PMKVY Hands‑On Skills
Module: Common Tasks
Goal – Equip learners with the basic computer operations that are used daily in most office, retail, and service‑based settings.
1. Simple Explanation
The Common Tasks module covers the core activities you’ll perform on a computer at work:
- Managing files and folders
- Using the most popular Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Sending emails and browsing the internet
- Applying essential keyboard shortcuts and safety practices
These skills are the building blocks for all advanced training modules.
2. Key Points
| Category | What You’ll Learn | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| File & Folder Management | • Create, rename, copy, move, delete files & folders • Use the “Save As” dialog • Understand file extensions (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf) |
Keeps documents organized and prevents data loss |
| Microsoft Word – Basic | • Create a new document • Apply paragraph and character formatting • Insert tables, images, and headers/footers • Use “Find & Replace” • Print/Save as PDF |
Drafts memos, reports, letters |
| Microsoft Excel – Basic | • Enter data in cells • Use simple formulas (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT) • Apply cell formatting (number, date, currency) • Create a basic bar chart • Filter & sort data |
Handles budgets, inventory, sales data |
| Microsoft PowerPoint – Basic | • Create a new presentation • Add and format slides • Insert text, images, tables, simple charts • Apply slide master • Rehearse and play slideshow |
Prepares meetings, training, marketing pitches |
| Email (Outlook/Hotmail/Gmail) | • Compose, reply, forward, delete • Attach files • Tag/flag messages • Search inbox |
Essential for business communication |
| Internet Browsing | • Use a browser (Chrome/Edge) • Search with Google • Bookmark pages • Manage tabs |
Quick research, accessing online resources |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | • Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V / Ctrl+Z • Ctrl+S / Ctrl+P • Alt+Tab, Windows key + D • Ctrl+F in documents |
Boosts speed & reduces repetitive strain |
| Data Safety & Backup | • Save documents to local & cloud drives • Use “Undo” and “Redo” wisely • Regularly backup files |
Protects against accidental loss |
3. Worked Example
Task: Create a Monthly Sales Report (Word + Excel)
Step 1 – Prepare the Excel Sheet
- Open Excel → New blank workbook.
- In A1 type
Product. In B1 typeUnits Sold. In C1 typeUnit Price. In D1 typeTotal Sales. - Fill rows 2‑6 with sample data.
- In D2 enter formula:
=B2*C2and drag the fill handle down to D6. - Highlight columns A‑D → Home ► Format as Table → Choose a style.
- Save workbook as
Sales_Monthly.xlsx.
Step 2 – Insert Data into Word
- Open Word → New blank document.
- Title:
Monthly Sales Report – April 2026. - Press Insert ► Table ► Excel Spreadsheet.
- Browse to
Sales_Monthly.xlsx→ Insert. - Double‑click the embedded spreadsheet to edit if needed.
- Format the heading: Center align, Bold, 14pt.
- Below the table, add a short paragraph summarizing key insights.
- Use Insert ► Pictures to add a company logo (optional).
Step 3 – Final Touches
- Apply page numbers via Insert ► Page Number ► Bottom of Page.
- Save Word doc as
Monthly_Sales_Report_April_2026.docx. - Use File ► Save As ► PDF to create a share‑able version.
Outcome: You now have a neatly formatted sales report ready for distribution.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | Quick Check |
|---|---|
| File Management | Can you create, rename, and move a file? |
| Word Basics | Do you know how to insert a table and save as PDF? |
| Excel Basics | Can you sum a column and format currency? |
| PowerPoint Basics | Can you add a slide and insert a chart |