Mathematics and Science
What the domain tests
Mathematics and Science is a 60-mark section for Mathematics/Science teacher aspirants: 30 marks mathematics and 30 marks science. It tests content up to upper-primary level and the pedagogy of teaching mathematics and science.
Core rules and concepts
- Mathematics: number system, HCF/LCM, ratio and proportion, percentage, profit/loss, simple interest, algebra, linear equations, geometry, mensuration, data handling.
- Science: food and nutrition, materials, living organisms, motion and force, light, electricity, natural resources; emphasise observation, evidence and explanation.
- Pedagogy: use concrete-to-abstract sequencing, problem-solving, inquiry, TLM, and assessment for misconceptions.
- Units must be consistent; diagrams should be described in words in a text-only question.
Worked example
A shopkeeper marks an article 20% above cost and allows a 10% discount. Find profit percent. Let CP = ₹100. MP = ₹120. SP = 120 × 0.90 = ₹108. Profit = ₹8, so profit percent = 8/100 × 100 = 8%. Reasoning: apply discount to marked price, not cost price; compare final SP with CP.
Traps
Do not add successive percentages directly (20% + 10% ≠ 30%); do not confuse mass and weight; do not treat reflection and refraction as the same; do not answer only content when the question asks for a pedagogical strategy.