First-time SSC CGL Tier 2: How to Balance Revision and Mock Tests for Peak Performance?

Ans: Ekta, (1) First of all, 10-15 days, do a thorough research (if already not done) about SSC CGL Exam such as (a) Number of applicants (b) Vacancies (c) Success Rate (d) Exam Pattern (e) Preparation Strategies (f) Sources for Preparation & (g) Minimum number of months required to prepare for the same (2) You have mentioned your office timings is 10 to 7. By the time you reach home, you will be mentally/physically tired and have to prepare your dinner also. So, you will get hardly 2 to 2.5 hours at night (assuming you will go to bed by 10.30). As concentration power will not be that much, you should plan for studying next day morning and / or you can revise whatever you have prepared till date (3) Smart work is more important than hard work. (a) As you are also working and have to prepare for SSC CGL, you should definitely have minimum 6.5 to 7-hours sleep so that you can focus on both. (b) Involve in some physical activities (like yoga or meditation or simple physical exercises at home) for 20-30 minutes daily either morning or evening (c) As you are loving alone & self-cooking, always make sure that you eat healthy food (d) NEVER study continuously for / beyond 45 minutes. Study for 45 minutes and take a break of 10-minutes and continue studying for 45-minutes to fully focus and get maximum output. (e) Try to have your short notes and keep revising them frequently which you can do in the evening after your office hours (f) Try to practice as many questions as possible (offline or online) & keep analysing your speed and accuracy (g) If possible, have separate note-book for wrongly answered and skipped questions. If time does not permit, mark it with a red pen to revise them again and again. (h) Fully utilise your weekends & holidays to cover maximum syllabus. (4) MOST IMPORTANT: Practice time-bound tests to ensure speed and accuracy. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future, Ekta.

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Ans: Hello
There is no better way than to simulate exam conditions by means of taking mocks.
But only taking mocks will not help unless each mock result is critically analyzed for improvement areas & learnings get implemented in subsequent practices.
There is no 'one size fits all' technique since each individual will have his/her own test taking strategies.
The key is to identify that through 'timed practice tests' & perfect it before the actual attempt.
All the Best!
Major Inderpaul
HR Expert, Career & Relationship Coach

Ans: The SSC CGL exam is a competitive entry-level job in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with the main role being Assistant Section Officer (ASO). Tier 2 of the exam consists of multiple papers, with Paper I being required for all postings, including MEA. The main focus areas are mathematical quantitative aptitude, thinking and general intelligence, English language and understanding, and general knowledge.

Quantitative aptitude (200 Marks) is a high-scoring but time-consuming area, with areas such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, menuration, data interpretation, and number system. Practice and strengthen basic skills, focusing on accuracy and speed. Resources for pattern comprehension include R.S. Aggarwal's Gradeup and Testbook quantitative aptitude with online mocks.

English language and comprehension (200 Marks) is high-scoring and essential for MEA, with areas like grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, synonyms and antonyms, and sentence correction. Strategies include daily reading schedules, vocabulary expansion using Norman Lewis's Word Power Made Easy, and solving cloze tests.

General awareness (100 Marks) is crucial for MEA aspirants, with areas like current affairs, international relations, Indian polity, geography, history, and economics. Stay informed about foreign policy changes, NCERTs, and NCERTs for stationary sections.

General intelligence and reasoning (60 Marks) is a scoring section, with areas like puzzles, coding-decoding, blood relations, series, and direction tests. Techniques include trying full-length mock tests, time management, previous year reports, and preparing for essays and letter writing on global concerns. All the Best for SSC CGL Exam.

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