SSC CGL Preparation Tips and Strategies to Crack CGL 2025 Exam

The SSC CGL exam is a national-level examination which is held every year by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Through this exam, SSC select eligible graduates for many different government jobs. For this year, SSC is going to release the official notification on 9th June 2025, and the tier 1 exam will be conducted from 13th to 30th August 2025. The posts included under the SSC CGL Exam are various Group B and Group C posts, such as Assistant Section Officer, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub Inspector, Inspector, Executive Officer, Research Assistant, Divisional Accountant, Junior Intelligence Officer, Junior Statistical Officer, Auditor, Accountant, Postal Assistant, Senior Secretariat Assistant, and Tax Assistant.

The eligible candidates will be selected based on their performance in online examinations (tier 1 and tier 2). In this article, we have discussed important preparation tips and strategies that are required to score good marks in the SSC CGL 2025 Exam. This article gives you important tips and ways to prepare so you can score well in the SSC CGL 2025 Exam. If you’re taking the CGL exam this year, this information will really help you in a smooth preparation journey.

Preparation Tips and Strategy for SSC CGL Exam

As the number of candidates increases every year, therefore, the competition becomes tough and candidates stress out when the exam date is near, even when their preparation is on top. This article discusses some important preparation tips and strategies to excel in the upcoming SSC CGL exams.

1. Understand SSC CGL Exam Pattern

The first and foremost step to begin their preparation for the SSC CGL Exam is understanding the SSC CGL Exam Pattern. The aspirants must familiarise themself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus. The SSC CGL exam consists of four sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.

SSC CGL Tier 1: There are 100 questions from 4 subjects (English Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension)

SSC CGL Tier 2: 3 papers will be conducted in SSC CGL Tier 2. The details are given below:

Paper 1:

• Mathematical Abilities
• Reasoning and General Intelligence
• English Language and Comprehension
• General Awareness
• Computer Knowledge
• Data Entry Skills

Paper 2: Statistics

Paper 3: General Studies- Finance and Economics

2. Create a Study Plan

Without planning, cracking competitive exams like CGL is quite difficult; therefore, the candidates, after knowing the pattern, must prepare an efficient study plan that allocates sufficient time to cover each subject. Divide your time wisely, focusing more on your weaker sections while revising your strengths regularly. Maintain a notebook or digital document to note down important current affairs topics, dates, and events. Manage your sectional preparation time slots accordingly to not miss any section.

3. Join Online/Offline Coaching

Joining online or offline coaching for the SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) exam could be an important part of your preparation, as the competition is increasing day by day, and the syllabus of the exam is vast. Through coaching, candidates can prepare for the exam in a well-structured curriculum that covers the entire SSC CGL syllabus for both tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, etc.) smoothly. You can join Adda247 online classes, which are ideal for students in remote areas and who are planning to prepare from home.

4. Gather Authentic Study Material

To prepare for the SSC CGL exam, it is essential to gather high-quality study material that comprehensively covers the entire syllabus for all subjects. To prepare for exams, you can refer to different types of study materials such as textbooks, reference books, previous years’ question papers, and online resources. For General Awareness, you can find reliable information in government publications and websites like NCERT books, the Economic Survey of India, India Year Book, and the websites of ministries such as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs. You can also visit your local library to access a wide range of books, reference materials, and magazines related to the exam. Libraries often have curated collections of study materials that can be beneficial for your preparation.

5. Practice Mock Tests & PYQs Regularly

Solve previous years’ question papers and attempting mock tests regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Solving SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers helps to understand the pattern of questions and practising different types of questions. This will also help you understand the exam pattern and identify important topics.

6. Time Management

Manage your time effectively during the preparation period for the SSC CGL Exam. The aspirants must prepare for the exam by following their study plan as to complete the entire syllabus on time. It is important to practice solving questions within the allocated time frame and to learn to prioritise questions based on their difficulty level and weightage.

7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

It is important to keep yourself informed of current events for the General Awareness section, especially topics related to current affairs, national and international events, sports, awards, and honours. One of the best ways to stay updated with current affairs is by reading newspapers daily. Newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Hindustan Times provide comprehensive coverage of national and international news, politics, economy, and other important topics.

8. Know the Previous Year’s Cut off

Knowing the previous year’s cutoff marks provides a target score to aim for during preparation, helping candidates understand the level of performance needed to secure admission or pass the SSC CGL exam. SSC CGL Previous Year Cut-off helps in planning your preparation strategy, including focusing more on sections or subjects that carry higher weightage based on previous trends.