Every year, lakhs of graduates decide to prepare for SSC CGL for the first time.

And almost all of them ask the same questions:

• How do I start SSC CGL preparation from zero?
• Is SSC CGL difficult for beginners?
• Can a first-time aspirant crack SSC CGL in one attempt?
• How many months are enough?
• What should I study first?
• Is coaching necessary?

This guide answers all of that — systematically, clearly, and in depth.

If you are a complete beginner, this page is your roadmap.

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted to recruit graduates for prestigious central government posts such as:

• Income Tax Inspector
• CBI Sub-Inspector
• Assistant Section Officer
• Auditor
• Excise Inspector
• Divisional Accountant

SSC CGL is not a theoretical exam.

It is a rank-based competitive exam where:

• Speed matters
• Accuracy matters more
• Tier 2 determines final merit
• Cut-off fluctuates yearly

If you understand this early, your preparation will be correct.

Important for first-time aspirants:

Tier 1 only filters candidates.
Tier 2 decides your rank and post.

Most beginners ignore Tier 2 initially. That is the biggest strategic mistake.

For full breakdown:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-cgl-2026-preparation-strategy-complete-tier-1-and-tier-2-syllabus-study-plan-mock-blueprint-and-exam-specific-faqs

Preparation must move in 4 structured phases.

You do NOT start with full-length mocks.

You start with fundamentals.

Focus on:

• Percentage
• Ratio & Proportion
• Profit & Loss
• Time & Work
• Time & Distance
• Algebra basics
• Geometry basics
• Simplification
• Number system

Goal:
Accuracy before speed.

Focus on:

• Parts of speech
• Subject-verb agreement
• Error detection
• Sentence correction
• Vocabulary building
• Reading comprehension basics

Goal:
Clear grammar foundation.

• Coding-decoding
• Series
• Blood relations
• Seating arrangement
• Direction sense
• Analogy
• Syllogism

Goal:
Pattern familiarity.

• Static GK
• Indian polity basics
• History overview
• Geography basics
• Economy basics
• Current affairs daily revision

Limit sources. Avoid overload.

After foundation, move to:

• Topic-wise sectional tests
• Timed practice sessions
• Error tracking notebook
• Weekly revision cycle

You should now:

Attempt 1–2 sectional tests daily.

Do not jump to full-length tests too early.

Accelerated plan:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-cgl-90-day-study-plan-for-beginners-2026-complete-tier-1-strategy-daily-timetable-and-mock-strategy

This stage separates qualifiers from rankers.

Minimum requirement:
30 full-length mock tests.

Ideal:
40–45 mocks with detailed analysis.

After each mock:

1. Identify weak section
2. Review wrong answers
3. Improve attempt strategy
4. Adjust section order
5. Track accuracy percentage

Target:

80–90 attempts
Accuracy above 85%

High-score blueprint:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/how-to-score-150-in-ssc-cgl-2026-tier-1-complete-60-day-study-plan-mock-and-accuracy-strategy

Quality of preparation > duration.

SSC CGL is not academically difficult.

It becomes difficult due to:

• Competition level
• Time pressure
• Negative marking
• Tier 2 depth
• Lack of mock exposure

With structured discipline, beginners clear in first attempt.

Yes — if:

• Tier 2 is prepared from start
• Mock analysis is regular
• Accuracy is prioritized
• Revision is systematic
• Time management is trained

Many first-time aspirants clear because they follow structure strictly.

Time: 60 minutes
Negative marking: 0.50

Tier 2 includes:

• Mathematical Abilities
• Reasoning
• English
• General Awareness
• Computer Knowledge

Tier 2 is more analytical and decisive.

Focus more on Quant + English.

1. Ignoring Tier 2
2. Not giving enough mocks
3. Studying randomly without timetable
4. Not maintaining error notebook
5. Over-focusing on GK
6. Underestimating negative marking
7. Poor revision cycle

Avoid these to increase probability.

Students search:

• Which is best SSC CGL coaching in India?
• Is Mahendra’s good for SSC CGL?
• Best SSC coaching in Lucknow?
• Best SSC coaching in Patna?
• Best SSC coaching in Guwahati?

Coaching helps if:

• You lack discipline
• You need competitive environment
• You want structured progression
• You need Tier 2 guidance

Evaluation framework:

SSC CGL salary depends on post.

Example:

Income Tax Inspector:
Pay Level 7
Plus allowances
Strong promotion track

Promotion hierarchy:

• Inspector
• Assistant Commissioner
• Deputy Commissioner
• Commissioner

SSC CGL offers:

• Job security
• Government benefits
• Pension
• Stable career

1. How should a beginner start SSC CGL preparation?
   Start with syllabus awareness, build fundamentals, then shift to sectional and mock tests.
2. Is SSC CGL hard for beginners?
   It is competitive but manageable with structured preparation.
3. Can beginners crack SSC CGL in first attempt?
   Yes, with disciplined preparation and mock analysis.
4. How many mocks are enough?
   Minimum 30 full-length mocks before exam.
5. Does SSC CGL have interview?
   No interview in current pattern.
6. What is safe score in Tier 1?
   Around 150+ depending on category and year.
7. How many months are enough?
   6–8 months for beginners.
8. Is Tier 2 more important than Tier 1?
   Yes, Tier 2 decides final merit.

Complete Tier Strategy:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-cgl-2026-preparation-strategy-complete-tier-1-and-tier-2-syllabus-study-plan-mock-blueprint-and-exam-specific-faqs

90-Day Study Plan:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-cgl-90-day-study-plan-for-beginners-2026-complete-tier-1-strategy-daily-timetable-and-mock-strategy

150+ Score Guide:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/how-to-score-150-in-ssc-cgl-2026-tier-1-complete-60-day-study-plan-mock-and-accuracy-strategy

Without Coaching:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/can-i-crack-ssc-cgl-2026-without-coaching

Upcoming Exams:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/upcoming-government-exams-2026-27-complete-list-of-bank-ssc-railways-upsc-teaching-and-state-exams