SSC CGL tier-2 paper-3 study plan-30 days – SSC CGL is a national-level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit graduates for various Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts. It consists of two main stages: Tier I and Tier II. With Tier I now over, it’s time to focus on Tier II, especially Paper 3, which some candidates may find challenging. In this Blog, we’ll walk you through a 30-day preparation plan to help you cover important topics, stay consistent, and improve your chances of success in SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 3.
SSC CGL tier-2 paper-3 study plan-30 days:
Preparing for SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper-3 (General Studies – Finance & Economics) requires a balanced approach to both theory and practice. Below is a 30-day day-wise plan to help you cover the entire syllabus with regular revision and mock tests.
Days | General Studies(finance and accounting) Study Plan |
Day 1 | CAG – Provisions, rules and responsibilities. |
Day 2 | Finance Commission- role and Functions |
Day 3 | Fundamental Principles and Basic Concepts of Accounting + Introduction to Financial Accounting |
Day 4 | Nature, Scope, Limitations of Financial Accounting + GAAPs |
Day 5 | Law of Demand, Law of Supply, Elasticity of these. |
Day 6 | Mock Test + Analysis |
Day 7 | Single & Double Entry, Books of original Entry, journal. |
Day 8 | Ledger and Trail balance |
Day 9 | Theories of consumer behavior + Meaning and Factors of Production |
Day 10 | Law of Variable Proportion and Law of Returns of Scale |
Day 11 | Mock Test + Analysis |
Day 12 | Manufacturing Account and Trading Account |
Day 13 | Various Forms of Market + Price determination in these markets. |
Day 14 | Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Appropriation Account. |
Day 15 | Monetary and Fiscal policy + Role and Function of RBI/RRBs/Banks |
Day 16 | Mock Test + Analysis |
Day 17 | Depreciation Accounting + Inventory Valuation |
Day 18 | Income and Expenditure, Account + Accounting for Non-profit Organization |
Day 19 | Indian Economy |
Day 20 | Mock Test + Analysis |
Day 21 | Revision of Whole Syllabus |
Day 22 | Economic Reforms in India Since 1991+ Disinvestment |
Day 23 | Basic Concepts of Economics + Introduction to Macroeconomics |
Day 24 | Revision |
Day 25 | Practice on Low Scoring areas |
Day 26 | Mock Test + Analysis |
Day 27 | Practice Previous Year Paper |
Day 28 | Mock Test & Analysis |
Day 29 | Revision |
Day 30 | Revision |
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The Tier 2 exam is the most important stage in the SSC CGL Selection Process. It includes multiple papers based on the post applied for. Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates, while Paper 2 is only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) applicants.
- Mode: Computer-Based (Online)
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions), except for DEST
- Medium: English and Hindi (except English section)
- Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions (on the same day)
- Section III (Computer and DEST) is qualifying in nature
Negative Marking:
- 1 mark for each wrong answer in Paper 1 (Section I, II, III Module I)
- 0.50 mark for each wrong answer in Paper 2
Note:
- Module I of Section III (Computer Knowledge) and Module II (DEST) are qualifying in nature and not counted in merit.
- Paper 2 is only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
Session | Section | Paper / Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
Session I | Section I | Module I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | |
Module II | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 1 Hour | ||
Section II | Module I | English Language Comprehension | 45 | 135 | ||
Module II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 1 Hour | ||
Section III | Module I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 Minutes | |
Session II | Section III | Module II | DEST (Typing Test – 2000 key depressions) | 1 Task | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
— | — | Paper 2 (for JSO only) | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper-3 Syllabus (Finance and Economics)
The SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper-3 tests your knowledge of Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Governance. This paper is crucial for candidates aiming for finance-related roles. Below is a detailed syllabus breakdown with important topics and preparation tips.
Part A – Finance and Accounting
This section covers the basics of financial accounting and principles, with practical topics like journal entries, ledgers, and final accounts.
Topics | Subtopics/Details |
Financial Accounting Basics | Nature, scope, limitations, concepts, conventions, GAAP |
Accounting Systems | Single & double entry system, books of original entry |
Reconciliation & Recording | Bank reconciliation, journal, ledger, trial balance |
Error Rectification | Rectification of accounting errors |
Final Accounts | Manufacturing, Trading, P&L Appropriation Accounts, Balance Sheet |
Capital & Revenue | Capital vs. Revenue Expenditure |
Depreciation & Inventory | Depreciation Accounting, Inventory Valuation |
Non-Profit Organisation Accounts | Receipts & Payments, Income & Expenditure Accounts |
Bills & Ledgers | Bills of Exchange, Self-balancing ledgers |
Part B – Economics and Governance
This section evaluates your understanding of the Indian economy, public institutions, reforms, and economic principles.
Topics | Subtopics/Details |
Indian Governance Institutions | Role of CAG, Finance Commission |
Economic Basics & Microeconomics | Scope, methods, central problems, PPC |
Theory of Demand & Supply | Law of demand/supply, Elasticity (price/income/cross) |
Consumer Behaviour | Marshallian Utility, Indifference Curve Approach |
Production & Cost Theories | Factors of production, Laws of variable proportion & returns to scale |
Market Forms & Price | Perfect competition, Monopoly, Oligopoly, Monopolistic Competition |
Indian Economy Structure | Role of Agriculture, Industry, Services |
National Income Concepts | Concepts & methods of National Income |
Demographics & Social Issues | Population (size/growth/impact), Poverty, Unemployment |
Infrastructure | Energy, Transport, Communication |
Economic Reforms since 1991 | LPG Reforms (Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization), Disinvestment |
Monetary & Fiscal Policy | Role of RBI, Commercial Banks, RRBs, Payment Banks |
Budget & Fiscal Management | Budget, Fiscal Deficit, Balance of Payments, FRBM Act, 2003 |
Role of Information Technology in Governance
Information Technology plays a important role in governance by improving transparency, accessibility, and accountability in public services. It supports digital governance, efficient public service delivery, and enhances decision-making processes in departments and ministries.
Important Topics in General Studies (Finance and Accounting)
- Economics
- Finance
Recommended Books for SSC CGL Finance & Economics (Paper 3)
To prepare effectively for SSC CGL Paper 3, you should refer to a mix of theory-based books and current affairs sources. Below are some useful books for both Finance & Economics sections:
Book Title | Purpose/Usefulness |
Manorama Yearbook | Covers updated general knowledge, government schemes, and economic facts |
Lucent’s General Knowledge | Good for quick revision of static GK, history, polity, and economics basics |
General Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Tier 2 – General Studies (Finance and Economics)
SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper-3 is specifically meant for candidates applying for the post of Assistant Audit Officer (AAO). The paper consists of 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, and the total time allotted is 120 minutes. There is negative marking of 0.5 marks for every wrong answer.
This paper focuses more on understanding than memorization. With a solid grasp of basic concepts and regular practice, you can perform well in this section. It is more about clarity of topics than mugging up complex formulas or definitions.
How to Prepare Effectively:
To score well in the SSC CGL Economics and Finance section, you need both conceptual clarity and regular practice.
- Focus on Concepts: Make sure your basics in Economics and Finance are strong. Topics like national income, demand-supply, fiscal policy, and types of markets often appear in the paper.
- Cover Class 11–12 NCERT-level topics: These include national income and aggregates, balance of payments, inflation, monetary policy, and foreign trade.
- Understand Government Policies: Be updated with key government initiatives, five-year plans, and economic reforms since 1991.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read a newspaper or monthly current affairs magazine to stay updated with important economic news, budget highlights, and financial institutions.
- Revise Regularly: Revision helps you retain key facts, figures, and definitions. Weekly revision of previously studied topics is highly recommended.
- Practice Mock Tests: Attempting SSC CGL mock tests helps in improving speed, accuracy, and identifying weak areas. Analyze your performance after each test to improve further.
High-Weightage Topics to Cover:
Below are the high weightage topics:
- Indian Economy – Structure, sectors, GDP, and growth
- Five-Year Plans and Economic Planning
- Indian Tax System – Direct and Indirect Taxes
- Money and Banking – Functions of RBI, types of banks
- Budget, Fiscal Deficit, and Balance of Payments
- Economic Terms – Inflation, Deflation, CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, etc.
- Economic Reforms in India – LPG (Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization)
- International Organizations – IMF, World Bank, WTO
FAQs
Ans. It tests your knowledge of Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Governance, and is conducted only for candidates applying for the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) post.
Ans. There is a 0.50 mark deduction for every incorrect answer in Paper-3.
Ans. Topics like Monetary & Fiscal Policy, Budgeting, National Income, Demand & Supply, and Accounting Basics are considered high-weightage and scoring.
Ans. Start with basics of financial accounting, journal entries, ledgers, final accounts, and depreciation. Practice with sample questions and solve previous year papers.
Ans. No, Paper-3 has a total of 120 minutes for 100 questions you can divide time across sections as you prefer.
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