Language and Communication Skills (Marathi/English)
This domain tests functional command of Marathi and English: comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to write a short formal communication. It is the easiest section to secure full marks in with disciplined practice.
Marathi component
- शब्दसंपत्ती: समानार्थी शब्द, विरुद्धार्थी शब्द, शब्दसिद्धी.
- व्याकरण: समास, संधी, अलंकार, वाक्यप्रकार, शुद्धलेखन.
- वाक्प्रचार आणि म्हणी: the distinction matters. A वाक्प्रचार is a phrase that behaves like a verb inside a sentence, for example अंगाची लाही लाही होणे, meaning to be intensely restless or furious. A म्हण is a complete sentence carrying folk wisdom, for example अति तिथे माती, meaning excess spoils the thing. Never translate either literally.
- उतारा: read the passage first, then answer only from the passage.
English component
Comprehension, grammar (tense, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech), vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution), translation between Marathi and English, precis, and a short formal letter or application.
Worked example
Choose the correct use of a वाक्प्रचार in a sentence. The test is whether the phrase carries its idiomatic meaning and agrees with the subject. If a sentence uses डोळ्यांत पाणी येणे to mean simply that water entered the eyes, it is literal and therefore wrong; used for being moved to tears, it is correct. Reasoning shown: check idiomatic meaning first, then grammatical agreement, then spelling.
Traps that cost marks
Literal translation of idioms; confusing a म्हण with a वाक्प्रचार; spelling errors in शुद्धलेखन; answering comprehension questions from memory rather than the passage; writing a letter without the required format elements such as sender, date, subject and closing.