Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited online applications from the citizens of India for recruitment to the regular posts of ASSISTANTS (Group-B Level-6) at Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters, New Delhi and its Institutes/Centers across India. The selection for the post of ICMR Assistant will be done via an online computer based test and a skill test with the weightage of 80% and 20% respectively. The first stage which is the online computer based test is scheduled to be held on 3rd January 2021. Since the countdown for the exam has already started and to be successful in this exam aspirants must be well-prepared beforehand. In this article we will discuss the pattern of the exam and preparation strategy for ICMR assistant general intelligence section. This will boost your chance of clearing this exam.
1. Scheme of test for the post of ICMR Assistant
The exam will be held in the two stages i.e. an online computer based test and a skill test.The details of subjects, marks and subject-wise number of questions (MCQ) for the computer based test are given below :
Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
---|---|---|---|
General Intelligence | 20 | 20 | Composite time of 80 minutes |
General Awareness | 20 | 20 | |
Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skills) | 20 | 20 | |
English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 20 | 20 | |
Total | 80 | 80 |
Each question carries one mark each and there will be negative marking and 1/4 mark shall be deducted for each wrong answer.
There is composite duration for the ICMR Assistant exam. Aspirants get around 50 to 60 seconds for each question. Hence, there is less time pressure here but accuracy is essential.
Attempt a FREE ICMR mock test here.
2. ICMR Assistant General Intelligence Section
General intelligence section in the ICMR Assistant exam is one of the most important sections. This section evaluates the thinking capability, reasoning intelligence and potential of decision-making in a candidate. This section is of the complex nature but on the other hand, it is one of the most scoring sections to improve your cumulative score.
Generally the ICMR Assistant General Intelligence section is made up of two types of questions:
-
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning consists of questions which are framed in the form of words or sentences using different logical and analytical concepts. In this exams these questions are frequently asked.
-
Non – verbal Reasoning
In non – verbal reasoning questions are framed in the form of pictures and diagrams or graphical representations are used.
Few of the important topics for the ICMR Assistant General Intelligence section are given below:
Verbal Reasoning | Non – verbal Reasoning |
---|---|
Arithmetic Number Series | Mirror and Water Images |
Coding and Decoding | Paper Cutting and Folding |
Blood Relations | Embedded Figures |
Statement and Conclusions | Visual Memory |
Syllogistic Reasoning | Figural Analogy |
Seating Arrangements | Space Orientation and Visualization |
Direction Sense | Figural Classification |
Ordering and Ranking | Counting Figures |
Check out questions from these topics for practice here.
Apart from these topics the other topics which are included in the syllabus are – Completion of Alphabetical Series, Similarities and Differences, Relationships, Jumbling, Data Sufficiency, Cubes and Cuboid, Statement- Courses of Action, Decision-Making, Maps, Interpretation of Graphs, Sentence Arrangement, Odd one out, Numerical and Symbolic operations, Critical Thinking, Emotional and Social Intelligence, Symbolic and Semantic Analogy, Problem Solving, Word Building, Semantic Classification and Series, Number Coding etc.
Generally, the level of the exam is easy. Some questions of the moderate level are asked. Therefore this is the test of accuracy.
3. General approach to attempt the ICMR Assistant General Intelligence section
3.1 Prepare a study plan
As you are aware of the important topics, aspirants need to prepare a study plan to complete the syllabus before time. Aspirants need to make sure that days are kept aside in the study plan to practice as many as mock tests.
Start with individual topics first and then go for the reasoning section as a whole to practice the questions.
3.2 Clarity of concepts
Candidates need to work on the fundamental concepts and clear any doubts regarding the topics. The focus should be on both Verbal and Non – Verbal sections.
To improve your clarity of concepts Oliveboard Edge is the best platform as it provides live courses for ICMR Assistant.
Prepare for the exam with the help of ICMR mock tests.
3.3 Improve your logical skills
This section evaluates the reasoning intelligence and logical approach which is required to improve the problem – solving skills. Therefore it is required that aspirants should work more on logical skills. This can be easily done by practicing questions and quizzes.
3.4 Practice Mock tests and Quizzes
Mock tests help the aspirants to know the level of the examination and the competition.
Candidates get to know the amount of preparation which is required.
So try taking mocks on a regular basis which will help you to check how well you are prepared.
Mock tests by Oliveboard will surely help you give a hands-on experience of the exam.
3.5 Prepare notes and analyze your mistakes
Realizing the mistakes and making honest efforts to improve is the best possible way to tackle any topic. Identify your weak areas and spend most of the preparation time to convert them into strong areas.
Oliveboard’s AI coach will help you to improve your score by 45% ( or by +16).
Prepare for the exam with the help of ICMR mock tests.
3.6 Attempt Strategy
Identify your strong areas in this section and prioritize the questions from these areas. Read every word in the question with maximum attention and consider all the possibilities while attempting any question.
Make sure that you are attempting the easier and less time taking questions first. Then go for complex, lengthy and difficult questions.
This will help you in scoring maximum marks within the given time.
3.7 Maintain Accuracy
Since in this exam the difficulty level of the questions is not much. Mostly easy to moderate questions are asked in the exam. Therefore accuracy plays an important role here. Make sure that all the easy questions are attempted first as there are less chances of making mistakes in such questions which will easily increase your cumulative score.
3.8 Analyze previous years question papers
This is essential as this will make you acquainted with the pattern of questions and will help you to prepare a better study plan and exam strategy.
Aspirants should make a plan for every section of the exam and work on important topics first. Try to implement these tips in your daily preparation and make sure that you will give your best. These are the general concepts and tips to prepare for the General Intelligence section to maximize the score.
Prepare for the exam with the help of ICMR mock tests.

The most comprehensive online preparation portal for MBA, Banking and Government exams. Explore a range of mock tests and study material at www.oliveboard.in
Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series
- Download IRDAI Assistant Manager PYQs
- Monthly Current Affairs
- Download RBI Grade B PYQ PDF
- Download IFSCA Grade A PYQs
- Download SEBI Grade A PYQs
- Attempt Free SSC CGL Mock Test
- Attempt Free IBPS Mock Test
- Attempt Free SSC CHSL Mock Test
- Download Oliveboard App
- Follow Us on Google News for Latest Update
- Join Telegram Group for Latest Govt Jobs Update