A 1.
About NET/SET
National Eligibility Test is conducted by the National Educational Bureau of University Grants Commission on all India Basis. The main objective of this Exam is to determine the eligibility for lectureship and to award the Junior Research Fellowship for Indian nationals so that the minimum standards for in teaching profession and research can be fixed in smooth manner. Similarly SET is conducted by State governments on the same pattern. These exams are conducted twice in a year in English and the dialect. To my best of knowledge following states have been conducting the SET Exams……
1. Maharashtra & Goa 2. Tamil Nadu (under consideration as on 14-07-2005) 3. Madhya Pradesh 4. Andhra Pradesh5. Himachal Pradesh 6. Jammu & Kashmir 7. Rajasthan 8. West Bengal 9. NE-SLET (Which includes all North Eastern states and Sikkim) 10. Karnataka (Under consideration as on 14-07-2005)
Scope of NET & SLET
a. Eligibility for Lectureship
The NET qualified candidates are eligible to apply for the post of lecturer in all Indian universities/Institutes/colleges. But on the other hand SET qualified candidates shall be eligible for appointment to the post of lecturer only in the universities/colleges belonging to the state from where they have passed the SET examination. This is not the case with them who had cleared the SET exam prior to 1st June, 2002, that is, the candidates clearing SET were eligible for appointment to the post of lecturer anywhere in India.
b. Junior Research Fellowship
The candidates who qualify the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Examination of UGC/CSIR NET are also eligible for the post of lectureship. In addition they are also eligible to receive Fellowships (UGC/CSIR) under various schemes subject to the candidates finding their placement in the universities/IITs/other national organizations. The validity of the offer is two years w.e.f. the date of issue of JRF award letter. The validity period of the offer has been raised from one year to two years for JRF Award Letters issued on or after 1st April, 2005. However, in case the candidates have already joined M.Phil. /Ph.D., the date of commencement of fellowship will be from the date of declaration of NET examination result or date of their joining, whichever is later.
Eligibility
Candidates who have secured 55% marks in Master’s Degree or equivalent examination in their respective subject are eligible for these exams. For SC/ST category candidates the mark limit is up to 50% (without grace).
Beside those candidates whose result is awaited by any reason and if the Master’s exam is delayed they also can apply for these exams. However their eligibility is only be materialized only after the declaration of their said result.
Exam Schedules
NET and SET exams conducted by UGC and the respective state government twice in a year. Normally NET is organized in the month of June and December and the notification is announced for this exam in the month of March and September along with web site. As far as SET is concerned, to my best of knowledge this is also follow the same pattern, but regarding month I am not so sure.
Scheme of the Test
The test will consist of three papers---
Paper 1
Paper 1 will be general nature intending to assess the teaching/research aptitude of a candidate. It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension and divergent thinking. The duration of this paper will be one and half hours and will carry maximum of 100 marks. This paper will consist of a test booklet containing objective type questions. The candidates will have to mark their response for each question on the answer sheet provided at the end of the test booklet.
For the NET/SET aspirants I had tried to summaries the format of Paper 1 in following manner---
1. Intelligence and Reasoning Test
2. Logical Reasoning
3. Teaching and Research Aptitude
4. English Comprehension
Paper 2
Likewise paper 1, paper 2 will be subjective nature and carry the 50 objective questions as per syllabus selected by the candidate. The duration of this paper also will 1.5 hours and will carry 100 marks. The candidate will have to mark correct response on the answer sheet provided at the end of the test booklet.
MOST IMPORTANT
Paper 2 will be held along with the paper 1 in the first session of 2.30 hours duration. A candidate who does not appear in Paper 1 will not be allowed to appear in Paper 2 and 3.
Paper 3
Paper 3 will consist of only descriptive type of questions from the syllabus on the subject selected by the candidate. The paper will be held in second session of 2.30 hours duration and will carry a maximum of 200 marks. The candidate will be required to attempt questions in this paper on the space provided in the answer booklet.
Paper-III will be evaluated only for those candidates who are able to secure the minimum qualifying marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, as per the table given in the following:
CATEGORY
MINIMUM QUALIFYING MARKS
PAPER 1
PAPER 2
PAPER 1+ PAPER 2
GEN /OBC
40
40
100 (50%)
PH/VH
35
35
90 (45%)
SC/ST
35
35
80 (40%)
Points to be Remember
1. In Paper 3, candidate has the option to answer either in Hindi or in English in all subjects except the languages where the candidate is required to write in the concerned language only.
2. The paper 2 and 3 will be selected by the candidates from one of the subjects of their post graduation.
3. These two papers will correspond to knowledge at the post-graduate level in the subject.
PAPER 1----COMMON FOR ALL SUBJECTS
In this paper you will face the questions related with two different (though related) forms of reasoning. By using the clear thinking, one can easily go through this paper without any difficulty. The problem range from simple arithmetical or mathematical ones to everyday situations (real or imaginary), problem figures that change according to a particular rule or even puzzles. As speed is the essence of this examination, a great deal of practice and mental ability is required here.
There are two types of Reasoning Tests—
1. Verbal
The questions in a verbal test are stated in language form such as Analogy Test, Series Test, and Same Class Test etc.
2. Non-Verbal
These tests are made up of materials such as patterns, lines, drawings, pictures etc.
In this section I have tried to provide the introductory information of this paper.
SECTION I – INTELLIGENCE AND REASONING TEST
1. SERIES TEST
A. Number series Test
In such questions a number series is given and candidates are asked to either insert a missing number or find the odd one. The only thing to be understood for solving these questions is the pattern on which a number series is written. By using various methods, a number series can be formed. It is advisable for the students to practice as much as questions as possible, to apprise themselves the variety of methods used to form number series.
B. Alphabetical Series Test
Rules for the Alphabet Series---------
Some of the standard rules followed in estimating the next term in alphabet series are as follows-
1. Keep the order of letters with their respective numbers, i.e. A=1 …. Z=26 and vice versa, I.e. Z=1 ….. A = 26.
2. When the counting is circular, after Z the cycle will continue from A.
3. Sometimes, Letters are omitted in sequence, e.g. ABC ----, EFG---. Here D and H, in sequence are omitted.
4. Sometimes, equal number of letters are omitted, e.g. in ADG, two consecutive letters are omitted.
5. One following the letter and the other preceding it may be organized, e.g. in BCA. C follows B and A precedes B.
6. Sometimes, there may be repetition of letters in a set order , e.g. in aab , bbc -----, one letter is repeated twice, the next set could be ccd.
7. Many times, numbers are mixed with letters, the number may refer to the position of the letters in the alphabet.
C. Alpha Numerical Series Test
In this type of test a certain word is coded with that of a number. The candidate has to decode the word to the corresponding number and identify the right answer.
Example : if woman is coded as 12345 and SERVANT is coded as 679450. How will VOTERS be coded?
(a) 920786 (b) 902876 (c) 978206 (d) 972086
Solution=
WOMAN = 12345
SERVANT= 6789450
So ……. W=1. O =2. M = 3 A =4 N= 5 S= 6 E= 7 R= 8 V= 9 and T=0
In this way………… VOTERS = 920786
ANALOGY TEST
In this type of test an attempt is made to establish relationship between the two objects. Any two objects, events or concepts are related in some way and the third object is also given with four or five alternatives.
The candidates have to find out which alternatives establishes the same relation with the third object in the same manner as the first and the second objects are related. This type of test covers all types of relationships one can think of. For sake of knowledge I have given some test , fallen under the Analogical Test-------------
A. Coding-Decoding Test
B. Odd man out
C. Order Disorder Test
D. Blood Relation Test
E. Best Reason Test
F. Direction Sense Test
G. Number Test and Time Sequence Test
H. Dice & Cubes
I. Calendar & Clocks
J. Data Analysis & Interpretation Test
K. Mathematical Ability Test
A.4.
SECTION II—LOGICAL REASONING
Logical reasoning-based questions are not at all difficult to tackle if one has a basic understanding of the types of questions asked. The accuracy is highest in such questions, and the time spent solving them can be quite less if one has done a good amount of practice.
The questions that are asked in logical reasoning require one to find out whether the given conclusion is valid or not.
For example:
1. All drunken drivers meet with an accident.
2. Salman is a drunken driver.
Conclusion – Salman will meet with an accident
This one is pretty straightforward. Since Salman belongs to a group, all members of which meet with an accident, he would meet with an accident.
E.x. 2. Most males are intelligent.
Mr. X is a male
Conclusion – Mr. X may or may not be intelligent
Here there are two possibilities. Either Mr. X is a part of the group of intelligent males or he is not. Hence, it follows that he may or may not be intelligent.In the exam the questions that are asked have two statements followed by two conclusions and you have to determine which conclusion is correct. Obviously the questions are not so easy as the above examples and may require one to draw venn diagrams to solve the questions. E.g.
Statements –
1. some students are smart
2. all students are hardworking
Conclusions – (i) some hardworking students are smart
(ii) some smart students are hardworking
Solution – Both the conclusions are correct, as some students are definitely both smart and hardworking.
Statement–
tennis players get married only to models
Conclusions – (i) Madhu is married to a tennis player
(ii) Madhu is not married to a tennis player
Solution – Here either Madhu can be married to a tennis player or to someone who is not a tennis player. So either conclusion (i) or (ii) follow but not both.
Statements –some roses are red
some red are black.
Conclusions – (i) no black is a rose.
(ii) no rose is a black
Solution – Here both the statements are possibilities. It may be that some roses are black or no roses are black. Hence neither of the conclusions follows.
Logical Consistency:
Logical Consistency questions have a main statement followed by four answer alternatives. One of these is logically correct and consistent with the main statement. Again, speed is a crucial factor here.
For example,
Main Statement: If you are in the IIMs, you have cleared the CAT.
It is very evident that if I am in the IIMs, I have cleared CAT. Can we also conclude that if I am not in the IIMs, I have not cleared CAT? No. Is it possible for one to have cleared CAT and not be in the IIMs – YES. The statement says that if you are in the IIMs, you have definitely cleared the CAT. But one can clear CAT and choose not to be in the IIMs.
Thus the only conclusions possible are:
1. you are in the IIMs implies you have cleared CAT.
2. you have not cleared CAT implies you are not in the IIMs.
The main statement may have any of the following variants:1. If
if and only if
2. Whenever
3. either….or
4. only when
Let us understand the difference between the “if” and “if and only if” as well as the “when” and “only when” type of questions.
Statement : If it rains, the ground is wet.
Meaning : Here the ground can be wet otherwise also, i.e. when it does not rain. But if it rains the ground is surely wet.
Statement : If and only if it rains, the ground is wet.
Meaning : Here the ground cannot be wet otherwise i.e. if the ground is wet, it must have rained. Also, it goes without saying that if it rained, the ground is wet.
Statement : When Raj studies, he gets a headache.
Meaning : Here he can get a headache otherwise also.
Statement : Only when Raj studies, he gets a headache.
Meaning : Here Raj cannot get a headache due to any reason other than studying.
The “either-or” type of question is as simple as the name suggests – either this or that e.g.Statement : Either Sushmita or Aishwarya is beautiful
Here the conclusions can be:
1. Sushmita is beautiful implies Aishwarya is not beautiful
2. Aishwarya is beautiful implies Sushmita is not beautiful
Important Tips for Logical Reasoning
Before you try to answer a few sample questions, here are some general test-taking tips that should help you with the Logical Reasoning questions……...
1. Study the question carefully. A brief explanation of why each choice is correct or incorrect follows each practice question. If you understand this reasoning for the practice items, you will do well on the actual assessment.
2. NEVER assume or use any information that the question fails to give you. This is NOT an assessment of how much you know about economics in general! Consider ONLY the information given in each reading passage when choosing among the alternative responses.
3. Read both the factual passage and the sentence completion instruction carefully. Both must be considered in making your choice.
4. Be sure to read all the response choices carefully before choosing one.
5. In questions that ask you to select a valid conclusion, always choose the one conclusion that must definitely follow from the information you are given. In questions that ask you to find the invalid alternative, choose the one conclusion that does not definitely follow from the information.
6. Pay special attention to words like "all," "some," or "none" when you read the factual information each question gives you. Other qualifying words such as "other than," "only" or "unless" are important, too. These words can play a critical part in precisely specifying the facts to be used in your reasoning.
7. Pay attention to negative prefixes also, such as non-, un-, or dis-. These can be crucial to specifying the basic facts in the paragraph.
8. "Test-taking" courses or your college instructors may have advised you to avoid any response choices that contain the quantifiers "all" or "none." In both the practice questions here and in the actual economist assessment, these words are NOT signs of incorrect response choices. They will appear in both correct and incorrect response choices.
9. Pay close attention to the word "ONLY" and to the phrase "IF AND ONLY IF." Saying "The door will open IF AND ONLY IF both keys are used" sets up a highly specific condition that must be met. There is exactly one way to open the door-you must use both keys. By contrast, if the sentence says, "The door will open if the key is used," there may be several ways to open the door besides by using the key.
10. The questions in the assessment will vary in difficulty level, and difficult questions will be mixed in with easier ones throughout the assessment. When you encounter a question that is difficult for you, try drawing diagrams or other schematic notes on the "scratch" paper provided to support and confirm your thought processes. Also, bear in mind that you can stop working on a difficult question temporarily and return to it later.
SECTION III: TEACHING AND RESEARCH APTITUDE
Teaching Aptitude
The main objective of Teaching Aptitude questions is to assess the interests, abilities, conditions, and challenges in practical classrooms situations.
Research Aptitude
The purpose of this section is to test the Research ability of the candidates. Basically the research is both an essential and powerful tool leading towards progress. Research Aptitude test is designed to check the general awareness of candidate about the research and its affiliated topics.
The question may comprise of following topics……….
1. What is Research………
2. Different Type of Research………..
3. Pre-Requisites of Research
4. Research Process
5. Hypothesis
6. Characteristics of Hypothesis
7. Types of Hypothesis
8. Different Sources of Hypothesis
9. Significance of Hypothesis
Important Point
These are the multiple questions set where each question carry minimum three possible answer and candidate have to select the best possible and nearest suitable answer.
Only concentration is required to solve these questions.
SECTION 1V ---------ENGLISH COMPREHENSION
OBJECTIVE COMPREHENSION
The main purpose of this section is to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of a particular passage. It is also tests one’s power in appreciation. Thus, to set some reasonable set of questions in a passage is an essentiality so as to achieve the purpose of comprehension. To answer the questions on a comprehension passage, the student required to get a good grasp of the passage so that he may understand the objective queries on the passage which he should try to assess accurately. Following are few points for the right procedure to tackle the problem of comprehension……….
1. Have a good glimpse of the passage before attempting to answer the question, For this, read the passage slowly and carefully.
2. Have two or three readings of the passage so as to understand the meaning of different words, phrases and expressions.
3. Proceed to answer the questions, taking the first question first . For this find out exactly that portion which carry the answer to a question. It is better to underline the relevant portion in the passage.
4. While writing answers to the question, use your own words. It is better to frame your answer on the basis of the underlined portions.
5. The answer must always be relevant , it should be neither tool long nor too short. Irrelevant and unnecessary things must always be avoided.
6. As it has already been explained that a test of comprehension is a test of language. therefore, your language must be logical, fluent and worthseeing in expression. The language must be very simple and correct and the expression must be very forceful.
Assigning the title in the comprehension is an important part in comprehension section. For this try to find a suitable word, or a phrase, or a very short sentence that may sum up the main subject of the passage. Here are some suggestions for it………
1. The opening and concluding sentences of the passage must be read very carefully. The title of the passage generally lies in these sentences.
2. In case, the title does not lie in these sentences or they do not give the central idea. Then the title must be selected from the passage as a whole.
3. Always pick some striking but relevant word or phrase from the passage itself.
MOST IMPORTANT
One must keep this in mind that for a good comprehension, an effective simple and clear language is must. An effective language in the lack of a good knowledge of grammar is not possible.
Reference:-
1. TRUEMAN’S UGC NET/SLET
(National Eligibility Test/ State Level Eligibility Tests)
For JRF and Eligibility Test for Lectureship
Paper I- Common for all subjects
Pub by Danika Publishing Company
4353/4C , Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-11002
PAPER II---- MULTIPLE QUESTION IN SUBJECT
The second paper in NET/SET exams contains 50 multiple choice questions, with 100 marks. This paper will be of 1.15 hours duration and consist of a test booklet containing objective type questions as per syllabus on the subject selected by the candidate. Each question in this paper is also compulsory to attempt. The candidate will have to mark correct answer sheet provided at the end of the booklet series. Paper II will be held along with the Paper I in the first session of 2.30 hours duration.
Somehow, I have prepared a list of topic, which may be find suitable for this paper-----
1. Some important Acronyms
2. Ranganathan at a glance
3. Cataloguing Code and their year of appearance
4. Classification Schemes and year of publications
5. Library Legislation in India
6. Indexing Systems & their Contributors
7. Library Associations
8. NISSAT Sectoral Centres
9. Words and their origins
10. Popular Books and their Authors
11. Library Committee Appointed by UGC
12. Commencing Date of Popular Publications
13. Special Classification Scheme and their Authors
14. Databases and their suppliers
15. Library Networks and origin
16. Management Theories and their Propounders
17. Library Science Periodicals and their Publication
Reference:-
Multiple Choice Question Bank in Library and Information Science
( For UGC NET/SLET Exams)
---J.N. Gautam
Niranjan Singh
Published by----Y K PublishersBlock 77, Sanjay Place Agra, (UP) Phone- 2153506.
PAPER III ----DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS
Revised Structure of Paper - III of Maharashtra State Eligibility Test
As per the directives received from the UGC, the nature of the paper III has been revised The revised structure of the paper III is as follows. The paper will have a total of 26 questions arranged in four sections.
Section I : Candidates have to write a critique of a given paragraph or stanza from a known thinker/writer. Five carefully considered specific questions will be asked on the given paragraph, requiring an answer in upto 30 words each. This section shall carry 5 x 5 = 25 marks. In the case of science subjects, a theoretical problem will be set for the candidates to analyze. Five questions will be asked thereon.
Section II : Fifteen questions will be asked across the syllabus for Paper-III (A)wherever shown separately or on III A & B together . The questions will bedefinitional or seeking particular information and are to be answered inupto 30 words each. Each question will carry 5 marks ( 15 x 5 = 75 marks)There will be no internal choice.
Section III : Five extended answers based on analytical/evaluative questions will beasked on each of the major specializations/electives. Questions will be asked on all major specializations/electives and the candidates will be asked to choose one specialization/elective and answer the five questions from it. The questions will be set from the syllabus for Paper-III (B). There will be no internal choice. Each question will be answered in upto 200 words and shall carry 12 marks ( 5x12 = 60 marks) Where there are no separate specializations/electives or separate topics in IIIB shown in the syllabus 5 questions will be set across the syllabus on entire Paper-III.
Section IV : Essay writing - One question with internal choice on general themes and contemporary, theoretical or of disciplinary relevance will be given. The candidate would answer it in up to 1000 words.
Following is the list of topics for this paper-
1. Information and its Role
2. Library Legislation , Extension Services and education & Profession
3. Sources of Information
4. Information Services
5. Information /Knowledge Management
6. Library Management
7. Computer and Information Technology
8. Information System and Organisations
9. Research Methodology
10. Types of Library and its users
STRUCTURE OF REVISED FORMAT FOR PAPER-III
Sr. No.
Question
Test Of
Words
Marks
Sec. I
Critique
critical ability and ability to apply knowledge one possesses.
30 x 5 = 150
5 x 5 = 25
Sec. II
15 definitional specific answer questions
Ability of precise understanding and making exact statements
30 x 15 = 450
15 x 5 = 75
Sec. III
5 analytical / evaluative questions
Ability to reason and hold the argument over some length
200 x 5 = 1000
5 x 12 =60
Sec. IV
Essay
Ability to expound critically a theme at length with discrimination
1000 x 1 = 1000
40 x 1 =40
2600 WORDS
200 MARKS
Important Tips
For the student’s connivance, I would like to share my experiences and suggestions for this paper—
1. Always start with the topic, where you find yourself much more comfortable and ease during the study.
2. Do not stress on the topic, which is more difficult than the others, for this regular casual reading is required.
3. Read these topics like a story book so that you will be able to memorise the difficult topic in very easy manner.
4. Always make the notebook and pen the essential stationary during the studies. These tools are very much required in improving as well as maintaining the writing speed.
5. Try to revise the theoretical chapters first and then go for practical topics.
6. Do not think to skip any chapter of your book, because each and every topic is equally important in the exam’s point of view.
7. Apply the same rule in the exam, attempt the easy one question in first attempt and then proceed towards the other one.
8. Do not leave the question unanswered at any cost, you may not aware that it could be right answer, so just think for a while in case of difficult question and start writing in a flow.
9. Try to attempt the paper in the same sequence, in which paper is given. The reason is very simple. Section I is none other than a simple comprehension and the easiest part of the paper. By reading carefully, one can score maximum marks from this section.
10. Similarly Section II and III of the papers are where candidates asked to write the definitional and slightly descriptive answers respectively.
11. Attempt the Section IV in the end and just select the question , which is more theoretical than the practical. Here one can apply some common sense while selecting the question.
Following is my favorite sequence of topics, on the basis of I have cleared my NET
( June 2005) and SET( Pune Jan 2009) in first attempt---------
1. Information and Communication
2. Information Resources
3. Information Services
4. Information Technology
5. Information System
6. Management of Services
7. Library and Society
8. Types of libraries and their users
9. Organization of Knowledge
10. Research Methodology
References-------
1. A student’s Manual of Library and Information Science
( On the line of the NET Syllabus of UGC)
--- P S G Kumar;
Pub By BR Publishing Corporation
425, Nimri Colony , Ashok Vihar, Phase IV Delhi.
2. Descriptive Questions in Library and Information Science
Based on New Syllabus for NET(UGC) , SLET, SET and other Tests
------------ S.M. Tripathi , C Lal . K Kumar
Pub By Ess Ess Publications
4837/24 Ansari Road. Darya Ganj , New delhi
3. Cosmos Book Hive’s
UGC – NET /SLET
National Eligibility Test/State Level Eligibility Test ( for state) for JRF & Eligibility for lectureship.
Library & Information Science
By Sh. SK Bajpai
Published by
Cosmos Book Hive(P)ltd.
Corporate Office-
831 Phase V Udyog Vihar,
Gurgaon,
Distributors---
Gaurav Agencies
208 Kuber Complex Link Road,
Andheri West
Mumbai-400053
Ph---26730957
About NET/SET
National Eligibility Test is conducted by the National Educational Bureau of University Grants Commission on all India Basis. The main objective of this Exam is to determine the eligibility for lectureship and to award the Junior Research Fellowship for Indian nationals so that the minimum standards for in teaching profession and research can be fixed in smooth manner. Similarly SET is conducted by State governments on the same pattern. These exams are conducted twice in a year in English and the dialect. To my best of knowledge following states have been conducting the SET Exams……
1. Maharashtra & Goa 2. Tamil Nadu (under consideration as on 14-07-2005) 3. Madhya Pradesh 4. Andhra Pradesh5. Himachal Pradesh 6. Jammu & Kashmir 7. Rajasthan 8. West Bengal 9. NE-SLET (Which includes all North Eastern states and Sikkim) 10. Karnataka (Under consideration as on 14-07-2005)
Scope of NET & SLET
a. Eligibility for Lectureship
The NET qualified candidates are eligible to apply for the post of lecturer in all Indian universities/Institutes/colleges. But on the other hand SET qualified candidates shall be eligible for appointment to the post of lecturer only in the universities/colleges belonging to the state from where they have passed the SET examination. This is not the case with them who had cleared the SET exam prior to 1st June, 2002, that is, the candidates clearing SET were eligible for appointment to the post of lecturer anywhere in India.
b. Junior Research Fellowship
The candidates who qualify the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Examination of UGC/CSIR NET are also eligible for the post of lectureship. In addition they are also eligible to receive Fellowships (UGC/CSIR) under various schemes subject to the candidates finding their placement in the universities/IITs/other national organizations. The validity of the offer is two years w.e.f. the date of issue of JRF award letter. The validity period of the offer has been raised from one year to two years for JRF Award Letters issued on or after 1st April, 2005. However, in case the candidates have already joined M.Phil. /Ph.D., the date of commencement of fellowship will be from the date of declaration of NET examination result or date of their joining, whichever is later.
Eligibility
Candidates who have secured 55% marks in Master’s Degree or equivalent examination in their respective subject are eligible for these exams. For SC/ST category candidates the mark limit is up to 50% (without grace).
Beside those candidates whose result is awaited by any reason and if the Master’s exam is delayed they also can apply for these exams. However their eligibility is only be materialized only after the declaration of their said result.
Exam Schedules
NET and SET exams conducted by UGC and the respective state government twice in a year. Normally NET is organized in the month of June and December and the notification is announced for this exam in the month of March and September along with web site. As far as SET is concerned, to my best of knowledge this is also follow the same pattern, but regarding month I am not so sure.
Scheme of the Test
The test will consist of three papers---
Paper 1
Paper 1 will be general nature intending to assess the teaching/research aptitude of a candidate. It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension and divergent thinking. The duration of this paper will be one and half hours and will carry maximum of 100 marks. This paper will consist of a test booklet containing objective type questions. The candidates will have to mark their response for each question on the answer sheet provided at the end of the test booklet.
For the NET/SET aspirants I had tried to summaries the format of Paper 1 in following manner---
1. Intelligence and Reasoning Test
2. Logical Reasoning
3. Teaching and Research Aptitude
4. English Comprehension
Paper 2
Likewise paper 1, paper 2 will be subjective nature and carry the 50 objective questions as per syllabus selected by the candidate. The duration of this paper also will 1.5 hours and will carry 100 marks. The candidate will have to mark correct response on the answer sheet provided at the end of the test booklet.
MOST IMPORTANT
Paper 2 will be held along with the paper 1 in the first session of 2.30 hours duration. A candidate who does not appear in Paper 1 will not be allowed to appear in Paper 2 and 3.
Paper 3
Paper 3 will consist of only descriptive type of questions from the syllabus on the subject selected by the candidate. The paper will be held in second session of 2.30 hours duration and will carry a maximum of 200 marks. The candidate will be required to attempt questions in this paper on the space provided in the answer booklet.
Paper-III will be evaluated only for those candidates who are able to secure the minimum qualifying marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, as per the table given in the following:
CATEGORY
MINIMUM QUALIFYING MARKS
PAPER 1
PAPER 2
PAPER 1+ PAPER 2
GEN /OBC
40
40
100 (50%)
PH/VH
35
35
90 (45%)
SC/ST
35
35
80 (40%)
Points to be Remember
1. In Paper 3, candidate has the option to answer either in Hindi or in English in all subjects except the languages where the candidate is required to write in the concerned language only.
2. The paper 2 and 3 will be selected by the candidates from one of the subjects of their post graduation.
3. These two papers will correspond to knowledge at the post-graduate level in the subject.
PAPER 1----COMMON FOR ALL SUBJECTS
In this paper you will face the questions related with two different (though related) forms of reasoning. By using the clear thinking, one can easily go through this paper without any difficulty. The problem range from simple arithmetical or mathematical ones to everyday situations (real or imaginary), problem figures that change according to a particular rule or even puzzles. As speed is the essence of this examination, a great deal of practice and mental ability is required here.
There are two types of Reasoning Tests—
1. Verbal
The questions in a verbal test are stated in language form such as Analogy Test, Series Test, and Same Class Test etc.
2. Non-Verbal
These tests are made up of materials such as patterns, lines, drawings, pictures etc.
In this section I have tried to provide the introductory information of this paper.
SECTION I – INTELLIGENCE AND REASONING TEST
1. SERIES TEST
A. Number series Test
In such questions a number series is given and candidates are asked to either insert a missing number or find the odd one. The only thing to be understood for solving these questions is the pattern on which a number series is written. By using various methods, a number series can be formed. It is advisable for the students to practice as much as questions as possible, to apprise themselves the variety of methods used to form number series.
B. Alphabetical Series Test
Rules for the Alphabet Series---------
Some of the standard rules followed in estimating the next term in alphabet series are as follows-
1. Keep the order of letters with their respective numbers, i.e. A=1 …. Z=26 and vice versa, I.e. Z=1 ….. A = 26.
2. When the counting is circular, after Z the cycle will continue from A.
3. Sometimes, Letters are omitted in sequence, e.g. ABC ----, EFG---. Here D and H, in sequence are omitted.
4. Sometimes, equal number of letters are omitted, e.g. in ADG, two consecutive letters are omitted.
5. One following the letter and the other preceding it may be organized, e.g. in BCA. C follows B and A precedes B.
6. Sometimes, there may be repetition of letters in a set order , e.g. in aab , bbc -----, one letter is repeated twice, the next set could be ccd.
7. Many times, numbers are mixed with letters, the number may refer to the position of the letters in the alphabet.
C. Alpha Numerical Series Test
In this type of test a certain word is coded with that of a number. The candidate has to decode the word to the corresponding number and identify the right answer.
Example : if woman is coded as 12345 and SERVANT is coded as 679450. How will VOTERS be coded?
(a) 920786 (b) 902876 (c) 978206 (d) 972086
Solution=
WOMAN = 12345
SERVANT= 6789450
So ……. W=1. O =2. M = 3 A =4 N= 5 S= 6 E= 7 R= 8 V= 9 and T=0
In this way………… VOTERS = 920786
ANALOGY TEST
In this type of test an attempt is made to establish relationship between the two objects. Any two objects, events or concepts are related in some way and the third object is also given with four or five alternatives.
The candidates have to find out which alternatives establishes the same relation with the third object in the same manner as the first and the second objects are related. This type of test covers all types of relationships one can think of. For sake of knowledge I have given some test , fallen under the Analogical Test-------------
A. Coding-Decoding Test
B. Odd man out
C. Order Disorder Test
D. Blood Relation Test
E. Best Reason Test
F. Direction Sense Test
G. Number Test and Time Sequence Test
H. Dice & Cubes
I. Calendar & Clocks
J. Data Analysis & Interpretation Test
K. Mathematical Ability Test
A.4.
SECTION II—LOGICAL REASONING
Logical reasoning-based questions are not at all difficult to tackle if one has a basic understanding of the types of questions asked. The accuracy is highest in such questions, and the time spent solving them can be quite less if one has done a good amount of practice.
The questions that are asked in logical reasoning require one to find out whether the given conclusion is valid or not.
For example:
1. All drunken drivers meet with an accident.
2. Salman is a drunken driver.
Conclusion – Salman will meet with an accident
This one is pretty straightforward. Since Salman belongs to a group, all members of which meet with an accident, he would meet with an accident.
E.x. 2. Most males are intelligent.
Mr. X is a male
Conclusion – Mr. X may or may not be intelligent
Here there are two possibilities. Either Mr. X is a part of the group of intelligent males or he is not. Hence, it follows that he may or may not be intelligent.In the exam the questions that are asked have two statements followed by two conclusions and you have to determine which conclusion is correct. Obviously the questions are not so easy as the above examples and may require one to draw venn diagrams to solve the questions. E.g.
Statements –
1. some students are smart
2. all students are hardworking
Conclusions – (i) some hardworking students are smart
(ii) some smart students are hardworking
Solution – Both the conclusions are correct, as some students are definitely both smart and hardworking.
Statement–
tennis players get married only to models
Conclusions – (i) Madhu is married to a tennis player
(ii) Madhu is not married to a tennis player
Solution – Here either Madhu can be married to a tennis player or to someone who is not a tennis player. So either conclusion (i) or (ii) follow but not both.
Statements –some roses are red
some red are black.
Conclusions – (i) no black is a rose.
(ii) no rose is a black
Solution – Here both the statements are possibilities. It may be that some roses are black or no roses are black. Hence neither of the conclusions follows.
Logical Consistency:
Logical Consistency questions have a main statement followed by four answer alternatives. One of these is logically correct and consistent with the main statement. Again, speed is a crucial factor here.
For example,
Main Statement: If you are in the IIMs, you have cleared the CAT.
It is very evident that if I am in the IIMs, I have cleared CAT. Can we also conclude that if I am not in the IIMs, I have not cleared CAT? No. Is it possible for one to have cleared CAT and not be in the IIMs – YES. The statement says that if you are in the IIMs, you have definitely cleared the CAT. But one can clear CAT and choose not to be in the IIMs.
Thus the only conclusions possible are:
1. you are in the IIMs implies you have cleared CAT.
2. you have not cleared CAT implies you are not in the IIMs.
The main statement may have any of the following variants:1. If
if and only if
2. Whenever
3. either….or
4. only when
Let us understand the difference between the “if” and “if and only if” as well as the “when” and “only when” type of questions.
Statement : If it rains, the ground is wet.
Meaning : Here the ground can be wet otherwise also, i.e. when it does not rain. But if it rains the ground is surely wet.
Statement : If and only if it rains, the ground is wet.
Meaning : Here the ground cannot be wet otherwise i.e. if the ground is wet, it must have rained. Also, it goes without saying that if it rained, the ground is wet.
Statement : When Raj studies, he gets a headache.
Meaning : Here he can get a headache otherwise also.
Statement : Only when Raj studies, he gets a headache.
Meaning : Here Raj cannot get a headache due to any reason other than studying.
The “either-or” type of question is as simple as the name suggests – either this or that e.g.Statement : Either Sushmita or Aishwarya is beautiful
Here the conclusions can be:
1. Sushmita is beautiful implies Aishwarya is not beautiful
2. Aishwarya is beautiful implies Sushmita is not beautiful
Important Tips for Logical Reasoning
Before you try to answer a few sample questions, here are some general test-taking tips that should help you with the Logical Reasoning questions……...
1. Study the question carefully. A brief explanation of why each choice is correct or incorrect follows each practice question. If you understand this reasoning for the practice items, you will do well on the actual assessment.
2. NEVER assume or use any information that the question fails to give you. This is NOT an assessment of how much you know about economics in general! Consider ONLY the information given in each reading passage when choosing among the alternative responses.
3. Read both the factual passage and the sentence completion instruction carefully. Both must be considered in making your choice.
4. Be sure to read all the response choices carefully before choosing one.
5. In questions that ask you to select a valid conclusion, always choose the one conclusion that must definitely follow from the information you are given. In questions that ask you to find the invalid alternative, choose the one conclusion that does not definitely follow from the information.
6. Pay special attention to words like "all," "some," or "none" when you read the factual information each question gives you. Other qualifying words such as "other than," "only" or "unless" are important, too. These words can play a critical part in precisely specifying the facts to be used in your reasoning.
7. Pay attention to negative prefixes also, such as non-, un-, or dis-. These can be crucial to specifying the basic facts in the paragraph.
8. "Test-taking" courses or your college instructors may have advised you to avoid any response choices that contain the quantifiers "all" or "none." In both the practice questions here and in the actual economist assessment, these words are NOT signs of incorrect response choices. They will appear in both correct and incorrect response choices.
9. Pay close attention to the word "ONLY" and to the phrase "IF AND ONLY IF." Saying "The door will open IF AND ONLY IF both keys are used" sets up a highly specific condition that must be met. There is exactly one way to open the door-you must use both keys. By contrast, if the sentence says, "The door will open if the key is used," there may be several ways to open the door besides by using the key.
10. The questions in the assessment will vary in difficulty level, and difficult questions will be mixed in with easier ones throughout the assessment. When you encounter a question that is difficult for you, try drawing diagrams or other schematic notes on the "scratch" paper provided to support and confirm your thought processes. Also, bear in mind that you can stop working on a difficult question temporarily and return to it later.
SECTION III: TEACHING AND RESEARCH APTITUDE
Teaching Aptitude
The main objective of Teaching Aptitude questions is to assess the interests, abilities, conditions, and challenges in practical classrooms situations.
Research Aptitude
The purpose of this section is to test the Research ability of the candidates. Basically the research is both an essential and powerful tool leading towards progress. Research Aptitude test is designed to check the general awareness of candidate about the research and its affiliated topics.
The question may comprise of following topics……….
1. What is Research………
2. Different Type of Research………..
3. Pre-Requisites of Research
4. Research Process
5. Hypothesis
6. Characteristics of Hypothesis
7. Types of Hypothesis
8. Different Sources of Hypothesis
9. Significance of Hypothesis
Important Point
These are the multiple questions set where each question carry minimum three possible answer and candidate have to select the best possible and nearest suitable answer.
Only concentration is required to solve these questions.
SECTION 1V ---------ENGLISH COMPREHENSION
OBJECTIVE COMPREHENSION
The main purpose of this section is to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of a particular passage. It is also tests one’s power in appreciation. Thus, to set some reasonable set of questions in a passage is an essentiality so as to achieve the purpose of comprehension. To answer the questions on a comprehension passage, the student required to get a good grasp of the passage so that he may understand the objective queries on the passage which he should try to assess accurately. Following are few points for the right procedure to tackle the problem of comprehension……….
1. Have a good glimpse of the passage before attempting to answer the question, For this, read the passage slowly and carefully.
2. Have two or three readings of the passage so as to understand the meaning of different words, phrases and expressions.
3. Proceed to answer the questions, taking the first question first . For this find out exactly that portion which carry the answer to a question. It is better to underline the relevant portion in the passage.
4. While writing answers to the question, use your own words. It is better to frame your answer on the basis of the underlined portions.
5. The answer must always be relevant , it should be neither tool long nor too short. Irrelevant and unnecessary things must always be avoided.
6. As it has already been explained that a test of comprehension is a test of language. therefore, your language must be logical, fluent and worthseeing in expression. The language must be very simple and correct and the expression must be very forceful.
Assigning the title in the comprehension is an important part in comprehension section. For this try to find a suitable word, or a phrase, or a very short sentence that may sum up the main subject of the passage. Here are some suggestions for it………
1. The opening and concluding sentences of the passage must be read very carefully. The title of the passage generally lies in these sentences.
2. In case, the title does not lie in these sentences or they do not give the central idea. Then the title must be selected from the passage as a whole.
3. Always pick some striking but relevant word or phrase from the passage itself.
MOST IMPORTANT
One must keep this in mind that for a good comprehension, an effective simple and clear language is must. An effective language in the lack of a good knowledge of grammar is not possible.
Reference:-
1. TRUEMAN’S UGC NET/SLET
(National Eligibility Test/ State Level Eligibility Tests)
For JRF and Eligibility Test for Lectureship
Paper I- Common for all subjects
Pub by Danika Publishing Company
4353/4C , Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-11002
PAPER II---- MULTIPLE QUESTION IN SUBJECT
The second paper in NET/SET exams contains 50 multiple choice questions, with 100 marks. This paper will be of 1.15 hours duration and consist of a test booklet containing objective type questions as per syllabus on the subject selected by the candidate. Each question in this paper is also compulsory to attempt. The candidate will have to mark correct answer sheet provided at the end of the booklet series. Paper II will be held along with the Paper I in the first session of 2.30 hours duration.
Somehow, I have prepared a list of topic, which may be find suitable for this paper-----
1. Some important Acronyms
2. Ranganathan at a glance
3. Cataloguing Code and their year of appearance
4. Classification Schemes and year of publications
5. Library Legislation in India
6. Indexing Systems & their Contributors
7. Library Associations
8. NISSAT Sectoral Centres
9. Words and their origins
10. Popular Books and their Authors
11. Library Committee Appointed by UGC
12. Commencing Date of Popular Publications
13. Special Classification Scheme and their Authors
14. Databases and their suppliers
15. Library Networks and origin
16. Management Theories and their Propounders
17. Library Science Periodicals and their Publication
Reference:-
Multiple Choice Question Bank in Library and Information Science
( For UGC NET/SLET Exams)
---J.N. Gautam
Niranjan Singh
Published by----Y K PublishersBlock 77, Sanjay Place Agra, (UP) Phone- 2153506.
PAPER III ----DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS
Revised Structure of Paper - III of Maharashtra State Eligibility Test
As per the directives received from the UGC, the nature of the paper III has been revised The revised structure of the paper III is as follows. The paper will have a total of 26 questions arranged in four sections.
Section I : Candidates have to write a critique of a given paragraph or stanza from a known thinker/writer. Five carefully considered specific questions will be asked on the given paragraph, requiring an answer in upto 30 words each. This section shall carry 5 x 5 = 25 marks. In the case of science subjects, a theoretical problem will be set for the candidates to analyze. Five questions will be asked thereon.
Section II : Fifteen questions will be asked across the syllabus for Paper-III (A)wherever shown separately or on III A & B together . The questions will bedefinitional or seeking particular information and are to be answered inupto 30 words each. Each question will carry 5 marks ( 15 x 5 = 75 marks)There will be no internal choice.
Section III : Five extended answers based on analytical/evaluative questions will beasked on each of the major specializations/electives. Questions will be asked on all major specializations/electives and the candidates will be asked to choose one specialization/elective and answer the five questions from it. The questions will be set from the syllabus for Paper-III (B). There will be no internal choice. Each question will be answered in upto 200 words and shall carry 12 marks ( 5x12 = 60 marks) Where there are no separate specializations/electives or separate topics in IIIB shown in the syllabus 5 questions will be set across the syllabus on entire Paper-III.
Section IV : Essay writing - One question with internal choice on general themes and contemporary, theoretical or of disciplinary relevance will be given. The candidate would answer it in up to 1000 words.
Following is the list of topics for this paper-
1. Information and its Role
2. Library Legislation , Extension Services and education & Profession
3. Sources of Information
4. Information Services
5. Information /Knowledge Management
6. Library Management
7. Computer and Information Technology
8. Information System and Organisations
9. Research Methodology
10. Types of Library and its users
STRUCTURE OF REVISED FORMAT FOR PAPER-III
Sr. No.
Question
Test Of
Words
Marks
Sec. I
Critique
critical ability and ability to apply knowledge one possesses.
30 x 5 = 150
5 x 5 = 25
Sec. II
15 definitional specific answer questions
Ability of precise understanding and making exact statements
30 x 15 = 450
15 x 5 = 75
Sec. III
5 analytical / evaluative questions
Ability to reason and hold the argument over some length
200 x 5 = 1000
5 x 12 =60
Sec. IV
Essay
Ability to expound critically a theme at length with discrimination
1000 x 1 = 1000
40 x 1 =40
2600 WORDS
200 MARKS
Important Tips
For the student’s connivance, I would like to share my experiences and suggestions for this paper—
1. Always start with the topic, where you find yourself much more comfortable and ease during the study.
2. Do not stress on the topic, which is more difficult than the others, for this regular casual reading is required.
3. Read these topics like a story book so that you will be able to memorise the difficult topic in very easy manner.
4. Always make the notebook and pen the essential stationary during the studies. These tools are very much required in improving as well as maintaining the writing speed.
5. Try to revise the theoretical chapters first and then go for practical topics.
6. Do not think to skip any chapter of your book, because each and every topic is equally important in the exam’s point of view.
7. Apply the same rule in the exam, attempt the easy one question in first attempt and then proceed towards the other one.
8. Do not leave the question unanswered at any cost, you may not aware that it could be right answer, so just think for a while in case of difficult question and start writing in a flow.
9. Try to attempt the paper in the same sequence, in which paper is given. The reason is very simple. Section I is none other than a simple comprehension and the easiest part of the paper. By reading carefully, one can score maximum marks from this section.
10. Similarly Section II and III of the papers are where candidates asked to write the definitional and slightly descriptive answers respectively.
11. Attempt the Section IV in the end and just select the question , which is more theoretical than the practical. Here one can apply some common sense while selecting the question.
Following is my favorite sequence of topics, on the basis of I have cleared my NET
( June 2005) and SET( Pune Jan 2009) in first attempt---------
1. Information and Communication
2. Information Resources
3. Information Services
4. Information Technology
5. Information System
6. Management of Services
7. Library and Society
8. Types of libraries and their users
9. Organization of Knowledge
10. Research Methodology
References-------
1. A student’s Manual of Library and Information Science
( On the line of the NET Syllabus of UGC)
--- P S G Kumar;
Pub By BR Publishing Corporation
425, Nimri Colony , Ashok Vihar, Phase IV Delhi.
2. Descriptive Questions in Library and Information Science
Based on New Syllabus for NET(UGC) , SLET, SET and other Tests
------------ S.M. Tripathi , C Lal . K Kumar
Pub By Ess Ess Publications
4837/24 Ansari Road. Darya Ganj , New delhi
3. Cosmos Book Hive’s
UGC – NET /SLET
National Eligibility Test/State Level Eligibility Test ( for state) for JRF & Eligibility for lectureship.
Library & Information Science
By Sh. SK Bajpai
Published by
Cosmos Book Hive(P)ltd.
Corporate Office-
831 Phase V Udyog Vihar,
Gurgaon,
Distributors---
Gaurav Agencies
208 Kuber Complex Link Road,
Andheri West
Mumbai-400053
Ph---26730957