SSC CGL Preparation Tips 2024, Get 100 Days CGL Study Plan

SSC CGL is one of the toughest exams in India after UPSC, CDS, and other exams. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the CGL Examination with the will to secure a Grade B or a Grade C post in various ministries and departments under the government of India. The most popular posts in SSC CGL are Inspector in Income Tax, CBI, NIA, Excise, AAO, ASO in CSS, MEA etc. To crack SSC CGL, candidates must need a good consolidated and strategic plan.

Candidates need a minimum of 3 months of preparation to crack the SSC CGL Exam. In this article, we have shared a very detailed SSC CGL Preparation Strategy. We have covered a complete 90-day plan for each subject and tier below. Read the article for further details.

Understand the SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The first step towards preparing for the SSC CGL Exam is to understand the SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. Without the knowledge of the exam pattern and syllabus, candidates won’t be able to figure out what exactly they have to study. So to prepare a long-term study plan, start with understanding the SSC CGL Exam Pattern and memorizing the SSC CGL Syllabus.

The CGL Exam is divided into two stages- Prelims ( Tier 1) and Mains (Tier 2). Tier 1 is a qualifying stage where the merit list is prepared based on the main examination performance. For the convenience of the candidates, we have shared below a precise SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus table for the CGL Tier 1 Exam.

Check the SSC CGL Syllabus for the Mains Examination here- SSC CGL Syllabus. 

Analyze SSC CGL Previous Year Papers

Once done with the syllabus and exam pattern, candidates must check and properly analyse the SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers. By analysing the previous year’s papers, candidates will get an idea of the difficulty level of the exam, the topics from which questions are asked, and an in-depth knowledge of the exam. The right way to solve the CGL Previous Year Papers is to set a timer and attempt the papers in an exam-like environment so that candidates will gain confidence and overcome their fears and anxieties.

Assess the Current Level of Preparation

Candidates who have given one or two attempts must make sure to assess their preparation level to check the loopholes in the preparation. By analyzing their preparation they will be able to work on the weak areas and make a fresh consolidated plan. To do this, candidates can either analyze their CGL Answer Key or they can also attempt a mock test. If you are a beginner in SSC CGL Preparation, you can either skip this step or attempt a mock to check the difficulty level of the exam.

Setting Monthly and Weekly Goals

By now, as an aspirant, you must have gained all the basic details of the exam. Now before beginning the preparations, candidates must first devise a proper study plan. Candidates must break their SSC CGL Study Plan into monthly, weekly, and daily goals.

For reference, we have shared below a sample SSC CGL Study Plan, candidates can take an idea from this table and prepare their study plan.

Subject-Wise SSC CGL Preparation Tips

There are 4 major subjects in the SSC CGL Preparation in both Prelims and Mains Examination- Quantative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Knowledge/General Awareness, and English Language. Candidates should focus on each subject to ensure a good and safe score. Candidates can check the subject-wise SSC CGL Preparation tips below.

How to Prepare General Intelligence & Reasoning for SSC CGL?

Start your SSC CGL preparation with General Intelligence & Reasoning, as this is one of the highest-scoring subjects in the exam.

• Understand Concepts: Start with basic concepts like classification, analogy, series, coding-decoding, etc.
• Practice Regularly: Solve puzzles, seating arrangement, and non-verbal reasoning regularly to improve problem-solving skills.
• Time Management: Practice with timers to enhance speed and accuracy.
• Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.

How to Prepare Quantative Aptitude for SSC CGL?

If prepared well, candidates may be able to score full scores or a minimum higher score in the quantitative aptitude section. Check the strategy to prepare quantitative aptitude below.

• Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding concepts like number system, algebra, geometry, etc.
• Practice Variety: Solve different types of questions like data interpretation, simplification, time & distance, etc.
• Formula Memorization: Memorize important formulas and shortcuts for quick calculations.
• Regular Revision: Regularly revise concepts and practice with timed quizzes.

How to Prepare the English Language for SSC CGL?

Although the English Language seems to be an easy section, scoring a good score in this section might be tough. Since vocabulary, synonyms and cloze tests might seem difficult to certain candidates.

• Grammar Basics: Start with basic grammar rules like tenses, articles, prepositions, etc.
• Vocabulary Building: Learn new words daily and practice synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
• Reading Comprehension: Practice reading and comprehending passages quickly and accurately.
• Mock Tests and Practice: Solve previous year’s papers, mock tests, and practice sets regularly.

How to Prepare General Awareness/ General Knowledge for SSC CGL?

Regularly reading newspapers, following reliable news sources, and using current affairs magazines can significantly enhance your knowledge in these areas. Additionally, solving quizzes and practice tests on these topics will help in better retention and application during the exam.

• Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily news, especially related to national and international events.
• Static GK: Focus on topics like history, geography, polity, economy, science, etc.
• Government Schemes: Understand major government schemes, policies, and initiatives.
• Practice Quizzes: Solve quizzes and practice questions to reinforce knowledge.

Attempt CGL Mock Tests

Just learning the topics won’t fetch you good marks in SSC CGL. As a serious candidate, if you want to clear the SSC CGL Exam, you need to attempt mock tests. Mock tests help candidates keep their preparation on track, and see their loopholes in the preparation. The benefits of solving the SSC CGL Mock Tests are as follows:

• Assessment of Preparation: Mock tests help assess your level of preparation and identify areas that need improvement.
• Exam Simulation: They simulate the actual exam environment, helping you become familiar with the format, time constraints, and question types.
• Time Management: Practicing mock tests improves time management skills, allowing you to allocate time effectively to different sections.
• Error Identification: Mock tests help in identifying common mistakes and errors, allowing you to rectify them before the actual exam.
• Performance Analysis: Analyzing mock test results provides insights into strengths and weaknesses, enabling focused revision.
• Confidence Boost: Successful completion of mock tests boosts confidence and reduces exam anxiety, leading to better performance in the actual exam.

Don’t Skip Revisions

Consistent revision is crucial for success in the SSC CGL exam. It ensures that you retain information, reinforce concepts, and identify areas needing improvement. Regular revision sessions help solidify your understanding of topics across all subjects. By revisiting key concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques, you not only enhance your memory but also build confidence in tackling different question types. Moreover, revising regularly allows you to track your progress, and refine your exam strategy.

• Consistent revision strengthens memory and understanding.
• Helps identify and address weaknesses.
• Builds confidence and refines exam strategy.
• Tracks progress and ensure thorough preparation.
• Focuses on understanding rather than rote memorization.

SSC CGL Preparation Tips Tier-Wise

As mentioned above, there are two tiers in the SSC CGL Exam. Tier 1 is a qualifying and objective type. However, Tier 2 i.e., the Mains Examination will be a bit detailed and descriptive and need more in-depth preparation. Check the tier-wise preparation strategy below.

Preparation for SSC CGL Tier 1:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Get familiar with the exam pattern of Tier 1, including the number of questions, marks distribution, and time duration.
• Focus on Basics: Concentrate on strengthening your basics in General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
• Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy in solving different types of questions.
• Time Management: Develop time management skills to ensure you can attempt all sections within the allotted time.

Preparation for SSC CGL Tier 2:

• Know the Exam Structure: Understand the format of Tier 2, focusing on the specific subjects tested, such as Quantitative Abilities and English Language & Comprehension.
• Master Quantitative Skills: Practice extensively in areas like Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Data Interpretation for the Quantitative Abilities section.
• Enhance Language Skills: Work on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills for the English Language & Comprehension section.
• Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the difficulty level and types of questions asked in Tier 2.
• Time Management Strategies: Develop strategies to manage your time effectively during the Tier 2 exam, allocating sufficient time to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.

Last Few Months Preparation Tips for SSC CGL

Candidates must make sure to follow these steps while they are preparing for the exam.

• Revise Important Topics: Focus on revising topics from previous years’ papers that are frequently asked, boosting your overall score.
• Solve Mock Tests: Practice with mock tests to get accustomed to the exam’s difficulty level and boost confidence.
• Follow Exam Pattern: Study according to the SSC CGL exam pattern to logically plan your revision.
• Refer to Previous Papers: Reviewing previous years’ papers gives insight into the exam format and prepares you for real-life scenarios.
• Balance Speed and Accuracy: Prioritize accuracy while maintaining a reasonable speed during your preparation and practice.
• Practice Writing Answers: Writing answers on paper improves speed and enhances your presence of mind during exams.
• Manage Stress: Stay calm, back your preparation, and focus on revising rather than stressing about the exam.

SSC CGL Preparation Tips for Beginners

If you are a beginner and want to prepare for SSC CGL, we advise candidates to watch the video shared below.

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