Candidates searching for ways on how to prepare for SSC CGL 2023 must know the exam pattern, marks distribution of questions, and syllabus. Additionally, candidates must appear for mock tests to ace their preparation.
To crack SSC CGL 2023 asiprants need to know the syllabus, exam pattern, buy the best books, appear for mock tests, and stick to a timetable. SSC CGL is a competitive recruitment examination that is held once every year for various government posts. Candidates from all across the country apply for this examination but very few manage to get a good score and get recruited.
To apply for the SSC-CGL, the candidates must have completed the bachelor’s degree from a recognized Institute/College/University. The age of the candidates must be between 20 to 30 years. The candidates who are exempted from paying the application fees include Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Physically Handicapped, Ex-Servicemen, and all the women candidates. Apart from all these categories, the rest have to pay an application fee of INR 3100.
Table of Contents
- How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2023?
- How to Prepare for SSC CGL Tier-wise?
- SSC-CGL Preparation Books
- SSC-CGL Exam Tier and Mode of Exam
- SSC-CGL 2023 Exam Pattern
- SSC-CGL 2023 Syllabus
How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2023?
Preparing for an exam is not an easy task. Candidates must remember that they should plan accordingly to get good marks to clear the examination. They should go with a regular plan for their preparation.
SSC CGL preparation tips are as follows.
Know the Syllabus
Candidates must go through the SSC-CGL syllabus of all the exams. Going through the summary, they will know how to prepare by taking references with the best books. Books plan a significant role in the preparation of any exams. They can refer to the books of known publishers such as Arihant Publishers, R S Agarwal, Kiran Publication, R D Sharma.
Plan a Schedule
Knowing the syllabus does not solve everything. For the best preparation, candidates must plan their schedules. They must organize their study timing. Take a short break and again get back to study. They should assign a particular time and day for each of the topics/subjects like for quantitative ability they should at least give 1-2 hours per day. In this way, they can know on which topic they should focus more.
Practice Sample Question Papers
There is various sample paper available online. Candidates can download it and practice them. Practicing with the sample papers can help them to understand the types of questions asked, the pattern of question paper, and the marking scheme as well. Apart from all these they can decide on which topic they should spend more time on, and on which they should focus more.
Attempt Mock Tests
By attempting mock tests, they can check about their progress in which field they are strong, and in which topic they should practice more. It will also help in their time management so that they can complete the entire exam within time.
Although these all are the necessary points that the candidates must follow. Apart from all these, self-confidence and proper guidance are the primary things that result in scoring good marks and enhances the candidates to crack the exam.
How to Prepare for SSC CGL Tier-wise?
As we already know, the SSC CGL is conducted tier-wise; it is crucial to understand the preparation process. Therefore, let us see the tier-wise strategy to prepare for SSC CGL.
- SSC CGL Tier I Preparation
- SSC CGL Tier II Preparation
- SSC CGL Tier III Preparation
- SSC CGL Tier IV Preparation
SSC CGL Tier- I Preparation
This tier is classified into four parts, i.e., General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Here are the details on preparation:
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Questions consist of both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- The non-verbal reasoning section is less compared to the verbal reasoning section.
- Important topics include Similarities and Differences, Coding and Decoding, Number Series, Spatial Orientation, Arithmetic Non-Verbal Series, Space Visualisation, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Judgment, Visual Memory, Statement Conclusion, Analogies, etc.
General Awareness
- This section mostly consists of more questions from Static GK more than current affairs.
- Static GK mostly covers culture, Indian History, Economy, Geography (India + World), Polity, and Environment.
- Reading newspapers is mandatory, keeping an eye on the recent happenings worldwide is a crucial matter.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Quantitative aptitude questions mainly focus on the calculative ability of the candidates.
- Grasping all the short-cut techniques, formulas etc, to complete this section is important.
- Whole Numbers, Discount, Decimals & Fractions, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Percentage, Time & Work, geometrical problems, Square Roots, Interest, Profit and Loss, Time & distance, etc.
English Comprehension
- This section particularly examines the basic English skills of students.
- Candidates are advised to have a good vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
- Additionally, candidates can increase their English vocabulary by reading newspapers and magazines.
SSC CGL Tier-II Preparation
This section is divided into four papers; each paper has its own set of time and marks. The ways to prepare are as follows:
Paper I (Quantitative Aptitude) and Paper-II (English)
- For the English section, the question paper is 200 marks and the time limit is two hours.
- The difficulty level is moderate to high.
- For the preparation of these sections, candidates can follow the tier I preparation strategy.
Paper III - Statistics
- The time limit for the examination is two hours, and the total question carries 100 marks.
- Some of the important topics include Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data, Skewness and Kurtosis, Correlation and Regression, Probability Theory, Random Variable, and Probability Distributions, Sampling Theory, Statistical Inference, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion Moments, Analysis of Variance, Time Series Analysis and Index Numbers.
Paper IV - Finance and Economics
This paper is divided into parts A and part B.
- Part A consists of questions from finance and accounting. The total mark of this paper is 80 marks; questions are mostly from the fundamentals of economics.
- Some of the important topics include Rectification of Errors, Profit & Loss Appropriation Accounts, Non-profit Organisations Accounts, Valuation of Inventories, Income & Expenditure Accounts, Trading, Depreciation Accounting, Receipts and Payments and Bills of Exchange, Self-Balancing Ledgers, etc.
- Part B consists of questions from economics and governance. The total mark of this paper is 120 marks. Topics include Constitutional Provisions of Comptroller & Auditor General of India, Role and Functions of Finance Commission, Introduction to Microeconomics, Theory of Demand and Supply, Theory of Production and Cost, Forms of Market and Price Determination, Indian Economy, Economic Reforms in India, Money and Banking, Role of Information Technology in Governance, etc.
SSC CGL Tier- III Preparation
This paper deals with the knowledge of the candidates and examines the communicative power of the candidates.
- There will be an essay/letter/ application/precise writing in the exam to test writing essays as it will build candidates' confidence.
- Thoroughly following the newspaper is mandatory.
- Moreover, candidates are also required to write essays, precis, applications, or letters.
SSC CGL Tier- IV Preparation
SSC CGL Tier-IV exam is held after the declaration of the tier III result. It comprises two types of tests, i.e. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
- The main objective of this test is to measure the accuracy and speed of the attempt of the questions.
- DEST is a typing test in which candidates have to type 2,000 key depressions in fifteen minutes.
- CPT is arranged in three modules; word processing, spreadsheet, and generation of slides.
SSC CGL Preparation Books
Here is the list of books that are found helpful for the preparation of SSC CGL. all the aspiring candidates are advised to follow these books:
| Books | Publishers/ Authors |
| English Comprehension | |
| English for General Competitions: from Plinth to Paramount (Volume – 1) | Neetu Singh/KD Publications |
| Objective General English | SP Bakshi/Arihant |
| Quick Learning Objective General English From Plinth to Paramount | RS Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal |
| A Mirror of Common Errors | Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh |
| Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | |
| Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Dr. R.S. Aggarwal |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
| Logical and Analytical Reasoning | A.K. Gupta |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude | |
| Elementary & Advanced Mathematics | Rakesh Yadav |
| Advance Maths | Kiran Prakashan |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Dr. R.S Agarwal |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M Tyra |
| General Awareness | |
| General Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| Manorama Yearbook | Manorama |
SSC CGL Exam Tier and Mode of Exam
The full form of the SSC CGL is the Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level Examination. SSC conducts the SSC CGL examination for the recruitment of the staff for various posts of Group B & Group C in ministries and organizations of the Indian Government. The SSC has placed four phases for the SSC CGL 2023 examination and candidates will have to answer the exam based on the specified mode of exam.
Check the table below for more details.
| Tier | Type of Exam | Mode of Exam |
| Tier 1 | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Tier 2 | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Tier 3 | Descriptive Paper in English or Hindi | Pen and Paper mode (Offline) |
| Tier 4 | Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)/Skill Test: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Wherever Applicable |
| Document Verification | Applicable for all |
SSC-CGL 2023 Exam Pattern
SSC organizes the SSC-CGL examination in four phases- Tier I, Tier-II, Tier-III, and Tier IV. The Mode of conduct of these exams are:
- Tier I & Tier-II- Online exam
- Tier III- Pen & Paper-based exam
- Tier IV- Computer Skill Test
Detailed exam pattern of SSC CGL are as follows.
- SSC-CGL Tier I Exam Pattern
- SSC-CGL Tier II Exam Pattern
- SSC-CGL Tier III Exam Pattern
- SSC-CGL Tier IV Exam Pattern
SSC-CGL 2023 Tier I Exam Pattern
The question paper comprises four sections of a total of 100 questions, and the total marks are 200. Candidates must complete the exam within 60 minutes. There will be 25 questions from each part, and each section will comprise of a total 50 marks. In case the candidate does not attempt the question or leave it blanks, no marks will be deducted, and there will be a negative marking of 0.50 for each incorrect answer. The sections include:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
SSC-CGL 2023 Tier II Exam Pattern
The question paper comprises four sections of a total of 100 questions from a three-section of 200 marks which holds the Quantitative Ability, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance & Economics), and 200 questions from the last section which includes- English Language & Comprehension. Candidates must complete the exam within 2 hours. In case the candidate does not attempt the question or leave it blanks, no marks will be deducted, and there will be a negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer. The sections include:
- General Studies (Finance & Economics)
- English Language & Comprehension
- Quantitative Ability
- Statistics
SSC-CGL 2023 Tier III Exam Pattern
The paper pattern will be descriptive comprises writing of an essay, letter, and application, and the paper is available in two languages- English/Hindi containing total marks of 100. Candidates must complete the exam within 60 minutes.
SSC-CGL 2023 Tier IV Exam Pattern
There will be a Computer Based-Test, and is conducted in two steps:
DEST Test & CPT Test.
- DEST: Candidates have to type 2000 words in English within a time duration of 15 minutes.
- CPT: To examine the candidate’s ability in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Generation of Slides, they advise the candidates to take this test.
SSC-CGL 2023 Syllabus
The syllabus for all the sections in the respective tiers are as follows:
- SSC-CGL 2023 Tier I Syllabus
- SSC-CGL 2023 Tier II Syllabus
- SSC-CGL 2023 Tier III Syllabus
- SSC-CGL 2023 Tier IV Syllabus
SSC-CGL 2023 Tier I Syllabus
The tier-I syllabus for SSC CGL as prescribed by the SSC is as shown below:
| Quantitative Aptitude |
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| English Comprehension |
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| General Intelligence & Reasoning |
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| General Awareness |
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SSC-CGL 2023 Tier II Syllabus
The syllabus prescribed by SSC for SSC-CGL for tier II is as displayed below:
| Quantitative Ability |
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| English Language & Comprehension |
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| Statistics |
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| Finance and Economics | Part A:
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SSC-CGL 2023 Tier III Syllabus
The tier-3 syllabus for SSC CGL as prescribed by the SSC is as mentioned below:
| Letter Writing | Essay Writing |
| Precis Writing | Application Writing |
SSC-CGL 2023 Tier IV Syllabus
The tier IV syllabus for SSC CGL is as displayed below. The main aim of this test is to judge the skills of the candidates.
| Data Entry Skill Test | Calculation of speed and accuracy of data entry |
| Computer Proficiency Test | Knowledge of Word Processing, Spread Sheets, and Generation of slides. |
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