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

How to prepare for RRB Railway Group D Exam

A notification to fill RRB Group D posts has been released by Railway Recruitment Board. The selection process will be based on Written Exam, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document and Candidature Verification, Medical Examination. In order to prepare for the exam, it is essential to know the exam pattern and syllabus. This article will provide exam pattern and preparation tips.

RRB Group D Exam Pattern:

The exam is conducted for 100 marks and it is a computer-based test, the duration is 90 Minutes. There is a negative marking of a 1/3^rd mark for every wrong answer.

Exam	Subject	Marks	Exam Duration
Written Test	General Knowledge	20	90 Minutes
	Arithmetic Ability	25
	General Intelligence	25
	General Science	30
Total		100

Preparation Tips for General Knowledge:

For the General Knowledge section, the candidate must be prepared with the updated information relating to current affairs of both National and International Level. Focus on the Union Budget 2018, some of the important topics are:

·        Current Affairs – Read Newspapers on a daily basis, follow national channels for latest news. Watch chat shows on the burning topics.

·         Economics 

·         Politics 

·         History 

·         Geography 

·         The questions relating to the Railways

·         Take a look the details GK syllabus and quality study material like The Manorama Yearbook.

·         Take quizzes, discuss with the like-minded peers.

Preparation Tips for Arithmetic Ability:

Understand the basic concepts, memorize the formulae wherever required. The important topics to prepare for are:

·         Percentage 

·         Time and Work 

·         Time, Speed and Distance 

·         Simple Interest and Compound Interest 

·         Data Analysis and Interpretation 

·         Profit and Loss 

·         Ratio and Proportion  

·         Mixture and Allegation  

·         Averages and  

·         Problems on Ages 

·         Simplification and approximation – Use the BODMAS rule.

·         Advance Math consists of Mensuration, geometry, surd, indices and co-related topics.

·         Number Series: Practice the problems on this topic, you must be able to spot the pattern of number series when you look at the question.

·         Data Interpretation: Practice calculative sets of tabular DI, Pie, Bar, and line based graphs.

·         Know the exam pattern well, understand the concepts well before practicing.

·         Manage your time well, focus on where you lag behind and practice more.

·         Take the RRB Group D mock tests online, solve previous year questions papers regularly. It is important to evaluate and see where you stand.

Preparation Tips for General Science:

Prepare from VI to X syllabus. Go through the NCERT Books and materials to prepare for General Science. You must prepare thoroughly in the below topics:

·         Biology 

·         Physics 

·         Chemistry 

·         Earth Sciences 

·         Environmental Sciences 

·         Astronomy and Space Technology 

·         Computers and Mobile Technology 

·         Inventions and Discoveries  

·         Nutrition 

·         Military Technology and  

·         Diseases 

Preparation Tips for General Intelligence and Reasoning:

This section requires brain as well as practice. All you need is to practice more. This section consists of quizzes, solving puzzles and calculating sums. The important topics in this section as per the level of difficulty is hereunder:

·         Easy Level - Analogy, Classification, Blood Relation, Alphabet and Word Test. 

·         Moderate Topics -Series, Coding and Decoding, Missing Number, Direction and Distance. 

·         Difficult Topics - Puzzles (Seating Arrangement), Logical Puzzle, Clock Calendar, Venn diagram.

Time Management Tips:

The essential part of preparation is time management. The syllabus for RRB Group d exam may be vast, don’t ever leave out any topic. It all depends on how well you manage your time and spread the topics in your study plan. Solve papers, take mock tests and see where you lag behind. Pick up such topics and allocate more time and prepare well. By the end of syllabus completion, there must be a remarkable improvement in terms of accuracy and speed as well. Your study plan must be a mix of the topics with respect to the level of difficulty.

Study Notes:

While preparing, it is also important to make quick notes such that you can give a glance as and when you have little time or even before the exam. The notes can include important formulae, concepts, books and authors, awards, important dates etc. These notes must be short and simple so that you can carry anywhere and even read while travelling.

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 MTS QUESTION PAPER

The Staff  Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Multi-Tasking Staff Exam (MTS) for recruitment of candidates to various posts like the Peon, Daftary. Jamadar, Junior Gestetner Operator, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Mali etc. With overall increase in vacancy this year as compared to the previous years, it has been a golden opportunity for aspirants to secure a job in Government sector. This exam is conducted every year across many centres.

Exam pattern:

SSC conducts the MTS exam every year in 2 different stages:

·       Paper I and Descriptive test.

Paper I is an online multiple choice question type exam, whereas paper 2 is Descriptive test which is pen and paper mode.

SSC MTS Paper I pattern:

Section	Maximum marks	Duration
Reasoning	25	A cumulative time of 90 minutes.
English Language	25
Numerical Aptitude	25
General Awareness	25
Total	100

0.25 marks are awarded as negative marking for every wrong answer.

Check SSC MTS Syllabus here

SSC MTS Paper II pattern:

Subject	Maximum Marks	Total Time
Short essay/ Letter in English or language as per the candidate’s choice	50	30 minutes

SSC MTS Question Paper:

SSC MTS previous year question papers are available online. These are ideal to be used as exam is always a mystery for every aspirant preparing for it. To solve the mysteries of the exam, practice and thorough preparation is very much important. This is achieved by practicing as many previous years question papers as possible. These question papers help the candidate to prepare well for the forth coming exams and also helps in developing various tricks and short cuts to solve the paper easily and accurately.

The other benefit of solving previous year SSC MTS question paper is getting to know the repeat questions. Since most of the questions are repeated practice with at least past five years question papers that are available in the internet helps candidates to definitely clear the exam and be eligible for the selection process.

Time management is a skill that is developed only by practicing previous years question papers. Knowing and understanding the exam pattern will help you to solve it proficiently by being very accurate will give great value.

With confidence and practice, this exam can be solved and aspirant can secure a Government Job. Be confident and prepare well.

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.