The clock is ticking for the KVS–NVS recruitment drive. The Tier 1 examination is the first major hurdle for thousands of aspirants aiming for Teaching (PGT, TGT, PRT) and Non-Teaching (JSA, SSA, MTS, ASO) positions.
It is crucial to remember that Tier 1 is a screening test. The marks obtained here are used strictly to shortlist candidates for the next stage (Tier 2) in a 1:10 ratio per post and category. This means for every 1 vacancy, only 10 candidates will qualify. With such high stakes, a minor error in understanding the OMR rules or missing a document could cost you your candidature.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the exam structure, the specific pattern for MTS vs. other posts, and a mandatory checklist for the exam day.
NVS Tier 1 Exam Pattern: The Details
The Tier 1 exam is conducted in OMR (Offline) mode with objective-type multiple-choice questions. Regardless of the post, the exam duration is fixed at 2 Hours (120 Minutes).
The Marking Scheme: High Stakes
Unlike many other exams, the NVS Tier 1 carries a heavy weightage per question and a strict penalty for errors.
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 Mark (Negative Marking)
- Unattempted: 0 Marks
The 1/3rd Penalty Rule: A deduction of 1 Mark per wrong answer is significant. If you guess 3 questions wrong, you effectively wipe out the marks gained from 1 correct answer. Accuracy is far more important than the number of attempts.
1. Standard Pattern (PGT, TGT, PRT, JSA, SSA, ASO, etc.)
For the majority of posts (Assistant Commissioner, Principal, Vice Principal, PGT, TGT, Librarian, PRT, Administrative Officer, Finance Officer, Assistant Engineer, Junior Translator, JSA, SSA, ASO, Stenographer, Lab Attendant), the 100 questions are divided as follows:
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Reasoning | 20 | 60 |
| II | Numeric Ability | 20 | 60 |
| III | Basic Computer Literacy | 20 | 60 |
| IV | General Knowledge | 20 | 60 |
| V | English Language | 10 | 30 |
| VI | Modern Indian Language (MIL) | 10 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
2. The MTS Exam Pattern Variation
If you have applied for the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) post, your pattern is slightly different. The focus shifts significantly towards Computer Operations.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 60 |
| II | Basic Knowledge of Computer Operation | 40 | 120 |
| III | Language Competency: English | 20 | 60 |
| IV | Language Competency: MIL | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Crucial Note on Language Medium
Parts I–IV are bilingual (English and Hindi/Regional Language). However, Part VI (Modern Indian Language) must be attempted strictly in the language you opted for during the application process. This language choice is printed on your admit card and cannot be changed on exam day.
Mandatory Exam Day Checklist
The official notification emphasizes strict adherence to entry protocols. Candidates must reach the center well before the reporting time for security frisking and biometric registration.
You must carry the following documents:
- NVS Tier 1 e-Admit Card: A clear printout. Ensure details like Name, Roll Number, Exam City, and Photograph are visible.
- Original Photo ID Proof: Valid documents include Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence.
- Tip: The name on the ID must match the name on the Admit Card exactly.
- Category Certificates (If Applicable): Candidates claiming reservation (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/Ex-Servicemen) must carry valid certificates in the prescribed format. Failure to produce these if demanded may lead to cancellation of benefits.
- PwBD Documents:
- Disability Certificate from the competent medical authority.
- UDID Card (recommended).
- Scribe-related declarations/approvals (if availing scribe facility).
Location Advice: The notification states that requests for change of center are not entertained. For out-station centers, it is strongly advisable to locate the venue one day in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
Inside the Exam Hall: Rules & OMR Etiquette
Once inside, the environment is strictly monitored via CCTV and invigilators. Here is what you need to know to avoid disqualification:
Prohibited Items
Do not carry any of the following items. Secure storage is rarely available at centers, so it is best to leave them at home.
- Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, fitness bands.
- Stationery: Books, notes, loose paper, log tables, slide rules.
- Accessories: Metallic ornaments (may trigger security alarms), digital/programmable watches.
Handling the OMR Sheet
Since there is no re-evaluation of OMR sheets, bubbling correctly is a survival skill.
- Test Booklet Code: Ensure you fill in the Test Booklet Code and Roll Number correctly. Errors here can lead to the rejection of your response sheet.
- Bubbling Answers: Use the specified pen (usually black/blue ballpoint).
- Avoid Stray Marks: Do not make unnecessary marks on the OMR.
- Multiple Bubbles: Darkening two bubbles for one question is treated as a wrong answer, attracting a -1 mark penalty.
Strategy for the Final Day
With a +3 / -1 marking scheme, the exam rewards high confidence and penalizes blind guessing.
- Time Management: You have 120 minutes for 100 questions. That is roughly 1.2 minutes per question. Don't get stuck on difficult reasoning puzzles.
- Order of Attempt: Start with sections like General Knowledge or Computer Literacy where you either know the answer or you don't. This saves time for Numeric Ability.
- The "Elimination" Method: If you can eliminate 2 out of 4 options, it might be worth the risk. If you are clueless, skip it. Unattempted questions carry zero penalty.
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Candidates should treat this as a single, high-stakes opportunity. Maintain silence, cooperate with staff, and focus entirely on your paper. Good luck!