SSC CGL exam is one of the most competitive examinations conducted in India. It provides access to some of the most coveted jobs under the central government, departments, ministries, and organizations. Thousands of aspirants compete for limited posts that become available annually. Hence, it’s a tough competition, and preparing is all the more important.

As a premier coaching centre in Shimla, Bright Career Academy understands the importance of a well-structured and disciplined preparation strategy. In this detailed blog, we will guide you through effective preparation tips, strategies, and important aspects of the SSC CGL exam. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or someone looking to improve their performance, this guide will help you stay on track for success.

Understanding the SSC CGL Exam

But before starting with the preparation process, one needs to know about the structure of SSC CGL exam and its various stages.

Tier I: This stage will consist of an objective type exam that tests General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

Tier II: This stage is advanced level with objective type questions on Quantitative Abilities, English Language and Comprehension, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics).

Tier III: A descriptive paper in which the candidates have to write essays, letters, or applications in English/Hindi.

Tier IV: A skill-based test, like computer proficiency or data entry speed, according to the need of the job profile.

A candidate must qualify every level to move on to the next one. The last choice is based on cumulative performance in the first three levels of selections, and it is qualifying type.

The fourth level deals with a well-defined plan.

The key to cracking the SSC CGL exam is smart work rather than hard work alone. A well-defined preparation strategy and its proper implementation hold the key to success. Consistency and discipline in the journey of preparation are the mantras that Bright Career Academy stresses upon. 

How you can do SSC CGL exam preparation:     

1.     Clear Goals and Deadlines

It is very much important to make achievable goals. Divide your syllabus into smaller segments and give deadlines for each segment. The deadline will keep you focused and motivated. Flexibility in the plan is also a must, as your progress may sometimes change your way of planning.

For example,

Week 1-4 General Intelligence and Reasoning

Week 5-8 Quantitative Aptitude

Week 9-12 English Comprehension and General Awareness.

Having a clear roadmap will ensure that you do not feel buried under the volume of the syllabus.

2.     SSC CGL exam Syllabus

The SSC CGL exam syllabus is broad, and what to study is half the battle won. Let’s break it down for each tier:

Tier I – General Intelligence and Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, etc.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: Series, Mirror Images, Pattern Recognition, etc.

Tier I – General Awareness

Current Affairs: National and international news, sports, and awards.

History: Indian History and World History.

Geography: Physical, Political, and Economic geography.

Polity: Indian Constitution, Political System.

Economy: Basic concepts of Indian economy.

Science: General Science topics.

Tier II – Quantitative Aptitude

Arithmetic: Number Systems, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, etc.

Algebra: Simplification, Linear Equations.

Geometry: Lines, Angles, Circles, etc.

Trigonometry: Heights and Distances, Trigonometric Ratios.

Tier III – English Comprehension

Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms.

Grammar: correction in errors, tense, active/ passive voice and so on.

Reading Comprehension: ability to read and understand a particular passage

3.     Basic backbone with foundation

Whether you understand the topics very well or not you need to focus on the foundation first. Basic ideas particularly in math and English must be addressed at basic level itself, as that alone can prove as a hinder in many’s when they sit down for preparation.

Maths:

Mind relations with number theory problems. Practice problems related to percent, time and work, speed and distance, etc. to strengthen yourself

Practice from the basic level towards advanced topics in geometry and trigonometry

Basic Grammar: Past, Present, Future, all tenses, subject verb agreement, and then even sentence structure

Read the newspapers, solve word lists from standard SSC CGL exam books improve vocabulary

4.     Time Management and Speed

The SSC CGL is very much in fashion as aggressive time constraints are provided. Practice and master time management in the practice session as well as in the actual exam is a must. Here’s how you can do it, improving your speed.

Practice papers with a timer

Learning mathematical shortcuts to problems to be quickly solved

Regular mock tests to measure your speed and what needs improvement.

Avoid Overthinking: During the examination, do not spend too much time on difficult questions. Move ahead and come back to them if time permits

5.     Work on Weak Areas

Everything has his strong and weak sides. In case of weaker subjects while practicing for the SSC CGL work on weaker areas whereas practice stronger ones more. When you are weak at Quantitative Aptitude, then spend more time solving practice questions. Similarly, if General Awareness is your weak point, then create a habit to read the newspaper daily and study standard reference books.

At Bright Career Academy, we give individualized feedback and mentoring so that the student can focus on areas of improvement. We ensure a regular doubt-solving session so that the students understand tough concepts.

6.     Practice and Mock Tests: End

Consistent practice makes the spine of clearing SSC CGL exam . Though you might have understood the theories pretty well, you would be practicing question after question with better speed and accuracy. Past year papers as well as mock tests are a must during your practice time.

Importance of Mock Tests

Prepares you for exam pattern.

Improves time management skills.

Reveals you clearly about your strength and weakness points.

Reduces the level of nervousness before the actual examination.

We must try mock tests once in a week. At Bright Career Academy, we have mock tests. We simulate the actual atmosphere of the exams in our centre. It has an actual life-like experience to students.

7.     Current Affairs

SSC CGL General Awareness is going to hold a huge percentage of Current Affairs. Some time should be spent scanning the newspapers, news on the TV daily. One must also get the SSC Current Affairs magazines and websites.

What to focus:

National and International News: Current events, Schemes of Govt, sports updates.

Science and Technology: Innovations, discoveries, developments.

Important dates: Identification of days, events, and Commemorations.

Awards and Honors: Nobel, Padma Awards, and other national/ international awards.

8.     Healthy Body and Stress Free

Last but not the least, a healthy life is required to maintain a balanced preparation. Burn out may occur with overwork. Take regular breaks, exercise regularly, eat healthily, and sleep enough. A healthy body leads to a sharp mind which is required to perform the exam in an optimum manner.

How to de-stress:

Practice mindfulness or meditation to keep calm.

Divide your study hours.

Use breaks for something you love or an activity that you love to do.

Conclusion

Working smart rather than just working hard seems to make more difference for success in SSC CGL. It has effective key components: structure, practice in the daily routine, and focused efforts on weaknesses. Here, at Bright Career Academy, we ensure that every aspirant acquires these tools and guides so that they are able to stand on the pinnacle of success. We believe cracking the SSC CGL exam easily and eventually attaining a high-paid government job is possible with the right attitude, determination, and a disciplined approach.