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Lakhs of aspirants apply for the SSC CGL Exam 2024 (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level), which remains one of the most competitive government exams in India. While many candidates prepare for SSC CGL at home, others opt for coaching institutes or expert guidance.
SSC is among the few government bodies that offer high-paying job opportunities even to candidates who have completed their 12th standard. Although the official SSC CGL 2024 notification is yet to be released, many students have already begun their preparation.
The big question remains—how to prepare effectively for the SSC CGL Exam to maximize your score and secure selection? In this blog, we have shared expert preparation tips, a subject-wise study plan, the best recommended books, and more to help you ace the exam.
Contents
What is the SSC CGL Exam?
The SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) exam is a national competitive test run by the Staff Selection Commission. It aims to hire candidates for various Group B and Group C positions in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. This exam is among the most popular government tests in the country. It gives graduates a chance to secure stable jobs in the central government sector that pay well. The exam has multiple tiers, currently including Tier I and Tier II. Positions filled through SSC CGL include Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant, and more.
Exam Pattern of SSC CGL in 2025
The SSC CGL exam is conducted mainly in two stages — Tier I and Tier II.
- Tier I is a qualifying stage, conducted in an online mode and comprises objective-type multiple-choice questions. The marks obtained in Tier I are not considered for final merit.
- Tier II is the scoring stage, consisting of multiple papers:
- Paper I (compulsory for all posts) includes sections on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
- It also includes a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) and other skill tests within Session II, which earlier formed Tier III and IV.
- Paper II and Paper III are only for candidates applying for specific posts like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Assistant Audit Officer (AAO), respectively.
Also Read: How to Clear SSC CHSL in First Attempt?: Tips for All Stages
Tier-I: Preliminary Exam (Qualifying Only)
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | ||
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 minutes for scribe-supported candidates) | –0.50 per incorrect answer |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | ||
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier-II: Mains Exam (Merit-Deciding)
Paper-I: Compulsory for All Posts
| Module | Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| Session-I | Section I: Math & Reasoning | 30 + 30 = 60 | 180 | –1 per incorrect answer | |
| Section II: English + GK | 45 + 25 = 70 | 210 | 2 hrs 15 mins | –1 per incorrect answer | |
| Session-II | Module-I: Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes | –1 per incorrect answer |
| Module-II: DEST (Qualifying) | Typing-based | — | 15 minutes | — | |
| Total (Paper-I) | 150 | 450 |
Additional Papers
| Paper | For Posts | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| Paper-II | Statistical Investigator (JSO) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | –0.50 per incorrect answer |
| Paper-III | AAO (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | –0.50 per incorrect answer |
Also Read: SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Which Exam Is Tough?
SSC CGL Preparation Strategy
In this section, we have provided the SSC CGL preparation strategy that will guide you how to start preparing right from the start and section-wise tips.
How to Start SSC CGL Preparation from Scratch
If you’re starting your SSC CGL preparation from scratch, follow these steps:
- Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the latest exam pattern and syllabus. This helps you know what to study and how to plan.
- Analyze Previous Year Papers: Look at the SSC CGL previous year papers to grasp the types and levels of questions asked.
- Make a Realistic Study Plan: Create a daily and weekly timetable that covers all subjects. Spend more time on difficult subjects or areas where you need improvement.
- Refer to Standard Books & Resources: Use NCERTs for the basics and other recommended books for more advanced practice.
- Take Online Mock Tests Regularly: Start attempting mock tests weekly, then increase the frequency as the exam approaches.
- Revise and Practice: Regular revision is important to retain concepts. Practice mock papers and quizzes to improve accuracy and speed.
Subject-wise Preparation Tips
Below, we have provided the subject-wise preparation tips.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Focus on Basics: Start with number systems, percentages, ratios & proportions, and simplification.
- Practice Arithmetic Thoroughly: Profit & loss, SI & CI, time & work, and speed & distance are high-weightage topics.
- Master Advanced Topics: Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and mensuration are crucial in Tier II.
- Speed & Accuracy: Use shortcuts and tricks to solve problems faster; practice is key.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Practice Daily: Focus on both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
- Important Topics: Series, analogy, coding-decoding, syllogism, blood relation, direction sense, and puzzles.
- Time Management: Try to solve reasoning questions within a time limit to build speed.
English Language & Comprehension
- Build Vocabulary: Learn new words daily; revise synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.
- Grammar Practice: Focus on error detection, sentence improvement, and active-passive voice.
- Reading Comprehension: Practice RCs regularly; focus on inference and factual questions.
General Awareness
- Current Affairs + Static GK: Cover both recent news (past 6–8 months) and static topics like Indian history, polity, geography, and economics.
- Daily Revision: Read newspapers or monthly magazines like Lucent’s GK and note important facts.
- Mock Tests & Quizzes: Attempt GA-specific tests to improve recall and familiarity with questions.
Also Read: Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for SSC CGL 2024
SSC CGL 2025 Study Plan
Here’s a clear SSC CGL 2025 Study Plan. It includes 3-month and 6-month strategies, sample daily and weekly schedules, and a revision plan.
6-Month Preparation Plan (Recommended for Beginners)
Below, we have provided the 6-month SSC preparation strategy for the CGL exam.
Month 1–2: Foundation Building
- Understand the syllabus & pattern completely.
- Focus on concept clarity and start with easy questions.
- Allocate 1 hour daily for GA and current affairs.
- Make short notes for quick revision later.
Month 3–4: Intermediate Practice
- Start solving sectional tests weekly.
- Increase the difficulty level of questions.
- Begin practicing reasoning puzzles and advanced quant topics.
- Vocabulary building and grammar practice regularly.
Month 5: Mock Tests + Revision
- Take 3–4 full mock tests weekly.
- Analyze and review errors thoroughly.
- Start group revision of notes, GA topics, and practice questions.
Month 6: Final Revision + Intensive Practice
- Daily mock tests with full analysis.
- Revise notes, formula charts, and vocabulary.
- Practice previous year question papers.
- Work on accuracy, speed, and confidence.
3-Month Preparation Plan (For Fast Track Aspirants)
Below, we have provided the 3-month SSC preparation strategy for the CGL exam.
Month 1: Concept Building + Basic Practice
- Cover all topics from basics in all 4 sections: Quant, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness.
- Allocate more time to weak areas.
- Start solving basic-level topic-wise questions.
- Read current affairs daily (last 6–8 months).
Month 2: Intermediate Practice + Mock Tests
- Move to moderate to difficult level questions.
- Start full-length mock tests (2 per week minimum).
- Work on time management and accuracy.
- Revise completed topics.
Month 3: Final Phase – Practice & Revision
- Focus on mocks, previous year papers, and revision.
- Analyze and improve weak areas.
- Increase mock test frequency (1 daily in the last 2–3 weeks).
- Focus on static GK and brushing up formulas/shortcuts.
Daily and Weekly Timetable Samples
Here, we have provided the daily and weekly study timeline schedule.
Daily schedule
| Time Slot | Activity |
| 7:00 – 8:00 AM | Reading Newspaper + Current Affairs |
| 9:00 – 11:00 AM | Quantitative Aptitude Practice |
| 11:30 – 1:00 PM | English (Vocabulary + Grammar) |
| 2:00 – 3:30 PM | Reasoning Practice |
| 4:00 – 5:30 PM | General Awareness + Static GK |
| 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Mock Test or Sectional Quiz |
| 9:00 – 9:30 PM | Review Mistakes + Revise Short Notes |
Weekly schedule
| Day | Focus Areas |
| Monday | Quant + English + GA |
| Tuesday | Reasoning + English Grammar + Mock Test |
| Wednesday | Quant + Reasoning + Static GK |
| Thursday | English RC + Quant (Data Interpretation) |
| Friday | Mock Test + Analysis + Revision |
| Saturday | Practice previous year papers |
| Sunday | Full Mock Test + Rest + Light Revision |
Best Books for SSC CGL Preparation
Preparing for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam and looking for the best books to boost your preparation? Having the right study material is essential for clearing this highly competitive exam. Below is a list of top recommended books for SSC CGL Tier-1 and Tier-2 preparation:
| Subject | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| General Knowledge | General Knowledge | Arihant Publication |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Logical & Analytical Reasoning | Logical and Analytical Reasoning | A.K. Gupta |
| Current Affairs | Daily Newspapers and Magazines | – |
FAQs
Ans. To begin SSC CGL preparation from scratch, follow these steps:
(a) Understand the syllabus and perform a SWOT analysis to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
(b) Stick to a limited set of study materials and avoid changing them frequently.
(c) Prepare handwritten notes and flashcards for quick revisions.
(d) Solve mock tests and previous year question papers (PYQs) regularly to evaluate your performance and improve time management.
Ans. English is a scoring subject in SSC CGL. Here’s how to prepare:
(a) Build your vocabulary using word lists and daily reading.
(b) Strengthen your grammar fundamentals from standard books.
(c) Practice reading comprehension passages regularly.
(d) Develop reading habits by reading newspapers, editorials, and quality magazines.
Ans. Yes, many aspirants successfully crack the SSC CGL exam through self-study at home. With the right strategy, disciplined routine, and regular practice using mock tests and PYQs, home preparation is entirely possible and effective.
Additional Reads
This was all about to know how to prepare for SSC CGL exam 2024. For more such informative blogs, check out our Government Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.
