SSC CGL 2025-26 Success Story: How PW Student ANTRIKSH KUMAR Cleared Tier-I & Tier-II

Antriksh Kumar, a dedicated SSC CGL 2025 achiever, shared his preparation journey in detail, offering valuable guidance to aspirants. He cleared both Tier-I and Tier-II exams, relying on self-study, online resources, and structured practice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his approach, strategy, and advice.

Also Read: 

• SSC CGL Tier 2 Result 2026
• SSC CGL Tier 2 Cut Off 2026

Preparation Strategy & Daily Routine

Antriksh started his preparation primarily through online classes and self-study. He enrolled in PW Surya 3.0 Target Course around May-June and later joined Daks Foundation Batch 2026 for Tier-II revision. His study schedule was intense yet structured:

• Daily study hours: 8–10 hours

• Morning: Solving PYQs (previous year questions) and mock tests

• Daytime: Watching live classes and practicing subjects

• Evening: Reviewing recorded lectures and revising topics

• Night: Revising General Studies (GS) and Arithmetic

He emphasized alternating focus on subjects—one day for Arithmetic, another for Reasoning, with daily English revisions.

Mock Tests & Practice

Antriksh highlighted the importance of consistent mock practice:

• Before Tier-I, he completed around 30 mock tests, gradually increasing intensity a few weeks prior.

• Before Tier-II, when his concepts were clear, he took around 100 mock tests, sometimes attempting three mocks in a single day.

He stressed that consistent practice was key to understanding the pattern and difficulty level of Tier-I vs Tier-II.

PW Mock Test Series: SSC CGL (Tier I & Tier II) Mock Test Series 2026

Difference Between Tier-I & Tier-II

Antriksh noted that while the syllabus is mostly the same, the difficulty level varies:

• Tier-I: More straightforward questions, especially in GS; fewer English passages

• Tier-II: Higher difficulty level, especially in GS; statement-based questions; challenging passages in English

• Maths & Reasoning: Largely similar, though Tier-II may include a few additional chapters

He advised that if Tier-I preparation is thorough, Tier-II can be tackled without starting from scratch.

Daily Study Schedule and Hours

The candidate consistently dedicated 8 to 10 hours daily to their studies. A typical schedule involved attending classes (e.g., Arithmetic Maths) in the morning, followed immediately by practicing random questions and Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for the same topic. Evenings were dedicated to revising GS and then revising Arithmetic before sleep. The study approach also incorporated alternating subjects, focusing on Arithmetic one day, Advanced Maths the next, and then Reasoning, with occasional English revision.

Foundation & Target Batches

The candidate initially joined the Surya 3.0 target batch. Post-Tier 1 and prior to Tier 2, they enrolled in the Daksha 2026 Foundation Batch specifically for revision purposes, remaining enrolled in it.

Surya SSC CGL 2026 Final Selection Batch with Test Series

Subject-Wise Approach

Arithmetic/Maths

• He focused heavily on weak areas like Arithmetic and advanced topics in Maths.

• Practiced a mix of PYQs, mock tests, and random problem sets.

Reasoning

• Reasoning was one of his stronger areas; he maintained accuracy through PYQs and selective practice.

General Studies (GS)

• Considered GS vast and challenging, especially for Tier-II.

• He followed Kriti Mam’s classes for current affairs and PYQs to narrow down the syllabus.

• Emphasized daily, consistent reading rather than last-minute cramming.

English

• Focused on vocabulary and grammar.

• Regular reading, practicing passages, and using one dedicated vocabulary book helped him improve his weak areas.

Computer Knowledge

• Despite being a Computer Science graduate, he found some Tier-II questions challenging.

• Advised aspirants with non-CS backgrounds to invest time in understanding the syllabus thoroughly.

Motivation & Mindset

Antriksh admitted facing moments of demotivation, especially after low mock test scores. However, he emphasized perseverance:

• "Even if a mock test goes wrong, continue with the same intensity the next day."

• Motivation came from understanding that there was no alternative but to keep going.

• Maintaining dedication, discipline, and belief in oneself is crucial.

Advice for Freshers

For students preparing for the first time:

1. Foundation First: Start with a foundation batch, covering basics thoroughly.

2. Time Allocation: Identify weak areas and invest more time there. For example, he spent extra time on Arithmetic while giving less to Reasoning, his strong subject.

3. Consistent Mock Practice: Regular mock tests are essential to gauge performance and improve speed and accuracy.

4. GS Strategy: Use PYQs and short courses to narrow down topics; focus on current affairs consistently.

5. Self-Study & Resources: Even without buying expensive books, students can use YouTube, notes, and selected vocabulary books.

6. Time Management: Allocate at least 7–8 months for preparation, including building fundamentals, revision, and mock practice.

Personal Life Balance

Antriksh balanced his studies with family responsibilities and limited distractions at home. He believes that a supportive environment and a structured routine make a significant difference.

Antriksh Kumar’s journey is a testament to the power of discipline, consistent practice, and smart preparation. From his meticulous approach to mocks, understanding Tier-I vs Tier-II patterns, to subject-specific strategies, aspirants can draw valuable lessons. His final advice:

"Start early, be consistent, focus on weak areas, follow a structured timetable, and believe in your preparation. There’s no shortcut—hard work and dedication are your keys to success."

This success story inspires SSC CGL aspirants to plan strategically and execute their preparation effectively, aiming for selection in the highly competitive exam.