How to prepare for SSC CGL and Bank PO simultaneously?

Prepare for SSC CGL and Bank PO simultaneously: Lakhs of candidates prepare annually for SSC CGL and Bank PO exams. Both of the exams have tough competition and require consistent hard work. Although many graduates prepare for the exams simultaneously, it becomes tough for them to handle the pressure of both the exams and completing the syllabus simultaneously.

In this blog, we will be briefing you on the best strategy to prepare for SSC CGL and Bank PO simultaneously. Candidates willing to appear in both exams need to follow a particular pattern with an effective strategy. The right strategy is a key ingredient in order to crack any exam.

Review the exam pattern of SSC CGL and Bank PO

If you want to prepare for SSC CGL and Bank PO simultaneously, the first thing you need to do is, to get clear about the exam pattern of both exams. Having a depth view of the exam pattern will help you identify the similarity and differences between both exams. 

IBPS PO Exam Pattern

IBPS PO exam consists of a three-tier pattern. For the selection of the exam, candidates need to qualify for all the rounds. We have mentioned below the IBPS PO Exam pattern to give you a better understanding of the exam.

Prelims Exam Pattern

Section	Questions	Marks	Time Duration
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 minutes
Logical Reasoning	35	35	20 minutes
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Total	100	100	60 minutes

Mains Exam Pattern

Section	Questions	Marks	Time Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 minutes
General Awareness	40	40	35 minutes
Data Interpretation & Analysis	35	60	45 minutes
English Language	35	40	40 minutes
Letter and Essay Writing	2	25	30 minutes
Total	157	225	3 hours 30 minutes

Interview Round

The third round of the IBPS PO exam consists of interviews. The interview is of 100 marks out of which candidates need to score a minimum of 40% to qualify for the position. After the completion of the interview, the final merit list is released.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern

Aspirants preparing for the SSC CGL 2022 must be aware of the new exam pattern. We have mentioned below the exam pattern to give an idea of the subjects you need to study for the exam.

Tier I Exam Pattern

Subjects	Questions	Marks
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
English	25	50
Total	100	200

Tier II Exam Pattern

Paper	Session	Section	Subject	Questions	Marks
I (Common for all posts)	I (2 hours and 15 minutes)	I (1 hour )	Module I – Mathematical abilities Module II –Reasoning and General Intelligence	30 30 Total = 60	60 x 3= 180
		II (1 hour )	Module I – English Language Comprehension Module II – General Awareness	45 25 Total = 70	70 x 3 = 210
		III (15 minutes)	Module – I – Computer Knowledge module	20	20 x 3 = 60
	II (15 minutes)	III	Module – II : Data Entry Speed Test	One data entry task of 2000 key
II (Only for JSO)	2 hours		Statistics (Paper I as above)	100	100 x 2 = 200
III – AAO (Assistant Audit Officer) & Assistant Accounts officer	2 hours		General Studies (Finance & Economics) (Paper I as above)	100	100 x 2 = 200
			Total	500	850

Check out the Similarities and Differences

Bank PO and SSC CGL exams have very diverse and different syllabi. Candidates preparing for SSC CGL and Bank PO must have a clear idea of topics that they need to prepare separately. Although, there are few subjects which can be covered for both at the same time. We will give you a brief detail on each subject so you can plan an effective preparation strategy.

English

English is a common subject in both the SSC CGL and Bank PO examinations. Although, the level of English is higher in the Bank PO exam. Candidates don’t need to prepare separately for both exams, they should just prepare according to the syllabus of Bank PO and SSC CGL will also be covered. After the studies, candidates can attempt mock tests separately for both exams to check the level of their preparation.

Quantitative Aptitude

In SSC CGL, the syllabus for quantitative aptitude is more vast as compared to the Bank PO. Same as English, candidates don’t need to prepare quant separately for both exams. For this subject, candidates only need to focus on the syllabus of SSC CGL and they will also be prepared for the Bank PO quant. Although, it is very important to practice previous year’s papers, to have a better understanding of questions asked in recent years.

Logical Reasoning

Reasoning can be one of the most scoring sections of any examination. Talking about the reasoning section of Bank PO and SSC CGL, both the exams have vast syllabi and tough questions were seen in the recent question papers. The reasoning syllabus of SSC CGL is vast but the Bank PO exam has a higher level of reasoning questions. So, candidates can target the reasoning section of Bank PO which will also help them in performing their best in the SSC CGL examination.

General Awareness

The General Awareness section of the Bank PO exam mostly consists of current affairs and recent events. While in SSC CGL this section is vast and consists of questions of history, geography, polity, government schemes, and current affairs. For this candidates need to read the subjects along with the current affairs section. Reading history, polity, and government schemes will be added to the current affairs. These subjects also require equal effort as questions from these subjects are always seen in the SSC CGL question papers.

Data Interpretation & Analysis

Data Interpretation & analysis section is only in the syllabus of the Bank PO examination. Firstly, candidates should have proper and brief knowledge of the particular section. Go through last year’s question papers to get an idea of the types of questions and their pattern. Daily practice with at least 15 questions to keep the important methods in your mind. There will be negative markings in Bank PO mains so it’s better to avoid questions you are not sure of.

Statistics

Statistics paper only comes in SSC CGL mains and is mandatory for the candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer. This is a descriptive paper with 100 marks without any kind of negative marking. Candidates need to study the subject deeply and practice answer writing.

Finance and Economics

Finance and Economics is also a descriptive paper of SSC CGL‘s main which is mandatory for candidates applying for the post of Assistant Account Officer/Assistant Audit Officer. Candidates need to study the subject deeply and practice with last year’s question papers to have a better understanding.

Essay and Letter Writing

Last year, SSC changed its exam pattern for SSC CGL. Different paper of essay and letter writing in the mains has been removed and concluded to only English comprehension of 15 marks. Although, the Bank PO exam still consists of essays and letter writing. Candidates need to practice essay writing and letter writing on the daily basis to enhance their writing skills. Aspirants should practice with the previous year’s essay topics to have enhanced writing skills.

Computer Proficiency & Knowledge

Computer Proficiency and Knowledge is a common subjects in both exams. The syllabus for the subject doesn’t differ much for both exams. Candidates can prepare for computer knowledge through the Computer Knowledge for Competitive Examination by Lucent. This book covers all the basic concepts of computers. Candidates should also practice with the previous year’s question papers to have a better understanding.

Proper timetable for different subjects

There are many different subjects in both exams which need to be prepared separately by the aspirants. We will be providing you with the right strategy to prepare for these subjects.

• Data Interpretation: Questions of data interpretation only come in the Bank PO exam. This is one of the most time-consuming and crucial subjects of the examination. Candidates should separate days in a week for the preparation of data interpretation for definite hours. Attempting maximum mock tests will help candidates in understanding the questions.
• Statistics: SSC CGL tier II consists of a statistics paper only for candidates applying for a specific position. The Paper is 100 marks in subjective form. Candidates should give an adequate proportion of time to this subject.
• Finance & Economics: Just like statistics, finance and economics are also separate subjects in SSC CGL for a particular post. 

Consistent Hardwork

Candidates preparing to appear for both exams needs to give consistent efforts towards the preparation. The candidates need to have a proper time distribution strategy for all the subjects. Along with studying, revision and attempting mock tests is also crucial part of the preparation for any examination.

Candidates should keep themselves updated with any new information provided by the exam commission. They should regularly check the official website for any last-minute updates on the examination.

We hope this blog gave you one of the best strategies to prepare for SSC CGL and Bank PO. If you are preparing for these exams, practice with the SSC CGL mock test and IBPS PO mock test.

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