SSC CGL DETAILED SYLLABUS AND EXAM PATTERN FOR TIER 1 AND 2

Staff selection commission is an organization that comes under the government of India and recruits for different positions in ministries and other departments. It was formerly called as support services commission and was formed in the year 1975 and holds a joint office along with the department of personnel and training.

Staff selection commission or SSC as its famously knows as happens to be one of the leading government organization that provides employment to lakhs of students in India. 

Staff selection commission combined graduate level or SSC CGL  is conducted every year in four stages: Tier1, Tier2, Tier 3, and Tier4.  While tier1 and tier 2 exams will be conducted online, tier3 will be a pen and paper exam and tier 4 will be a computer skills test.

The tier 1 exam has:

·       General intelligence and reasoning

·       General awareness

·       Quantitative aptitude &

·       English comprehension

Try SSC CGL Practice set for Tier 1

25 questions on every topic mentioned above carrying 50 marks each totaling to 200 marks. 

There will be a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer and there will be no sectional cutoff.  There will be no negative marking for the attempted questions.

The SSC CGL tier 1 exam syllabus comprises of the following:

General intelligence and reasoning: classification, analogy, coding & decoding, paper folding method, matrix, word formation, Venn diagram, direction & distance, blood relations, series, verbal reasoning and non - verbal reasoning.

General awareness: static general knowledge (Indian culture, history etc.,)

·        Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics + Space Science, Computer & Mobile Technology, Diseases, Pollution & Nutrition

·        Current Affairs, Sports, People in News, Books & Authors, Important Dates, Schemes, Portfolios.

Quantitative aptitude includes: Quantitative aptitude includes: simplification, interest, average, percentage, ratio & proportion, problem on ages, Speed, distance & time, number system, meditation, data interpretation, algebra, geometry trigonometry and time & work.

English comprehension includes:

·        Reading comprehension: Passages based on any topic. Questions are mostly fact based & can be directly picked out of the passage

·        Fill in the blanks: A mix of grammar and vocabulary-based questions.

·        Spelling: Choose the correctly spelt word or the misspelled word from different words. The same word can be spelt in different ways and you are asked to select the correct spelling.

·        Phrases & idioms: The meaning of the phrase or idiom can be asked in a sentence.

·        One-word substitution: Substitute one word for the phrase given.

·        Sentence correction: A mix of grammar and vocabulary Based questions. Important Topics: Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Article-Noun Agreement, Correct Part of Speech, Correct use of Prepositions, Parallelism, Phrasal Verbs, Sentence Construction, Degree of Comparison, Correct use of different parts of speech, Easily confusable words, Usage in Context.

·        Error spotting: Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Article-Noun Agreement, Correct Part of Speech, Correct use of Prepositions, Parallelism, Phrasal Verbs, Sentence Construction, Degree of Comparison, Correct use of different parts of speech.

ssc cgl syllabus and exam pattern

The tier 2 exam  will comprise of four sections:

·       Quantitative ability

·       Statistics

·       General Studies (Finance & Economics)

·       English Language & Comprehension

Try SSC CGL Tier 2 mock test

While the quantitative ability, statistics, general studies sections will have 100 questions each of 200 marks respectively, English language & comprehension will have 200 questions of one mark each totaling to 800 marks.

There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer and there will be no sectional cutoff.  There will be no negative marking for the questions that are not attempted.

The SSC CGL tier 2 exam syllabus comprises of the following:

Statistics Include: Collection & Representation of data, measure of dispersion, measure of central tendency, moments, skewness and kurtosis, correlation & regression, random variables, sampling theory, Analysis & Variance, Index number, time series analysis.

General awareness includes: Finance and accounting, fundamental principles, financial accounting, basic concepts of accounting, Self- balancing ledger, error spotting & corrections, economics & governance, theory of demand and supply, finance commission, comptroller & auditor general of India.

Quantitative aptitude includes:  Simplification, interest, averages, percentage, ratio & proportion, speed distance and time, mensuration, data interpretation, time and work, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and data sufficiency.

English language & comprehension includes: Reading comprehension, fill in the blanks, spelling, phrases & idioms, one-word substitution, sentence correction and error spotting, cloze test, para jumbles, active passive voice, and synonym – antonyms.

How can I score more in English in SSC CGL tier 1?

Staff Selection Commission is one of the reputed exams conducted to recruit the graduates in several posts of central government offices across the country. It is essential to know the syllabus as well as the pattern of the SSC CGL exam 2018 by the aspirants. This article would provide the tips on how to score more in English SSC CGL Tier 1 exam as well the best books to refer.

SSC CGL Tier I English Section Syllabus:

It is critical to know what kind of questions will be asked in the English section in SSC CGL Tier I exam.

Exam Pattern of English Section:

As per the previous question papers, we have come up with the exam format for English here.

1. Spotting Errors – 3 – 4 Questions (6 to 8 Marks)
2. Reading Comprehension/Cloze Test – 5 Questions (10 Marks)
3. Synonyms/Antonyms – 3 Questions (6 Marks)
4. Idioms/Phrases – 3 Questions (6 Marks)
5. One Word Substitution – 2 – 3 Questions (4 – 6 Marks)
6. Spelling Mistakes – 2 Questions (4 Marks)
7. Sentence Correction – 3 – 4 Questions (6 – 8 Marks)
8. Active Passive/Direct Indirect – 2 Questions (4 Marks)
9. Para Jumbles – 2 Questions (4 Marks)

Tips to Score More in English Section:

Prepare a strategy to score better marks in this section. The test of English is a scoring section. We will see the tips below:

1. Allocate 2 hours to English on a daily basis for preparation. Make a good study plan as per the latest SSC CGL Syllabus and follow it religiously.
2. To solve questions in Spotting Errors, you must read the complete sentence carefully. The error can be found in most cases. While reading, check the subject-verb agreement. If you find the questions a little difficult, you must read the question again carefully to spot the error.
3. It is recommended to learn at least 30 new words on a daily basis. Make a note of the meaning and also check the usage. Go through the  previous year ssc cgl question papers to cover most frequently asked questions relating to Antonyms/Synonyms.
4. You must refer to the previous year question papers to learn idioms/phrases & One Word Substitution.
5. To solve spelling mistakes, sentence corrections, all you need to be good at is the basics of English – grammar rules. Go through the rules of English to brush up your grammar. Always look at every choice, eliminate all the choices that contain the error. Identify the sentence that has less or no grammatical errors.
6. Fill in the Blanks must be done carefully by reading the questions and options too carefully. Use the method of elimination and narrow down your choices. After choosing the closer option, read the sentence if it makes sense and choose that one.
7. In Cloze Tests, you are provided with the passage, all sentences are logically related to each other. That particular logic provides an idea about the appropriate word for the blank space. Sometimes, it is easy to pick the right option and when it is difficult, eliminate all the improbable options and try with the closer option and check. You must find a logical relation between all the provided options.
8. Reading Comprehension is all about reading the passage and answer the questions, the options will be very close to each other. You can only develop the skill of answering quickly with accuracy is by practicing more and more reading passages.
9. Go through previous year question papers and solve them. Practice more and more SSC CGL mock tests for better accuracy.
10. Analyze the results of your mock tests and prepare an action plan to lessen your mistakes and improve your accuracy.
11. List down important topics and ensure to study those topics without fails. Practice questions from previous year too.
12. Watch the talk shows, fact-based shows, listen to the news to pick up the vocabulary. By doing so, you can improve your vocabulary. Sometimes, situationally, you may understand the meaning of a word. Check the dictionary to tally the same, you can remember the meaning as well as the by doing so.

Recommended books to refer:

1. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – By Arun Sharma
2. Objective General English by S P Bakshi by Arihant
3. Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar and Composition

SSC CGL Physical Standards : A Guide

Physical Standards for Different Posts in SSC CGL Exam

Physical test plays a crucial role in SSC CGL examination.The physical standard test will be conducted for the posts of Inspector (Central Excise/ Examiner/ Preventive Officer/ Inspector & Sub-Inspector in CBN) and Sub-Inspector in CBI. The physical measurements (including vision test) for candidates will be conducted by the concerned Indenting Departments and only those candidates who fulfill the specified physical measurements will be eligible for the respective posts as follows.

Physical Standards: 

i. Physical standards for the post of Inspector (Central Excise/ Examiner/ Preventive Officer/ Inspector & Sub-Inspector in CBN):

Physical Standards:

a. Male Candidates:

Height 157.5 cms. Chest 81 cms. (fully expanded with a minimum expanses of 5 cms.)

Height relaxable by 5 cms. In the case of Garwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas and members of Scheduled Tribes.

Physical Test:
Walking: 1600 metres in 15 minutes.
Cycling: 8 Kms. In 30 minutes.

b. Female Candidates

Height 152 cmsWeight 48 Kgs

Height relaxable by 2.5 cms. Weight by 2 Kgs. for Gorkhas, Garwalis, Assamese and Members of Scheduled Tribes

Physical Test:
Walking: 1 Km. in 20 minutes.
Cycling: 3 Kms. in 25 minutes.

ii. Physical standards for the Post of Sub- Inspector in Central Bureau of Investigation:

a. Height: 
For Men – 165 cms.
For Women – 150 cms.
Height relaxable for Hillsmen and Tribals : 5 cms.

b. Chest :
76 cms. with expansion (There shall be no such requirement in case of female candidates)

c. Vision :
Eye-sight (with or without glasses)
Distant vision : 6/6 in one and 6/9 in the other eye.
Near vision: 0.6 in one eye and 0.8 in other eye.

iii. Physical standards for the Post of Sub- Inspector in National Investigation Agency:

a. Height:
For Men – 170 cms.
For Women – 150 cms.
Height relaxable for Hillsmen and Tribals : 5 cms.

b. Chest:
76 cms. with expansion (There shall be no such requirement in case of female candidates)

c. Vision:
Eye-sight (with or without glasses)
Distant vision : 6/6 in one and 6/9 in the other eye.
Near vision: 0.6 in one eye and 0.8 in other eye.

The Commission will recommend the candidates in the Merit List on the basis of the aggregate marks obtained by the candidates in the SSC CGL written test & Proficiency/ Skill Test (wherever applicable) and preference exercised by the candidates in the Application Form for different Posts and thereafter, wherever applicable at the time of Tier II/ Skill Test/ Computer Proficiency Test depending on the number of vacancies available.

SSC CGL TIER 2 PREPARATION TIPS BY TOPPERS

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts exams for recruitment to various Government posts. This exam is for Indian citizens only. The posts that get filled based on SSC results are Group B Governmental posts, Group C Technical posts and many more to the list. SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is also organized and conducted by SSC. This is for subordinate staff recruitment in Group B category. This exam is conducted in English or Hindi.

Before we go to the preparation tips fortier II SSC CGL exam, let us know the subjects and pattern of the exam.

SSC CGL Tier II Exam Pattern:

Subject	Number of questions	Maximum marks	Exam duration
Quantitative aptitude	100	200	2 hours
English language and comprehension	200	200	2 hours
Statistics	100	200	2 hours
General studies (Finance and economics)	100	200	2 hours

SSC CGL Tier II preparation tips by toppers:

According to toppers in the previous year exams speed plays an important role as the numbers of questions are more and the time provided is less. With speed in mind, accuracy also has to be kept in mind to score the desired qualifying marks.

1.    SSC CGL tier II is an online exam. There is negative marking for wrong answers. Paper 1, 3, and 4 are awarded 0.5 marks as negative for wrong answer while paper 2 is 0.25 marks.

2.    Paper 1 and 2 are compulsory for all the candidates appearing for SSC CGL exam. Quantitative aptitude and English language and comprehension are required for candidates in all Government positions.

3.    If a candidate has applied for the post of statistical investigator then the paper 3 has to be attempted by them only.

4.    Paper 4 is conducted for those aspirants who are interested in the post of Assistant Audit Officer (AAO).

Just knowing the exam plan will not help you score the qualifying marks. As per the toppers the study plan after qualifying in SSC CGL Tier I have to be systematically planned so that you follow the effective strategy.

Here is some SSC CGL Tier II preparation tips by toppers to help you prepare well:

1.    Know the  SSC CGL syllabus and the exam pattern: Before you start preparing for the SSC CGL Tier II exam have an insight into the pattern and syllabus of the exam. This will help you plan the strategy that is needed to crack the exam. By knowing the syllabus you can concentrate on those topics of importance and pay attention to such topics.

2.    Draft a study plan: Once the syllabus and exam pattern is known to the candidate, next would be to know your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you in drafting a study plan as per your strong and weak topics, giving importance to the weak topics. Prepare a time table as per your comfort and your capacity.

3.    Time management: While you prepare for the exam keep the time constraint in mind. Learn to solve questions with minimum time in hand. Mimic the exam scenario as you prepare which will help you in managing the time challenge in the exam. Try to be accurate and reduce negative marking. All this has to be practiced as you start preparing for the exam.

4.    Prepare notes of your own: Prepare notes of your own. It should contain all the important formulas, tricks, and short cuts necessary to crack the exam. Write important points in the notes which you should have it in mind for the exam. Revise it regularly.

5.    Solve easy questions first: As you prepare make it a point to solve all the easy questions first and be accurate. Then move on to the different levels of the exam.

6.    Take mock and practice previous papers: Regularly take mock exams and also practice the previous year question papers. This will give you a thorough idea of the exam as well as boost your confidence. By doing this you can boost your weaker areas and excel in those fields.

Learn all the basics, manage time effectively and being accurate is the mantra followed by all the toppers of SSC CGL tier II exam. You too follow these SSC CGL Tier II preparation tips by toppers and stand out in your performance.

How to Clear Cut off for SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam

SSC CGL is a Combined Graduate level Examination to recruit various group B level gazetted as well as non gazetted officers to serve in different central government offices. This is one of the reputed exams and is conducted once in a year. The competition level is very high and very few graduates actually crack it. It needs a serious preparation and dedication.

Before getting into the preparation tips, it is better to familiarize with the exam pattern.Practice mock tests and previous year SSC CGL question paper 

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern:

There will be a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. There will be a break of 2 hours between English and Quant. From this year onwards, SSC has introduced a new paper Economics and Finance for the position of AAO, it is optional.

S.No	Subject	Medium of Test	No. of Questions	Max Marks	Duration and Timings for General Candidates	Duration and Timings for VH and Cerebral Palsy Candidates
1	Quantitative Aptitude	English/Hindi	100	200	2 Hrs	2 hours and 40 Minutes
2	English Language and Comprehension	English/Hindi	200	200		2 hours and 40 Minutes
3	Statistics	English/Hindi	100	200		2 hours and 40 Minutes

Check SSC CGL Syllabus Here

Tips to clear cut off for Tier II:

After a thorough research and tips from the toppers, we have prepared the tips to clear cut off for SSC CGL.

• ·         Plan a study schedule with a combination of easy, moderate and difficult topics. It is better to allocate at least 5 days to memorize difficult terms and formulae.

• ·         Make a study plan of ten hours in a day such as to cover all the subjects as per the syllabus.

• ·         Cover questions from advanced mathematics regularly and practice the same. Check the solution after solving and see if there are any short tricks to solve.

• ·         Solve and also check if the questions take a lot of time to anwer, identify such and practice by looking for short tips and methods to solve.

• ·         Make a note of the questions that appear out of the blue and not so frequent. Try to solve such as a separate set.

•         Also, make a note of the questions which are solved using long and traditional methods to solve as this may affect your performance. Practice such and try to shorten the time to save the time taken to solve.

•   Conceptual clarity is important and needs a lot of practice for that.

•   Self-assessments help you improve your ways of solving as well as the speed of answering.

• ·         You must read the questions properly and understand before responding.

• ·         In English section, there are three new topics that are added i.e., Voice,Narration and para jumble.

• ·         Voice and narration are scoring topics as they are based on rules and with good practice one can score well.

• ·         Try to solve maximum questions in the first half.

• ·         Work on your vocabulary by reading Newspaper on a regular basis, make a note of vague words.

• ·         While practicing SSC CGL tier 2 mock tests, attempt in such a way as if you are answering the real examination. This helps in keeping a track of your time.

• ·         Revise topics as much as you can, it helps in improving your ability to retain the concepts.

• ·         Do not solve the question before going to the exam, it will be better to revise the formulae.

• ·         Do not enter the exam hall with an idea to solve the entire paper. Ensure to solve the paper appropriately as there is negative marking too.

·         Sticking to a proper schedule and dedicated preparation will yield good results. I would also advise the aspirants to stay away from social media during your days of serious preparation. You may engage yourself in the social forums where you get similar aspirants who might be preparing for competitive examinations.

There is a large scope for discussion and change of ideas. There is a possibility of finding better solutions and solving techniques or methods from others. Hence, utilize your time wisely rather than just passing the time in the name of refreshing yourself in a break. Stay positively, being an optimist you can only see the positive energy that will help you all along during your preparation days. All the best.

How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2017?

SSC CGL is a reputed examination conducted by Staff Selection Committee of India. It is a Combined Graduate level Examination to recruit various group B level gazetted as well as non gazetted officers to serve the duties in different central government offices. It is conducted once in year throughout the country. A lot of graduates appear but only a few make it, it needs serious preparation. The competition level is very high. So, only serious preparation and dedication can only give success.

Important Dates:

• SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam - 19 June 2017 to 2 July 2017
• Release of E-Admit Card for SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam - 2nd week of June 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam - 19 June 2017 to 2 July 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Result - 1st week of August 2017
• Release of E-Admit Card for SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam - End of August 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam – 5 to 8 Sept. 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Result - End of Sept. 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-3 Exam - 12 Nov. 2017
• Computer Skill Test / Skill Test - Dec. 2017

Levels of SSC CGL Exam:

There are 3 levels in this exam. Level or Tier I, II are online & III all is a written exam.

Level I tests the basic knowledge and reasoning ability to screen the candidate for level or tier II examination. Tier II examination has a minimum cut off which varies every year depending on various factors like number of candidates, difficulty level of examination etc. Tier II exam is conducted to test English, quantitative aptitude of the candidate. After clearing these levels, candidate has to appear for Tier III which is descriptive paper of 100 marks. Tier III paper consists of essay writing, letter and report writing. The marks obtained in 3 levels are considered for preparation of the final merit list.

After the successful completion of the written exams, the candidate has to appear for computer proficiency test or skill test. As per the position, the level of proficiency in skill test is conducted.

Preparation tips for SSC CGL 2017:

• This is a combined graduate level examination, and there are 3 levels, therefore your preparation strategy should be according to the 3 levels. Tier I marks are important for cracking the SSC CGL exam. The sections of Tier I & II overlap, so plan in such a way that there is more time allotted for preparation of these sections. Prepare well in these sections are English, Quantitative aptitude, comprehension for Tier I & II.
• Make yourself aware with the SSC CGL syllabus and pattern. Prepare a schedule according to the syllabus. It is very important to stick to a schedule because that is the only way to complete the syllabus according to the exam pattern.
• You should identify easy and difficult topics and prepare a study plan accordingly so that the difficult topics are not only covered but you are thorough with it.
• Make a planned study hour, stick to the schedule without fail. Remember, always there will few posts and more applicants, hence the competition is definitely cut throat. Therefore your preparation must be candid.
• If you are preparing for Tier I, then you must dedicate more time for Quantitative aptitude and English comprehension as this is a common section for both Tier I & II.
• There are numerous sites that conduct mock tests online, try to take mock tests as and when you can. SSC CGL test series help a lot.
• Revise the areas where you have a challenge and be prepared by the time of examination.
• Stay updated with all the latest current affairs and GK Today.

A good preparation and mock tests always helps. All the best for the upcoming SSC CGL 2017 exam. Hope you would crack it.