OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination key terms

A relationship comparing two quantities by division, and an equation stating two ratios are equal. Used to solve mixture, partnership, and scaling problems by setting up cross-multiplication.

A fraction expressed as a part per hundred. Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages is essential for profit-loss, interest, and data interpretation questions.

Interest calculated only on the original principal for the entire period, using the formula P × R × T / 100. Unlike compound interest, it does not earn interest on interest.

Interest calculated on the principal plus accumulated interest from previous periods. The amount grows as P(1 + R/100)^T, making it larger than simple interest over multiple periods.

Calculations of gain or loss when an item is sold, expressed as a percentage of cost price. Key formulas include Profit% = (SP − CP)/CP × 100 and SP = CP × (100 + Profit%)/100.

A reduction on the marked price of an item, usually given as a percentage. Successive discounts are not additive; each is applied to the reduced price sequentially.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. Used to find missing numbers, weighted averages, and to solve problems involving replacement or addition of items.

The relationship Distance = Speed × Time. Problems often involve relative speed (trains crossing, boats in streams) and unit conversions such as km/h to m/s (multiply by 5/18).

Problems where the rate of work is the reciprocal of the time taken. Combined work rates add, and efficiency ratios help solve problems involving workers joining or leaving.

A variation of time and work where inlet pipes fill a tank and outlet pipes empty it. Their rates are added with opposite signs to find the net filling or emptying time.

A technique that first finds the value of one unit and then multiplies to find the value of the required number of units. Useful for direct and inverse proportion problems.

A sequence of numbers following a pattern such as arithmetic difference, geometric ratio, squares, or alternating operations. Candidates identify the rule to find the missing or wrong term.

A reasoning topic where letters or words are transformed using a rule (shift, reversal, substitution). The task is to decode the rule and apply it to a new word or number.

A reasoning question presenting a pair of related items and asking for a similar pair. The relationship may be based on function, part-whole, cause-effect, or degree.

A reasoning task where all but one item in a group share a common property. The candidate identifies the item that does not fit the established pattern.

Grouping items based on shared characteristics and identifying the category that does not belong. Often appears with words, numbers, or letters in reasoning sections.

A logical reasoning question with two or more premises and a conclusion. Candidates decide which conclusions logically follow, using Venn diagrams to test validity.

Reasoning problems describing family relationships through statements or symbols. Candidates draw a family tree to determine how two people are related.

Problems tracking a person's movement in terms of north, south, east, and west, including turns. A diagram helps compute final distance and direction using Pythagoras where needed.

A puzzle where people are arranged in a line or circle based on clues about positions. Candidates deduce the complete arrangement to answer questions about neighbours or positions.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Synonym questions test vocabulary breadth and the ability to choose the closest meaning in context.

A word opposite in meaning to another word. Antonym questions require identifying the word most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word.

An expression whose meaning is not literal, such as 'to let the cat out of the bag'. Questions ask for the correct meaning or the appropriate idiom to complete a sentence.

Replacing a phrase or clause with a single word, such as 'one who loves mankind' = philanthropist. Tests precision and vocabulary recall in English sections.

Identifying grammatical mistakes in a sentence, such as subject-verb disagreement, wrong tense, or incorrect preposition. Candidates locate the erroneous part among labelled segments.

Choosing the grammatically correct version of a sentence from alternatives. Tests agreement, parallelism, tense consistency, and proper use of articles and prepositions.

Completing a sentence by selecting the word or phrase that fits grammatically and contextually. May test vocabulary, prepositions, conjunctions, or verb forms.

The body of written works in the Odia language, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Key figures include Sarala Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Gangadhar Meher.

The writing system used for the Odia language, derived from the Kalinga branch of Brahmi. It is round in shape and includes independent vowels, consonants, and conjunct forms.

The set of rules governing Odia syntax, morphology, and phonology. Includes concepts like karaka (case), samasa (compound), and sandhi (junction) tested in language papers.

The stock of words in Odia, including synonyms (samarthaka), antonyms (biparitartha), and idiomatic expressions (bāgadhārā). Tested through word meanings and usage.

Traditions of Odisha such as the Rath Yatra, Raja Parba, and Danda Nata. Questions cover festivals, dance forms like Odissi, and regional customs.

Traditional sayings in Odia that convey folk wisdom, such as 'ଅଣ୍ଟା ନାହିଁ ପେଟ ନାହିଁ କନ୍ଧେ ବାଉଁଶ ପେଣ୍ଡା'. Questions ask for meaning or appropriate use in context.

The supreme law of India, adopted in 1950, establishing fundamental rights, directive principles, and government structure. General awareness questions cover its features and amendments.

Basic rights guaranteed to citizens under Part III of the Indian Constitution, including equality, freedom, and constitutional remedies. Key for general awareness in recruitment exams.

The system of local self-government in rural India, established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. It operates at village, block, and district levels.

The physical features of Odisha, including its coastline, the Eastern Ghats, major rivers like the Mahanadi, and Chilika Lake. Relevant for regional general knowledge.

Historical events and dynasties of Odisha, from ancient Kalinga to the Bhoi and Gajapati kingdoms. Includes the Kalinga war and the state's formation in 1936.