How To Prepare For SSC CGL Tier I, II, III, IV

The Staff Selection Commission is all set to conduct this year’s CGL exam. All the SSC aspirants have prepared themselves as the competition level is really high this time. If we look at the last 5 years stats the only conclusion we can draw is that the CGL exam is definitely the best opportunity for the graduates that everyone wants to seize. The only thing that will define your success rate of cracking this exam is your study plan.

A proper strategy plan is necessary for the preparation for the SSC CGL exam as the syllabus is really vast. And hence, some of you might be worried as to where you should begin? and how to cover each section within a given period of time? before you start making the blueprint of your study schedule, also keep the important factor in mind that are you preparing in the right direction?

This article will guide you on how to prepare for the SSC CGL exam along with some time management tips. We have taken into the consideration the major changes in the exam scheme and detailed syllabus pattern so that we can prepare the best study plan which will help you to crack the SSC CGL exam on the first attempt.

See also: SSC CGL general awareness online test

Study Plan For SSC CGL Tier-I

All the aspirants of the CGL exam know that Tier I is the very first stage that they need to clear in order to achieve their dream job. In all, the candidates will have to clear 4 Tiers, only then they will be placed into their preferred post.

Well, there is no doubt that Tier I is not only about gaining mastery over the Maths, English, or General Awareness, but commencing each section with a different approach. The best possible way to start the preparation for SSC CGL is to break each section and then work out your study plan, obviously taking mark distribution into consideration.

In the below-given tables, we have tried to design the best study plan (for 30 days) for the aspirants who are looking forward to clearing the exam in their first attempt. But remember that, the regular study is mandatory for this study plan to work.

1. Quantitative Aptitude (Q.A)30 days study plan

2. Aptitude – (2 hours a day) all topics complete in 30 days
   Topics	Days to complete
   Number system, simplification  number series	2
   HCF/LCM, Percentage, Profit, and Loss	2
   Interest(SI, CI), Combination of SI and CI, Discount	3
   Algebra- Linear and Quadratic Equations, Polynomials	2
   Time and Work, Pipes and Cistern	3
   Ratio and Proportion, Average	2
   Boat Stream	2
   Speed Time and Distance	2
   Data Interpretation- Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Table	3
   Trigonometry, Height, and Distance	2
   Mixture & Allegation	2
   Mensuration- Area, Perimeter, Surface Area, Volume, 2D and 3D	2
   Geometry- Triangles congruency, Similarity theorems, Circle chords & tangent theorems, Co-ordinate geometry and Revision	3

1. English Language30 days study plan

2. English – 2 hours a day
   Topics	Days to complete
   Basic Grammar- Noun, Pronoun, Verbs, Adjective	2 days
   Conjunction, Interjection, Preposition	2 days
   Tenses, Participles, Subject-Verb, Articles	3 days
   Revise Above Topics Studied	2 days
   Degree of Comparison, Adverbs	3 days
   Idioms, Phrases, One Word Substitution, and Spelling	2 days
   Synonyms and Antonyms	2 days
   Sentence Rearrangement, Jumbled Up Sentences	2 days
   Reading Comprehension	3 days
   Vocabulary- Completing Phrases and Idioms, Fill in the Blanks	2 days
   Practice Error Spotting	2 days
   Practice Cloze Test	2 days
   Revise all the Grammar rules and Practice all Questions	3 days

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning30 days of the study plan

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning – 2 hours a day
   Topics	Days to complete
   Analogy- Word Formation, Series, Missing Number	2 days
   Distance and Direction	2 days
   Blood relations- Basic and Family Tree-Based Questions	3 days
   Syllogism and Mathematical Operations	2 days
   Non-Verbal- Mirror and Water Images, Paper Cutting and Folding	3 days
   Statement-Conclusion and Statement-Assumption	2 days
   Synonyms and Antonyms	2 days
   Completion Of Alphabet Series, Order, and Ranking Arrangement	2 days
   Venn Diagram, Puzzles, Logical and Dictionary Orders	3 days
   Seating Arrangement	2 days
   Matrix	2 days
   Embedded Figures, Completion of Figures, and Counting of Figures	2 days
   Revise Above Studied Topics	3 days

1. General Awareness (G.A)30 days study plan

2. General Awareness – 1 hour a day
   Topics	Days to complete
   Ancient History- Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic India, Gupta and Maurya Period, Harappa Civilization,	2 days
   Medieval History/Modern History- Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, National Movement, Prominent Personalities, Significant Events	2 days
   Polity- Silent features of Indian constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Power of Prime Minister and President, Preambles, Articles of Indian Constitution	3 days
   Geography- Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Indian states and Folk Dances, National Highways, Important Rivers and International Boundary Lines	2 days
   Economics- Five Year Plans, Indian Tax Structure, Economic Terms, National Income, Currency, Recent Govt Schemes	3 days
   Physics- S.I Units, Gravity, Motion, Work Power and Energy, Waves	2 days
   Physics- Sound, Electricity and Magnetism, Heat and Thermodynamics, Nuclear Physics	2 days
   Chemistry- Common Names of Chemicals, Alloys, Definition Based Questions, SI Units, Chemistry In Every Day, Atomic Structure	2 days
   Biology-  Basic Animal and Plant Kingdom, Parts of Human Body & Their Functions, Diseases caused by Virus, Bacteria, etc, Nutrients & Deficiency Diseases	3 days
   Revise Above Topic Studied	2 days
   Current Affairs- Govt Policies and Agreement, Awards and Honors, Inventions, Books and Authors	2 days
   Important Rivers, Cities on River Banks, Capitals, National Highway, Important dates	2 days
   Current Affairs- Sports, Science and Technology, Appointments, National-International Events, Recent Competitions	3 days

Note – This 30 days study plan is for aspirants who are familiar with the CGL exam pattern and have given the exam before but for those who are attempting the SSC CGL exam for the first time they must follow this for at least 2 months.

How To Crack SSC CGL Prelims

Before we thoroughly explain how to do the groundwork for each section separately, it is important that all candidates are aware of the exam pattern of Tier I of the CGL exam, so that they can make preparations accordingly.

From the exam pattern, you can summarize that in Tier-I the staff selection commission has shifted its focus from speed to accuracy. But if you are practicing consistently then you are halfway there.

Key points to remember

• For each correct answer, you will get 2 marks while for every wrong answer 0.5 marks will be deducted.
• Only 60 min are allotted, so you cannot attend all the 100 questions. The best way to approach is to select those questions which are easy and less time-consuming.
• There is no sectional cutoff to be worried about. Hence, you have the liberty to divide your time into the various sections in any order you want.

After the detailed analysis of the exam pattern, we will now move on to how to prepare for the SSC CGL exam section-wise for Tier I.

# General Intelligence/ Reasoning

If you want to score maximum marks in the reasoning section, then buckle up, because there is no shortcut other than practicing enough questions of both verbal and non-verbal sections in such a way that you can recognize the patterns present in different problems.

You have to practice at least 50-100 questions every day so that you can build up a good grip. And yes, do keep track of time because you don’t have the privilege to invest more than 15-20 min to this section during examination.

As the name refers to ‘General Intelligence’ it is to examine your problem-solving skills, mental ability, and how you approach a particular problem with your logical thinking. The difficulty level varies from one topic to another.

The non-verbal reasoning topics like embedded figures, paper cutting-folding, counting figures, images, etc are less time-consuming, but also less scoring unlike the verbal reasoning topics like puzzles, coding-decoding, blood relation, seating arrangement, etc.

Note – Only regular study will help you to get the best results. What’s important is the reasonable accuracy while answering the questions, and not the number of questions that you attempt.

# Time Management Tips

• To save your time use shortcut methods and tricks while you are practicing a variety of questions.
• Rather than usual methods, derive your own formulas to solve the questions.
• Don’t jump to conclusions directly. Read all the options carefully so that you don’t end up answering the wrong option.
• On any question of this section don’t spend more than one min as you have to attempt 15-20 questions in a minimum of 15 min.
• If you get stuck on any question, leave it and move to the next one.

# General Awareness

It is considered the most scoring section of the Tier I exam. The key point to this section is that you don’t need a detailed study of every topic, but basic knowledge of diverse topics will lend you a helpful hand in attempting this section. Yes, there is no doubt that you will have to devote a lot of time as the syllabus is vast.

So, you should start your preparation for this section way before your examination. If you prepare this section thoroughly then it won’t take you more than 10 min to complete this section during examination.

The questions are framed from history, geography, polity, physics, chemistry, biology, and current affairs. Keep your focus on the important topics and not the entire subject. You better not start cramming every topic instead, make notes of relevant topics, events, facts important dates, etc. This will also help you to do the revision in relatively less time.

Use a smart way to cover the current affairs portion by studying from the latest yearbooks. If you are well prepared and score highest in this section it can help you clear SSC CGL Tier I.

Note – The key to success for this section is a regular revision and keeping yourself updated.

# Time Management Tips

• Only attempt those questions in which you are fully confident.
• Remember there is negative marking, so don’t do guesswork because it can bring down your overall performance.
• Most of the questions are detail based so don’t spend too much time on a single question.
• Before examination practice for the online tests and keep track of your time.

# Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude seems to be the most difficult and time-consuming section among all the sections in the tier I exam. Even though the topics under this section are of 10th level, but the level of complexity of questions is the reason that aspirants have to put extra effort and give more time to practice.

It is essential that you have expertise over a few topics in the quant section so that you can attempt at least 15-20 questions in the examination. To utilize your time, start your preparation with topics like simplification, HCF-LCM, percentage, profit and loss, SI-CI, ratio and proportion, speed and distance, average, time and work, etc which are less time-consuming and scoring at the same time.

When you are preparing for SSC CGL, never overlook the importance of analyzing your preparation strategy. Once you have achieved confidence on the above-mentioned topics, then focus on advanced mathematics like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, data interpretation, mensuration, mixture, and alligations which are also scoring, but more time consuming and requires immense practice. Solve different levels of questions, so you get to know about your strong and weak areas, and make sure that your basic concepts are clear.

Note – The success mantra for the best result is to keep all the formulas on your fingertips and practice regularly.

# Time Management Tips

• There are 25 questions, and generally, the difficulty is high, so you cannot attempt all the questions. Don’t allocate more than 20 min to this section.
• Improve your speed by doing calculations, multiplication tables, squares, cubes. You can save half of your time if you have good speed, but also keep in mind that you have to be accurate with your answer.
• Learn new shortcuts and tricks which will help you solve the problems mentally in less time.
• You have to master all the formulas and approximation for the lengthy calculation of data interpretation so you can attempt a maximum number of questions in the quant section.

# English Language

This is the only section in the CGL exam that can actually help you get selected and clear tier I. In the English section, there are 3 sub-section that you have to master i.e grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. For well-prepared aspirants, this section seems like a boon, while for ill-prepared it is a bane.

For starters, you have to brush up on your basic English language skills and focus on grammar. Topics like spotting the error, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks are very scoring but require a stronghold on basic grammar.

Unlike grammar where you have to remember the rules, to improve your vocabulary you have to practice reading a lot. For those who have a reading habit, they can get an upper hand on this section and score maximum marks in topics like synonym, antonym, one-word substitution, idioms and phrases, spelling mistake.

Once you achieve proficiency in the above two mentioned section, then you are already halfway there. While commencing the comprehension section the trick is to read the questions first and then while reading the paragraph you can mark the answer easily. For the foremost results practice at least 10 comprehensions daily.

# Time Management Tips

• Attempt the comprehension section first and as quickly as possible.
• Practice by giving the online tests and mock tests while keeping the track of time.
• Not only your answering speed should be good, but also your reading speed, so you can cover the section in less time.
• While practicing analyze your error, accuracy, and approach.

Study Plan For SSC CGL Tier II

Those aspirants who have clear the Tier I, have no time to sit and relax as their next challenge in the selection procedure is to crack the Tier II exam. For the second tier, aspirants probably have only 50-60 days of preparation after the result of Tier I is announced, and this is what makes it quite wearing. So, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start your preparation from the very first day.

According to the changes made in the exam pattern by the commission, now tier-II consists of 4 different papers which are Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics). But don’t worry! not all the aspirants have to appear for all of these. The first two papers are compulsory for all aspirants but others are posted specific.

Paper I and II(Quantitative Aptitude and English) – Both of these papers are compulsory for all the aspirants of all post categories.

Paper III(Statistics) – Only those aspirants who have applied for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and compilers have to appear for this paper.

Paper IV(Economics & Finance) – This paper is only for those who have applied for Assistant Audit Officer(AAO) post.

You must have the right strategy when you are preparing for SSC CGL Tier-II. And to help the candidates prepare efficiently for this exam here is a well-developed study structure that covers all the topics, and you will be able to complete your syllabus within a given period of time.

Since the topics of Quant and English are the same for Tier I and Tier II, therefore you can follow the tier I study plan for them. This table focuses on the topics of paper 3 and paper 4.

1. Statistics30 days study plan

2. Statistics – 2 hour a day
   Topics	Days to complete
   Collection Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data-Primary and Secondary data, Methods of data collection, Tabulation of data, Graphs and charts, Frequency distributions, Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions.	2 days
   Measures of Central Tendency- Common measures of central tendency – mean median and mode; Partition values- quartiles, deciles, percentiles.	2 days
   Measures of Dispersion- Common measures dispersion – range, quartile deviations, mean deviation, and standard deviation; Measures of relative dispersion.	3 days
   Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis – Different types of moments and their relationship, the meaning of skewness and kurtosis	2 days
   Correlation and Regression – Scatter diagram, simple correlation coefficient, simple regression lines, Spearman’s rank correlation, Multiple regression, Multiple and partial correlations	3 days
   Probability Theory – Meaning of probability, Different definitions of probability, Conditional probability, Compound probability	2 days
   Random Variable and Probability Distributions – Random variable; Probability functions; Expectation and Variance of a random variable	2 days
   Sampling Theory – Concept of population and sample; Parameter and statistic, Sampling and non-sampling errors; Probability and non-probability sampling techniques	2 days
   Statistical Inference – Point estimation and interval estimation, properties of a good estimator, Methods of estimation, Basic concept of testing, etc	3 days
   Analysis of Variance – Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data	2 days
   Time Series Analysis – Components of time series, Determinations of trend component by different methods, Measurement of seasonal variation	2 days
   Index Numbers – Meaning of Index Numbers, Problems in the construction of index numbers, Types of an index number, Different formulae, Base shifting and splicing of index numbers	2 days
   Revision	3 days

1. Finance & Economics30 days of the study plan

2. Finance & Economics – 2 hours a day
   Topics	Days to complete
   Fundamental principles and basic concept of Accounting.	2 days
   Financial Accounting: Nature and scope, Limitations of Financial Accounting, Basic concepts and Conventions, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.	2 days
   Basic concepts of accounting: Single and double entry, Bank Reconciliation, ledgers, Journal, Books of original Entry, Rectification of Errors, Trial Balance, Trading, Profit & loss, etc.	3 days
   Comptroller & Auditor General of India- Constitutional provisions, Roles, and responsibilities.	2 days
   Finance Commission-Role and functions	3 days
   Basic Concept of Economics and introduction to Micro Economics, Central problems of an economy and Production possibilities curve	2 days
   Theory of Demand and Supply, Elasticity, Price, Income and cross elasticity, Theory of consumer’s behaviour-Marshallian approach and Indifference curve approach, etc	2 days
   Theory of Production and cost Meaning and Factors of production, Laws of production – Law of variable proportions 22 and Laws of returns to scale	2 days
   Forms of Market and price determination in different markets	3 days
   Indian Economy, Population, Poverty, Unemployment, Growth, Infrastructure, etc	2 days
   Economic Reforms in India since 1991; Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation, and Disinvestment 2 Day	2 days
   Money and Banking and Role of Information Technology in Governance.	2 days
   Revision	3 days

Remember that you can make changes in the above table keeping in mind your strong and weak areas. To boost up your preparation give online tests or mock tests regularly.

How To Crack SSC CGL Mains

Do take into account the fact that the difficulty level and pattern of the questions in tier I and tier II are completely different. In Tier-II not only the number of questions in each section are increased, but they are more complex too, which means it requires better speed and understanding to clear this exam.

Key points to remember

• Keep negative marking in mind of each section and attempt the paper accordingly.
• For each section 120 min(2 hours) are provided, but you also have 200 questions(100 for quant), so while practicing utilize your time wisely.
• Unlike the tier, I test, in tier II there is a sectional cutoff and overall cutoff. So, you have to qualify all the papers in tier II with minimum qualifying marks as well as have to score aggregate marks of all paper which are fixed by the commission.

Now let’s discuss the study plan of each section of tier II in order to make sure you crack the exam in one shot.

# Statistics

The statics paper is based on graduation level questions. There are chances that you might not have studied this subject in graduation, but there is nothing to worry about because statistics is nothing but an extension of maths. If you have prepared the quant section properly, then it will help you a lot.

You are required to focus on topics: Skewness and Kurtosis, Time series, Correlation and Regression, Probability Theory, Analysis, Sampling Theory, Statistical Inference.

If you are aiming to score high marks in this paper, then you will have to practice a lot. Before moving to the above-mentioned topics, first, clear your basic concepts. You will come across a number of formulas that you will have to memories.

The other topics that you must cover are Handling the primary and secondary data, mean, median, modes, charts, Tabulation of data, graphs, data collection, and sorting the data.

Note – Practice mock test daily which will help you clear your doubts. With good speed and accuracy, you can attempt 60-70 questions which will ensure your place in the final merit list.

# General Studies-(Finance And Economics)

Now that the staff selection commission has introduced a new post in CGL i.e  Assistant Audit Officer(AAO), and those who have applied for this post have to appear for the 4th paper of tier II which comprises General Studies(Finance and Economics).

Aspirants must have basic knowledge of both Finance and Economics. The finance part consists of 40 questions of 80 marks whereas economics has 60 questions of a total of 120 marks and it’s important to keep this in mind to prepare accordingly.

This section also consists of graduation level-based questions, therefore it is advised to study from good General study book. You must keep up-to-date with the current affairs related to the economy and finance industry. Solve mock tests regularly as this is the only way to get acquainted with different types of questions.

How To Prepare For SSC CGL Tier III

As, per the new SSC CGL pattern, the interview or personality test has been replaced by tier III which is a descriptive test. Well! this means aspirants cannot play any guess games as there will be no options.

tier III is not only to test your proficiency in writing but also how you present yourself. You will have to write an essay, precise, application/ letter. The first step towards enhancing your writing skills is to start reading newspapers, good essays, magazines, articles, editorial section of newspapers.

Try to cover topics like social issues, politics, schemes, finance, economics, sports, technology, etc. What you require to write an essay is good content and providing the right structure to that content. And both these traits can be learned via reading and practicing daily.

In the case of letter/application writing, the important thing is the knowledge of the proper format and how to place every paragraph in the proper place. In case you are not aware of the format, then you will have to start from scratch.

When you are writing precisely (if there’s any) then you must first decide on a theme after reading carefully. And make sure that you only cover relevant details by understanding what the author wants to convey.

Key points to remember

• You will only have 60 min to attempt this section, therefore while writing an essay or precise, don’t go off-topic. Only give useful information, logical argument, and sensible conclusion. In any case, do not exceed the word limit.
• Work on your language skills and improve your vocabulary, it will help you build up your thought process.
• Always follow the format. You cannot just scribble everything that comes to your mind. Whether it is an essay or a letter, stick to the format.
• Before you start writing, form a few points in your mind on which you want to focus. This will help in presenting the content in a much better way and will help avoid overwriting.

How To Prepare For SSC CGL Tier IV

This is the last tier and includes Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST). Both the test are qualifying in nature. Your typing speed and knowledge of some basic software tools like a spreadsheet, generation of slides, and word processing are tested.

For best result in DEST and word processing, practice on the computer daily by typing an article of at least 2000 words in 15 min. While for spreadsheet, practice in MS excels to understand the basic concepts of spreadsheet creation, calculating the data, etc. And at last, for a generation of slides, you must acquire basic knowledge of file address, header, date/time insertion, and Microsoft Powerpoint.

The marks that you will score in this test will not be added to the final merit list, but do remember that if you don’t pass the test, then you will no longer be considered for the posts related to these exams.

Key points of SSC CGL Tier IV

• Only practice will help you qualify for the exam.
• An only a certain percentage of mistakes are allowed.
• Errors like omission /substitution /addition of a word or figure in the passage are considered full mistakes, whereas, spacing errors, spelling errors, wrong capitalization are half errors.

Hope this article will help you in your preparation for the SSC CGL exam. If you have any queries then you can share them with us in the comment box. All the best!