SSC Scientific Assistant Computer Science & IT Syllabus
Computer Science and Information Technology is one of three Part 2 stream options. You attempt only the stream selected in your application form, and attempting a different one leads to rejection of the candidature.
The syllabus has one section that sets it apart from a standard computer science paper, and it is the section candidates most often skip.
Where the stream paper sits
Detail | Value |
Part | Part 2 |
Questions | 100 |
Marks | 100 |
Negative marking | 0.25 |
Level | Bachelor’s degree or diploma in the relevant stream |
SSC Scientific Assistant Computer Science syllabus, topic wise
Computer fundamentals
Introduction to computers, characteristics and generations, classification, the block diagram of a computer, input and output devices, primary, secondary and cache memory, number systems and conversions, along with computer codes.
Operating systems
Functions and types of operating systems including batch, multiprogramming, time sharing, real time and distributed systems. Process management, memory management, file management, deadlock, plus the basics of Windows and Linux.
Fundamentals of programming
Algorithms and flowcharts, programming constructs, data types, operators, control structures, arrays, functions, pointers and structures. Basics of C, object oriented concepts, data structures including stacks, queues, linked lists and trees, along with searching and sorting.
Internet technology
Internet basics, protocols including TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP and SMTP, IP addressing, DNS, the World Wide Web, browsers, HTML basics, email and search engines. Network types covering LAN, MAN and WAN, topologies, the OSI model, network security, firewalls, plus the basics of cryptography.
Fundamentals of geographical information systems
GIS basics, spatial data, raster and vector data models, map projections and coordinate systems, GPS, the basics of remote sensing, along with GIS applications.
The GIS section is the one that decides this paper
Geographical information systems sit in the syllabus because the post sits in the India Meteorological Department. Spatial data, projections and remote sensing are what the department does with the data it collects.
It is also the section almost nobody prepares. Candidates arrive from a computer science background, recognise four of the five topic areas, and treat the fifth as a rounding error.
That is a mistake worth avoiding. GIS is a small, self contained syllabus that can be covered in two or three weeks, and it is where a prepared candidate separates from the field.
How to prepare
Cover the four familiar areas from your degree or diploma notes. The standard is introductory rather than advanced, and questions stay close to fundamentals.
Then give GIS proper time as a subject in its own right. An introductory GIS or remote sensing textbook covers everything the topic list names.
Previous years’ papers are the best guide to depth in each area. Use them to calibrate and then stop.
Answer selectively. At 0.25 per error on a one mark question, a two option guess is worth taking.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the computer science stream paper?
100 questions for 100 marks in Part 2.
Is GIS part of the syllabus?
Yes. Fundamentals of geographical information systems is one of the five topic areas and it is specific to this post.
Can I switch streams on exam day?
No. Attempting a paper other than the one selected in your application leads to rejection.
What programming language is tested?
The syllabus names the basics of C along with general programming constructs and object oriented concepts.
What is the negative marking?
0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Topics, marks and negative marking on this page follow the scheme of examination in the latest SSC Scientific Assistant notification published on ssc.gov.in.