How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2024 - Tips & Strategy, Study plan, Study Material

How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2024 - Tips & Strategy, Study plan, Study Material

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Aug 18, 2023 03:06 PM IST | #SSC CGL
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SSC CGL  Application Date : 09 Jun' 2025 - 04 Jul' 2025

How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2024 - When starting preparation for the exam, beginners or first time going to appear for the exam usually look for an SSC CGL study plan 2024 to clear the exam and also some of the candidates having question about how to start preparing for SSC CGL. For this, they browse the internet to know on how to prepare for SSC CGL 2024, best books, and SSC CGL study material. All these questions and more have been answered by the Careers360 team to help candidates prepare better for the SSC CGL exam 2024.

The SSC CGL preparation strategy for beginners is really helpful for aspirants in the SSC CGL selection process. Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL 2024 exam should have a well-laid-out SSC CGL study plan 2024 for every stage of the SSC CGL recruitment process 2024. Read how to prepare for SSC CGL 2024 in the article below.

Free UPSC Prelims Solved Paper-1 2016 to 2020 with Ans. & Explanation

How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2024?

To prepare for SSC CGL 2024 exam in the best way possible candidates should have a well laid out SSC CGL study plan 2024 and preparation strategy for each stage of the selection process. For those who don't, follow the tips and pointers on how to prepare for the SSC CGL exam.

Here is a glimpse of the SSC CGL preparation strategy:

  • Check the SSC CGL 2024 eligibility criteria before moving on with the exam preparation.

  • Study the SSC CGL exam pattern.

  • Go through the SSC CGL study syllabus properly.

  • Selection of what SSC CGL study material to study from is important.

  • Study from the best books for SSC CGL 2024 exam.

  • Pay more attention to topics of higher weightage.

SSC CGL Complete Guide
Candidates can download this ebook to know all about SSC CGL.
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SSC CGL Preparation Tip 1 - Know the SSC CGL exam pattern

The first and foremost thing that SSC CGL aspirants must do before starting their SSC CGL 2024 exam preparation is to know the SSC CGL exam pattern for every tier of the SSC CGL selection process. Check the tables below to know about the SSC CGL exam pattern 2024, the marking scheme and the duration of the exam.

SSC CGL exam pattern for tier 1 (online)

Tier

Subject

Qs. No.

M. Marks

Time

Tier-I CBT

General Intelligence and Reasoning

25

50

1 hr ( 1hr and 20 minutes for scribe)

General Awareness

25

50

Quantitative Aptitude

25

50

English Comprehension

25

50

Total

100

200

SSC CGL exam pattern for tier 2 (online)

Tier

Paper

Session

Subject

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks

Time Allowed

Tier-II

Paper - 1

Session-I (2 Hours and 15 Minutes)

Section - 1

Module-I: Mathematical Abilities

Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence


30+30 = 60

60x3 = 180 marks

1 Hour ( 1 Hour and 20 minutes for scribe


Section - 2

Module-I: English Language and Comprehension

Module-II: General Awareness


45+25 = 70

70x3 = 210 marks

1 Hour (1 Hour and 20 minutes for scribe)



Section-3

Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module


20

20x3 = 60 marks

15 minutes (20 minutes for scribe)

Session - II (15 minutes)

Section 3

Module-II: Data Entry Speed Test Module

One Data Entry Task


Paper 2

Statistics

100

100x2 = 200 marks

2 Hours (2 Hours and 40 minutes for Scribe)

Paper 3

General Studies (Finance and Economics)

100

100x2 = 200 marks

Also read: Basic information about category-wise top career exams

SSC CGL Preparation Tip 2 - Know the latest SSC CGL syllabus 2024

After looking at the SSC CGL exam pattern 2024, applicants now go through the SSC CGL syllabus 2024 for each stage of the SSC CGL recruitment process. The SSC CGL syllabus is designed in such a way it can test the candidates on various parameters as per the requirement of the job. The syllabus for SSC CGL exam consists of subjects like General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Statistics, General Studies (Finance & Economics), etc. Click here for more details on the SSC CGL syllabus 2024.

SSC CGL Preparation Tip 3 - SSC CGL Exam Analysis

Now the last step before actually proceeding to prepare for the SSC CGL exam, applicants must check previous year SSC CGL question papers and analyse them to know the exam difficulty level, topics of more importance, difficulty level of each section in the SSC CGL exam and more. The SSC CGL exam analysis will help applicants to devise a better SSC CGL preparation strategy and study plan 2024 for the exam.

SSC CGL Preparation Tip 4 - SSC CGL study material 2024

Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL exam must study from the latest and the best SSC CGL study material 2024 pdfs for the exam. Selecting good study material is also as important as picking out good fruits from a heap i.e. if the fruit is good the end taste is also good, similarly in the case of SSC CGL study material if it is good then the preparation for the exam will also be great. Applicants should also develop a habit of reading newspapers which will help to improve their grammar skill set, current affairs and other related aspects in the exam. One point to keep in mind while selecting the study material for the exam preparation is that they should also not study from too many sources for the exam preparation.

Check Here List of Other Government Exams

SSC CGL Preparation Tip 5 - Best Books for SSC CGL 2024

Apart from selecting good SSC CGL study material for the exam, applicants must study from the best books for SSC CGL 2024. Picking out good books for the Combined Graduate Level Examination is also as important as selecting good study material. Aspirants must refer to the most preferred books for the exam. The books they study from must also be able to help them clear their concepts of different types of questions asked in the SSC CGL exam. Some of the best books for SSC CGL 2024 exam are mentioned below.

Best books for SSC CGL 2024

Sections

Best books for SSC CGL 2024

Quantitative Aptitude

Advance maths for General Competitions by Rakesh Yadav/ KD Publications

Elementary & Advanced Mathematics by Kiran Prakashan

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning by M. K. Pandey

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal

General Awareness

General Knowledge by Dr Binary Karn/ Lucent

General Knowledge by Arihant Publications

English Comprehension

English for General Competitions by from Plinth to Paramount (Volume – 1) by Neetu Singh/ KD Publications

A mirror of Common Errors by Dr Ashok Kumar/ Academic and test publication

Competitive General English by Kiran Prakashan

Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi

Subject-wise Sample Questions UPSC and SSC CGL: Ans. & Explanation

SSC CGL Preparation Tip 6 - Solve previous year SSC CGL question papers

After completing the SSC CGL syllabus for the exam, candidates can now move on to the next step which is to test how well their preparation level for the exam. To evaluate their preparation level of the SSC CGL exam, aspirants can solve SSC CGL sample papers or previous year CGL question papers. Solving SSC CGL questions papers helps candidates to know their weak and strong points. This will also help them to learn how to manage time in the best possible way during the exam. On analysing their performance in the SSC CGL practice stage, candidates can work on their weak areas to improve their performance in the exam.

SSC CGL Preparation Tip 7 - Stay calm, positive and determined

Applicants must while preparing for any exam must not lose hope and give up. They should remain calm, determined and dedicated throughout the SSC CGL recruitment process and success will surely come to them.

Know how to prepare for other Sarkari exams here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the SSC CGL exam conducted online or offline?

The SSC CGL tier I and II exam will be conducted in online mode.

2. Does the SSC CGL recruitment process have an interview round?

No, there is no interview round in the SSC CGL selection process.

3. Is there a negative marking in SSC CGL examination?

Yes, there is a negative marking in the SSC CGL tier I and II stage of the exam.

4. How can I crack the SSC CGL 2024 exam?

Candidates can crack the SSC CGL 2024 exam by staying dedicated and focused throughout the selection process.

5. How many stages are there in the SSC CGL 2024 exam?

SSC CGL exam has two tiers. They are as follows:

  • Tier 1 - CBT (online)

  • Tier 2 - CBT (online)

6. How to prepare for SSC CGL 2024 exam?

Candidates can follow the tips and pointers mentioned above to prepare for the exam.

7. What is the minimum age to apply for SSC CGL?

The minimum SSC CGL age limit to apply for the examination is 18 years.

8. What are the SSC CGL exam dates 2024 for tier I?

SSC CGL 2024 tier I exam date has not yet been announced by the commission.

9. How will SSC release the CGL admit card 2024?

SSC will release the CGL admit card 2024 in online mode for all regions on the SSCs regional websites.

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Questions related to SSC CGL

Have a question related to SSC CGL ?

Hello Pooja,

If you filled the wrong date of birth on the SSC CGL application form and the correction window is closed, here’s what can happen:

  1. Document Mismatch : During document verification, your application may be rejected if the DOB on the form doesn't match your 10th certificate or official ID.

  2. No Correction Later : SSC generally does not allow changes after the correction window. Mistakes in DOB are taken seriously.

  3. What You Can Do :

    • Appear for the exam if your application isn’t rejected initially.

    • During document verification, clearly explain the issue and provide valid proof (birth certificate, 10th marksheet, Aadhaar, etc.).

    • You may write to SSC’s regional office requesting consideration, but acceptance is not guaranteed.

In future attempts, ensure all details are double-checked before final submission.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

HELLO,

If you are an ex serviceman and you want to apply for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level exam then you get some extra years added to the age limit based on your category

  • if you belong to the general category you get three years of relaxation after subtracting the number of years you served in the military from your current age

  • if you are from the other backward classes category you get six years

  • if you are from the scheduled castes or scheduled tribes category you get eight years

now which jobs can ex servicemen apply for

you can apply for most jobs in group C and some jobs in group B but not all group B jobs allow ex servicemen to apply so it is important to check the job notification each year when the Staff Selection Commission releases it

To be considered an ex serviceman you should have

  • served in the Indian Army Indian Navy or Indian Air Force

  • been officially discharged or retired either because you chose to or because the military released you

  • possibly received a pension or completed your full term of service

  • if you are not a graduate then you must have served for at least fifteen years in the armed forces to apply

In simple words the Staff Selection Commission allows ex servicemen to apply for many government jobs with some age benefits but your service record and education level must meet their conditions

Hope it helps!

HEY THERE!!

Yes, ex-servicemen are eligible to apply for SSC CGL.

  • According to the eligibility criteria, ex-servicemen are eligible for age relaxation and fee exemption while applying for the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam.
  • Ex-servicemen are exempted from paying the application fee, and ex-servicemen have reserved vacancies in some posts.
  • You need to satisfy the other general eligibility criteria (like educational qualification and nationality) as specified in the official notification.
  • Ensure to go through the elaborate request and reservation guidelines in the SSC CGL 2025 official notification when made available while applying.

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the recruitment of eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the basic educational qualification required to appear for this exam. The age limit varies depending on the specific post, generally ranging from 18 to 32 years, with age relaxations for certain categories.

The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers: Tier-I and Tier-II, both of which are computer-based online examinations. Tier-I is a qualifying stage, and the marks obtained in this tier are not counted for the final merit list. It consists of four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section comprises 25 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks, making a total of 100 questions and 200 marks. The total time allotted for the Tier-I exam is 60 minutes, and there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.

Candidates who clear the Tier-I cutoff are eligible to appear for the Tier-II examination. The Tier-II exam has a different pattern and consists of three papers. Paper-I is compulsory for all posts and is divided into three sections: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, and English Language and Comprehension, and General Awareness. There is also a Computer Knowledge Test and a Data Entry Speed Test as part of Paper-I. Paper-II is for candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and involves Statistics. Paper-III is for candidates applying for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer and covers General Studies (Finance and Economics). There is negative marking in Tier-II as well; 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I and II of Paper-I, and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III. The marks scored in the Tier-II exam are crucial for the final selection.

I hope this helps.

To apply for the SSC CGL exam, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in).

  2. Register for an account, if you haven't already.

  3. Fill out the application form for CGL, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.

  4. Submit the form and print the confirmation.

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