentage of the score to the final total.
Q2: What is the pass mark for the pretest? While the minimum is usually 40%, the actual cutoff depends on the number of vacancies and candidate performance.
Q3: Which institutions follow this pretest pattern? Major bodies like Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Nepal Telecom (NTC), and government banks (NRB, RBB, ADBL) follow this pattern.
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