Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL Exam) – 2023

Nidhhi Praasad

The Staff Selection Commission has been instrumental in selecting and recruiting candidates for Group 'B', 'C', and 'D" through written exams and interviews for central Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and in Subordinate Offices. A solid foundation would facilitate you in cracking the exam easily.

What is SSC CGL?: Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL) is a national-level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to shortlist suitable candidates. Every year, about 30 lakh candidates fill out the SSC CGL application form Staff Selection Commission conducts the exam in four stages, or tiers. The two tiers of the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam are conducted online. It is one of the biggest examinations to be conducted for graduate students in India. It is a great opportunity for job-ready youth looking forward to a position in a reputed organisation under the Central Government. While a government job helps to build a stable career, it is also loaded with responsibilities. A government job offers excellent pay and perquisites. Central government employees are considered privileged because of the social status, recognition and respect they enjoy.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The candidates applying for the SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognised institute or University. For this year, notification has been released on 3rd April 2023. While the last date is 3rd May 2023. The SSC CGL exam 2023 is scheduled from 14th July to 27th July.

For further details on eligibility criteria and exam dates kindly refer to www.ssc.nic.in

SSC CGL 2023 EXAM PATTERN: As per the SSC CGL new pattern, there will be only 2 tiers, instead of 4. Tier 1 will be a computer-based test (CBT); however, the Tier 2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III.

The mode of all stages of the SSC CGL Exam is as follows

Tier - 1 : Objective Multiple Choice- Computer-Based (online)

Tier - 2 : (Paper I, II, III) Paper I (Compulsory for all posts) Paper II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Paper III for candidates who apply for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.

SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Pattern: SSC CGL 2023 Tier-1 exam will be conducted online and comprising 4 sections with 100 multiple choice questions in total and with maximum marks of 200. The entire exam is needed to be completed in a time span of 60 minutes. SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam will be of qualifying nature and marks will not be counted in the final selection

The sections asked in SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam are:

·         General Intelligence & Reasoning

·         General Awareness

·         Quantitative Aptitude

·         English Comprehension

There is a negative marking of 0.50 Marks for each wrong answer.

SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Tier-2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper I (Compulsory for all posts), Paper-II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, and Paper III for candidates who apply for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer

The detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern has been discussed below along with the changes made by SSC this year

EXAM PREPARATION GUIDELINES: The key to success in any exam is to practice, improve speed, and clear concepts. Exam preparation requires dedication, preserving, hard work, and the best guidance. The competition for SSC is stiff as lakhs of students apply for them every year.

Preparation Strategy (WORK HARD & WORK SMART)

·         Be selective about General Awareness

·         Practice past years' papers

·         English language: Focus on one-word substitution and idioms & phrases.

·         Reasoning is the most scoring section

The competition is fierce but once you practice, the chances of your success are high. One must focus on 4 key points

1.       General Awareness

2.       Aptitude

3.       English Grammar

4.       Reasoning Ability

·         The first thing one needs to do is study the whole syllabus and exam pattern of the examination. Identify the topics and sections in the syllabus which are easy and those that are tough. Note down weak topics and make plans and strategies to overcome them.

·         Study regularly. Divide the preparation time on daily hours basis. Give more time to weaker areas. Plan your study time to manage a balanced preparation for all the sections and topics

·         Download the previous year's question papers and practice regularly

·         Read Newspapers daily

HOW TO PREPARE

PLANNING: Planning is key to good revision. When left to our own devices we sometimes struggle to find the motivation draw out a timetable of allocated time slots to spend on each subject and stick to it!

BE ASSERTIVE: Do a realistic review of where you stand and in which area improvement is required

PREPARING A TIMETABLE: The next step is to prepare a 30-day schedule until the exam day. Everything that is included in this schedule will be your preparation strategy for the next 1 month. Paste it on a wall where it is clearly visible to you. If possible, set alarms on your mobile phone according to this timetable every morning.

MARATHON REVISIONS: The first thing to be incorporated into your schedule is, ample time for revision. By now you must have figured out the amount of time required to revise a subject or topic. Based on this, calculate the number of hours that you will need to revise all three subjects. Divide the total number of hours by 30. On average, you should be spending nearly 6-7 hours on revision. Now, this time is inclusive of all the breaks that you take between two subjects/chapters. Therefore, you must make the most of this time and minimise the time spent on breaks.

TIME MANAGEMENT IS THE KEY: Managing time in an organised and wise manner is not just important during exam seasons but also throughout our lifetimes. Thus, you must plan your days and set reasonable targets for yourself. Good time management means maintaining a sustainable pace in completing your coursework, budgeting enough time for revision and incorporating extra-curricular activities into your routine.

TECHNOLOGY TO HONE YOUR ORGANISATION SKILLS: Leveraging technology to manage your time and organise your work is a good idea. You may set schedules and arrange your tasks in an organiser app. Use notes and reminders, create events on Google Calendar, and use the timer while attempting mock tests

MAINTAIN YOUR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH: While preparing for exams, aspirants should keep a balance between preparation time and relaxation time. Follow healthy food habits and a few exercises.

The last thing that should be on your timetable is 6-7 hours of SLEEP. It is important that you get adequate rest before the examination. Qualifying for a government job is a tough procedure but a good choice, worthy of the time and effort put in.

Perseverance is the key when it comes to working your way. Believe in yourself! You can make it happen!

(The author is a Counselling Psychologist & Career Consultant). She can be reached at nidhiprasadcs@gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.