The SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) exam is one of India’s most competitive government exams, opening doors to top posts like Assistant Section Officer (MEA), Income Tax Inspector, AAO, and more. With lakhs of aspirants but only a fraction getting selected, having a well-structured strategy is non-negotiable.
1. Understanding the Exam Structure
Tier-I (Prelims)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Sections: Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, English Comprehension, General Awareness (25 questions each)
- Total Marks: 200
Tier-II (Mains)
Paper-I (Compulsory for all): Quantitative Ability & Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Proficiency
Paper-II: Statistics (for certain posts)
Paper-III: Finance & Economics (for AAO)
Subject-Wise Strategy
A. Quantitative Aptitude
Weightage: ~35% in Tier-II
Topics: Arithmetic (ratio, percentage, profit & loss, SI/CI, time-speed-distance, mixture), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, DI.
How to Prepare:
- Master NCERT Class 6–10 basics first.
- Use R.S. Aggarwal + Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav.
- Practice short tricks for time management.
- Daily 25–30 questions topic-wise, then mixed sets.
- Focus on DI (Data Interpretation) since SSC loves bar graphs, pie charts, caselets.
Golden Rule: Accuracy first, speed next. Negative marking is costly.
B. Reasoning
Weightage: Easy-moderate in Tier-I, Logical + Analytical in Tier-II.
Topics: Coding-Decoding, Series, Analogy, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Statement-Assumption, Puzzle-Seating, Missing Number, Venn Diagrams.
- Learn basics of each type, then practice via Kiran’s SSC Reasoning Chapterwise.
- In Tier-II, focus more on analytical reasoning and logical arguments.
- Practice 2–3 puzzles daily.
Hack: Reasoning is about pattern recognition. Build speed with daily mock puzzles.
C. English Comprehension
Topics: Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word), Grammar (tenses, prepositions, voice, narration), RC, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles.
How to Prepare:
- Plinth to Paramount (Neetu Singh) for grammar basics.
- Daily editorial reading from The Hindu/Indian Express. Note 10 vocab words daily.
- SSC repeats questions—so practice previous 10 years’ papers.
- Mock tests for comprehension speed.
Hack: English is a rank booster. Scoring 160+ in Tier-II English is achievable with daily reading + grammar drills.
D. General Awareness (GS)
- Topics: Static GK (History, Polity, Geography, Economy), Current Affairs (last 12 months), Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics).
- How to Prepare:
- Lucent’s GK (Bible for SSC).
- Daily Current Affairs notes (Vision IAS / GKToday monthly).
- Focus areas: Polity (Articles, Amendments, Schemes), Economy (budget, banking), Science (daily life applications).
- Hack: Attempt GK in under 5 minutes in prelims—saves time for Quant & Reasoning.
E. Computer Proficiency (Tier-II)
- Basic MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Networking.
- Source: Arihant Computer Awareness by Soumya Ranjan.
- Hack: Daily 15 minutes revision is enough—questions are direct.