These are free study notes for MS-CIT and any basic computer exam, written by PadhaiNotes in simple words. This is NOT official MKCL material. Facts about the course below were checked on the official MS-CIT website (mscit.mkcl.org) on 27 October 2026 – see the sources box at the end. Rules, dates and fees can change, so always confirm with the official site or your MS-CIT centre (ALC).
What is MS-CIT?
- MS-CIT is an Information Technology (IT) literacy course – a basic computer course.
- It was started by MKCL (Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited) in 2001.
- The official site calls it the most popular IT literacy course in Maharashtra.
- The certificate is a joint certificate of MSBTE (Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education) and MKCL, as stated on the official site.
- The course teaches computer and smartphone basics, Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, the Internet, e-mail, cyber safety, Digital India skills – and now also AI tools.
Who needs MS-CIT?
- Government job aspirants in Maharashtra: the official MS-CIT site lists it as a "mandatory qualification for government jobs". Its Government Resolution page lists GRs dated 7.8.2001 (MS-CIT criteria) and 19.3.2003 (for Class A, B, C posts). Always read the computer-qualification rule in the advertisement of the post you apply for.
- Students (school, junior college, degree) who want basic computer skills for studies and jobs.
- Anyone who wants to use a computer, smartphone and the Internet confidently – office work, online forms, banking, e-mail.
Eligibility, medium and duration (official site)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Keen desire to learn IT; minimum age 11 years |
| Medium | English, Marathi and Hindi |
| Book | An illustrated e-book (Basics of Information Technology) on the learner app, in all three languages |
| Total duration | 144 hours (can be finished in 2, 3, 4 or 6 months) |
| Theory (e-learning) | 50 hours |
| Practical (lab) | 50 hours |
| Reading / homework | 44 hours |
Exam pattern (official site)
There are two parts: an internal assessment of 50 marks spread over 50 sessions, and a final online exam.
| Final exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes (1 hour) |
| Questions | 50 |
| Total marks | 50 (1 mark per question) |
| Objective questions | 15 |
| Practical (task-based) questions | 35 |
| Difficulty levels | Level 1 low – 20 marks, Level 2 medium – 20 marks, Level 3 high – 10 marks |
Final exam topics listed on the official site
| Objective topics | Practical topics |
|---|---|
| System Software | Windows 10 |
| System Unit | MS Word 2019 |
| Input and Output | MS Excel 2019 |
| Secondary Storage | MS PowerPoint 2019 |
| The Internet, the Web and Electronic Commerce | MS Outlook 2019, Internet |
- Re-exam: if you fail or are absent in the first final exam, the official site says you can appear again in the next two available exam events by paying the re-exam fee. After that you must register afresh.
- Passing marks: not stated on the official pages we checked (unverified) – ask your centre.
- Fees: we do not list fees here because they can change – check the official Fees page (link below) or your centre.
Next batch (official site, checked 27 Oct 2026)
| Batch | Last date of admission | Final exam event |
|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | Wednesday, 25 November 2026 | February 2027 |
How to use these notes
- Read the 10 chapters below in order – each has a quick summary, key points, tables and 5 practice MCQs.
- Practise the shortcuts and Excel formulas on a real computer – 35 of the 50 final exam marks are practical.
- Take the 30-question MCQ practice test at the end and re-read the chapters where you made mistakes.
Exam tip
The final exam is mostly practical (35 of 50 questions). Daily practice on Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint – with the keyboard shortcuts – matters more than memorising theory.