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How to Crack Ordnance Factory Trade Apprentice Exam 2025-26 in First Attempt

How to Crack Ordnance Factory Trade Apprentice Exam 2025-26 in First Attempt

Posted On 2025-08-01

The Ordnance Factory Trade Apprentice Exam 2025 is a major opportunity for ITI and Non-ITI candidates to enter India’s defence manufacturing sector. The exam is conducted by the Ministry of Defence-run factories (formerly under the Ordnance Factory Board or OFB). Every year, they take in fresh candidates for Trade Apprentice training. This happens in more than 40 ordnance factories spread across India. These are real industrial units where defence goods and equipment are made.

Now, the exam isn’t just for one kind of work. It brings in candidates for multiple trades—like Fitter, Machinist, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Painter, and Mechanic (Motor Vehicle). There's also COPA, which is for those good with computers. Other trades include Draughtsman, Mason, and Electronics Mechanic. It’s a good mix of machine-related, electrical, and digital work areas. The idea is to train people for hands-on technical roles inside India’s defence production network. Hence, the defence production training exam is your gateway to these roles.

There are two candidate types:

Non‑ITI Candidates: Must have passed 10th class (“Madhyamik”) with minimum 40% aggregate, and 40% in Math and Science separately.
ITI Candidates: Must hold an NCVT-recognized ITI certificate in a relevant trade, along with 10th pass marks, as on application closing date.

Age limit is usually 18–35 years, and some notifications specify relaxations. Application is made online or offline depending on the factory. Training may follow selection, not always guarantee job placement.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Here is the OFB Apprentice Exam Pattern 2025 and Complete Syllabus:

Exam Format

Duration: The exam is 3 hours in duration.
Medium: Choose English, Hindi, or the state language where the factory is situated (like Marathi, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu).
Question Type: This is a Multiple-choice questions format exam on OMR sheet, without negative marking.

Pattern for Non‑ITI Candidates

Total 150 questions, 150 marks.
Subjects—English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning/Aptitude—all based on Class X-level math and science knowledge.

Sections:

English – 35 Qs (35 marks)
General Knowledge – 35 Qs (35 marks)
Mathematics – 40 Qs (40 marks)
Reasoning/Aptitude – 40 Qs (40 marks)

Pattern for ITI Candidates

The paper is divided into:

Part A (approx. 40% questions, ~60 questions): English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning.
Part B (approx. 60% questions, ~90 questions): Technical trade-specific questions on your chosen trade—like Fitter, Electrician etc..

Subjects covered:

English:

Vocabulary
Comprehension, with short passages
Error detection
Fill-in-the-blanks
One-word substitution
Sentence transformation
Cloze tests
Tense usage

Mathematics / Numerical Ability:

Fractions, decimals, whole number arithmetic
Ratio, proportion, percentages
Profit & loss, simple interest, discount
Average, time & work, partnership
Time, speed, distance
Mensuration (areas, volumes)
Pipes & cisterns
Data interpretation (charts, tables)
Boat & stream problems, simplification

Reasoning / Aptitude:

Coding‑decoding
Data sufficiency
Analogies, classification
Alphabet and number series
Puzzles, theme detection
Clocks & calendars
Venn diagrams
Statement‑conclusion, statement‑argument questions
Situation reaction tests, alpha-numeric sequences, ranking/time order

General Awareness:

Indian culture, history, geography, economy
Constitution, national politics
Current events—national & international
Sports and science research

Technical Trade (Part B for ITI Candidates):

Trade‑specific topics follow the NCVT trades syllabus:

Fitter: types of fits, tools (drill, lathe), safety signs, engine parts.
Machinist: lathe operations, milling, metal cutting principles.
Electrician/Electronic Mechanic: circuits, transformers, wiring, schematic symbols.
Welder: types of welders, welding techniques, safety practices.
COPA (Computer Operator): basic hardware, software, MS Office, networking.
Each trade has its own module to prepare from NCVT book or factory-specific syllabus forms.

Segment-Wise Preparation Guide: Describe Each Step Deeply

Step 1: How to Download and Understand OFB Official Notification

Visit ofbindia.gov.in or the specific factory site to download official notification.
Write down exact eligibility criteria, age limit, required trade category, exam centre language, exam date, and doc requirements.
Note the closing date carefully—for example, many factories opened application between Jan 10 2025 to Feb 9 2025.

Step 2: Who Can Apply for OFB Trade Apprentice Exam?

If Non-ITI: ensure you have minimum 40% marks in Math and Science separately and total aggregate of 40% at 10th level.
If ITI: check if your trade certificate is NCVT-recognized, and that you match the trade vacancy you apply for.

Step 3: Weekly Study Plan for OFB Apprentice Exam Preparation

Assess the total time for ofb iti non-iti apprentice preparation (e.g., 12 weeks).
Divide into phases:

Foundation Phase—weeks 1–4: basics in English, Math, Reasoning, GA, trade theory.
Practice Phase—weeks 5–8: daily mixed sets, one full mock per week, note wrong answers.
Revision Phase—weeks 9–12: full mocks every alternate day, flashcards, revisit weak topics, trade quiz slides.

Daily block example (ITI candidate):

1 hr English vocabulary + grammar
1 hr Maths
1 hr Reasoning
1 hr GA
2 hr Trade technical study
Weekly mock test of 3 hrs

Non‑ITI candidate adjusts trade hours to GA/Reasoning as needed.

Step 4: How to Build Conceptual Clarity for Ordnance Factory Apprentice Exam

English:

OFB apprentice exam syllabus for English includes vocabulary, reading comprehension, cloze test, error correction, sentence transformation, one‑word substitution, tense usage.

Learn 5–10 words a day; write meaning in your own words; use in a simple sentence.
Read one short passage (100–150 words), answer three questions in your own words.
Fill in the blanks, error detection, cloze passages practice daily.

Mathematics:

Include number systems, decimals, fractions, basic operations, ratio & proportion, percentage, profit/loss, simple interest, discount, averages, time & work, partnership, time & distance, mensuration, pipes & cisterns, data interpretation, and boat & stream problems.

Start with number operations: practice with small whole numbers, fractions, decimals.
Work on percentage problems.
Time-speed-distance: imagine walking, running, cycling.
Data interpretation: draw your own simple bar charts from daily data (e.g. temperatures in your city last five days).

Reasoning / Aptitude:

Syllabus includes coding-decoding, analogies, classification, logic-based puzzles, series and sequence (numerical and alphabetical), syllogisms, clocks and calendars, Venn diagrams, statement-based reasoning, situation reaction, alphanumeric puzzles, and conclusions and arguments.

Solve one puzzle daily: basic analogy, classification, coding.
Use small tables and diagrams to help visualize logic puzzles.
Clock/calendar puzzles.

General Awareness:

Topics include Indian culture, geography, history, economy, constitution, politics, science, recent national and international events, sports.

Every day read a short current affairs note of 200 words or less.
Write 5 “sticky facts”: Review those facts weekly.
Watch weekly news wrap-up videos (in your preferred language) to stay updated without getting overwhelmed by daily headlines.

Trade-Specific (ITI Only):

Based on NCVT syllabus for the selected trade:

Fitter, Machinist, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Electronics Mechanic, COPA, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Painter, Mason, Draughtsman.

Covers tools, equipment, safety norms, basic theory, practical processes, machine parts, wiring, welding methods, computers, etc.

Read one NCVT trade module a day.
Write short note cards: e.g., tool name, purpose, safety tip.
Use diagrams or sketches (e.g. motor wiring, lathe parts).
Practice 10 trade MCQs per topic.
Watch simple Hindi video demos of trades for clarity (e.g. welding process).

Step 5: How to Use Mocks and PYQs for OFB Apprentice Exam

Download previous years’ exam papers (2017, 2018 etc.)—solved versions available online.
Week 5 onward: start taking weekly full-length mocks under timed conditions (3 hours, 150 questions).
After each mock:

Mark wrong answers.
Write in a notebook why you got it wrong.
Create a mini-flashcard or note with the correct concept.

This helps build your time management and reveals weak topics to focus on.

Step 6: Smart Revision Tips for Last Month Before OFB Apprentice Exam

Use week 9–12 for heavy revision:

Do mock tests every alternate day.
Go over your wrong question notebook.
Revise flashcards for English words, Maths formulas, reasoning shortcuts, GA facts, trade points.
Re-solve the same trade module again after 2 weeks to test recall.
In last week, do only revision—no new topics.

.What to Do When You Get Stuck on a Question

Getting stuck isn’t failure—it’s feedback. When you hit a roadblock:

Pause and Reflect: Don’t rush. Reread the question carefully—often it’s a wording issue or a missed condition.
Break It Down: Divide the question into smaller parts. Tackle what you can solve first.
Revisit the Concept: If the logic isn’t clicking, go back to the related concept. A short revision can unblock the path.
Try a Similar Question: Sometimes solving a similar but simpler problem helps you understand the original one better.
Don’t Over-Spend Time: If you're stuck too long, move on and return later. Your mind processes things subconsciously while you keep going.
Seek Explanation: Use a guidebook, solution video, or ask a peer/tutor. Understanding why the answer works is more valuable than just seeing the solution.

Over time, getting stuck becomes less frustrating—and more like a clue that you're about to learn something new.

Last-Minute Tips for Ordnance Factory Apprentice Exam Day

Night before: review flashcards, short formulas, vocabulary lists. Sleep early.
At exam: read instructions carefully (sections, marks, language).
Allocate approximate 1 minute per question.
Begin with easier parts: English and GA to gain speed and marks early.
Skip hard trade questions initially. Return later if time permits.

After Exam: Verification or Merit Call

1. For ITI Candidates (Exam-Based Selection)

OFB posts roll‑number merit list based on exam marks.
Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification.
Keep originals and multiple sets of self-attested copies ready: 10th mark sheet, ITI certificate, caste certificate, domicile, ID, photo. Neatly arrange in the folder.
Medical examination may follow, though often basic.

2. For Graduate/Diploma (Technician Apprentice) Posts

Selection may be merit-based on academic percentage, no written exam.
Keep graduation/diploma mark sheet, ID proof, caste/domicile documents ready.
Some factories may schedule brief personal interview or verification steps.

Top Study Resources for Ordnance Factory Apprentice Exam 2025

To crack the OFB Trade Apprentice Exam, using the right books and solving previous year papers (PYQs) is key. They help you understand the actual exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics.

Top Books for OFB Apprentice Preparation

RPH Editorial Board’s “Indian Ordnance Factories – Trade Apprenticeship Exam Guide”
Covers English, Math, Reasoning, GK, and technical subjects with chapter-wise MCQs and solutions. Suitable for both ITI and Non-ITI candidates.
Arihant’s 15 Practice Sets (Non-ITI)
Includes full-length mock tests aligned with the latest pattern and updated current affairs.
NCVT Trade Theory Books (DGT-approved)
Essential for ITI candidates—specific to trades like Fitter, COPA, Welder, Electrician, etc. These follow the same syllabus OFB uses.
Lucent GK / Arihant GK
Helpful for General Awareness, static GK, science, Indian polity, and recent events.

Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

Practicing PYQs improves speed and accuracy. Papers from 2017–2023 are especially useful.

Download them from:

recruitment.guru
jobsandhan.com
previouspapers.in
Careerera – also offers free mock sets and sample papers.

Additional Free Resources

YouTube Channels (in Hindi & English)
Search terms like:
“OFB apprentice trade MCQs 2025” or “Ordnance Factory COPA questions” for video lessons and quizzes.
Mock Test Platforms
Use Testbook, Adda247, or GradeUp (non-official) for online practice tests, especially in Hindi.

Common Mistakes in OFB Apprentice Exam and How to Avoid Them

Common Mistake	How to Fix It
Starting trade topics too late	Begin trade NCVT module work from week 1
Skipping reasoning or GA practice	Include daily puzzles or GA notes even on busy days
No timed mocks	Do full mocks under exact time constraint
Ignoring mock review	Maintain notebook of errors and revise them weekly
Trying to memorize long theory at last	Use short flash notes and teach yourself aloud
Overloading current affairs	Stick to headline facts, review sticky-note once a week

Why This Method Works: Plain Logic

Strong base in fundamentals before moving ahead.
Daily practice ensures habits, not last-minute panic.
Mocks and PYQs build speed, exam temperament.
Error review clears misconceptions early.
Repetition and revision retain knowledge better.
Even with 2–3 hours daily, over 12 weeks you cover ~200 practice hours.

Conclusion: Can You Crack the OFB Apprentice Exam in First Attempt?

Yes, cracking the OFB Apprenticeship exam on your first attempt is absolutely possible. This guide clearly explains everything—eligibility, pattern, syllabus, key trade topics, resources, revision tips, and the exam-day process—in simple language anyone can follow.

Need trade-wise MCQs or flashcards for your trade like Electrician or Fitter? Just ask. Stick to the steps, revise smartly, and stay focused—you’ve got a strong shot at success.