Introduction – How to Prepare for the Post of SST General
SST stands for Secondary School Teacher, a vital role in shaping the educational foundation of students at the matric level. The position of SST (General) is a golden opportunity for those aspiring to serve in the education sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the KP Public Service Commission (KPPSC).
An SST (General) is responsible for teaching a diverse range of subjects including General Science, General Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, and English to students from Grade 9 to 10. These subjects are not only critical for academic development but also for shaping informed and responsible citizens. The SST General exam is now conducted by KPPSC, and proper, structured preparation is essential to succeed.
This article will provide you with a complete guide on the syllabus composition, key preparation resources, and tips to effectively prepare for the SST General post.
Syllabus Composition of SST General
The KPPSC has designed a comprehensive syllabus for the SST General position that tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding across multiple disciplines. The test will consist of 45 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), covering the following areas:
1. English (General + Grammar)
2. Mathematics (General)
3. Pakistan Studies
4. Islamic Studies
5. Pedagogy (Educational Psychology and Teaching Methodologies)
Let’s break down the preparation strategy for each subject:
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
1. English (General + Grammar)
English holds significant weight in the test and often proves to be a differentiating factor. The focus is on grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, sentence correction, and usage.
Preparation Tips:
Study basic grammar rules (tenses, prepositions, articles, active/passive voice, narration, etc.).
Practice comprehension passages.
Improve vocabulary through regular reading and using flashcards.
Use grammar books like Wren & Martin, Exploring the World of English (by Syed Saadat Ali Shah), and MCQ books from publishers like Dogar or Caravan.
2. Mathematics (General)
Mathematics questions will be based on the general math curriculum, mainly from Grade 7 to 10 level. Expect questions from topics such as algebra, geometry, ratios, percentages, averages, and number systems.
Preparation Tips:
Thoroughly revise math textbooks from Grade 7 to 10 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) curriculum.
Focus on formulas and their applications.
Practice MCQs from preparatory books like Dogar’s Unique or Ilmi’s Mathematics MCQs.
Use past papers to understand the nature of questions.
3. Pakistan Studies
Pakistan Studies includes historical, political, and constitutional developments in Pakistan. It is both factual and conceptual.
Preparation Tips:
Study KP government textbooks for Pakistan Studies from Class 9 and 10.
Learn important events such as independence movement, creation of Pakistan, constitutional developments, and geography of Pakistan.
Prepare from intermediate (FA) Pakistan Studies books for broader understanding.
Practice MCQs from books and websites like PakMCQs.com.
4. Islamic Studies
This section tests your basic knowledge of Islam including the life of the Prophet (PBUH), the Quran, Islamic history, pillars of Islam, and basic Islamic laws.
Preparation Tips:
Study Islamic Studies textbooks from KP boards (Grade 9–10).
Focus on key topics like Five Pillars of Islam, Prophethood, Battle History, Quranic Surahs, and Basic Fiqh.
Utilize online resources and MCQ books for practice.
5. Pedagogy
Pedagogy refers to the art and science of teaching. It is a crucial part of the SST General test as it assesses your understanding of educational psychology, classroom management, teaching strategies, and child development.
Preparation Tips:
Read books like “Teacher Education” or “Pedagogy MCQs by Imtiaz Shahid”.
Focus on key concepts like Bloom’s Taxonomy, Learning Theories (Piaget, Vygotsky, Skinner), Motivation in Education, and Assessment Techniques.
Go through previous papers and practice scenario-based pedagogy questions.
Best Resources and Books for Preparation
To succeed in the SST General test, relying solely on textbooks is not enough. A combination of government curriculum books, preparatory books, and online resources will ensure a comprehensive preparation strategy.
1. Government Textbooks
Study KP textbooks from Class 7 to 10, especially for:
- General Science
- Mathematics
- English
- Pakistan Studies
- Islamic Studies
These books cover the fundamentals and are often the direct source of MCQs in tests.
2. Intermediate Level Books (FA Level)
After completing school-level textbooks, move on to FA-level books for deeper knowledge, especially for:
English (Essays, Grammar, Comprehension)
Pakistan Studies
Islamic Studies
3. MCQs and Preparatory Books
Books from reputed publishers are essential for practicing objective questions and revising concepts. Recommended books include:
Dogar’s SST General Guide
Caravan’s MCQs Series
Ilmi’s Comprehensive Test Guides
Advanced Pedagogy MCQs by Imtiaz Shahid
These books often include practice tests, answer keys, and topic-wise MCQs that mimic the actual test format.Online Resources for Preparation
In today’s digital age, online resources play a significant role in competitive exam preparation. Some websites are specifically tailored for tests like SST General.
This website provides a variety of subject-wise MCQs, past papers, and quizzes tailored to KP education department tests. Although ETEA is no longer conducting the test, the content remains highly relevant.
2. pakmcqs.com
A well-known resource for MCQs across all subjects. You can practice:
English Grammar
Pakistan Studies
Pedagogy
Mathematics
Islamic Studies
Frequent practice on these platforms can help you improve your speed and accuracy.
Final Tips for Success
Start Early: Don’t wait for the test date to be announced. Start your preparation early and allocate time to each subject regularly.
Make a Study Plan: Divide your syllabus into weekly targets and follow a structured plan.
Practice Daily: Solve at least 20–30 MCQs per day from different subjects to build stamina and accuracy.
Revise Frequently: Regular revision helps in retaining facts and formulas.