PO Prelims 2024 – Your Quick Start Guide
If you’re thinking about a career in the police force, the PO Prelims 2024 is the first hurdle. It’s the exam that decides who gets into the next round of training and selection. Below we break down everything you need to know – from who can apply to how you should study.
Who can apply and when?
The PO Prelims 2024 is open to Indian citizens aged 21‑26 years. You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Some relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC and defense personnel, but the basic age and education rules stay the same.
Official notifications usually land in January, and the online application window opens shortly after. Keep an eye on the UPSC or the state public service commission website for exact dates. Missing the deadline means you’ll have to wait another year.
Exam pattern and syllabus at a glance
The prelims are a computer‑based test (CBT) with 200 multiple‑choice questions. You’ll have two hours to finish, so speed matters. The paper is split into three sections:
- General Ability & Intelligence: Verbal, numerical, reasoning, and data interpretation.
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs: History, geography, polity, economics, and recent events.
- Professional Knowledge (optional in some states): Basic police law, criminology, and ethics.
Each correct answer gives you one mark; there’s a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. The cut‑off varies each year, but aiming for at least 50% in each section is a safe bet.
How to plan your study schedule
Start early. A six‑month plan works well for most candidates:
- Month 1‑2: Cover the entire syllabus once. Use NCERT books for basics, then move to standard reference books like Laxmikanth for GK and R.S. Aggarwal for quantitative.
- Month 3‑4: Focus on practice. Solve previous year papers, take mock tests, and review mistakes.
- Month 5: Fine‑tune your speed. Time yourself on full‑length tests and work on weak topics.
- Month 6: Revise aggressively. Make short notes for quick recall and keep a daily current‑affairs brief.
Stick to a consistent routine – 2‑3 hours on weekdays and 4‑5 hours on weekends. Take short breaks; they keep your mind fresh.
Best resources for PO Prelims 2024
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Don’t chase every book out there. Pick a few trusted ones:
- NCERT textbooks (Class 6‑12) – foundation for GK.
- Laxmikanth’s "Indian Polity" – clear and concise.
- R.S. Aggarwal’s "Quantitative Aptitude" – many practice questions.
- Current affairs daily – read a reliable newspaper and follow a weekly current‑affairs magazine.
- Online mock test platforms – they give instant score analysis.
Join a study group or a forum if you like discussing doubts. Talking through problems often uncovers shortcuts you might miss on your own.
Exam day tips
On the day of the test, log in 15 minutes early. Keep your ID, admit card, and a stable internet connection ready. Read each question carefully – the language can be tricky. If you’re unsure, eliminate the most wrong options first, then guess if time permits.
Remember, the prelims are only a screening test. Doing well opens the door to the mains and the interview, where your personality and communication skills shine.
Good luck with PO Prelims 2024 – with the right plan and steady effort, you can clear this step and move closer to a rewarding police career.
