
Emphasizing Mains mock tests, he highlights the critical importance of Computer and Typing skills, and recommends preparing for CGL to cover CHSL. Consistent revision and PYQ practice are key for all subjects.
Also Read:
This blog outlines the successful strategy employed by Anunay Dixit, who secured a coveted position in the SC CGL 2025 examination in his very first attempt. His journey provides valuable insights into effective preparation techniques, the importance of comprehensive subject coverage, strategic mock test utilization, and crucial qualifying subjects like Computer and Typing for aspirants aiming for similar success.
Anunay Dixit, hailing from Madhya Pradesh and holding a B.Tech degree in Computer Science, successfully cleared the SSC CGL Examination in his inaugural attempt. He commenced his SSC CGL preparation in 2025 with PW, leveraging the Mahapack and studying from Ujjwal 2.0. Through dedicated effort, he achieved the distinguished position of Office Superintendent in the Income Tax Department.
For aspiring candidates, the faculty stresses the critical need for thoroughly completing a particular batch, such as "Ujjwal 2.0", rather than fragmenting efforts across multiple resources. Success in the SSC CGL Mains examination necessitates a balanced and combined approach across all core subjects: Maths, English, Reasoning, GK/GS, and Computer. While the Pre-exam is qualifying, the cumulative scores from all these Mains subjects are instrumental in determining the final rank.
Anunay Dixit's effective study strategy involved several key components:
Syllabus Completion: He ensured the entire syllabus was completed within a focused timeframe of six months.
Daily Practice: Dedicated time was allocated for daily revision of concepts taught in classes by teachers, complemented by consistently solving Daily Practice Problems (DPP).
Chapter Tests: Regular chapter tests provided by the platform were diligently taken after each revision cycle.
Mock Tests:
Early Mock Tests: Anunay began taking mock tests even before completing the entire syllabus (e.g., at 25% completion). This early engagement helped in developing crucial time management skills. He advises taking at least one mock test weekly, ideally on Sundays.
Post-Syllabus Mock Tests: After the completion of the syllabus, the frequency increased significantly, with one mock test taken daily.
Mains Mock Tests: It is vital to take Mains mock tests regularly (e.g., every Sunday), even if the Pre-exam has not yet been cleared. (Focusing for 2 hours, the duration of a Mains mock, significantly improves the ability to concentrate for 1 hour, the duration of a Pre mock, making the Pre-exam feel easier.)
Taking Mains mock tests offers distinct advantages beyond just practice:
Exposure to Advanced Questions: Mains mocks expose candidates to more advanced questions, including topics like Probability & Statistics, which are now increasingly appearing in the Pre-exam. They also feature statement-based questions, enhancing critical thinking.
Increased Practice: Mains mocks contain more questions per section (e.g., 30 in Reasoning/Quant, 40-45 in English) compared to Pre (25 questions), leading to more extensive and comprehensive practice.
Importance of Computer and Typing:
Both Computer and Typing practice are paramount and should commence early, ideally even before the Pre-exam. Dedicated 10-minute sessions daily are recommended for both. The Computer section is critically important as a qualifying subject. Despite Anunay's Computer Science background, he barely cleared the section (18 correct answers, meeting the minimum for his General category). He highlighted that approximately 55% of students failed the Computer section, including many high scorers (e.g., 500-600 students above 340 marks failed Computer), underscoring its non-negotiable importance.
The typing test is conducted in English. A minimum speed of 27 Words Per Minute (WPM) is required for the General Category (with lower requirements for other categories). (To mitigate the natural speed reduction caused by exam pressure and environmental distractions, it is highly recommended to practice and achieve a typing speed of at least 35 WPM prior to the actual examination.)
A comparative analysis reveals that CGL preparation inherently covers CHSL preparation. CGL is considered a "larger circle" that encompasses the scope of CHSL.
|
Feature |
SSC CGL Pre-exam |
SSC CHSL Pre-exam |
SSC CGL Mains-exam |
SSC CHSL Mains-exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pattern |
Same as CHSL |
Same as CGL |
Differs from CHSL |
Differs from CGL |
|
Math Questions |
25 |
25 |
30 |
30 |
|
English Questions |
25 |
25 |
40-45 |
20-25 |
|
Reasoning Questions |
25 |
25 |
30 |
30 |
|
GK/GS Questions |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
|
Computer Questions |
Not in Pre |
Not in Pre |
20 |
15 |
|
Overall Scope |
Encompassed by CGL Mains |
Limited by CGL Pre |
Broader, more advanced |
Slightly narrower |
Students preparing for CHSL are advised to aim for CGL preparation to simplify their CHSL journey. Interestingly, the faculty notes that CHSL sometimes features higher-level and more varied questions than CGL, possibly due to its historical context of a single selection paper.
For GK, Anunay's strategy focused on multiple revisions. He completed one full revision of all GK subjects before the Pre-exam and an additional two revisions between the Pre and Mains exams. When a GK question is missed in a mock test, the approach should be to refer back to the corresponding notes, thoroughly read related topics, and add any new or extra points found during this review directly into the existing notes. Dedication, consistent planning, maintaining a daily routine, and frequent revision are the core principles for mastering GK and achieving overall success.
For all subjects, the primary recommendation is to extensively use Previous Year Question (PYQ) books. The content and pattern across different publishers remain largely consistent, making focused and thorough revision of PYQs far more crucial than getting sidetracked by numerous book options.
PW provides SSC exam content, including SSC Exams Updates, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today in SSC Online Coaching for preparation.