Top 5 Time Management Tips for SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam 2023 PDF Download

Time Management Tips for SSC CGL Tier I

To address this query effectively, it is advisable to prioritize questions that are relatively easier and less time-consuming. Rather than immediately diving into solving a question as it appears on your screen, take a moment to assess its worthiness. If it appears to be challenging or time-consuming, it may be more beneficial to skip it and move on to the next question.

Consider the following points to optimize your time management during the exam:

• Absence of sectional time limits provides you with the flexibility to allocate your time according to your preferences.
• Experiment with various time management strategies to identify the most effective approach for solving the paper.
• By mastering time management, you have already completed a significant portion of the task at hand.

Remember, it is crucial to strike a balance between efficiency and accuracy while managing your time during the exam.
Now, let's explore some time management tips for the SSC CGL Tier I exam, both in terms of section-wise and overall approach.

Section-Wise Time Management Tips for SSC CGL Tier I 

The SSC CGL Tier I exam comprises four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Let's delve into time management tips for each section individually.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• The General Intelligence & Reasoning section consists of 25 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks. This section requires careful attention as it can be quite challenging to solve.
• It is recommended that you allocate a maximum of 20 minutes for this section.
• Keep in mind the time factor while working on this section and exert your best efforts.
• During your practice sessions, develop techniques and strategies to solve the questions effectively.
• Look for shortcuts or alternate methods to solve the questions more quickly, apart from the usual approaches, in order to save time.
• With adequate preparation, aim to confidently attempt around 15-20 questions within the given 20 minutes, while maintaining reasonable accuracy.
• Avoid spending more than a minute on any individual question in this section.
• If you encounter a challenging question that you're unable to solve immediately, it's best to leave it and move on to the next question.

General Awareness

• The General Awareness section is considered the most scoring section in the SSC CGL Tier I paper.
• If you have prepared well for this section, you should be able to complete it in around 10-15 minutes.
• By saving time in this section, you can allocate more time to the challenging sections of Quantitative Aptitude and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
• However, it's important to note that attempting all the questions is not necessary unless you are confident in your answers.
• Focus on attempting questions that you are sure about or can eliminate options to make an educated guess.
• Avoid guessing answers without any basis as there is negative marking, which can impact your overall score.
• For General Awareness questions, which are often based on trivia, try not to spend more than 30 seconds on each question.

Quantitative Aptitude

• Among all the sections in the Tier I paper, the Quantitative Aptitude section is known to be the most challenging and time-consuming.
• This section consists of 25 questions, each worth 2 marks. It is recommended to allocate no more than 25 minutes to this section.
• Since there are no sectional cut-offs in SSC CGL, it is advisable to attempt the Quantitative Aptitude section towards the end.
• Begin the paper by tackling the easier sections, such as General Awareness, and complete all other sections before focusing on Quantitative Aptitude.
• The questions in this section cover various topics, including Arithmetic, Simplification, Number System, Trigonometry, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Probability, Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Interest, Profit & Loss, Time Speed & Distance, Time & Work, and Number Series.
• It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the concepts and formulas before applying them to solve a question. Avoid relying on guesswork during the exam.
• If you encounter a particularly challenging question, it is recommended to move on to other known questions instead of spending too much time on a single question.

English Language

• The English Language section is a crucial part of the SSC CGL Tier I paper and can significantly impact your chances of success in the recruitment process.
• This section evaluates your proficiency in Basic English Language Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar. If you can achieve a high level of proficiency in these areas, you will have a significant advantage.
• The questions in this section follow a predictable pattern, allowing you to develop a systematic approach to solving them. With thorough preparation, it is possible to complete the entire section in less than 15 minutes.
• It is advisable to begin with the Reading Comprehension questions and approach them swiftly, as they can be time-consuming.

Be Quick With The Calculations

Ensure that you have a strong grasp of short tricks and calculations, as this will save you time during the exam. Familiarize yourself with mathematical formulas, including squares, cubes, reciprocals of numbers, and techniques for solving complex calculations. These formulas and tricks should be at your fingertips. When solving simplifications, try to avoid using your pen and rely on mental calculations. Memorize multiplication tables to avoid wasting time and allow you to utilize that time for other questions.

Attempt Difficult Questions At Last

During any exam, it is common to encounter questions that are challenging and time-consuming. Many candidates make the mistake of dwelling on these questions, which can lead to demotivation and negatively impact their overall performance. To avoid this, it is advisable not to attempt lengthy and time-consuming questions right away. Instead, start by tackling the easier questions and save the difficult ones for later. By following this approach, you can build confidence and momentum, ensuring a more effective use of your time and maximizing your chances of success.

Maintain Accuracy

Maintaining accuracy while managing your time is crucial and should not be overlooked. It is important not to rush into attempting any question if you are unsure about it. It is better to leave a question unattempted than to risk scoring negative marks. Avoid guesswork and strive to answer questions with precision and accuracy. By prioritizing accuracy over speed, you increase your chances of obtaining a higher score and avoiding unnecessary deductions.

Manage Time for Daily Study Tasks

• Ensure effective time management by creating a daily task plan with set deadlines and strive to meet them consistently.
• Divide your study hours into manageable 2-hour slots and focus on one slot at a time, giving your undivided attention.
• Develop a well-structured SSC CGL study plan to effectively accomplish your daily tasks with utmost concentration and driven efforts.
• Allocate dedicated time for revision after completing each topic. Set aside at least 15 to 20 minutes exclusively for revision purposes.