SSC CGL Bible: How to Prepare for SSC CGL? PDF Download

Are you planning to appear for the SSC CGL Exam? If yes, then you must be aware that it is not just another exam, but a gateway to a promising career in the government sector. However, with the high competition and vast syllabus, it is essential to have a solid preparation strategy in place to crack the exam.

In this article, we bring you some tried and tested tips and guidelines to help you prepare effectively for the SSC CGL Exam and boost your chances of success.

What is SSC CGL?

• SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level. 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.
• The exam is conducted in four stages, namely Tier-I, Tier-II, Tier-III, and Tier-IV. SSC CGL is considered one of the most popular exams in India, and lakhs of candidates appear for it every year. 
• The exam tests the candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The Selection Process for SSC CGL is based on the candidate's performance in all the four stages of the exam.

Why did EduRev make this guide on How to Prepare for SSC CGL

• The guide aims to answer the question "How to prepare for SSC CGL" in the best and most perfect  possible way.
• Many students waste a large amount of time, effort, and money while preparing for SSC CGL simply due to a lack of proper guidance.
• We believe that this guide will be extremely valuable for every aspirant, as it will provide clear direction on how to prepare for the exam efficiently and effectively, focusing only on what actually matters. 

How was this guide made for SSC CGL Aspirants?

• This guide has been made by EduRev experts by referring to the strategies & interviews of the toppers of the SSC CGL Exam. 
• Study pattern, schedule and strategy of the toppers have been studied deeply while making this document so that students get the right way towards the preparation.

Step by Step Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL

This section aims to help you devise a well-planned preparation strategy for the upcoming SSC CGL Exam. Let us have a look at the fool-proof step-by-step preparation strategy for preparing for the SSC CGL exam.

Step 1: Understand the SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus

• Before beginning your SSC CGL Exam Preparation, it is essential to understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus. This will allow you to identify key topics to focus on and develop a well-structured preparation plan. 
• The SSC CGL Exam is conducted in four Tiers, including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. Each tier has a specific format, and candidates must pass each one to advance to the next stage.
• Understanding the Syllabus is also important, as it will give you an idea of the topics that will be covered in each tier. The SSC CGL Exam Syllabus includes subjects such as , Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics). 
• By thoroughly understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus, you can prepare for the SSC General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension CGL exam more efficiently and effectively.

Step 2: Analyse PYQ and make a proper study plan

• Once you have a clear understanding of the SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus, the next step is to analyze Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs).
• Many of you may be preparing for both the SSC and UPSC exams. However, it's important to note that the SSC CGL Exam is different from UPSC and has a primary focus on Maths and English, including vocabulary and mathematical tricks. 
• To avoid wasting time on unnecessary preparation materials, you should analyse the SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers to identify the weightage of each topic in the exam.  After analyzing the PYQs, you can create a well-structured study plan that covers all the topics and ensures that you are fully prepared for the exam.

Step 3: Choose the Right Study Material

• Choosing the right study material is an essential step in preparing for the SSC CGL Exam. With the vast array of study resources available, it can be overwhelming to pick the ones that are most relevant and effective. The right study material not only covers the entire syllabus but also offers comprehensive practice questions and mock tests. 
• Therefore, it is essential to choose the study material that is tailored to your specific needs and helps you achieve your desired score.
• With the EduRev Infinity Package, you can access all the SSC CGL courses available on the platform. From detailed lectures, comprehensive notes, and practice questions to full-length mock tests and analyses, you'll get everything you need to ace the exam.
• Here’s a SSC CGL Preparation table, which provides links to all the important courses & guidance documents to help you prepare for the SSC CGL Exam in an effective way, which would save your time and effort.

Step 4: Section-wise preparation strategy for SSC CGL

In order to crack the SSC CGL Exam, it is important to have a strategic approach towards each section. The SSC CGL Exam consists of four sections, namely General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and  English Comprehension.

Each section requires a different approach and level of preparation. So EduRev has compiled subject-wise preparation strategies for each section to help you perform well in the SSC CGL Exam. You can check EduRev articles on all sections Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Important topics and effective preparation tips to achieve success in the exam:

• How to prepare General intelligence and Reasoning for SSC CGL?
• How to prepare Quantitative Aptitude for SSC CGL?
• How to Prepare General Awareness for SSC CGL?
• How to Prepare English for SSC CGL?

Step 5: Practice Mock tests

Taking mock tests is an essential part of SSC CGL Exam Preparation as it helps you assess your performance and identify areas of improvement. Mock Tests simulate the actual exam environment and allow you to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management techniques.
By regularly taking mock tests:

• You can improve your speed and accuracy, which is important to score well in the SSC CGL Exam. 
• Mock tests help you track your progress and identify your weak areas, which you can then focus on during your preparation.
  

Overall, taking mock tests is an effective way to boost your confidence and ensure that you are fully prepared to face the SSC CGL Exam.

Step 6: Revise and Maintain Regularity

• Preparing for the SSC CGL Exam requires more than just hard work and dedication. It also requires a strategic approach that includes regular revision and practice. These two components can significantly impact your performance on the exam. Regular revision is crucial for retaining what you have learned and for identifying areas that need improvement.
• In addition to regular revision and practice, maintaining regularity in your preparation is crucial for success in the SSC CGL Exam. The four-stage/tier exam demands a lot of patience and discipline, and you cannot afford to take any phase lightly. 
• A slip-up in any stage can have a significant impact on your overall rank and job prospects. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the same level of discipline and regularity throughout your SSC CGL Preparation, from the very beginning to the end.

Step 7: Clear your doubts as soon as possible

You will encounter a number of questions during your SSC CGL Preparation that will be unfamiliar and perhaps challenging for you. To succeed on the SSC CGL, you must fully resolve the issues! This will offer you an advantage in your SSC CGL preparation and give you a solid plan for getting ready for the real SSC CGL test. You will be among the top candidates to pass the SSC CGL Exam.
Remember that success will come through your practice, patience, and perseverance.

Step 8: Repeat step 4 to 7

• Once you move from Step 4 to Step 7, assess the areas where you need to improve and where you excel.
• Revisit the questions you attempted successfully during the mocks, and practice the topics where you struggled. This not only boosts your self-confidence but also helps you tackle similar questions in the future. Work on the weaker areas relentlessly until you achieve mastery.
• Identify the common types of errors you tend to make, such as conceptual mistakes, calculation errors, or attempting unnecessary questions, and correct them. After each test, evaluate your mistakes and devise ways to avoid them in future attempts.
• Finally, ensure adequate sleep and take care of your mental health during the last month before the exam. Sleeping well can improve your accuracy more than mere practice, and looking after your mental health is crucial for your overall performance."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Prepare for SSC CGL Exam

How can I manage time effectively during the exam?

To manage time effectively during the SSC CGL Exam, you can follow these tips:
(i) Read the instructions carefully before starting the exam.
(ii) Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
(iii) Solve the easy questions first and then

How can I stay motivated during SSC CGL preparation?

To stay motivated during SSC CGL Preparation, you can follow these tips:
(i) Set realistic goals and track your progress regularly.
(ii) Take short breaks in between study sessions.
(iii) Join online study groups or forums to interact with other aspirants.
(iv) Reward yourself for achieving small milestones.
(v) Stay positive and focus on your strengths.

How much time does it take to prepare for SSC CGL?

The time required to prepare for SSC CGL depends on various factors such as your familiarity with the exam pattern, your level of knowledge, and the amount of time you can devote to studying. On average, it takes around six months to one year to prepare for SSC CGL thoroughly.

Is coaching necessary for SSC CGL preparation?

Coaching is not necessary for SSC CGL Preparation, but it can help you in many ways. It can provide you with a structured study plan, expert guidance, and regular practice. However, if you are self-disciplined and can follow a study plan on your own, you can prepare for the exam without coaching.

Can I appear for SSC CGL if I am in the final year of graduation?

Yes, candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply for SSC CGL. However, they must possess the required educational qualification before the closing date of application.

Is SSC CGL very difficult?

The difficulty level of the SSC CGL Exam varies for different candidates depending on their level of preparation and understanding of the concepts. Some candidates may find the exam to be challenging while others may find it easier. The SSC CGL Exam is a competitive exam and requires a good understanding of the concepts, strong problem-solving skills, and effective time management. With proper preparation and practice, candidates can perform well in the exam.