In this article, we will discuss the difficulties that students commonly face when preparing for the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL exam and the most effective ways to approach them. Since many students tend to prioritize Math, English, and Reasoning, while leaving the General Awareness section until the last minute. This approach can lead to a decrease in marks in the General Awareness section, which can ultimately affect the overall score of the exam.
How to Prepare General Awareness for SSC CGL?
However, General Awareness is a significant portion of the SSC CGL Exam and can help students obtain Group B and Group C jobs. Therefore, EduRev has provided the following strategy to help students score the maximum marks possible in the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL Exam.
SSC CGL General Awareness Exam Pattern
The Tier 1 examination of SSC CGL consists of four sections - General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English. Among these, the General Awareness section carries 25% weightage and comprises 25 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 2 marks. Incorrect answers in this section will result in a 0.50 mark deduction.
Tier I | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time allowed |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 60 min (for Tier 1 All Papers) |
SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus
Questions in this component will be aimed at testing the candidates’ General Awareness of the environment around him and its application to society. Questions will also be designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observations and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of any educated person. Syllabus for General Awareness is listed below:
Also Check the EduRev article: SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus detailed breakdown into topics and sub-topics.
Preparation Strategy for General Awareness for SSC CGL
The
General Awareness section of the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is considered one of the most scoring sections. This section does not require the use of formulas or rules, making it relatively easier than the
English,
Quantitative, and
Reasoning sections.
It is possible to secure high scores in the
General Awareness section easily. It's a section that can add significantly to your aggregate marks. To
achieve good marks in this section, all you need to do is to stay updated and be well informed.- The first step in preparing for the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL Exam is to make a list of topics from each category and evaluate your current knowledge of those topics. This will allow you to plan your preparation accordingly.
- For example, in the case of Science, it is best to revise all that was studied in school and ensure that you have a clear understanding of each concept. This will make it easier to memorize the topics.
- In contrast, for Static GK, regular revision is necessary as it does not involve concepts and the information needs to be memorized. It's important to understand the format of the questions and the type of topics that will be covered in the exam and plan accordingly.
- In-depth Understanding of the Syllabus and Exam Pattern.
- Practice Previous Years' Question Papers: Get hold of previous years' question papers and practice as many questions as you can to get an idea of the types of questions that are asked in the exam.
- subscribing to a good newspaper: the newspapers provide daily updates on various current affairs topics, which are essential for both the static and current portions of the exam. To aid in retaining the information you have learned, EduRev has put together Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Current Affairs to assist with revision.
- being consistent and studying regularly: To have an edge over other candidates, study daily and make your own pointers while reading the newspaper. Take special care to note down the dates and names of places. Regular revision of your notes and sticking to a consistent source of study material will help prevent confusion and increase your chances of retaining information.
- Revising repeatedly, and attempting regular tests: It is important to revise regularly to retain information in the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL Exam. Complete the syllabus and revise at least three to four times to keep the information fresh in your mind. Regular revision is crucial to retain information. Attempting daily general awareness quizzes is necessary to evaluate your understanding and boost confidence. EduRev courses also offers online mock tests, practice questions, and detailed solutions to help the candidates prepare for the exam in the best way possible. And you can also check your test performance and rank with other SSC CGL aspirants.
- Take Online Mock Tests: Take online mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as improve your time management skills.
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.
By keeping these points in mind and consistently practicing, you can effectively prepare for the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL Exam.
SSC CGL General Awareness: Subject-wise Weightage
To effectively prepare for the
General Awareness section of the SSC CGL exam, it is important for candidates to be aware of the key topics and their relative importance. By understanding which topics carry more weight in the exam, candidates can prioritize their studying and focus on the areas that require more attention. The weightage of topics in the General Awareness section of the
SSC CGL Exam is provided below.
Prioritizing Topics for General Awareness Success
In order to succeed in the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL Exam, it is crucial to prioritize the vast and comprehensive syllabus. With limited time, it is impossible to cover each and every topic, so it's essential to focus on the high-weightage subjects and important topics within them. Here is a three-step approach to maximizing your study plan:
- High-Weightage Subjects: Begin by identifying the subjects that carry more weightage in the exam and make a list of these.
- Focus on Key Topics: Once you have identified the high-weightage subjects, start by studying the most important topics within each of these subjects.
- Previous Years' Questions: To gain a better understanding of the importance of these topics, you should look for previous years' questions from these topics and practice them to help identify your weak and strong areas.
By following this three-step approach, you can effectively prioritize your General Awareness preparation and maximize your chances of success on exam day.
General Awareness Subject-wise Important Topics
To start preparing for the
General Awareness section of the
SSC CGL Exam, it is important to review the
SSC CGL syllabus and assess your knowledge and understanding of the various topics covered. Make a list of subjects that you feel confident in and those that you need to improve on. This analysis of the syllabus will give you a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and will aid in creating a personalized study plan.
Subject | Important Topics |
Physics | Gravity, Work, Pressure, Units of Measurement, Sound, Heat, Magnetism, Electronics |
Chemistry | Uses, Common Names and Composition of Various Chemicals, Alloys, Definition Based Questions (Heat, Oxidation, Reduction etc.), SI units, Chemical Change & Physical Change, Chemistry in Everyday life |
Biology | Parts of Plant & their Functions, Parts of Human Body & their Functions, Basics of Animal Kingdom, Diseases, Prevention & Cure, Nutrients & Deficiency Diseases |
Ancient History | Important Topics: Indus Valley Civilization, Buddhism & Jainism, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms, The Gupta Period, The Mauryans |
Medieval History | Important Topics: Establishment & Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate, Religious Movements in the Fifteenth & Sixteenth Centuries, Mughal Dynasty, Later Mughals, The Maratha State |
Modern History | Important Topics: European Penetration & British Conquest of India, Major Battles, Social & Cultural Awakening in India, The Great Revolt of 1857, Indian National Congress, Nationalist Movement, 1905-1918: Growth of Militant Nationalism, Struggle for Swaraj - I, 1919 – 1927, Struggle for Swaraj - II, 1927- 1947, Governors-General of India, Indian Princely States |
Geography | Movement Of Earth, Winds Soils In India, Interior Of Earth, Ocean & Ocean Currents, Agriculture In India, Latitudes & Longitudes, Volcanoes & Earthquakes, Transportation In India, Solar System, Habitats, Mineral Resources In India, Atmosphere, Physical Features Of India, Forests In India, All you need to know about the States of India, Rivers In India, World Geo. Facts I.E. Continents in the World. |
Polity | Framing Of The Constitution, President, Governor, Sources Of Indian Constitution, Vice President, Vidhan Sabha, Schedules & Parts Of Indian Constitution, Attorney General Of India, Vidhan Parishad, Chief Ministers, Comptroller Auditor General, Panchayats, Citizenship, Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Funds, Article 370, Rajya Sabha, Supreme Court, Emergency In India, Bills, High Court, Commissions, Prime Minister & Cabinet Ministers, Writs. |
Computer | Development of Computers, Input & Output Devices, Memory, Abbreviations |
Current Affairs | Last 6 - 8 Months, Important government schemes, awards and honors, sports news, books and authors, new appointments, etc. |
Miscellaneous
Check out the EduRev article: Best books for General Awareness suggested by experts and toppers which will help you prepare the above-mentioned topics for SSC CGL.
10 Tips for Remembering General Awareness in SSC CGL Exam
Take a daily quiz on each subject to get a better grasp of the type of questions asked on the SSC Exam. If you have any doubts about any facts, refer to either the Lucent or Manohar Pandey book for clarification.
With the EduRev Infinity Package, you can access all the SSC CGL courses available on the platform including Lucent for G.K. 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.
Steps to follow:
- Make connections between facts or persons' names, their locations, or your surroundings to better remember them.
- Create your own short tricks to learn and relate facts, in addition to using the ones already provided.
- Revise what you have learned within 24 hours to ensure better retention.
- Read history like a tale, not a burden, to make it more interesting and engaging.
- Cultivate your interest in expanding your knowledge of General Awareness.
- Read questions with curiosity and avoid cramming answers.
- Make it a habit to read at least 100 to 120 questions daily.
- Review the questions you read the previous day on the next day.
- Focus on clearing your concepts by reading relevant books.
- Learn everything with interest, and understand its relevance in our lives.
Also Check:
How to Prepare General intelligence and Reasoning for SSC CGL Exam?
How to Prepare English for SSC CGL Exam?
What is the importance of General Awareness in the SSC CGL exam?
General Awareness is an important component of the SSC CGL Exam as it tests the candidate's knowledge of current events and general knowledge. It is one of the four sections in the exam, and contributes significantly to the overall score.
What topics are covered in General Awareness for the SSC CGL exam?
The General Awareness section covers a wide range of topics, including Indian and world geography, history, economics, polity, general science, environment, sports, and current events.
How can I prepare for General Awareness in the SSC CGL exam?
You can prepare for General Awareness in the SSC CGL Exam by reading newspapers, watching the news, and studying reference books on general knowledge, current events, and Indian polity. You can also take online mock tests and practice quizzes to assess your preparation level.
What is the best way to revise for General Awareness in the SSC CGL exam?
The best way to revise for General Awareness in the SSC CGL exam is to regularly read the newspaper, watch the news, and take online mock tests. You can also make notes of important events and facts, and revise them daily to reinforce your memory.
How much time should I dedicate to General Awareness preparation for the SSC CGL exam?
The amount of time you should dedicate to General Awareness preparation for the SSC CGL exam depends on your current level of knowledge and the amount of time you have until the exam. However, it is recommended to dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour daily to reading the news and studying reference books.
Is General Awareness Tough for SSC CGL?
The difficulty level of General Awareness in the SSC CGL Exam can vary depending on the individual's level of knowledge and preparation. Some people may find it relatively easy, while others may struggle with the content. However, with adequate preparation, anyone can improve their General Awareness knowledge and perform well in this section of the exam. It is important to stay updated on current events and practice regularly to enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence for the exam.
How to remember General Awareness for SSC CGL?
To remember General Awareness for SSC CGL, you can:
(i) Create associations between new information and what you already know
(ii) Use mnemonics to remember lists and sequences
(iii) Explain concepts to someone else to reinforce understanding
(iv) Write down and review notes regularly
(v) Practice regularly through mock tests
(vi) Get plenty of sleep and exercise
(vii) Organize and categorize information into groups for easier recall.
Are current affairs necessary for general awareness?
Yes, current affairs are a crucial component of General Awareness and form a significant portion of the questions in this section of the SSC CGL Exam. It is important to stay updated on current events and developments in various fields such as politics, economics, sports, and culture to have a well-rounded understanding of the world and be prepared for the exam. Regularly reading newspapers, watching news broadcasts, and keeping track of important events can help you stay updated on current affairs and improve your General Awareness skills.