SSC CGL 2023: Section-wise tips to prepare for Tier I exam

The examination comprises two stages. To do well in both stages, you have to study and do well primarily in four different test areas. 

Quantitative aptitude 

Quantitative Aptitude is probably the scoring area in SSC CGLE. To maximize your score, you need to attempt ‘Quant’ questions with both speed and accuracy. In this context, your preparation must be aimed at improving both conceptual knowledge and developing speed of calculation.

An analysis of previous original test papers reveals that most questions focus on topics like Mensuration, Percentages, Profit and Loss (Including marked price, discount questions), Trigonometry, Algebra, Plane Geometry, Time and Work (Pipes & Cisterns, Wages), Time and Distance (Train, Boat & Stream, Race) Simple Interest and Compound Interest, and Data Interpretation (Table, Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph). Questions based on concepts of coordinate geometry, numbers (HCF, LCM), Indices & Surds, Progression, Quadratic Equations, Average & Mixture are also asked.

Geometry & Mensuration are two of the most important test areas as they form the basis for many questions. As most of these questions are based on direct formula application, it is necessary that you become familiar with various formulae through consistent practice. Also, you can memorize all formulae related to equilateral triangle, trapezium, circle, cone, cylinder, sphere, frustum, and pyramid, as well as their applications. Many questions (that focus on this topic) directly relate to the basic properties of various geometric figures. Questions are usually asked from topics like equilateral triangles, basic proportionality theorem, geometric points like centroid, relationship between circumradius, in-radius in an equilateral triangle, sum of internal and external angles in a polygon, angles in a semicircle, alternate segment theorem, direct and transverse common tangents.

Percentage is another important area. Questions from this topic are based on the application of percentages, and relationship among cost price, selling price, discount and marked price. Question types are usually repetitive and quite doable.  To answer these questions, it is necessary to remember important formulae. Concept of percentage will be needed to answer DI questions as well.

General intelligence and reasoning 

It would include questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. This component may include questions on analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, spatial orientation, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning and figural classification, arithmetic number series, non-verbal series, coding and decoding, statement conclusion, syllogistic reasoning etc. The topics are, Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Figural Analogy, Semantic Classification, Symbolic/Number Classification, Figural Classification, Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series, Problem Solving, Word Building, Coding & decoding, Numerical Operations, symbolic Operations, Trends, Space Orientation, Space Visualization, Venn Diagrams, Drawing inferences, Punched hole/pattern – folding & unfolding, Figural Pattern – folding and completion, Indexing, Address matching, Date & city matching, Classification of center codes/roll numbers, Small & Capital letters/numbers coding, decoding and classification, Embedded Figures, Critical thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Other subtopics, if any. 

Practicing these topics in a time bound manner will help you ace them in the exam. 

General awareness 

Questions in the general awareness section will be aimed at testing the candidate’s general awareness of the environment around him/her and its application to society. Questions will also be designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observations and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of any educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scenario, General Policy & Scientific Research.  

English comprehension 

All major areas in English—Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, VA (Verbal Ability)—are mutually interdependent, and reading equips you with skills necessary to overcome common language-related problems. 

The focus areas in VA are cloze tests, sentence completion, para jumbles, etc. This area is quite challenging and it is necessary that you handle this area with great care to ensure high accuracy. This area evaluates your understanding of the core ideas that run in individual questions, especially the para jumble questions. A well-prepared student will not get scared by the erratic sequence of sentences, or get confused by their construction/presentation.

Questions on grammar focus on identifying errors in sentences, phrase replacement, direct and indirect/reported speech, active and passive voice, and grammar-based fill in the blank. Vocabulary is another important test area. There is a wide variety of questions, ranging from antonym-synonyms, meanings of idioms or phrasal verbs, one-word substitutes, and even spellings. You must strive to build a strong vocabulary as it helps in understanding words in their entirety. Though the CGLE does not require knowledge of difficult words, it is important for you to know the various meanings (like primary and secondary) of a word and its usage in different contexts.

Importance of taking mocks 

We recommend you solve multiple mock test papers, including previous years’ original test papers, as this would raise your level of familiarity with commonly asked exam question types, as most of the questions asked in the SSC CGL Tier I & Tier II exam are based on the same areas. Most students usually focus on one of the two aspects – revising the subject or practicing with mock tests. However, it is recommended that you adopt both the activities, and allocate sufficient time for each.

By practicing with several tests, you can also learn effective time management skills. It is, therefore, necessary that you take as many tests, both mock tests and original paper tests, as possible. After every practice test, you must analyze your performance to identify your weak and strong areas. Subsequently, you should put in a lot of practice in your weak areas, while also brushing up strong areas, by revising the concepts thoroughly.

(The author is Senior Faculty, TIME Institute)