SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is a national level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different government departments and ministries.
How To crack SSC CGL
The exam is conducted in four stages: Tier-I, Tier-II, Tier-III, and Tier-IV. Tier-I and Tier-II are computer-based tests, Tier-III is a descriptive paper, and Tier-IV is a skill test. The syllabus of the exam includes General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language and Comprehension.
Candidates who have completed their graduation from a recognized university are eligible to apply for the exam. The age limit for the exam varies from post to post, but generally, candidates between the age of 18 to 32 years are eligible to apply.
SSC CGL is a highly competitive exam, and lakhs of candidates appear for it every year. It is considered one of the most prestigious government job exams in India.
SSC CGL is a highly competitive exam
Yes, SSC CGL is a highly competitive exam as thousands of candidates from all over India appear for it every year. The exam offers various job opportunities in different government departments and ministries, which makes it a popular choice among graduates. The selection process for SSC CGL is rigorous, and candidates need to qualify in all the stages to secure a job.
To crack SSC CGL, candidates need to have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and time management skills. They also need to have a strong foundation in subjects like General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language and Comprehension. It is recommended that candidates prepare well in advance, solve previous year papers, and take mock tests to assess their preparation level. With proper guidance and hard work, candidates can crack SSC CGL and secure a government job.
How To crack SSC CGL
Cracking SSC CGL is a challenging task that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and smart preparation strategies. Here are some tips that can help you crack SSC CGL:
Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Before starting your preparation, make sure that you have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. Go through the previous year papers to get an idea about the types of questions asked in the exam.
Create a Study Plan: Create a study plan that covers all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Divide your time equally among all the subjects, and focus more on the topics that you find difficult.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers will help you understand the exam pattern, the difficulty level of questions, and the time required to solve them. Try to solve as many previous year papers as possible.
Take Mock Tests: Taking mock tests is an excellent way to assess your preparation level. It will help you identify your weak areas and work on them.
Improve Your English Language Skills: English Language and Comprehension is an essential section of SSC CGL. To improve your English language skills, read newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Also, practice grammar rules, vocabulary, and comprehension passages.
Focus on Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude is another crucial section of SSC CGL. To excel in this section, practice mathematical problems regularly, learn shortcut techniques, and memorize important formulas.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: General Awareness section in SSC CGL includes questions related to current affairs, static GK, and general science. To stay updated with current affairs, read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow reliable online sources.
Time Management: Time management is crucial while attempting the SSC CGL exam. Practice solving questions within the allotted time frame to improve your speed and accuracy.
Revise Regularly: Revision is essential to memorize what you have learned. Create short notes of important topics and revise them regularly.
Remember, cracking SSC CGL requires consistent effort, dedication, and hard work. With proper guidance, smart preparation strategies, and practice, you can crack SSC CGL and secure a government job.
Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step towards cracking SSC CGL. Here is a brief overview of the exam pattern and syllabus:
Exam Pattern: SSC CGL exam consists of four stages:
- Tier-I: Computer-Based Examination (CBT)
- Tier-II: Computer-Based Examination (CBT)
- Tier-III: Pen and Paper Mode (Descriptive)
- Tier-IV: Computer Proficiency Test/ Skill Test (wherever applicable)
The Tier-I and Tier-II exams are objective type, while Tier-III is descriptive type, and Tier-IV is a skill test. The duration of Tier-I and Tier-II exams is 60 minutes and 120 minutes, respectively.
Syllabus: The syllabus for SSC CGL exam includes the following subjects:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language and Comprehension
Here is a detailed syllabus for each subject:
General Intelligence and Reasoning: Classification, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Puzzle, Matrix, Word Formation, Venn Diagram, Direction and Distance, Blood Relation, Series, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
General Awareness: Static GK, Current Affairs, Science, Books and Authors, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Awards and Honors, Art and Culture, Environment, and Biology.
Quantitative Aptitude: Number System, Simplification, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Time and Work, Speed, Time and Distance, Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation.
English Language and Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Error Spotting, Sentence Correction, Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution, Synonyms-Antonyms, Spelling Errors, Cloze Test.
To score well in SSC CGL, it is essential to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly and practice enough questions to improve your speed and accuracy.
Create a Study Plan
Creating a study plan is essential for cracking SSC CGL. Here is a sample study plan that can help you prepare for the exam:
Week 1:
- Day 1: General Intelligence and Reasoning (Classification, Analogy)
- Day 2: General Intelligence and Reasoning (Coding-Decoding, Puzzle)
- Day 3: General Intelligence and Reasoning (Matrix, Word Formation)
- Day 4: General Intelligence and Reasoning (Venn Diagram, Direction and Distance)
- Day 5: General Intelligence and Reasoning (Blood Relation, Series)
- Day 6: General Awareness (Static GK - History, Geography)
- Day 7: General Awareness (Static GK - Polity, Economics)
Week 2:
- Day 1: General Awareness (Current Affairs - National and International)
- Day 2: General Awareness (Science)
- Day 3: Quantitative Aptitude (Number System, Simplification)
- Day 4: Quantitative Aptitude (Percentage, Ratio and Proportion)
- Day 5: Quantitative Aptitude (Average, Time and Work)
- Day 6: Quantitative Aptitude (Speed, Time and Distance, Interest)
- Day 7: English Language and Comprehension (Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks)
Week 3:
- Day 1: English Language and Comprehension (Error Spotting, Sentence Correction)
- Day 2: English Language and Comprehension (Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution)
- Day 3: English Language and Comprehension (Synonyms-Antonyms, Spelling Errors)
- Day 4: Quantitative Aptitude (Algebra)
- Day 5: Quantitative Aptitude (Geometry)
- Day 6: Quantitative Aptitude (Mensuration, Trigonometry)
- Day 7: Quantitative Aptitude (Data Interpretation)
Week 4:
- Day 1: Revision of General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Day 2: Revision of General Awareness
- Day 3: Revision of Quantitative Aptitude
- Day 4: Revision of English Language and Comprehension
- Day 5: Mock Test for Tier-I
- Day 6: Analysis of Mock Test and improvement of weak areas
- Day 7: Practice questions on weak areas
Week 5:
- Day 1: Quantitative Aptitude (Advanced)
- Day 2: English Language and Comprehension (Advanced)
- Day 3: General Awareness (Advanced)
- Day 4: General Intelligence and Reasoning (Advanced)
- Day 5: Mock Test for Tier-II
- Day 6: Analysis of Mock Test and improvement of weak areas
- Day 7: Practice questions on weak areas
Week 6:
- Day 1: Revision of all subjects
- Day 2: Practice Mock Tests for Tier-I and Tier-II
- Day 3: Analysis of Mock Tests and improvement of weak areas
- Day 4: Revision of Tier-III Descriptive Paper
- Day 5: Practice Essay Writing and Letter Writing
- Day 6: Practice Precis Writing
- Day 7: Revision and Mock Test Practice for Tier-IV (Computer Proficiency Test/Skill Test)
Note: You can adjust the above plan according to your comfort and need, but make sure you cover all subjects and practice enough mock tests to assess your preparation. Also, take enough breaks and maintain a healthy routine to avoid burnout.
Solve Previous Year Papers
Solving previous year papers is an important step towards cracking SSC CGL. Here are some benefits of solving previous year papers:
Understanding the Exam Pattern: Solving previous year papers will give you a clear understanding of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked in the exam.
Time Management: Solving previous year papers will help you understand how much time you need to allocate for each section and each question. This will help you manage your time efficiently during the actual exam.
Identifying Weak Areas: By solving previous year papers, you will be able to identify your weak areas and work on them accordingly. This will help you improve your overall score in the exam.
Building Confidence: Solving previous year papers will boost your confidence and reduce exam anxiety. This will help you perform better in the actual exam.
Here are some tips to effectively solve previous year papers:
Solve papers in a simulated exam environment: Sit in a quiet place with no disturbance and set a timer to simulate the actual exam environment.
Solve papers section-wise: Solve each section separately, just like the actual exam, and try to complete it within the allocated time.
Analyze your performance: After solving the paper, analyze your performance and identify your mistakes. This will help you work on your weak areas.
Repeat the process: Repeat the process of solving previous year papers until you are confident about your preparation.
You can easily find SSC CGL previous year papers on various online platforms. Start with the papers from the last 5-6 years and gradually move to the earlier papers. Solving at least 10-15 previous year papers will give you a good idea of the exam pattern and help you improve your score.
Take Mock Tests
Taking mock tests is one of the most important steps towards cracking SSC CGL. Here are some benefits of taking mock tests:
Time Management: Mock tests will help you manage your time efficiently during the actual exam. By taking mock tests, you will learn how much time you need to allocate for each section and each question.
Identifying Weak Areas: Mock tests will help you identify your weak areas and work on them accordingly. This will help you improve your overall score in the exam.
Building Confidence: Taking mock tests will boost your confidence and reduce exam anxiety. This will help you perform better in the actual exam.
Familiarity with the Exam Pattern: Mock tests will give you a clear idea of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked in the exam.
Here are some tips to effectively take mock tests:
Take Mock Tests in a Simulated Exam Environment: Sit in a quiet place with no disturbance and set a timer to simulate the actual exam environment.
Analyze Your Performance: After taking the mock test, analyze your performance and identify your mistakes. This will help you work on your weak areas.
Repeat the Process: Repeat the process of taking mock tests until you are confident about your preparation.
Use Online Platforms: Use online platforms like SSC CGL test series to take mock tests. These platforms offer a variety of mock tests that cover all the sections and levels of difficulty.
Remember that taking mock tests alone won't guarantee success in SSC CGL. You also need to work on your weak areas and improve your overall preparation. Take mock tests as a tool to assess your preparation and identify areas for improvement.
Improve Your English Language Skills
Improving your English language skills is crucial for cracking SSC CGL as the exam tests your English language proficiency. Here are some tips to improve your English language skills:
Read: Reading is one of the best ways to improve your English language skills. Read books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles in English to improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Learn New Words: Learn new words and their meanings every day. Make a list of new words and try to use them in your conversations and writing.
Grammar: Brush up your grammar skills by studying the rules and practicing exercises. There are many online resources available that offer free grammar lessons and exercises.
Watch English Movies and TV Shows: Watching English movies and TV shows with subtitles can help you improve your listening and comprehension skills.
Practice Speaking: Practice speaking in English with friends, family, or anyone who is fluent in English. Join English speaking groups or clubs to practice your communication skills.
Write: Practice writing in English by keeping a journal or writing short stories, essays, or articles. This will help you improve your writing skills and grammar.
Take Online Courses: Enroll in online English language courses to improve your skills. There are many free and paid courses available online that can help you improve your English language skills.
Remember, improving your English language skills is a gradual process, and it takes time and effort. Be consistent in your efforts and practice regularly to see improvement.
Focus on Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important sections of SSC CGL. Here are some tips to focus on Quantitative Aptitude:
Understand the Basics: Build a strong foundation by understanding the basic concepts and formulas of Quantitative Aptitude. Focus on topics like Number Systems, Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Profit and Loss, etc.
Practice Regularly: Practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Solve a variety of questions from different topics to build your problem-solving skills.
Use Shortcuts and Tricks: Learn shortcuts and tricks to solve questions quickly. This will help you save time during the exam.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers will give you an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam. Focus on the frequently asked topics and practice them thoroughly.
Take Mock Tests: Taking mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern and level of difficulty. Analyze your performance and identify your weak areas to work on them.
Use Online Resources: Use online resources like YouTube channels, mobile apps, and online courses to learn new concepts and practice questions.
Focus on Time Management: During the exam, manage your time efficiently by allocating enough time to each section. Focus on the questions you know well and come back to the difficult ones later.
Remember, Quantitative Aptitude is a scoring section, and with regular practice and dedication, you can excel in this section. Focus on your strengths and weaknesses and work on them to improve your overall score.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Staying updated with current affairs is important for cracking SSC CGL as it has a dedicated section for General Awareness. Here are some tips to stay updated with current affairs:
Read Newspapers: Reading newspapers daily is one of the best ways to stay updated with current affairs. Read newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Times of India to stay informed about national and international news.
Watch News Channels: Watch news channels like NDTV, CNN-IBN, and India Today to get the latest news updates. These channels also cover current affairs topics in detail.
Use Online Platforms: Use online platforms like news apps, news websites, and social media to get the latest news updates. Follow news accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed.
Read Current Affairs Books and Magazines: Read books and magazines like Manorama Yearbook, Pratiyogita Darpan, and India Today to stay updated with current affairs.
Take Quizzes: Take quizzes on current affairs topics to test your knowledge and improve your retention.
Analyze Past Year Papers: Analyze past year papers to understand the type of current affairs questions asked in SSC CGL. Focus on topics like politics, economics, sports, and science and technology.
Remember, current affairs is a vast subject, and it's important to focus on important topics and events. Stay updated with the latest news and events and practice regularly to improve your performance in the General Awareness section.
Time Management
Time management is crucial for cracking SSC CGL as the exam has a limited time frame. Here are some tips to manage your time effectively during the exam:
Plan Your Strategy: Plan your exam strategy by analyzing the exam pattern and syllabus. Allocate enough time to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Practice Mock Tests: Taking mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern and level of difficulty. Practice mock tests within the stipulated time frame to improve your time management skills.
Read Instructions Carefully: Read the instructions carefully before starting the exam. Understand the marking scheme and negative marking to avoid mistakes.
Solve Easy Questions First: Solve the easy questions first to save time. This will also boost your confidence and help you manage your time effectively.
Avoid Overthinking: Don't spend too much time on a single question. If you're unsure about a question, move on to the next one and come back to it later.
Use Shortcuts and Tricks: Use shortcuts and tricks to solve questions quickly. This will help you save time during the exam.
Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions like talking to other candidates or using your phone during the exam. Focus on the exam and manage your time effectively.
Remember, time management is crucial for cracking SSC CGL. Practice regularly and adopt a time management strategy that works best for you. With consistent practice and dedication, you can manage your time effectively and ace the exam.
Revise Regularly
Regular revision is important for retaining and consolidating what you have learned while preparing for SSC CGL. Here are some tips to revise regularly:
Make a Revision Schedule: Make a revision schedule and allocate enough time to revise each topic. This will help you stay organized and focused while revising.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on them while revising. Review the concepts and formulas thoroughly to avoid mistakes during the exam.
Use Flashcards: Use flashcards to revise important concepts and formulas. This will help you remember key points easily and quickly.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers will help you revise the concepts and get a better understanding of the exam pattern. Identify your mistakes and work on them while revising.
Take Short Breaks: Take short breaks while revising to avoid burnout. This will also help you stay focused and retain the information better.
Revise Regularly: Revise regularly to reinforce your knowledge and consolidate what you have learned. Don't wait until the last minute to revise as it can lead to stress and anxiety.
Remember, revision is an important part of exam preparation. Regular revision will help you retain the information better and improve your performance in the exam. Allocate enough time to revise each topic and focus on your weak areas while revising.
Understanding the Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for cracking SSC CGL. Here is a brief overview of the SSC CGL exam pattern:
Tier-I: Tier-I is a computer-based exam that consists of 100 questions, with a total of 200 marks. The duration of the exam is 60 minutes, and the questions are based on four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
Tier-II: Tier-II is also a computer-based exam that consists of four papers. The first two papers (Paper I and II) are compulsory, while the third paper (Paper III) is for candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and the fourth paper (Paper IV) is for candidates applying for the post of Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer. The duration of each paper is 2 hours, and the total marks for each paper are 200.
Tier-III: Tier-III is a descriptive paper that is conducted offline (pen and paper mode). The duration of the exam is 60 minutes, and the total marks are 100. The exam tests the candidate's writing skills in English/Hindi.
Tier-IV: Tier-IV is a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)/Data Entry Skill Test (DEST). The test is conducted to check the candidate's proficiency in computers and typing skills.
Candidates need to clear all the four tiers to qualify for the final selection. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in all four tiers.
It's important to understand the exam pattern to prepare for the exam effectively. Analyze the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly and plan your preparation accordingly. Practice mock tests and previous year papers to get a better understanding of the exam pattern and level of difficulty. With consistent practice and dedication, you can crack the SSC CGL exam.
final note
Cracking the SSC CGL exam requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and smart preparation. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, creating a study plan, practicing mock tests, and revising regularly are some of the key strategies that can help you succeed in the exam.
It's important to stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation. Set realistic goals and work towards achieving them. Take care of your physical and mental health, and avoid burnout. Stay updated with current affairs and improve your English language skills to perform well in the exam.
Remember, the SSC CGL exam is highly competitive, and success requires consistent effort and dedication. With the right mindset and preparation, you can achieve your goal and crack the exam. All the best!
