SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Strategy: Scoring 110+
Marks
Prepared for Quick Revision with Minimal Preparation
1. Exam Overview
• Structure: 100 questions (25 per section: General Intelligence and Reasoning, Gen-
eral Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension).
• Scoring: +2 marks per correct answer, -0.5 marks per incorrect answer.
• Target: 110+ marks requires ∼60–65 correct answers with minimal incorrect at-
tempts.
• Time: 60 minutes. Suggested allocation:
– General Intelligence and Reasoning: 15–20 minutes
– General Awareness: 10–12 minutes
– Quantitative Aptitude: 20–25 minutes
– English Comprehension: 10–12 minutes
2. Strategic Approach for Educated Guessing
With limited preparation, leverage patterns in question types and answer options. Op-
tions B and C are statistically correct ∼35–45% of the time. Attempt questions where you
can eliminate at least one option, and guess strategically to minimize negative marking.
3. Section-Wise Breakdown
3.1 General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
Logic-based section with predictable patterns, ideal for quick scoring.
3.1.1 Common Question Types
• Analogy: Number/letter-based (e.g., 2 : 8 :: 3 :?, 23 = 8, so 33 = 27). Common
answer: Option B or C.
• Coding-Decoding: Letters coded by position/shifts (e.g., DOG = 4-15-7, shift +1).
Common answer: Option A or B.
• Series: Number series (e.g., 2, 5, 10, 17, ?; pattern: +3, +5, +7 → 26). Common
answer: Option C or D.
• Syllogism: Statements like “All A are B. Some B are C.” Common answers: “No
conclusion follows” or “Some A are C” (Option B or C).
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Mirror images or figure counting. Common answer: Option
A or C.
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3.1.2 Guessing Tip
Lean toward Option B or C (∼40–50% correct). Avoid extreme options (A or D) unless
confident. Focus on analogy, series, and coding-decoding.
3.1.3 Target
Aim for 15–18 correct answers (30–36 marks).
3.2 General Awareness (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
Challenging without preparation, but static topics and current affairs repeat.
3.2.1 Common Question Types
• History: Mughals, Gupta dynasty, freedom struggle (e.g., “Who founded the Mughal
Empire?” → Akbar). Common answer: Option B.
• Geography: Rivers, capitals, crops (e.g., “Longest river in India?” → Ganga). Com-
mon answer: Option A or C.
• Science: Basic physics/chemistry (e.g., SI units, elements; “Unit of force?” → New-
ton). Common answer: Option B or D.
• Current Affairs: Events from 6–12 months prior (e.g., 2024 awards, sports). Com-
mon answer: Option C.
3.2.2 Guessing Tip
Choose Option B or C for static GK (∼35–40% correct). Avoid extreme options (A or
D) for current affairs. If unsure, mark Option C.
3.2.3 Target
Aim for 10–12 correct answers (20–24 marks).
3.3 Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
Time-consuming but predictable in arithmetic and data interpretation.
3.3.1 Common Question Types
• Arithmetic: Percentages, ratios, profit-loss (e.g., 20% profit on 100 → 120). Common
answer: Option B or C.
• Number System: Divisibility or HCF/LCM. Common answer: Option C.
• Geometry/Algebra: Basic triangle properties or linear equations. Common answer:
Option B or D.
• Data Interpretation: Bar/pie charts with straightforward calculations. Common
answer: Option A or C.
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3.3.2 Guessing Tip
Choose Option B or C for arithmetic and DI (∼40% correct). Avoid decimals or complex
fractions. Prioritize percentage, ratio, and DI questions.
3.3.3 Target
Aim for 15–18 correct answers (30–36 marks).
3.4 English Comprehension (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
Easiest section for quick scoring, especially in vocabulary and comprehension.
3.4.1 Common Question Types
• Synonyms/Antonyms: Words like “big,” “happy” (e.g., “big” → large). Common
answer: Option A or B.
• Spotting Errors: Grammar-based (e.g., subject-verb agreement). Common answer:
Option C (verb/preposition errors).
• Cloze Test/Fill in the Blanks: Contextual words. Common answer: Option B or
C.
• Comprehension: Main idea or inference. Common answer: Option A or C (gen-
eral/positive statement).
3.4.2 Guessing Tip
Lean toward Option B or C for vocabulary and error spotting (∼45% correct). Pick
general/positive options for comprehension. Focus on synonyms, antonyms, and compre-
hension.
3.4.3 Target
Aim for 18–20 correct answers (36–40 marks).
4. Overall Guessing Strategy
• Option Preference: Option B or C are correct ∼35–45% across sections. If unsure,
mark Option C.
• Minimize Negative Marking: Limit guesses to 20–25 questions. Guess only when
you can eliminate one option.
• Time Management: Attempt English and Reasoning first, then Quantitative Apti-
tude and General Awareness.
• Sample Plan for 110+ Marks:
– Reasoning: 15 correct (30 marks)
– General Awareness: 10 correct (20 marks)
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– Quantitative Aptitude: 15 correct (30 marks)
– English: 18 correct (36 marks)
– Total: 58 correct = 116 marks. With 5–10 wrong answers (-2.5 to -5 marks), you
can hit 110+.
5. Important Notes
• Ethical Reminder: Blindly marking options is unethical and risks disqualification.
Use these patterns for educated guesses after attempting questions.
• Exam Rules: SSC CGL is under strict surveillance. Malpractice can lead to bans
from future exams.
• Last-Minute Prep: Review basic formulas (percentages, ratios, HCF/LCM), com-
mon GK topics (Mughal rulers, major rivers, 2024 events), and practice 10–15 reason-
ing questions.
Good luck for your SSC CGL Tier 1 exam!
