UPSC CBRT 2020: Exam Date, Schedule, Pattern & Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an important notice regarding the Combined Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) for the posts of Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (Technical) and Joint Assistant Director. The examination is scheduled for March 8, 2020 (Sunday). This notice provides crucial details about the exam schedule, pattern, syllabus, admit card instructions, and important guidelines for candidates appearing for the test.

Exam Overview

Exam Schedule

Here is the detailed time table for the UPSC CBRT on March 8, 2020:

Exam Centers

The CBRT will be conducted at fifteen centres across India. Candidates are advised to check their e-Admit Card for the exact venue details. The listed centers include:

• Ahmedabad
• Bhopal
• Chennai
• Delhi
• Dispur (Guwahati)
• Jaipur
• Jammu
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Lucknow
• Mumbai
• Nagpur
• Port Blair
• Ranchi
• Vishakhapatnam

Exam Pattern (Scheme of the Test)

The Combined Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) will follow the scheme given below:

• The test will be of two hours duration.
• All questions will carry equal marks.
• The test will have objective type questions with multiple choices of answers.
• The medium of the test will be English only.
• There will be a penalty for wrong answers. Every wrong answer will carry a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question.
• If no answer is marked for a question, there will be no penalty.
• The Test will carry a maximum of 300 marks.
• The subject of the test is General Aptitude Test (02).

Detailed Syllabus of the Test

The syllabus for the CBRT will broadly comprise the following topics:

• Electronic Devices and Circuits
• Signals and Systems
• Digital Electronics
• Computer Organisation and Operating Systems
• Analog Communications
• Digital Communications
• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
• Digital Signal Processing
• Computer Networks and Cyber Security
• Microwave Engineering
• Satellite Communications
• Wireless Communications and Networks
• Radar Systems
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things

Admit Card Download & Instructions

The UPSC has uploaded the e-Admit Cards for the CBRT on its official website. No paper Admit Card will be issued.

How to Download Your E-Admit Card:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Look for the ‘e-Admit Card’ section or a direct link for CBRT 2020.
3. Click on the relevant link for downloading e-Admit Card for Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (Technical) / Joint Assistant Director posts.
4. Enter your login credentials (e.g., Registration Number, Roll Number, Date of Birth, etc.).
5. Your e-Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
6. Download and take a clear printout of the e-Admit Card.

What to Verify on Your Admit Card:

Immediately after downloading, candidates must carefully check their e-Admit Card for any discrepancies. Bring any issues to the notice of the Union Public Service Commission at the earliest. Pay special attention to the subject of the Test and personal details.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination hall:

• Printout of the e-Admit Card: Ensure it is clear and legible.
• Original Photo ID Card: Any one of the following original photo identification cards issued by the Central/State Government:
  • Voter-I Card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
• Two Passport Size Photographs: If your photograph on the e-Admit Card is not clear, you must bring two recent passport-size photographs along with an undertaking and original photo identity proof.

Note: No paper Admit Card will be issued. Candidates without the required documents will not be allowed to appear for the test.

Exam Day Instructions & Rules

Entry & Registration:

• Candidates must queue outside the entry gate and enter in an orderly manner.
• Registration will start from 12:30 P.M. onwards.
• Entry to Computer Labs starts at 12:30 P.M.
• Candidate’s entry shall NOT be allowed into the test venue after 01:15 P.M.
• The candidates’ registration closes at 01:30 P.M.
• Candidates are required to register themselves on the Biometric System to capture their Biometric Data for attendance. Avoid applying external matters like Mehandi, Ink, etc., on hands/feet.
• After registration, candidates will be allocated a Lab Number and Computer Number.

Test Lab Rules:

• No candidate will be allowed to leave the Test Lab during the Test.
• No candidate is allowed to leave his/her seat without permission of the invigilator.
• Candidates must not communicate with one another during or after the test.
• Candidates found with unauthorized materials or indulging in unfair practices will face disciplinary action, including debarment from future UPSC tests/exams.

Items Allowed and Not Allowed:

• Allowed: Candidates are advised to bring their own pencil and pen (blue or black ink). Rough worksheets will be provided on demand.
• NOT Allowed: Electronic or any other type of calculators, log tables, slide rules, cellular/mobile phones, Bluetooth, or any other equipment capable of being used as a communication device are strictly banned inside the test premises.
• Valuables: Candidates are advised not to bring any valuables/costly items to the Test Lab, as safe keeping cannot be assured by the Commission.

Instructions During the Test:

• Password will be announced at 01:50 P.M.
• Candidates will open the secure browser and read instructions from 01:50 P.M to 02:00 P.M.
• Test will not start before 02:00 P.M.
• Candidates will enter their roll number as user ID and password announced by the invigilator.
• A numbered list of all questions will appear on the right side of the screen.
• Keep a close watch on “Time Left” while appearing for the test.
• Question once attempted is final, but answers can be changed before final submission using the ‘Clear Response’ button.
• The test will auto-submit when the time is over.
• In case of test disruption, immediately inform the invigilator for re-login assistance.

Important Notes for Candidates

• Admission to the test is strictly ‘Provisional’. Final eligibility verification will be done based on original documents for shortlisted candidates.
• The Combined CBRT and the Interview shall carry a 75:25 weightage for final selection.
• Standard of suitability for the interview is fixed as: General/EWS: 50 & above, OBC: 45 & above, SC/ST/PwD: 40 & above (on relaxed standards).
• No request for change of test centre will be entertained.
• Travelling and other expenses must be borne by the candidate.

Preparation Tips

Effective Study Plan

Given the technical syllabus and general aptitude test, a balanced approach is key:

• Concept Clarity: Dedicate sufficient time to understand the core concepts of each topic in Electronic Devices, Digital Communications, Computer Networks, etc.
• Practice Questions: Solve a wide variety of objective-type questions from each subject. Focus on speed and accuracy.
• General Aptitude: Regularly practice quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness sections.
• Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions to familiarize yourself with the CBT environment and identify weak areas.
• Revision: Regularly revise notes and important formulas.

Recommended Books (AI-enhanced)

For the technical subjects and General Aptitude, standard reference books are crucial:

Note: Always refer to the official syllabus for specific topics and prioritize your study accordingly.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The UPSC CBRT is a highly competitive examination. Expect a professional and strict examination environment. The questions will be objective, designed to test both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills within the given time limit. Manage your time wisely across sections. The provisional nature of admission means that even after clearing the exam, your documents will be thoroughly scrutinized, so ensure all your submitted details are accurate and you have all original documents ready for future stages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there negative marking in the UPSC CBRT 2020?

A: Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for every incorrect response.

Q2: What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my e-Admit Card?

A: You should immediately contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter at Telephone No. 011-23381125, 23385271, and 23098543 between 10:00 A.M and 05:00 P.M on all working days to report the discrepancy.

Q3: Can I carry a calculator or mobile phone to the exam center?

A: No, electronic devices such as calculators, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and other communication gadgets are strictly banned inside the test venue.

Q4: What if my photo on the e-Admit Card is not clear?

A: If your photograph on the e-Admit Card is not clear, you must bring two recent passport-size photographs along with an undertaking and an original photo identity proof to the exam center.

Q5: What are the mandatory documents to carry for the CBRT?

A: You must carry a printout of your e-Admit Card and an original photo ID card (Voter-I Card/Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License/ID Card issued by Central/State Government).

Q6: Will I get a physical Admit Card by post?

A: No, the UPSC will not issue any paper Admit Cards for this Recruitment Test. Candidates must download and print their e-Admit Cards from the official website.

Q7: What is the weightage for the CBRT and Interview in the final selection?

A: The Combined CBRT and the Interview will carry a 75:25 weightage, respectively, for those candidates who are shortlisted from the CBRT and qualify in the interview.

Q8: Can I change my exam center?

A: No, the official notification clearly states that no request for a change of test centre will be entertained.

Q9: What if I face technical issues during the Computer Based Test?

A: In case of any disruption during the test, you should immediately inform the invigilator. The invigilator will assist you in re-logging into the test, and your exam will resume from where it stopped.

Q10: What if my application was rejected due to fee payment issues as per the addendum?

A: The addendum mentions that if your application was rejected for non-payment of examination fee, you could appeal with documentary proof of genuine fee payment. This appeal should be received within 7 days, no later than 14.02.2020. For specific instructions, refer to the addendum on the UPSC website or contact the facilitation counter.