- Overview
- Exam Pattern
- Analysis
- Preparation and Tips
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is a prestigious recruitment examination conducted by the SSC to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in various government ministries and departments.
The exam is considered one of the most competitive and challenging exams in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year.
The SSC CGL exam consists of four tiers: Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV.
SYLLABUS FOR SSC CGL 2024
https://ssc.nic.in/Portal/Syllabus
Previous Years Question Papers
https://ssc.gov.in/for-candidates/previous-year-question-paper
Exam Level | National |
Exam Name | SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) |
Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
SSC CGL 2024 Application Start Date | 24-06-2024 |
Last Date to Apply for SSC CGL 2024 | 24-07-2024 |
SSC CGL 2024 Application Fee Submission Date | (Online) 24-07-2024 |
SSC CGL 2024 Application Fee Submission Date | (Offline) 25-07-2024 |
SSC CGL 2024 application Correction Dates | 10-08-2024 - 11-08-2024 |
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Dates | September- October 2024 |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Dates | December 2024 |
Application form cost | Rs. 100 |
Vacancies | 17,727 |
Exam Duration | Tier-I: 60 minutes (online) Tier-II: Paper 1 - 150 Minutes Paper 2 - 120 Minutes Paper 3 - 120 Minutes |
Exam Mode | CBT |
Official Website | https://ssc.nic.in/ |
S.No. | Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
1 | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | A cumulative time of 60 minutes |
2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
4 | English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Sessions | Sections | Modules | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Weightage | Duration | |||
Session I | Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 23% | 1 hour | |||
Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 23% | ||||||
Section II | Module-I | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 35% | 1 hour | ||||
Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 19% | ||||||
Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | Qualifying | 15 minutes | ||||
Session II | Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test | One Data Entry Task | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Papers | Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
The SSC CGL exam is known for its challenging difficulty level, especially in the Tier-1 and Tier-2 stages. The questions are designed to test the candidate's knowledge and skills in multiple subjects, including general awareness, quantitative aptitude, and English language.
Key Take aways:
Based on previous exams, here are some key takeaways for aspirants preparing for the SSC CGL:
Tier-1: The objective-type questions in Tier-1 are generally moderate to difficult. Candidates should focus on improving their speed and accuracy in this stage.
Tier-2: The descriptive paper in Tier-2 is challenging, especially the essay writing section. Candidates should practice writing essays and develop their critical thinking skills.
Quantitative Aptitude: The quantitative aptitude section is difficult, with questions ranging from basic arithmetic to advanced algebra and geometry.
English Language: The English language section is challenging, with questions on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
General Awareness: General awareness questions cover a wide range of topics, including history, geography, science, and technology.
Section-wise Performance:
The performance of candidates varies across sections. Based on previous exams, here are some general trends:
1:- General Intelligence & Reasoning: This section tends to be the easiest, with most candidates scoring above 60%.
2:- General Awareness: This section is challenging, with most candidates scoring between 40-60%.
3:- Quantitative Aptitude: This section is the most difficult, with most candidates scoring below 40%.
4:- English Language: This section is moderately difficult, with most candidates scoring between 40-60%.
Set Clear Goals:
The first step towards successful preparation is to set clear goals. Identify what you want to achieve in the SSC CGL exam. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for yourself. Break down your goals into smaller milestones, such as completing a certain number of study hours each day or mastering a particular topic. Having clear goals will help you stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation.
Create a Study Plan:
Create a study plan that suits your schedule and lifestyle. Make a timetable that includes dedicated study hours, breaks, and relaxation time. Prioritize your studies and allocate more time to topics that require more attention. Be flexible and adjust your plan as needed. Having a study plan will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the topics required for the exam.
Practice Consistently:
Consistency is key to successful preparation. Practice regularly, even if it's just for a short duration each day. Practice tests, mock exams, and online quizzes can help you assess your progress and identify areas where you need to improve. Consistency will help you build confidence and improve your performance over time.
Stay Positive:
Staying positive is crucial during the preparation period. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don't compare yourself with others; focus on your own progress and improvement. Celebrate your small victories and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Stay positive and motivated by reminding yourself why you started preparing for the SSC CGL exam in the first place.
Seek Help When Needed:
Don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. Reach out to friends, family, or online resources for support and guidance. Join online study groups or forums where you can interact with other aspirants who are going through similar experiences. Seek help from teachers or mentors who have experience in the field or have prepared for the SSC CGL exam before.
Take Care of Your Health:
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential during the preparation period. Ensure that you get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise regularly. Take breaks and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of your health will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation.
Stay Updated:
Stay updated with current events, news, and trends in various fields. This will help you stay informed and confident during the exam. Read newspapers, articles, and online resources to stay updated.
Reward Yourself:
Reward yourself when you reach milestones or complete a challenging topic. Treat yourself to something nice or take a break from studies to relax and recharge. Rewarding yourself will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Conclusion:
Preparing for the SSC CGL exam requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Staying motivated is crucial throughout the preparation period. By setting clear goals, creating a study plan, practicing consistently, staying positive, seeking help when needed, taking care of your health, staying updated, and rewarding yourself, you can stay motivated and focused on achieving your goal of cracking the SSC CGL exam.
Remember, motivation is not a feeling; it's a choice. Choose to stay motivated by setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and believing in yourself. Stay positive and focused, and you'll be well on your way to achieving success in the SSC CGL exam.
Best Books for the exam: