Maharashtra SSC Store Operations Assistant Pre-Voc/NSQF study plan

Define the scope of retail store operations and list the five main functions of a Store Operations Assistant.

Describe the end-to-end stock receiving process: delivery scheduling, vehicle unloading, and initial verification against the purchase order.

Identify the documents used at goods receipt (purchase order, delivery challan, invoice, goods received note) and explain the purpose of each.

Demonstrate correct manual handling and stacking techniques for incoming cartons, including weight limits and team-lifting rules.

Explain the difference between receiving, put-away, and storage, and sequence them correctly in a workflow diagram.

Apply the FIFO and FEFO principles to a set of stock items and justify the placement of each batch.

Describe safe storage conditions for different product categories (ambient, chilled, fragile, hazardous) and state the housekeeping checks for each.

Record stock movements on a bin card and a stock register, ensuring entries are dated, signed, and reconciled.

Calculate closing stock from opening stock, receipts, and issues for three sample scenarios.

Identify common causes of stock discrepancy (pilferage, mis-issue, damage, clerical error) and the corrective action for each.

Conduct a physical stock count using a count sheet and reconcile the result with the stock record.

Explain the purpose and frequency of perpetual inventory, periodic stock-taking, and cycle counts.

Prepare a stock variance report that states the discrepancy, probable cause, and recommended action.

Describe the documentation trail for damaged, expired, and returned goods, including the role of the return-to-vendor note.

Apply basic inventory turnover and reorder-level concepts to decide when to raise a replenishment request.

Explain the objectives of store layout and distinguish between grid, free-flow, and racetrack layouts with a suitable use case for each.

Identify the key zones of a retail store (entrance, decompression, power aisle, checkout, back room) and state the purpose of each.

Apply merchandising principles such as eye-level placement, colour blocking, and cross-merchandising to a small display plan.

Describe planogram compliance and explain why planograms are used for consistent shelf presentation.

Explain the role of signage, shelf talkers, and price tags in guiding customers and reducing billing errors.

Demonstrate the standard greeting, needs identification, and closing steps of a customer interaction using a role-play script.

Handle three customer complaint scenarios (wrong price, damaged product, delay) using a structured resolution process.

Operate a point-of-sale terminal through a full sale: item scan, quantity change, discount, payment, and receipt printing.

Reconcile the cash drawer at the end of a shift, including opening float, cash sales, card sales, and the closing balance.

Identify common billing errors and the checks that prevent them before the customer leaves the counter.

Process a return and exchange at the POS, including refund method, receipt verification, and stock adjustment.

Explain cash-handling security rules: dual custody, safe drops, counterfeit checks, and limits on cash in the drawer.

Identify workplace hazards in a retail store and apply the hierarchy of controls to at least three of them.

Describe emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, and medical incidents, including the location and use of fire extinguishers.

State the hygiene and housekeeping standards for the sales floor, stockroom, and staff areas, and the schedule for each.

Explain the employability skills expected of a retail assistant: punctuality, teamwork, time management, and adaptability.

Describe the basic traits of an entrepreneur and identify two small retail business ideas suitable for a local market.

Prepare a simple customer communication script for a promotional offer, including handling objections.

Demonstrate active listening and clear verbal communication in a two-minute product explanation.

Explain the importance of digital literacy and basic record-keeping for a small retail enterprise.

Assemble a practical project file that documents a simulated store operation from receiving to billing.

Review the full syllabus and self-assess confidence in each domain using a rating scale.

Complete a timed mock assessment covering all nine domains and review every incorrect answer.

Finalise the project report with evidence of stock records, a display plan, and a customer service log.

Present the project in a five-minute summary that links each activity to the relevant domain outcome.