Comprehensive Study Guide for SSC CGL Tier-I and Tier-II 2024 | How to Prepare for SSC CGL PDF Download

Get ready to embark on your journey towards acing the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam! The SSC CGL notification has been released, and time is of the essence. Many aspirants often wonder, "Is cracking SSC CGL a tough nut to crack?" The answer to this question lies within your confidence and determination to craft a foolproof SSC CGL preparation strategy.

SSC CGL Preparation Tips 2024

If you want to really know how to clear SSC CGL exam in first attempt. carefully go through the experts tips and strategies provided below. We guarantee that these SSC CGL Preparation Tips will be very beneficial to you for both tiers in the upcoming SSC CGL 2023 examination.

Know the Exam Pattern with the Weightage of each topic

This step is very important before you start the preparation of any exam. It gives you a basic idea about the exam and puts you on the right track for your preparation. Follow this first SSC CGL tips for syllabus in order to clear SSC CGL in first attempt -
Read Syllabus > Analyze high-weightage topics > Check your strengths and weaknesses in that topic/subject > Start preparing those respective subject topics first > Move to other remaining topics eventually. 

Knowing the SSC CGL Syllabus & Difficulty Level

This is the most crucial step. This analysis will help you to determine your strong and weak areas. Analyzing the question difficulty level of SSC CGL examination tiers should be in your part of the plan. Set your preparation levels accordingly in each section. For instance, SSC CGL Reasoning and Quant sections must be prepared with more priority due to their varying difficulty levels every year.

Assess Your Current Preparation Level

Once you know the SSC CGL exam pattern  and syllabus , you need to know where you stand in terms of preparation. This is a very crucial step because it will help you do the reality check. This exercise will help you assess the following:

• The difference between your current preparation level and the level that is required to pass the exam.
• If you need to work on certain topics from scratch.
• If you are taking too much time in solving questions.

Prepare Day or Month-wise SSC CGL Study Map

Now that you've gauged your current readiness, it's time to build a dynamic study timetable for SSC CGL Tier-I and Tier-II. A well-structured plan ensures you allocate specific slots for each subject, leaving no topic unattended. Remember, it's essential to tailor your plan to your strengths and weaknesses as you progress.

Top achievers advise against blindly following a fixed plan. Instead, customize it to match your evolving needs. Set daily task deadlines and include at least one Mock Test for Tier- I and Tier- II or Previous Year Papers for Tier -I and Tier- II in your weekly schedule.

Before diving into your prep, acquaint yourself with the SSC CGL Selection Process for a solid foundation."

Know the Previous Years Cut Off

In these SSC exams, the cut-off is more important than the actual score. This is because cut-offs are the first hurdle that you need to cross to reach your goal. You need to clear the SSC CGL cut-off for Tier 1 first to further qualify for Tier 2 which has even higher cutoffs. Hence, once you have appeared for a few mock tests, go through the Tier-wise cutoffs and figure out the difference that you need to cover. You should at least be familiar with SSC CGL Cut Off 2022 and 2021 for respective posts. 

Time Management for SSC CGL Preparation

Keep in mind the time left for SSC CGL exams. Your decision will also depend upon the time factor as you should not make plans that are unachievable. Time plays an important role. At the end of the day, if you run out of time, even the best-laid plans will come to waste. Manage your sectional preparation time-slots in the following manner as recommended by expats to help you crack SSC CGL in first attempt -

Refer to Topper-recommended Study Materials 

Preparation for SSC CGL Tier I & Tier II is really crucial. The preparation should consist of a mix of practicing with SSC CGL Test Series as well as referring to useful books, expert study modules, live quizzes, question banks, CA journals, etc. You can download SSC CGL Study Material from EduRev

Never Say NO to Revision

Revision is necessary or else on the 31st day of your study timetable, you’d forget what you have prepared in the initial weeks. Once you have completed a topic, you must revise the important formula, dates, concepts, and key events surrounding the topic on a regular basis. Regular revision helps to transfer information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory. For instance, revise Reasoning and Maths topics daily so that you don’t forget the key formulae, tables, and charts during the actual exam.

Start Giving Mock Tests

Like artists practice 15 to 20 years for a 15 seconds of stage performance, as a SSC CGL aspirants, you also need to attempt at least 15 to 20 mock tests for securing good marks during the 60 minutes of Tier 1 exam. Upon attempting each test series or mocks, note your three strengths and weaknesses each and analyze it while you are giving the next mock. Check out the different SSC CGL Test Series available on EduRev to prepare in full force right away below -

SSC CGL Order of Attempt

Go through the table below to know the SSC CGL order of attempt for the Tier 1 exam. This will help to distribute time to the important topics.

But you may change your priority order depending upon your score in various sections and sub-topics in Mock Tests.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for Tier I 

SSC CGL Tier I Preparation Strategy involves understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, creating a study plan, preparing notes, solving previous year question papers, and taking mock tests. It is important to focus on topics that have higher weightage in the exam and to practice as many questions as possible. Additionally, one should also stay updated with the latest exam pattern and trends by reading newspapers and magazines.

SSC CGL Subject Wise Preparation Tips

Given below are the subject-wise preparation strategies for SSC CGL Tier I Exam –

• English Language: Focus on improving your reading and comprehension skills. Work on understanding the meaning of words accurately and practice sentence construction.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Practice the basic concepts and formulas regularly and use short-cut tricks to solve the questions quickly.
• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analyze the questions carefully, practice logical reasoning and focus on solving puzzles.
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Read newspapers regularly and keep yourself updated on current affairs. Focus on developing a good knowledge base in basic GK topics.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for General Intelligence & Reasoning

Solving General Intelligence (GI) questions can be very tricky unless you have sufficient practice. In addition to solving practice papers, try at least 30 GI and reasoning questions every day. This way you will have practiced at least 1200 questions of GI and reasoning before your actual exam. As you go on practicing, you will gradually devise tricks of your own to tackle some GI questions.

Begin your Reasoning Preparation Here:

• Reasoning: This is undoubtedly the best place to clear all concepts in order to prepare for SSC CGL Tier 1 exam.
• Reasoning Quiz: To ensure that you are actually learning and not just wasting time, keep a track of your preparation by taking these quizzes. These quizzes are prepared by keeping in mind the SSC CGL Exam pattern & last year exam analysis.

Topics like Puzzles, analogy, coding-decoding, series, figure-based questions, etc. are very scoring. Start with these and move on to more versatile questions. You will notice a massive improvement in your accuracy within a week if you practice consistently. Furthermore, non-verbal reasoning topics like image assembling, figure-counting, etc. require you to employ visual imagination. Do not skip or ignore these questions because they seem time-consuming to you. Solving them is the best way to make them less time-consuming and aspirants can check the status of their SSC CGL application here at the linked article.

Note: While practicing, your aim is to be able to attempt at least 20 questions in 18-20 minutes with reasonable accuracy. In the exam also, try to solve this section in not more than 20 minutes. For more information.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy General Awareness and Current Affairs

General Awareness (GA) is the most scoring section of the exam. If you prepare this section thoroughly now, it will not take more than 10 minutes of your time during the exam. You can utilize the time you save here for doing calculations in Quantitative Aptitude. The exam usually has more questions from Static GK than Current Affairs. Therefore, focus more on static GK and simultaneously stay in touch with Current Affairs.
Prepare the subjects in the following order of priority

Science ⇒ Polity ⇒ History ⇒ Economy ⇒ Geography ⇒ Miscellaneous
Static GK mainly pertains to Culture, Indian History, Geography (India+World), Environment, Economy and Polity. Instead of cramming mindlessly, make notes and mindmaps to remember facts, a chronology of events, cause and effect, etc. Doing this will also make your revision process quicker. Practice at least 20-30 questions of GA everyday within 15 minutes. From this section focus on those topics which are asked in previous papers of SSC CGL Tier I exam.

The following material will help you cover almost all aspects of General Awareness:

• Current Affairs : Since you have more than three months of time, go through the notes and capsules in the App. Also, take the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Quizzes.
• Static GK: These capsules are important to keep you up to date on trivia and events and to boost your General Awareness.
• GK Quiz: Improve your General Knowledge with these short quizzes. To prepare for SSC CGL Tier 1 exam and simultaneously test yourself, these quizzes are the best platform.
• Current Affairs Quiz: Make it a point to take these quizzes daily. For more information on how to prepare for general awareness, you can go through the Preparation Strategy For General Awareness

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative aptitude is considered to be the most difficult and time-consuming part of the exam. But since you still have enough time to prepare for SSC CGL Tier 1 exam, you can utilize this time & make yourself expertise in at least some of the areas of the quantitative section. For this, you can start with topics such as percentage, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, speed distance & time, boat & stream, SI & CI, data interpretation etc. Begin your preparation here:

• Quant: Carefully go through all the shortcuts, concepts and tips.
• Quant Quiz: Assess yourself with these tiny quizzes having solutions to fix your mistakes on the spot.
• Take one mock test daily leading up to the exam.
• Practice on the app daily. When you’re traveling or bored. When you sit down to practice.
• Read all the solutions carefully to understand the concepts used in the questions.

Simplification, Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Partnership and Age-Problems are easy and scoring so spend more time with these topics. While going through the previous years’ question papers, analyze the nature of the questions asked from these as well as other topics. Learn all the important formulas by heart and time yourself while practicing. Furthermore, practice on the app daily.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy English Language

There are three important aspects that you need to master to efficiently prepare for SSC CGL Tier 1 English test. These are Vocabulary, Grammar and Comprehension. If you achieve proficiency in Vocabulary and Grammar, you will win half the battle. After this, all you need is to work on Comprehension. The pattern and questions in this exam often get repeated. Therefore, a thorough preparation can help you wrap up this entire section within 10 minutes in the exam.

• Comprehension: Practice at least 5 comprehension passages daily. The trick here is to read the questions before you read the passage, as then while reading the passage you will know exactly what you are looking for. In fact, sometimes, the answers to all the questions which follow the passage lie in the initial paragraphs.
• Vocabulary: Since you have to prepare for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam, you probably get to read a lot. Whenever you come across a new word, check the meaning of the word and try to reuse it and its synonyms and antonyms in sentences. Also, make sure you do this for all the new words that you come across in the model/previous years’ question papers and while studying Current Affairs. Do make it a point to go through our Word Power Made Easy Capsules to learn memory techniques for vocabulary, grammar lessons, tips, tricks and more.
• Grammar: Just like vocabulary, your grammar will also improve if you read more sincerely. In any case, try as many questions as you can on:
  • Error Spotting
  • Phrase Replacement
  • Fill in the Blanks
• Once you exhaust model/previous years’ papers, move over to other sources to practice at least 30 questions of grammar each day. Try to quickly scan across newspapers like ‘The Hindu’ daily. Some other sources you can rely on are:
  • English Quiz: Practice questions in tiny quizzes and see where you stand among your peers.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for Tier II Exam

Given below are the subject-wise preparation strategies for SSC CGL Tier II Exam:

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy Quantitative Ability 

Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important requisites to clear any government exam. Quantitative aptitude also requires one’s accuracy. Given that numbers, percentages, formulas, analysis are at play, it is crucial for the executive to be highly accurate, as there is little scope for errors. Though it is considered tough by many aspirants since you have EduRev and have enough time to prepare for SSC CGL Tier 2 exam, you can use this & can be expertise in at least some of the areas of the quantitative section. Here are the topics and number of questions asked in the previous year’s exam of the English Language Section.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy English Language

The English Language is something considered the toughest subject to score. Widely speaking, there are key points to improve the English language for competitive exams. It is important to evolve yourself with English, everything you pass through your daily life, try to make those all in English. A candidate should have a thorough knowledge of the basics of the English Language.Below are important topics in English to cover for SSC CGL Tier-II Exam. 

• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Cloze Test
• Fill in the blanks
• Spelling Test
• Idioms and Phrases 
• One-word substitution 
• Sentence or Phrase Improvement
• Sentence correction/ Spotting the error
• Active/ Passive Voice 
• Direct-Indirect Speech
• Reading Comprehension

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy Statistics

Our experts have compiled Study Notes to help you prepare Statistics for SSC CGL Tier 2. All you have to do is download the Study Notes as PDF and also aspirants willing to appear for further examinations here can check SSC CGL Preparation Tips in the linked article.
Given below are the sub-topics that can be asked from each major topic. Important Topics for Statistics Section –

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy General Studies (Finance & Economics)

From the exam point of view, Finance and Economics holds pristine importance. Well, this section is also a very good scoring subject. With good practice, candidates can attempt more questions in less time and score good marks in this Section. Chances of getting negative marks are also quite meager in this section. Below are given few tips for General Studies Section.

• Time Saver: This section does not involve calculations, arithmetics or any rule, candidates can attempt questions based on this section quickly. Good marks can be scored easily scored if candidates can prepare some of the topics from this section. Candidates should also check the SSC CGL Cut Off for information in the direct link.
• Lesser Negative Marks: As there is no need to solve GA Questions, you will always know whether you know the answer or not. This means there is less probability to get a wrong answer.

Below we have bifurcated each part to make your deep understanding of each topic.

• Part A: Finance and Accounts: Financial Accounting and Basic concepts of Accounting. This paper is of 80 marks.
• Part B: Economics and Micro Economics, Theory of Demand and Supply, Theory of Production and Cost, Money and Banking, Indian Economy, Economic Reforms in India, Money, and Banking

Follow the Steps Below

• Analyse your weaknesses and strengths and plan accordingly: While you are solving and practicing each topic, you should mark those areas that are your strength and areas that are your weaknesses. Once you have marked these areas, give time to your weaknesses more than your strengths and plan accordingly.
• Inculcate reading habits: In order to ace your English comprehension section and your current affairs, reading newspapers and weeklies is the best habit that you can inculcate. This habit will keep updating your English vocabulary and will help you in reading and comprehension.
• Take mock tests and practice papers: Mock Tests and practice papers including previous year’s question papers are very important for understanding the pattern of exam as well the kind of questions that usually come. Solving these papers also boosts your confidence, and most importantly helps in time management which is one of the most essential keys for a successful preparation.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is synonymous with a successful preparation. You should eat and sleep properly. At least 6 hours of sleep, little exercise, and healthy diet should be followed.
• Revision is the key: Keep revising once you are through with the syllabus. The more you revise, the more grip you have over all the topics.
• Do Not Panic: This is the most important mantra for every exam that you give. Do not let the exam pressure take a toll on your preparations. Be patient and TRY to give full effort and attention to the topic you are studying. Do not easily get carried away by the bulk of the syllabus or the lack of time. Be confident in what you study and mentally prepare yourself for anything that might come for the test and of course, the result.

SSC CGL Last Minute Preparation Tips 2023

As you all know, lakhs of students over the country prepare for the same exam and the probability of you passing the exam divides among those students. Well, the SSC CGL exams are said to be one of the most competitive exams in the country, and passing them would mean the world to so many students. Today we are going to talk about the 7 most important tricks one can follow as the SSC CGL last minute Preparation tips. All these tips will amplify and enhance your overall skills, confidence, and presence of mind which will eventually reflect in your results.

1. Revise the Important Topics First!

• The important topics for SSC CGL are often known by previous year question papers and candidates must pay special notice on these topics during the last month of preparation which is the revision phase.
• The probability of questions coming from important topics is far more than the topics which are less common. So ultimately, This might increase the general score of the candidate.
• While preparing, keeping a separate sheet or book for every subject may result in remembering all the important formulas and tricks by revising them on an everyday basis. This tip proves to be foremost useful during the last month of preparation.

2. Solve the Mock Tests and Test Series

• Solving the SSC CGL Mock Test ensures that you are ready to face the difficulty level expected in the SSC CGL Exams.
• Test Series is designed to test a student in all the departments and questions are framed in such a way that students get tested but keep boosting their confidence at the same time.
• The last month accounts for the revision of students and they should solve these test series and train their minds for the level of competitive exams.

3. Practice According to Exam Pattern

• Students need to understand that during the revision phase, the students should not start studying at random pages and random topics, as it will only make them confused individuals.
• Doing such chaos and mess will only mess with their minds and the end results will be nothing but wasted time which nobody wants.
• The simple way to solve this problem is, by studying according to the SSC CGL Exam Pattern.
• The exam pattern is designed for the students to learn how to plan their studies logically.

4. Refer to Previous Year’s Question Papers

• This step is as important as studying for the exams. Previous year’s papers are made available to the students so that they can refer to them and Learn how a competitive paper looks and should be solved.
• Referring to SSC CGL’s previous years’ question paper exposes the students to real-life competitive exams without even attending the exams.
• The last few days before the exams are meant to be a revision face and therefore rather than starting a new topic is illogical and referring to the previous year’s question paper is the only way to go.

5. Maintaining a Balance between Accuracy and Speed

• Students need to understand that speeding up and completing a topic just for the sake of completing it is logical and is not going to help them in the longer run.
• Therefore, the student needs to find a healthy balance between maintaining accuracy and not forgetting about the speed but also not giving Speed the ultimate priority.
• Students can learn there by reading the SSC CGL Examination tips before starting the actual preparation of the exams.

6. Practicing the answers by writing them on papers

• In the world of online study material students have forgotten about how important writing is and how it prepares them for the worst condition in the exam hall.
• Practicing the answers on paper not only increases the writing speed of the shoot and but also exercises their mind to be more present which eventually increases the presence of mind.

7. Keep the Mind Stress-free.

• The students are bound to encounter stress when learning a new topic for revising the topics as reality hits them and they think they would not be able to clear the exams.
• However, the students need to back their abilities and the preparation they have done throughout the year and not come under the burden of stress and lose all their senses while writing the exam for preparing for it at the last minute.
• The students need to be aware of their surroundings and they should prepare all the miscellaneous activities beforehand like noting down the examination date their roll numbers etc and only focus on the revision part in the last few days of their preparation.

8. Tips to Improve English Skills

• Firstly, improve your vocabulary, this can be the best way to crack the English comprehension section.
• Use a thesaurus to study and memorize words. Online thesauruses are available to learn antonyms and synonyms of one word.
• Carry a pocket notebook and make a note of words you come across. They can be easily accessed and revised anytime you want to. Jot out 10 – 20 words every day.
• Download free flashcards if you use an ipad or mobile. These online flashcards help you remember words and help you learn.
• Grammar is the foundation for mastering/ learning any new language. Understanding grammar usage is necessary to attend questions in the English language and comprehension section. Spotting the type of the error of questions is asked and finding the error is possible only with first-class grammar knowledge. Grammar rules have to be strictly followed to find the exact answer.

SSC CGL Exam Day Tips

Candidates should follow the below mentioned tips for exam day.

• Carry the SSC CGL admit card to the exam hall.
• Reach the exam center much before the exam time; candidates won't be allowed to enter the exam hall after 9.30 am.
• Also carry the "downloaded admit card and with proforma which is an attachment of Admit Card with Post Card Size Photograph duly affixed on it".
• Do not carry anything to the exam hall except admit cards and photographs.
• Pen or Pencil will be provided to candidates at the examination hall.
• If you are found practicing any unfair means during the exam duration, you will be disqualified from the exam.
• No eatables or liquids are allowed in the exam hall.
• Water bottles must be transparent.
• Check your pockets for any piece of paper, if found later you will be disqualified.
• No electronic items are allowed in the exam hall.
• Only basic analog watches can be worn in the exam hall.
• Candidates must not wear rings, bracelets, earrings, chains, nose pins, pendant, badge, brooch, hairpin, hair band, clothes with full sleeves.
• Candidates should wear Floaters (Chappal) instead of shoes. 
• Due to any technical issues if examination is not started at designated time then candidates must follow the instructions given by the invigilators present. 
• Students have to sit in the exam hall for complete exam hours, even if the exam is over or completed from your side.
• No books/notepads/registers/magazines are allowed in the exam hall.

SSC CGL Preparation Do’s and Don’ts for Exam

Since this is a highly competitive exam that is conducted annually, there are a few important do’s and don’ts that can help the candidates to prepare better for the exam.

SSC CGL DO’s

• Read the notifications and guidelines: This is the foremost and the most important step for the preparation of the exam. The candidates are required to read all the official notifications that are released by the commission to be aware of any new changes that are introduced by the commission. The candidates must check the official notification for the syllabus to prepare for their exam.
• Stick to the syllabus: This is a point that needs important emphasis. The candidates are advised to follow the syllabus prescribed by the commission to prepare for their test. They must plan their time well to study the syllabus thoroughly before appearing for the test.
• Choose a single source to study from: The applicants often end up getting their concept messed up while learning from the different sources. You must choose a source that you find easy to follow and study from that source only to prepare for your test. This way, you will be able to have clarity about the concepts and will end up solving the questions quickly. 
• Attempt mock tests: The candidates must test their knowledge often with plenty of mock tests that are available on various sites online. This will help them to identify the weak topics so that they can focus more on them.
• Save time for revision: The candidates are suggested that they leave enough time for the revision as this will help them to touch upon all the topics once before attempting the exam.
• Balance your lifestyle: The candidates must balance their food, exercise, sleep, meditation, and studies for the exam as this will promote better retention power and a fresh mind.

SSC CGL DON’Ts 

• Mugging up concepts: The candidates must clarify their concepts for better understanding and must not try to mug up the concept using short tricks and other odd methods. Rote learning will not help them to achieve a great score on the test.
• Not analyzing mock test performance: The candidates not only need to attempt the mock tests but also need to analyze their performance in each and every mock test to identify their weak topics so that they can work on them.
• Not following a study plan: The candidates often lose track of time when they do not follow a study plan. The failure to follow a study plan will make the candidates unable to manage their time and the syllabus that is left for the preparation.
• Preparing for different exams simultaneously: This is a mistake that is quite common and often becomes a barrier to achieve a decent score in competitive exams. Though the different exams might have the same syllabus, all the exams have different patterns and question levels that do not allow the candidates to perform well in both of the exams simultaneously as they fail to pick up a definite exam pattern.
• Ignoring the previous year’s papers: The candidates are advised to not only give plenty of mock tests but to also study the pattern of the questions that have been asked in the exams over the past few years. This helps the candidates to find certain topics that are asked more frequently than others, and they can give more importance to those topics. The candidates who do not follow the previous year’s papers often lose an edge over the others.
• Losing calm: This can make all the preparation done by the candidate go down the drain. The candidates must follow a good schedule and sleep peacefully to avoid causing any stress before the exam. The candidates can take up meditation to keep their calm before the exam.