DSSSB Librarian Syllabus: An In-depth Guide to the Upcoming Exam

The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) conducts recruitment exams for various positions, including the coveted librarian post. If you aspire to become a librarian under the DSSSB, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern. 

This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the DSSSB Librarian syllabus, along with the pattern and marks distribution for each subject.

DSSSB Librarian Exam Pattern

The DSSSB Librarian exam consists of two tiers – Tier I and Tier II. Let’s delve into the exam pattern for each tier.

Tier I

The Tier I exam comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is conducted online. The exam is divided into two sections:

1. Section A: General Awareness, General Intelligence & Reasoning Ability, Arithmetical & Numerical Ability, Test of Hindi Language & Comprehension, and English Language & Comprehension.
2. Section B: Objective-type questions on the subject concerned as per the qualification prescribed for the post.

Tier II

1. Tier II is also an MCQ-based exam conducted online.
2. This tier assesses candidates on their subject-specific knowledge.
3. The questions in this tier are designed to evaluate the depth of understanding and application of concepts.

Subject-Wise DSSSB Librarian Syllabus

Now, let’s move on to the subject-wise breakdown of the DSSSB Librarian syllabus.

General Awareness (Section A)

1. Current Affairs: Questions related to national and international events, sports, awards, government schemes, and recent developments.
2. Indian Constitution and Polity: Fundamental rights, duties, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, governance, and social justice.
3. General Science: Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, biology, and their everyday application.
4. History and Culture of India: Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, art, architecture, literature, and cultural heritage.
5. Geography of India: Physical, economic, and social geography, including important rivers, mountains, flora, fauna, and natural resources.
6. Indian Economy: Basic concepts, economic planning, budgeting, banking, and financial institutions.
7. Environmental Studies: Environmental issues, conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development.

Marks Allocation: 20 marks

General Intelligence & Reasoning Ability (Section A)

This section assesses the candidate’s logical and analytical reasoning skills. Key topics to focus on include

1. Analogies, similarities, and differences.
2. Spatial visualization, spatial orientation, and problem-solving.
3. Analysis, judgment, decision-making, and visual memory.
4. Coding and decoding, arithmetic reasoning, and verbal and figure classification.
5. Non-verbal reasoning, number series, and arithmetic number series.
6. Semantic analogy, symbolic/number analogy, and figural analogy.
7. Semantic classification, symbolic/number classification, and figural classification.

Marks Allocation: 20 marks

Arithmetical & Numerical Ability (Section A)

This section evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in basic arithmetic and numerical concepts. Important topics to cover are:

1. Number Systems: Rational and irrational numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and simplification.
2. Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest: Calculation of profit, loss, interest rates, and time.
3. Ratio and Proportion, Average, and Partnership: Problems based on ratios, averages, and partnership concepts.
4. Time, Speed, and Distance: Questions involving time, speed, distance, and related calculations.
5. Mensuration: Calculation of area, volume, perimeter, and surface area of various geometric shapes.
6. Data Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tabular and graphical forms.

Marks Allocation: 20 marks

English or Hindi Language & Comprehension (Section A)

This section evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. Important topics to cover are:

1. Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, and idiomatic expressions.
2. Grammar: Parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, sentence correction, and error detection.
3. Comprehension: Reading passages and answering questions based on the passage.
4. Sentence Structure: Sentence formation, rearrangement, and completion.
5. Spelling: Correct spelling of words and identifying misspelled words.
6. Fill in the blanks: Filling the blanks with suitable words or phrases.

Marks Allocation: 40 marks

Subject-specific Questions (Section B)

This section focuses on subject-specific knowledge related to the qualification prescribed for the post of Librarian. Candidates are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the following areas.

1. Library Classification: Dewey Decimal Classification, Colon Classification, and Library of Congress Classification.
2. Library Cataloguing: Cataloguing rules, AACR, and MARC format.
3. Reference Sources: Encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, yearbooks, and biographical sources.
4. Information Technology and Computers in Libraries: Basics of computer hardware, software, networking, and library automation.
5. Library Management: Planning, organizing, and controlling library operations, including budgeting, collection development, and library marketing.
6. Library and Society: Library legislation, copyright laws, intellectual freedom, and ethics in librarianship.
7. Information Sources and Services: Various types of information sources, reference services, bibliographic services, and current awareness services.

Marks Allocation: Approximately 100 marks

Wrapping Up

To succeed in the DSSSB Librarian or any other exam, it is crucial for candidates to be well-versed with the syllabus, exam pattern, and subject-wise marks allocation. This comprehensive guide has provided an overview of the DSSSB Librarian syllabus, including the pattern and marks distribution for each subject. Otherwise, you can also check the previous exam paper of the DSSSB Librarian for your preparation.

Aspiring candidates should meticulously prepare for each section to maximize their chances of success. Additionally, referring to relevant study materials and previous years’ question papers will further enhance their preparation. Good luck!