Preparing for SSC CGL while working a full-time job can be challenging, especially when your workday runs from 9 AM to 6 PM. For Dilip Kumar from Barmer, Rajasthan, the solution was to make the most of the hours before office.
With a BSc BEd background and a full-time job as a content writer, Dilip cleared SSC CGL 2024 in his first serious attempt. His preparation was built around early mornings, consistent mock tests, detailed analysis and starting Mains preparation without waiting for the Prelims result.
From a 9-to-6 Job to SSC CGL Preparation
Dilip had appeared for SSC CGL 2023, but only to understand the exam. He had not completed his graduation or prepared seriously at the time.
For SSC CGL 2024, things changed. Since his job kept him occupied during the day, he usually started studying around 2 to 4 AM and continued until 8 AM.
Those early hours became his most productive study time. Completing a significant part of his daily preparation before going to work also gave him the motivation to stay consistent.
From 80 in Mocks to 167
One of the biggest changes in Dilip’s preparation came through mock tests.
Initially, his scores were around 80 to 90 out of 200, sometimes touching 100. Instead of getting discouraged, he focused on understanding why his scores were low.
With regular practice and analysis, his scores gradually improved, reaching around 167 in the period shortly before the exam.
Why Mock Analysis Mattered More Than Just Taking Mocks
For Dilip, completing a mock was only the first step. He often spent 1 to 1.5 hours analysing a one-hour mock.
He reviewed his wrong answers, but he also revisited questions he had answered correctly. He looked for shorter methods, alternative solutions, explanations and related GK/GS facts. He also checked how much time he had spent on questions and compared his approach with stronger attempts.
He maintained a notebook of questions he got wrong so that he could revisit them during revision.
This approach helped him turn every mock into another learning session.
PYQs, Sectional Tests and Topic-Wise Practice
After completing the syllabus, Dilip practised SSC CGL PYQs on Oliveboard before moving towards full-length mocks. He also used sectional mocks to work on individual subjects and improve time management.
For English, he used topic-wise tests after studying areas such as one-word substitutions and idioms and phrases. He also relied heavily on mock-based comprehension practice.
Preparing for Mains Without Waiting for the Result
Dilip believes one of the biggest mistakes aspirants can make is waiting for the Prelims result before beginning Mains preparation.
After his Prelims exam on 19 September, he took just a day to rest and started preparing for Mains from 20 September. During Mains preparation, he increased his practice to one full-length mock and three to four sectional mocks.
Dilip Kumar’s Advice to SSC CGL Aspirants
His biggest takeaway is simple: don’t wait for the result to start preparing for the next stage.
Even when working a full-time job, consistent preparation is possible if study hours are planned carefully. For Dilip, early mornings, regular mocks, detailed analysis and continuous revision helped turn limited study hours into productive preparation.
I started my journey with storytelling and journalism, and somewhere along the way, I discovered how much I truly love writing. Words have always been my way of connecting with people.
With 4+ years of experience in content creation, social media, and video storytelling, I focus on building meaningful conversations, not just posts. I enjoy understanding audiences, planning engaging content, and turning followers into active, connected communities.
At Oliveboard, I work on creating value-driven content that informs, engages, and brings people together.