If you’re preparing for SSC CGL for the first time, you don’t need 200 “tips”.
You need one working system.

SSC CGL is not a “knowledge exam”. It is a performance exam: speed, accuracy, and repeatable patterns. The fastest way to crack it in the first attempt is to build a simple loop:

Learn basics → Solve PYQs → Timed practice → Mocks → Analysis → Revision → Repeat

This is exactly how top-ranked strategy pages structure their guidance (basics + PYQ + mocks), but most beginners never execute it consistently.

SSC CGL is a multi-tier exam. Your real selection depends on the stage that carries final merit (Tier 2 in the current structure used by SSC’s official syllabus format).

Official reference (always keep this open while studying):
https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/Syllabus/CGL-syllabus-169635-.pdf

Beginners usually do this:

• Spend 2–3 months “learning everything”
• Avoid timed practice
• Start mocks too late
• Never build a revision system

Result: average preparation, average score.

A beginner mistake: preparing as if only Tier 1 matters.

The official syllabus structure shows Tier 2 Paper-I is comprehensive (math, reasoning, English, GA, computer + skill module).
Your plan must treat Tier 2 as the main target.

Below is a practical syllabus map (topic clusters). Keep it as your checklist.

Arithmetic: percentage, ratio, average, profit-loss, SI/CI, time-work, TSD, mixture/alligation, pipes, mensuration basics
Algebra: identities, linear equations, quadratic basics, series basics
Geometry: triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, angles, similarity, coordinate basics
Trigonometry: ratios, identities, heights & distances
DI: tables, bar, pie, line, caselets (timed sets)

analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relation, direction, syllogism, inequalities, sitting arrangement, puzzles, statement-conclusion (basic), non-verbal

grammar (error spotting, sentence improvement), cloze test, para jumbles, RC, vocab (synonyms/antonyms, idioms), voice/narration basics

static GK (history, polity, geography, economy basics), science basics, current affairs (last 6–8 months), important schemes, awards, sports, books & authors

basics of hardware/software, OS, MS Office, internet, networking basics, cyber hygiene, shortcuts

Use SSC’s official PDF to ensure your checklist matches SSC format.

Competitors rank because they provide “timelines” (like 90-day plans) and make it easy to follow.
Here’s a better one—built for results.

Daily (4–6 hours):

• Quant: 90 min concept + 60 min PYQ (same topic)
• English: 45 min grammar + 30 min vocab + 30 min RC
• Reasoning: 60 min timed sets
• GA: 45 min static + 30 min current

Rule: Every topic must end with PYQ practice (not random questions).

Daily:

• Quant: 90 min timed practice + 45 min weak area
• English: 1 sectional test + analysis
• Reasoning: 1 sectional test + analysis
• GA: daily 30–45 min revision + weekly current affairs test
• Computer: 20–30 min daily (shortcuts + basics)

Weekly:

• 2 full-length mocks
• 3 sectional tests per subject
  

Weekly:

• 4 full mocks (alternate Tier focus)
• 2 Tier 2 math-focused practice blocks
  Daily:
• 2 hours mock analysis (mandatory)
• 1 hour revision notebook (formulas + errors + vocab)

Competitors say “give mocks”—but winners do analysis.

After every mock, record:

1. Silly mistakes (calculation, misread, hurry)
2. Concept gap (topic not known)
3. Time traps (questions you should skip)

Then set 3 actions only:

• Fix 1 concept gap topic
• Fix 1 time trap pattern
• Fix 1 silly mistake habit

This is how your score climbs week by week.

• Don’t chase “hard questions”
• Build speed on easy-to-medium
• Maintain a formula notebook
• Daily 2 DI sets timed (no excuses)
  

• Grammar + RC is where beginners can jump fast
• Error spotting + sentence improvement are repeatable
• Read 1 RC daily with timer
  

• Avoid getting stuck on one puzzle
• Set a hard stop: 90 seconds decision rule (solve or skip)
• Practice seating/puzzle daily (timed)
  

• Static + current combo
• Daily micro revision beats weekly overload
  

• Treat as scoring section: basics + shortcuts + MS Office

• Studying without timer
• Skipping PYQs
• Doing mocks without analysis
• Over-collecting books/notes
• “I will revise later” (later never comes)

Every day you must do:

• 30 min revision (formula/vocab)
• 30 min timed practice (any one section)
• 30 min analysis (yesterday’s errors)

Even if your day is busy—do this and you won’t fall off track.

1. Is 3 months enough for SSC CGL first attempt?
   Yes—if you follow a strict mock + analysis loop and you already have basics in quant/English. Otherwise, use 4–6 months.
2. How many hours daily for beginners?
   4–6 focused hours daily; more matters only if your revision system is strong.
3. When should I start mocks?
   Start sectional tests in weeks 3–4 and full mocks by week 5.
4. How many mocks are enough?
   At least 30–40 quality full mocks + analysis; more is better if analysis is real.
5. What should I do if mock scores are stuck?
   Stop adding new material for 7 days—only analysis + revision + timed practice.
   

1. Is Tier 1 enough for selection?
   No—final selection depends on merit stage (Tier 2 focus is essential).
2. Should I prepare Tier 2 from day 1?
   Yes—especially quant depth + computer basics.
3. What is the biggest Tier 2 advantage?
   Accuracy + time control in math and strong English comprehension.
4. What is DEST / skill module?
   SSC includes skill modules in the official syllabus structure; prepare typing basics early.
5. What’s the best Tier 2 daily routine?
   45 min advanced quant + 20 min computer + 20 min typing + 30 min English comprehension.
   

1. Best way to improve calculation speed?
   Daily 15 min calculations: squares, cubes, % conversions, fractions to %.
2. What to do if geometry is weak?
   Learn only formula + theorem essentials, then solve PYQs topic-wise.
3. How many DI sets daily?
   Minimum 2 timed sets.
4. Should I do advanced math from start?
   Only after arithmetic is stable; otherwise you’ll slow down.
5. How to handle tough questions?
   Skip fast—first attempt winners protect time.
   

1. How to improve vocabulary fast?
   15 words/day + revise every 7th day + use in sentences.
2. Best way to improve RC?
   Daily 1 timed RC + 5-minute summary writing.
3. Grammar topics that repeat most?
   Error spotting and sentence improvement are consistently high utility.
4. How to reduce mistakes in English?
   Error log: rule + example + 5 practice questions.
5. Can English alone boost score massively?
   Yes—English is the fastest scoring jump for many beginners.
   

1. How to master puzzles?
   Daily timed sets + standard patterns; don’t binge-watch solutions.
2. What if I’m slow in seating?
   Practice one pattern for 3 days straight, then switch.
3. How to avoid wasting time?
   90-second decision rule.
4. Is non-verbal important?
   It appears but usually takes less time to master—do it after verbal basics.
5. Best reasoning revision method?
   Maintain “pattern list” (types of arrangements/puzzles).
   

1. Static vs current—what matters more?
   Both. Static gives base marks; current adds monthly boost.
2. How many months current affairs?
   6–8 months is standard.
3. Best GA routine?
   30 min daily + weekly 1-hour recap.
4. Should I read full newspaper?
   If time is limited: headlines + key national/economy + sports/awards.
5. How to revise GA?
   One-page weekly notes.
   

1. Is computer difficult?
   No—basic concepts and shortcuts are enough for strong score.
2. What to learn in MS Office?
   Word, Excel basics, shortcuts, file operations.
3. How to prepare typing/DEST?
   10 minutes daily typing practice from week 1.
4. Is internet/networking asked?
   Basics: browser, email, LAN/WAN, security hygiene.
5. Can I ignore computer early?
   No—small daily practice beats last-minute panic.
   

1. How to reduce negative marking?
   Attempt only when you can eliminate at least 2 options.
2. What is the best section order in exam?
   Start with your highest-accuracy section.
3. How to manage time?
   Set sectional time caps in practice; follow them in mocks.
4. What if I panic during mocks?
   Do more timed sectionals; panic reduces with exposure.
5. How to stay consistent?
   Track 3 metrics weekly: mock score, accuracy, attempted questions.
   

1. Should I use many books?
   No—one good source per subject + PYQs + mocks.
2. Are PYQs mandatory?
   Yes—SSC repeats concept patterns.
3. How to use PYQs?
   Topic-wise first, then mixed sets with timer.
4. How to make notes?
   Only formulas, rules, and your errors—nothing else.
5. Do toppers revise daily?
   Yes—revision is non-negotiable.
   

1. Can an average student crack in first attempt?
   Yes—if your system is consistent for 12–16 weeks.
2. Biggest differentiator between selected vs not selected?
   Mock analysis discipline.
3. When should I start revision?
   From day 1 (micro revision daily).
4. What should I do in last 30 days?
   Mocks + revision + weak topics only (no new books).
5. What’s the simplest “first attempt formula”?
   Basics + PYQs + timed practice + mocks + analysis + revision.

For official updates, syllabus and notices, always refer to SSC: https://ssc.gov.in
Official syllabus PDF reference: https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/Syllabus/CGL-syllabus-169635-.pdf