How To Prepare For SSC CGL At Home? Strategy & Tips To Score Better

Notifications for SSC CGL exam 2021-22 are on and everybody wants to score 700+ in this session. But, do you know how to prepare for SSC CGL at home? No need to worry, in this article, we will provide you with some easy yet proven tips to crack SSC CGL and a detailed guide on how to prepare for SSC CGL at home. 

The SSC CGL is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission in four different levels, also known as tiers. While the first two levels (tiers) are online/computer-based objective exams, the third level will be a descriptive pen and paper-based written exam to be conducted in both English and Hindi Language.

The last and 4th tier, level IV consists of DEST (Data Entry Skill Test) and CPT (Computer Proficiency Test) for specific positions within various departments and ministers under the Indian Government.  Aligned with a foolproof SSC CGL Preparation strategy is necessary for candidates planning to achieve a high score in the exam. The SSC CGL exam is conducted yearly for recruiting candidates in various grades ‘B’ and ‘C’ to fill vacancies in different departments and ministries under The Government of India. If you don’t have much time but your spirits are high, this guide will help you cover most of the SSC CGL syllabus in just a month.

SSC CGL is one of the most reputed jobs in the world which, therefore, makes it one of the hardest competitive exams in India. Nearly 8 lakh students appear for the SSC CGL exam to fill roughly around 8,000 vacancies. So, the competition is definitely high, but we will share some easy tips that will help you stay ahead of the competition. We think it is the easiest exam to crack if you have a carefully planned plan.

If you are just working on SSC CGL cracking strategy, we would recommend you check SSC CGL Syllabus for better preparation. Let’s check a few major details prior to a detailed guide.

• SSC CGL Exam Dates
  • The SSC CGL 2021 tier I exam date: May 29, to June 7, 2021
  • The Dates for the tier II, III, and IV are yet to be announced

• SSC CGL Selection Process
  • Tier I: Computer-Based Online Examination
  • Tier II: Computer-Based Examination
  • Tier III: Pen & Paper Based Examination
  • Tier IV: Computer Proficiency and Data Entry Skill Test
  • Interview

Qualifications and Age Eligibility Required for SSC CGL 2021

• Assistant Audit Officer
  • CA/CS/MBA/Cost & Management Accountant/Masters in Business Studies.
  • The age for aspirants must be under 30 years at the time of application

• Junior Statistical Officer
  • Bachelor’s degree from any prestigious university with a minimum 60% score in Mathematics in intermediate/12th/XIIth
  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with statistics in any subject in graduation
  • The age for aspirants must be under 32 at the time of application

• Compiler Post
  • Bachelor’s degree in Economics or Statistics or mathematics or elective subject
  • Aspirants of the age between 17-27 can apply

• All Other Vacancies
  • Bachelor’s degree in Economics or Statistics or mathematics or elective subject
  • Aspirant age may vary depending on the post they are applying for

Additionally, the government has provided relaxations for some categories and people with disabilities. So, check everything properly before applying. Let’s check How to prepare for SSC CGL – step by step guide, tips & tricks as well.

How to Prepare for SSC CGL at Home | SSC CGL Preparation Tips for Tier I

You will get 60 minutes (80 minutes for physically disabled or suffering from Cerebral Palsy). Additionally, there is no sectional time limit, so you can set your limits accordingly.

SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Pattern

Tips for SSC CGL Tier-I Exam

• Solve last year’s question papers.
• Practice GI and reasoning questions daily.
• Questions based on puzzles, figures, analogy, coding-decoding, and series are high scoring. So, start with them to secure a better score in less time.
• Non-verbal reasoning questions like image assembling, figure-counting will require a good visual imagination. It may seem tough, but you can win over it with a few weeks of practice.
• For General Awareness, you better start practicing two months before the exam.
• It mainly consists of questions from static GK and current affairs.
• Prepare the subjects in this order: science> Polity> History> Geography> Economy> Miscellaneous.
• Cover GK related to Indian culture, History, Economy, Geography, Politics,  and Environment.
• Make historical trees, maps, and points to keep dates and major events in mind.
• To prepare Quantitative Aptitude, you should start with topics like percentage, profit loss, speed, distance & time, boat & stream, ratio & proportion, and data interpretation, etc.
• Especially prepare for topics like simplification age-based questions, interest, percentage ratio, and proportion as well.
• In English, half of the battle would be yours if you’re proficient in vocabulary and grammar.
• Practice comprehension passage and essay writing every day also try jumble words to improve sentence structure.
• Read newspapers to improve vocabulary and proofread for better grammar.

How to Prepare for SSC CGL | Preparation Tips for Tier II

The second level of the SSC CGL exam will be objective in nature and the difficulty will be higher than tier 1. It will consist of 4 papers and the medium will be English and Hindi. You can check the pattern below.

SSC CGL Tier-II Exam Pattern

Tips for SSC CGL Tier-II Exam

• The pattern of the English Language of the SSC CGL tier II is similar to tier I, but a negative marking of 0.25 is here. So, it is better not to attempt a question unless you are confident.
• Around 40-50% of the questions are based on grammar, so better prepare for that section carefully.
• Focus on similar words, antonyms, synonyms to improve your writing skills and vocab as well.
• SSC CGL statistics in tier II does not include formula application, tricks, or cramming vocabulary. Therefore, you can easily get a better score without a month of tough preparation.
• Focus on the definition of the world and Indian economy.
• Prepare statistics in this order: national income and aggregates < foreign exchange demand < supply < economic development < the balance of payment < and top national and international financial institutes.
• This paper consists of 10-20 questions from the following topics that should be covered carefully;
  • Five Year Plans
  • Indian Tax Structure
  • Money & Banking
  • Economic Terms
  • Economic Reforms in India
• The best way to get a clear insight into this is to resolve the previous year’s question papers.

How to Prepare for SSC CGL | Preparation Tips for Tier III

This level was added recently in SSC CGL. Candidates earlier have to undergo an interview at the place of this. This is conducted to assess the candidate’s ability to manage official communication and correspondence. Candidates have to write an Essay/Precis/Letter/Application writing in the examination.

SSC CGL Tier 3 Exam Pattern

This is a pen and paper-based exam that contains 100 marks descriptive paper in English/Hindi. The nature of this exam is qualifying and marks are included in the final merit.

Tips for SSC CGL Tier-III Exam

• The main objective of this paper is to assess the writing skills of the candidate.
• Good content quality with solid grammar and vocabulary skills can increase your chances to qualify.
• You can read newspapers to improve the word power that will further help you in developing high-quality content that appeals, engages, and addresses the right value.
• Read the editorial section of established newspapers;
  • The Hindu
  • The Telegraph
  • The Deccan Herald
  • The Hindustan Times
  • The Indian Express
• Read good books and essays for better practice.

How to Prepare for SSC CGL | Preparation Tips for Tier IV

SSC CGL Tier 4 exam consists of two types of tests- Computer Proficiency Test and Data Entry Speed Test. The motive is to test your ability to do basic tasks such as type correctly at a reasonable speed.

Tips for SSC CGL Tier-IV Exam

We have mentioned the best tips for both tests respectively.

Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

• Word Processing
  • There will be an English passage; 2000 key depression required in 15 minutes.
• Spreadsheet
  • In this module, the candidates will be asked various mathematical problems like addition subtraction multiplication, and division on the Microsoft Excel Sheet. You must have expertise in MS Excel to score better.
• Generation of Slides
  • The candidates would be given a task to create slides on Microsoft Powerpoint. You must have a precise understanding of the header & footer, inserting date and time, and basics skills of MS Powerpoint.

Data Entry Speed Test

DEST only has a typing test in which the students have to make around 2000 key depression in 15 minutes. It is a speed test that can be cleared without any hitch with just a month of practice.

We hope this article has answered all your questions. If you have any issues or unclarity, you can let us know in the comments below. We would be happy to hear from you.