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SSC CGL Preparation Tips for beginners: Check Subject-Wise Strategies for Tier I and Tier II

Preparing for the SSC CGL exam can seem scary, especially for beginners. But with a smart strategy, understanding of the exam pattern, and subject-wise preparation plan, cracking the exam becomes achievable. If you are preparing for SSC CGL for the first time this guide, will help you in knowing the detailed SSC CGL preparation tips, subject strategies, and preparation plans for both Tier I and Tier II to help you get started on your SSC CGL journey. Generally, there are three type of people who are attempting the SSC CGL exam, like freshers like you, secondly Working professionals, housewife’s, etc, and lastly aspirants who attempted the exam previously.   

SSC CGL Preparation Tips: Smart Study and Subject Wise Plan

A well-planned study approach tailored to each subject can make your SSC CGL preparation more focused and effective. Creating a smart study schedule and breaking down your preparation by subjects to boost your confidence and performance. Since the exam is conducted in two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2, preparing a proper strategy and study plan is quite important

Importance of Creating a Study Schedule

A well-structured study schedule is the foundation of your SSC CGL preparation. It helps you organize your daily study hours, ensures coverage of the entire syllabus, and keeps you motivated. Start by allocating time slots for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. In the successive paragraphs we will provide you detailed Study plan to get you started.

Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses

Identify your strong and weak areas in the early stages of your preparation will help you know the areas which need more attention, especially for beginners preparing for SSC CGL for the first time this is very important. Dedicate extra time to weaker topics while maintaining regular practice of stronger subjects. This balance ensures overall improvement and higher scores.

Using Study Breaks Effectively

SSC CGL preparation is tiresome, take short breaks between study sessions, this will improve focus and retention. Use these breaks to relax, hydrate, or do light physical activity to keep your mind fresh.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus

As you are preparing for SSC CGL for the first time, understanding the SSC CGL exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. Knowing the structure of each tier and the topics covered helps you plan your study strategy efficiently. This section breaks down the exam format and syllabus, so you can focus on the most important areas and maximize your scoring potential.

Overview of SSC CGL Exam Structure

SSC CGL exam is conducted in two phases: SSC CGL Tier I (Prelims), and Tier II (Mains). Each tier tests your skills and sets you apart for the crowd, scoring high in Tier I and II will ensures you name in final selection list. SSC CGL Tier I Exam is be conducted online comprising four sections with a total 100 MCQs for 200 marks. The entire exam has to be completed in 60 minutes or 1 hour. SSC CGL Tier 1 will be qualifying in nature and the marks obtained in this exam will not be counted in the final score. Whereas SSC CGL II exam consists of Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III, with Paper I comprises of 150 MCQs (multiple-choice questions) for 450 marks whereas Paper II and Paper III having 100 questions for 200 marks (each paper).  Brief overview of SSC CGL Exam pattern is given below:

SSC CGL Tier-I Examination pattern

Subject

Number of
Questions

Maximum
Marks

Time allowed

General Intelligence
and Reasoning

25

50

1 hour

(1hour
and 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe)

General Awareness

25

50

Quantitative Aptitude

25

50

English Comprehension

25

50

SSC CGL Tier-II Examination pattern

SSC
CGL Tier-II Exam

No.
of Questions

Total
Marks

1

Paper-I: Compulsory for all
aspirants

150

450

2

Paper-II: Statistics

100

200

3

Paper-III: General Studies (Finance
& Economics)

100

200

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Exam Pattern

Session

Section

Paper 1 SSC CGL Tier II Exam

No. of Questions

Total Marks

Session I

(2 hours and 15 minutes)

Section I

(1 hour)

Module-I: Mathematical Abilities

30

90

Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence.

30

90

Section II

(1 hour)

Module-I: English Language and Comprehension

45

135

Module-II: General Awareness

25

75

Section-III

(15 minutes) 20 mins for those eligible for scribe

Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module

20

60

Session II

(15 minutes)

Section-III

(15 minutes) 20 mins for those eligible for scribe

Module-II:
Data Entry Speed
Test Module

One Data Entry Task

 

For complete details about the SSC CGL Exam pattern. Click here!

Tier-wise Syllabus Breakdown

SSC CGL preparation begins with knowing the syllabus for both Tier I and II. Both the exams Tier I and Tier II have common subjects like General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The level of difficulty is different for Tier I and Tier II, with SSC CGL Tier II have questions of higher level of difficulty. Apart for these common subjects SSC CGL Tier II has a Computer Knowledge Module focusing specially on computers and also Paper II and Paper III for the core subjects are Statistics and Finance respectively.

Check the complete details of SSC CGL Syllabus by Clicking Here.

Weightage of Different Subjects

Aspirants preparing for SSC CGL exam should understand the subjects and their weightage before beginning their preparation. Of all the subject’s English language carries significant weightage in SSC exam, especially in Tier II. Prioritize English language subject to maximize your overall score. For, Tier I exam, all the subjects carry equal weightage, while in SSC CGL Tier II the number of questions and their weightage varies for each subject. Click here to know the complete details. 

SSC CGL Tier I Preparation Strategy for Beginners

Tier I is your first stepping stone to success in SSC CGL. Knowing how to approach this preliminary stage with the right strategies will help you build a strong foundation. Here, we have given the beginner-friendly tips to tackle Tier I confidently and efficiently.

Understanding Tier I Exam Format

Tier I is a computer-based exam with 100 questions divided into four sections. Each correct answer awards one mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer.

Understand the Syllabus for SSC CGL Tier 1

Clearly understand the syllabus for Tier I, knowing the subjects is the first step. Identify in which subject you are strong and which one is your weak areas. The SSC CGL syllabus for Tier 1 is extensive, so prioritize topics based on your confidence level and the weightage of questions.

Time Management Tips for Tier I

Practice solving questions under time constraints to improve speed and accuracy. Allocate approximately 15 minutes per section during practice. Use free online resources initially to practice MCQs then latter move on Online Mock Tests.

Practice SSC CGL Tier I Mock Tests

After getting grip on subjects go for SSC CGL Mock tests, these mock exams give you real exam environment feel and also help you assess your preparation level. After each exam analyse your performance, identify weaknesses and work on the areas that you are facing dificulty.

Recommended Practice Materials for Tier I

Use previous year papers, mock tests, and standard SSC CGL preparation books like R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude and English Grammar by Wren & Martin.

SSC CGL Subject Wise Preparation Tips: Tier 1

Each subject in SSC CGL Tier 1 demands a unique preparation approach, if you are a beginner then subject wise preparation strategy for the SSC CGL Tier I should be your top priority. From reasoning to English, understanding subject-wise strategies can significantly improve your scores. Explore targeted tips that will help you master each section with ease.

Prioritizing High-Scoring Subjects

Focus on Reasoning and English Language sections as they offer good scoring opportunities with consistent practice.

Practice More

During the practice phase as a beginner allocate more time and efforts on Quantitative Aptitude as this subject is more about knowing concepts and short-cuts to save time during exams.

Regular Revision Techniques

Do not neglect revision, this essential to keep your knowledge intact. Make short notes of formulas, vocabulary, and important facts for quick revision before the exam.

Mock Test Importance for Tier 1

Regular mock tests help simulate exam conditions, identify weak areas, and build exam temperament. Practicing mocks exams for SSC CGL Tier I will help overcoming your building confidence and improve speed.

Checkout detailed strategies check out our exclusive page SSC CGL Tier I preparation. Let us further know how to prepare for each subject for Tier I in the successive paras below.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for General Intelligence

General Intelligence and Reasoning tests your logical thinking and problem-solving skills, if you are a beginner who is preparing for the SSC CGL exam for the first time, then you should focus on this area. This part covers the key topics and preparation tips that will sharpen your reasoning abilities and help you score well in this section.

Key Topics to Focus on in General Intelligence

Focus on topics like coding-decoding, analogy, series, syllogism, Non-verbal reasoning, and puzzle-solving. These topics are easy to understand and carry more than 70% of the weightage in the General Intelligence section. You can score high in this area if follow the undermentioned strategies.

Topics

Strategies for Preparation

Coding-Decoding

Understand different coding patterns, practice letter/number coding daily.

Analogy

Identify relationships between pairs; practice various analogy questions.

Classification

Understand various types of classification and practice them regularly for high score

Series (Number/Alphabet/Logic)

Learn to spot patterns quickly; practice a variety of series problems.

Syllogism

Study Venn diagrams; practice drawing and interpreting logical statements.

Blood Relations

Memorize family relation terms; solve diverse blood relation puzzles.

Distance and Direction

Practice directional questions with maps and diagrams for clarity.

Puzzle Solving

Solve puzzles regularly to improve logical thinking and deduction skills.

Statement and Assumptions

Focus on critical reading; practice identifying assumptions behind statements.

Seating Arrangements

Visualize arrangements; practice linear and circular seating problems.

Inequalities

Understand inequality symbols; practice questions comparing variables.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Focus on pattern recognition, mirror images, paper folding, figure classification, and embedded figures; practice visual puzzles regularly.

Tips to Improve Logical Reasoning

Practice daily reasoning questions to improve analytical skills. This will help you in saving lot of time during the actual exam.

Practice Exercises and Resources

Use reasoning books by R.S. Aggarwal and online platforms offering sectional tests. Apart from these try online resources pertaining to reasoning MCQs that are available for free.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most scoring sections in SSC CGL Tier I. For beginners it is considered most difficult subject if you do not understand the concept especially for those who are not from Maths’s background. With regular practice of essential concepts, shortcuts, and practice methods you can solve math problems faster and more accurate.

Essential Mathematical Concepts for Quantitative Aptitude

Begin by mastering concepts like simplifications, percentages, averages, ratio & proportion, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. These topics are the basis for rest of the topics and solving problems will become easy.

Topic

Preparation Strategy

Number Systems

Master concepts of divisibility, LCM, HCF, and place value; practice questions to improve calculation speed.

Simplification & Approximation

Learn BODMAS rules; practice quick mental math and rounding techniques for faster problem solving.

Percentage

Understand percentage formulas thoroughly; practice problems involving profit & loss, discounts, and increases.

Ratio & Proportion

Get comfortable with direct and inverse proportions; solve mixture and partnership problems regularly.

Average

Practice finding averages from different data sets; focus on speed and accuracy for large data.

Profit loss, Simple Interest & Compound Interest

Memorize formulas; solve problems involving interest calculations with varied time periods.

Time, Speed & Distance

Understand relationships between time, speed, and distance; practice problems on trains, boats, and streams.

Time & Work

Learn work efficiency concepts; practice problems on pipes, men working together, and work completion time.

Algebra

Focus on solving linear and quadratic equations; practice manipulating expressions and inequalities.

Geometry

Study properties of triangles, circles, quadrilaterals; solve problems on perimeter, area, and volume.

Trigonometry

Learn basic trigonometric ratios and identities; practice solving problems involving heights and distances.

Mensuration

Understand formulas for 2D and 3D shapes; practice calculating surface areas and volumes.

Data Interpretation

Practice reading tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs; focus on analyzing and drawing conclusions quickly.

Probability

Understand basic probability rules; solve problems involving single and multiple events.

Permutation & Combination

Learn formulas for arrangements and selections; practice different scenarios to build confidence.

Shortcut Techniques and Tricks

Learn shortcut methods like Vedic math, approximation, and elimination to solve problems faster. Shortcuts are the key to in save time and manage your time efficiently during exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most of the people preparing for SSC CGL have a common problem i:e., calculation errors. This is more common in freshers as they are new to the subject. Avoid calculation errors and read questions carefully to prevent negative marking. This can only be achieved with regular practice and learning for mistakes.

Practice is the Key

Practice as many questions as possible in each subject to become perfect on the topics. Practice online mocks exams to check your efficiency and time management skills. Practice online quantitative aptitude MCQs for free and latest questions.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy English Language

A strong command over English can set you apart in the SSC CGL exam. This deals with grammar and vocabulary, along with reading comprehension, good strategies to help you excel in this part of the exam, here are the things that you should follow as a beginner:

Important Grammar Topics to Cover

Know important topics of the exam, focus on parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence correction. Most of the exam question revolve around these topics. Practice MCQ on English for individual topics is again the key excel in this area.

Topic

Preparation Strategy

Grammar

Master basics like parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, and sentence correction.

Vocabulary

Build vocabulary daily using word lists, flashcards, and reading newspapers or books.

Reading Comprehension

Practice reading passages regularly; focus on understanding main ideas, inference, and vocabulary in context.

Error Detection

Learn common grammatical errors; practice spotting mistakes in sentences.

Sentence Improvement

Understand sentence structure and practice rewriting sentences to improve clarity and correctness.

Cloze Test

Practice filling blanks in paragraphs to improve contextual understanding and grammar.

Idioms and Phrases

Memorize commonly used idioms and phrases; use them in writing and speaking practice.

One Word Substitution

Learn frequently asked words and their meanings; practice replacing phrases with appropriate words.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Enhance your vocabulary by regularly practicing synonyms and antonyms.

Active and Passive Voice

Understand rules of voice change; practice converting sentences between active and passive forms.

Direct and Indirect Speech

Learn the rules of reporting speech; practice converting sentences accordingly.

Para Jumbles

Practice rearranging jumbled sentences to form coherent paragraphs.

Spellings

Regularly revise common spelling rules and tricky words to avoid errors.

Ordering of words

Revise and practice to get more grip on the topic

Vocabulary Building Techniques

Vocabulary plays an important role in the English Language section; questions related to vocabulary are common. To improve your vocabulary read newspapers, make word lists, and use apps to learn new words daily.

Reading Comprehension Practice Tips

Practice reading passages regularly to improve speed and understanding. This one topic carries five questions weighing 20% of the marks, so you can understand the importance of reading comprehension.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy General Awareness including Current Affairs

General Awareness (GA) covers a wide range of topics from static GK to current affairs. Learn how to stay updated with relevant news and focus on the areas that matter most in the SSC CGL exam.

Areas to Focus in General Awareness

Cover static GK topics like history, geography, polity, and economy along with daily current affairs. Topic-wise strategies are given below:

Topic

Preparation Strategy

Static General Knowledge

Focus on history, geography, polity, economy, General Science covering Physics, Chemistry & Biology, and Indian culture; use standard GK books like Lucent’s General Knowledge.

Current Affairs (National & International)

Follow daily newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express; use monthly current affairs magazines and online portals.

Awards and Honors

Memorize major national and international awards and their recipients; revise regularly.

Important Dates and Events

Keep a list of significant dates, festivals, and events; update monthly.

Science and Technology

Study recent scientific developments, inventions, and discoveries relevant to SSC exams.

Government Schemes

Understand key government schemes and policies, especially those related to welfare and development.

Books and Authors

Memorize important books and their authors, especially in Indian and world literature.

Sports and Games

Stay updated on major sports events, tournaments, and records.

Budget and Economy

Follow recent budgets, economic policies, and important financial terms.

Environmental Issues

Study basics of ecology, environmental policies, and international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Practice Quizzes and Mock Tests

Regularly attempt current affairs quizzes and GA mock tests to reinforce learning and time management.

Practice General Knowledge MCQs

Learning the key areas of general awareness followed by practice of MCQs on GA has to done simultaneously, this is because as beginner you will feel that it is easy to solve questions in learning phase, but once you start practicing the MCQs you will get to know that examiners twist questions and confuse the aspirants. This can be resolved only by practicing General Knowledge MCQs regularly. Cover SSC CGL previous years MCQs of history, geography, polity, economy, General Science covering Physics, Chemistry & Biology, and Indian culture.

Daily Routine to Stay Updated

Set aside 20-30 minutes daily to read news and note important events. Follow newspapers like The Hindu, monthly magazines, and online portals for daily updates.

SSC CGL Tier II Exam Preparation Strategy for Aspirants Clearing Exam for First Time

Clearing SSC CGL Tier I is just the beginning. Tier II of SSC CGL exam demands more advanced preparation and focused practice. This section offers strategies tailored for first-time SSC CGL Tier II aspirants to help you move closer to your goal.

Differences Between Tier I and Tier II

Tier II requires in-depth knowledge and faster problem-solving abilities compared to Tier I.

How to Build Advanced Skills for Tier II

Practice advanced problems, focus on data interpretation, and work on speed with timed tests.

Recommended Books and Practice Tests

Refer to R.S. Aggarwal’s advanced quantitative aptitude and dedicated English practice books for Tier II. And also practice SSC CGL Mock test series for Tier II exam from the best test series provider.

SSC CGL Subject Wise Preparation Tips: Tier 2

The subjects in SSC CGL Tier II require a deeper understanding and practice. Discover how to prioritize topics, manage your time, and tackle each subject effectively for maximum marks. If you are the one who is preparing for the first time for SSC CGL you need to remember that while preparing for Tier I exam, get in-depth knowledge to the concepts in all the subjects so that in the later stage of Tier II exam preparation you can easily solve complex and higher level of difficulty questions easily. Let us discuss the weightage and strategies for preparing for SSC CGL Tier II.

Subject-wise Weightage in Tier II

English Language has been allotted maximum questions in session I of SSC CGL Tier II with 45 question to answer it carries a weightage of 135 marks, which highest for any subject, this is followed by quantitative aptitude and reasoning which carry a weightage of 90 marks each. General Studies subject and Computers carry a weightage of 75 and 60 marks respectively. Therefore, while preparing for SSC CGL Tier II, more emphasis should be on answering English language question more accurately so that you overall score meets the toppers of the exam.

Strategy to Tackle Difficult Topics

As emphasized earlier thorough understanding of the concepts is the best way to prepare for Tier II exam. Beginners while starting their preparation in the initial stage itself should understand the importance of the this and start their preparation. Divide your study plan into manageable portions and focus on understanding concepts by heart. Next is to practicing question for both phases for exam simultaneously. One should take time to prepare for medium level to hard level of questions for the beginning, so that while practicing for Tier II exam they will find it easy to solve complex problems,

Time Allocation per Subject

SSC CGL preparation requires lot of time and efforts and if you are beginner then the amount of time spend for on learning is also expected to be more. Assign study hours based on difficulty level and your confidence level as per subjects. Prepare a study plan and maintain it meticulously without fail. Remember there is no gains without making efforts. For some people Aptitude might be easy and for some other English language would be a smooth sail. So allocate time as per your confidence and grip on the subject in your study plan.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for aspirants preparing for first time

Starting SSC CGL preparation can be overwhelming. Right approach and proper guidance will definitely fulfil your dream to join your desired job through SSC CGL. Aspirant preparing for the first time need to have right preparation strategies to succeed, correct mindset, goal-oriented study plan, and consistency efforts, aspirants can make the preparation journey successful. Here are some of the strategies to begin with.

Mindset and Motivation for First-Time Aspirants

Starting your SSC CGL preparation journey for the first time can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to face doubts and challenges, but having the right mindset is key to success. Cultivating a positive attitude helps you overcome obstacles and stay focused on your goals. Remember, the exam is a marathon, not a sprint — consistent effort over time matters more than short bursts of intense study.

Motivation can fluctuate during preparation, so find ways to keep yourself inspired. This could be by envisioning your future success, setting rewards for self on achieving milestones, or surrounding yourself with likeminded peers and supportive mentors. Keep reminding yourself why you started and celebrate small wins to build confidence.

Setting Realistic Goals

Goal setting is essential to transform your preparation from vague wishes into actionable steps. Break down your SSC CGL syllabus into manageable parts and set daily, weekly, and monthly targets. For example, you might decide to complete a chapter of Quantitative Aptitude in two days or solve a set number of reasoning problems daily.

Secondly, regularly monitor your progress against these goals. If you find certain topics difficult, adjust your targets accordingly rather than getting discouraged. Realistic goal setting ensures you cover the syllabus thoroughly without burnout. It also helps you track improvements and maintain steady momentum, making the vast syllabus less intimidating.

Building Consistency in Studies

Proper preparation plan and consistency in studies is the backbone of effective exam preparation. Instead of long irregular study sessions, aim for short, focused sessions at fixed times every day. This builds a habit, making studying a regular part of your routine rather than a stressful chore.

Choose a time of day when you feel most alert and can concentrate without distractions. Create a comfortable study environment and limit interruptions during these hours. Even on days when motivation is low, sticking to your schedule helps maintain progress.

Over time, consistent study habits reduce last-minute cramming and increase retention. It also builds discipline, which is crucial not just for SSC CGL, but for all future learning and professional success.

Building a Strong Foundation: Choose the Best Coaching and Mock Test Series

For first-time SSC CGL aspirants, selecting the right coaching institute and mock test series is crucial to building a strong preparation foundation. The best coaching centers offer experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, and personalized doubt-solving sessions, which help beginners grasp concepts effectively. In today’s digital age, online coaching for SSC CGL have become an excellent alternative, providing flexible learning schedules, interactive video lectures, and access to vast question banks from the comfort of your home.

Alongside coaching, practicing with high-quality SSC CGL mock test series simulates real exam conditions, improves time management, and helps identify areas needing improvement. When choosing coaching and mock tests, look for institutes with proven results, regular test schedules, and detailed performance analysis to track your progress. Investing time in the right guidance, whether offline or online, and quality practice tools sets you up for consistent growth and success in the SSC CGL exam.

Prepare A Detailed Study Plan

Creating a detailed study plan is one of the most effective ways to ensure consistent and focused preparation for the SSC CGL exam. Without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to lose track of progress or get overwhelmed by the vast syllabus. People who have just began their journey as a fresher and preparing for SSC CGL, a study plan is important as a part of strategy.  A well-structured study plan breaks down the syllabus into manageable chunks, allocates time wisely, and includes regular revision and practice sessions. This helps you cover all topics systematically, maintain steady progress, and build confidence as the exam approaches.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting a Study Plan

Start by thoroughly understanding the entire SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern. Break down the syllabus into smaller topics for each subject, and estimate the time needed to cover each one based on your familiarity and difficulty level. Prioritize subjects or topics where you need more practice. Then, create a daily, weekly, and monthly timetable that balances study, revision, and mock tests. Be realistic with your time and avoid overloading your schedule. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your plan as needed to stay on track.

Allocating Time for Each Subject

Not all subjects require equal study time. For example, Quantitative Aptitude and English often need more practice and should be given ample time in your schedule. General Awareness requires daily updates and shorter revision sessions, while General Intelligence benefits from consistent daily practice of puzzles and other reasoning problems. Allocate time based on the weightage of each subject in the exam and your comfort level, ensuring a balanced approach that covers all areas without neglecting any.

Adjusting Plans Based on Progress

Flexibility is key to an effective study plan. As you progress, some topics might take more time than initially planned, or you may find certain sections easier than expected. Regularly review your performance through SSC CGL mock tests and practicing MCQs. If you’re falling behind in any area, adjust your timetable to spend more time on weak topics. Conversely, if you’re excelling in some sections, you can reallocate time to other areas. Staying adaptable ensures your preparation remains efficient and goal oriented.

Monthly and Weekly basis Study plan for SSC CGL

Check the detailed five-month study plan for SSC CGL Preparation for beginners, this will also be helpful for all other aspirants who are preparing for the SSC Exam.

Month

Week

Quantitative
Aptitude

Reasoning

English

General Awareness

Month 1

Week 1

Number Systems,
Simplification & Approximation

Coding-Decoding,
Analogies

Parts of Speech, Basic
Grammar Rules

Static GK: History
& Geography Basics

Week 2

Percentage,
Ratio & Proportion

Series
(Number & Alphabet), Blood Relations

Vocabulary
Building, Synonyms & Antonyms

Static GK:
Indian Polity Basics

Week 3

Average, Time &
Work

Direction Sense,
Seating Arrangements

Tenses, Sentence
Correction

Static GK: Indian
Economy Basics

Week 4

Simple &
Compound Interest

Syllogism,
Inequalities

Reading
Comprehension Practice

Current
Affairs: National & International News,

Physics

Month 2

Week 1

Time, Speed &
Distance

Puzzle Solving,
Statement & Assumptions

Cloze Test, One Word
Substitution

Static GK: Important
Dates & Awards

Week 2

Algebra
Basics (Linear & Quadratic Equations)

Coding-Decoding
(Advanced)

Active &
Passive Voice

Static GK:
Science & Technology Updates

Week 3

Geometry Basics
(Triangles, Circles)

Logical Venn Diagrams

Direct & Indirect
Speech

Current Affairs:
Government Schemes

Week 4

Mensuration
(2D & 3D)

Seating
Arrangement (Circular & Linear)

Idioms &
Phrases

Static GK:
Books & Authors

Chemistry

Month 3

Week 1

Probability Basics

Puzzle Solving
(Advanced), Syllogism

Error Detection,
Sentence Improvement

Current Affairs:
Sports & Games

Week 2

Permutation
& Combination

Series
(Advanced), Coding-Decoding

Reading
Comprehension (Advanced)

Budget &
Economy Updates

Week 3

Data Interpretation
(Tables & Graphs)

Direction Sense &
Blood Relations (Advanced)

Vocabulary Practice

Environmental Issues
& International Agreements

Week 4

Trigonometry
Basics

Statement
& Assumptions (Advanced)

Cloze Test
& Para Jumbles

Revision of
Static GK & Current Affairs

Biology

Month 4

Week 1

Revision of Number
Systems & Simplification

Revision of
Coding-Decoding & Series

Grammar Revision
(Tenses & Voice)

Revision of History
& Geography

Week 2

Revision of
Percentage & Ratio & Proportion

Revision of
Puzzle Solving & Seating Arrangements

Vocabulary
& Reading Comprehension Revision

Revision of
Polity & Economy

Week 3

Revision of Time &
Work, Interest

Revision of Syllogism
& Inequalities

Error Detection & Sentence
Improvement

Revision of Current
Affairs (Last 3 Months)

Revision of Science

Week 4

Revision of
Geometry & Mensuration

Full
Reasoning Mock Tests

Full English
Mock Tests

Full General
Awareness Mock Tests

Month 5

Week 1

Full Quantitative
Aptitude Mock Test

Full Reasoning Mock
Test

Full English Mock Test

Full General Awareness
Mock Test

Week 2

Analyze Mock
Test Performance & Focus on Weak Areas

Analyze &
Practice Weak Areas

Analyze &
Practice Weak Areas

Analyze &
Practice Weak Areas

Week 3

Practice Speed
Techniques & Shortcut Methods

Practice Logical
Reasoning Speed

Practice Vocabulary
& Grammar Speed

Practice Current
Affairs & Static GK Questions

Week 4

Final
Revision of All Quant Topics

Final
Revision of All Reasoning Topics

Final Revision
of All English Topics

Final
Revision of All GA Topics

Daily Time allocation to prepare for each subject of SSC CGL

Effective time management is key to cracking the SSC CGL exam. Dividing your daily study hours wisely among all important subjects—Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness—ensures balanced preparation. Consistency matters more than long hours, so aim for focused study sessions with regular breaks to maintain productivity. Adjust your daily schedule based on your personal strengths and areas needing improvement, while ensuring each subject gets sufficient attention. A sample of daily time management is given below check it, the time may vary from person to person depending upon his requirements, prepare a new one for yourself based on this.

Sample Daily Time Allocation Table

Subject

Time Allocation (Hours)

Quantitative Aptitude

3

Reasoning

2

English Language

2

General Awareness

2

Total Study Time

9 Hours

SSC CGL Books for Preparation

Choosing the right books is a crucial step in your SSC CGL preparation journey as a beginner. The vast syllabus requires materials that are comprehensive yet easy to understand, helping you grasp concepts clearly and practice effectively. Selecting the best books tailored to each subject ensures you cover the necessary theory, practice questions, and previous year papers to boost your confidence and exam readiness.

Recommended Books for Each Subject

  • For Quantitative Aptitude, classics like S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude and Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma provide clear explanations and a wide range of practice problems. These books cover basic to advanced levels, suitable for beginners and advanced aspirants alike.
  • In English Language, books such as Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition and Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi help build a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
  • For General Intelligence & Reasoning, A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal is highly recommended for its detailed topic coverage and practice exercises.
  • In General Awareness, Lucent’s General Knowledge is a popular choice for covering static GK topics, while supplementing it with daily newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express helps you stay updated on current affairs.

Online Resources and PDFs

In addition to physical books, many aspirants benefit from free or paid online resources, including video lectures, eBooks, and SSC CGL test series. Many websites offer structured courses and mock tests tailored to SSC CGL. Downloadable PDFs can be handy for quick revisions and practicing on the go.

How to Choose Study Material

When selecting books and resources, consider your current knowledge level and learning style. Beginners might prefer books with detailed explanations and simpler language, while experienced aspirants may opt for books with more practice questions and advanced problems. Always check for the latest editions to stay updated with syllabus changes and exam trends. Combining books with online materials and regular practice ensures a well-rounded preparation.

Starting your SSC CGL preparation as a beginner might feel challenging, but with the right strategies, mindset, and resources, success is within your reach. Understanding the exam pattern, creating a detailed and flexible study plan, and focusing on subject-wise preparation will help you cover the syllabus effectively. Consistency, regular practice through mock tests, and choosing the right books or coaching can boost your confidence and improve your performance.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner—so stay motivated, set realistic goals, and keep pushing forward with dedication. With disciplined preparation and smart strategies, you can crack the SSC CGL exam and take the first step toward a rewarding government career.