SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Preparation Tips, Check now

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Tips

The SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam was successfully conducted from 12th to 26th September, with a rescheduled exam on 14th October. Although the results are yet to be announced, candidates can begin preparing for Tier 2. This blog provides SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper 1 preparation tips, focusing on Quantitative Aptitude, which is part of Section 1 – Module I and Module II and is compulsory for all posts.

Tips to prepare for SSC CGL Tier 2:

SSC CGL Tier-2 paper-1 module I includes Mathematical Abilities and module II includes Reasoning and General Intelligence. Session I consists of a total number of 60 questions each module has 30 questions. The mark allocated for session I is 180 and the time duration is 1 hour. The first stage here is to understand the exam syllabus and make a strategy for preparation. Here are a few tips for better preparation for SSC CGL Tier 2.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 General tips:

The SSC CGL Tier-2 paper-1 is Quantitative Aptitude. It included two modules. SSC CGL Tier-2 time duration is 2 hours. It holds 60 questions totally that is 30 questions each module. SSC CGL Tier-2 paper-1 subject-wise tips are discussed below.

Important Topics to cover in Mathematical abilities:

This section involves many topics and we have categorized it from easy to difficult.

Simple and Easy TopicsModerate TopicsDifficult Topics
Simplification
Simple and Compound Interest
Percentages
Averages
Ratio and Proportion
Age-based problems
Speed Time and Distance
Profit and Loss
Number Series
Number System
Mensuration
Data Interpretation
Time and Work.
Mixture and Alligation
Algebraic Identities
Geometry
Trigonometry

Best Books to Prepare for SSC CGL Tier II Mathematical Abilities:

Here are the best books to prepare for the SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper-1 Quant section.

Books NameAuthor/Publication
Advance MathRakesh Yadav
Data Interpretation DecodedOliveboard
Magical Book on Quicker MathM Tyra
SSC Elementary and Advanced MathKiran
NCERT Math from Grade 6 to Grade 11NCERT
Quantitative AptitudeDr. R.S Agarwal

Check out SSC CGL Books

How to score good marks in the Quant section?

We have mentioned below the list of approaches candidates need to follow in order to score good marks in the quant section.

TipDescription
Take Notes for FormulasMake a note of all formulas and concepts. Revise daily for 15–20 minutes to remember shortcuts and formulas effectively.
Practice EffectivelySolve problems regularly under time constraints. Use different shortcuts to improve speed and confidence.
Make Shortcuts & Focus on AccuracyCreate shortcuts for complex problems. Ensure accuracy while working faster to avoid mistakes.
Understand Time ManagementTrack time while solving problems. Practicing timed exercises or mock tests improves speed and ensures completion of the paper.
Register for Mock Test SeriesAttempt mock tests to simulate real exam conditions. Analyze results to improve speed, accuracy, and strategy.

Important Topics in SSC CGL Reasoning and General Intelligence:

Here are the most important topics from the SSC CGL Reasoning Syllabus.

SectionTopics
Verbal ReasoningAnalogy, Classification, Series Completion, Coding-DecodingBlood RelationsDirectionsRankingSeating ArrangementsPuzzle Solving
Non-Verbal ReasoningFigure Series, Mirror Image ReasoningPaper Folding & Cutting, Embedded Figures, Cube & Dice, Pattern Completion
Analytical ReasoningSyllogismStatement & ConclusionStatement & AssumptionStatement & Argument, Statement & Course of Action
Data SufficiencyIdentifying missing data, evaluating conditions, logical deduction
MiscellaneousClocks & Calendars, Venn Diagrams, Input-Output, Mathematical Operations

Best Books to prepare for SSC CGL tier II Reasoning and General Intelligence:

Here are the best books to prepare for the SSC CGL Tier-2 Reasoning and General Intelligence:

Book NameAuthor
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal ReasoningDr R.S. Aggarwal
Perfect Verbal Reasoning By Ajay ChauhanAjay Chauhan
Puzzle ManiaOliveboard
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning By Disha PublicationGajendra Kumar
SSC Reasoning by Rakesh YadavRakesh Yadav

How to score good marks in the Reasoning Section?

Keep your preparation approach straightforward and simple. Follow the steps below mentioned in the table to score good marks in this section:

StepDescription
Concept + ExamplesBegin your preparation by understanding the basic concepts using books or video lectures. After studying each chapter, solve 15–20 examples from reliable books like R.S. Aggarwal. Dedicate 3–4 hours daily to Reasoning and focus more on verbal reasoning. Note down solutions and find the shortest solving methods.
Note on ShortcutsInstead of memorizing shortcuts from books, create your own based on practice and understanding. Personalized shortcuts are more effective and easier to remember.
ReviseAfter covering all chapters, revise regularly to retain concepts. Multiple revisions strengthen memory and help recall concepts faster during the exam.
Previous Year Question PapersSolving past papers helps you understand question difficulty, familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, and identify repeated topics. It’s a crucial yet often neglected step in preparation.
Mock TestsOnce confident with concepts, focus on improving speed and accuracy through mock tests. Mock tests simulate real exam conditions and help analyze performance effectively.

Important Topics for SSC CGL Tier II English Language Comprehension:

Here are some of the most important topics for the SSC CGL English Syllabus for Tier-2 stage.

SectionTopics
GrammarTenses, ArticlesPrepositionsConjunctions, Subject-Verb Agreement, Active-Passive VoiceDirect & Indirect Speech
VocabularySynonymsAntonyms, One-word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases
ComprehensionReading comprehension, Passage-based questions, Inference questions
Sentence ImprovementError spottingSentence improvement, Fill in the blanks
Para Jumbles & Paragraph CompletionRearranging sentences to form correct paragraphs
Cloze TestMissing words in passages
MiscellaneousPunctuation, Sentence Completion, Word Sequence

Best Books to prepare for SSC CGL Tier II English section:

Here are the best books to prepare for the SSC CGL Tier-2 English section:

Book NameAuthor
Quick learning Objective General EnglishRS Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal
Perfect Competitive EnglishV. K. Sinha
Competitive General EnglishKiran Prakashan
Objective General EnglishS P Bakshi
Word Power Made EasyNorman Lewis

How to score good marks in the English Section?

To excel in the English section of SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper-1, candidates need to continuously practice and keep revising the important topics. Many aspirants get confused while creating a proper strategy for English preparation. We have some preparation tips for all the candidates that will help them in giving their best in the English section of the examination. They are as follows:

StepDescription
Know Your Weak/Strong TopicsIdentify your weak and strong areas. Spend more time improving weak topics with daily practice, and revise strong topics for 15 minutes daily. Avoid wasting time on repeatedly solving easy questions and focus on areas needing improvement.
Read on a Daily BasisRead English content daily such as editorials, magazines, or essays. This helps improve reading and writing skills, sentence formation, and vocabulary. Learn the meanings and usage of new words while reading.
Attempt Mock TestsTake as many mock tests as possible to strengthen your English. Practice helps more than just studying grammar. Even if your syllabus isn’t complete, attempt topic-wise mocks and analyze your performance.
Work on Your English VocabularyBuild strong vocabulary to easily solve sections like antonyms, synonyms, and cloze tests. Read English newspapers daily and understand the meaning and usage of difficult words and phrases.
Solve Previous Year’s Question PapersPractice at least the past 10 years’ papers to understand topic weightage and question patterns. Regular practice helps improve accuracy and boosts confidence for the final exam.
Read the Comprehension ProperlyAvoid skipping passages during exams. Read and understand them completely before answering. Proper reading improves accuracy and helps score easily in comprehension-based questions.

Important Topics for SSC CGL Tier II General Awareness:

Here are some of the most important topics for the SSC CGL Tier-2 General Awareness section.

SubjectTopics
EnvironmentUnderstanding of ecological issues, conservation, and sustainability
SocietyKnowledge of societal structures, norms, and values
Current EventsAwareness of significant global, national, and local events
Scientific AspectUnderstanding of scientific principles and their application in daily life
HistoryIndus Valley Civilization, Buddhism and Jainism in India, The Magadha Empire, Gupta Dynasty, Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, India and its Independence
CultureKnowledge of cultural heritage, traditions, and diversity in India and neighboring countries
GeographyThe Universe and the Solar System, Earth, Mountains and Rivers, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Wind Cyclone, Climate, Geological Survey of India, Indian Climate, Natural Vegetation, and Soil. Check out SSC CGL Geography Syllabus.
Economic SceneGeneral Economics, Economic Planning, National Income of India, Budget, Market, Demand and Supply, Economic Concepts, Population of India, Mortality Rate, Unemployment
General PolicyConstitutional Development of India, State and Union Territory, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Constitution of India
Scientific ResearchKnowledge of ongoing scientific research and advancements in various fields, both nationally and internationally
PhysicsUnits and Measurement, Waves and Motion, Light, Work and Energy, Heat and Temperature
ChemistryChemical Symbols and Formulae, Atomic Structure, Periodic Classification, Chemical Bonding, Oxidation and Reduction, Acids, Bases, and Salts, Carbon and its Compounds, Fuels, Metals and Non-Metals, Man-Made Substances
BiologyLiving and Non-Living, Cell and Its Structure, Genetics, Organic Evolution, Plant Morphology, Plant Diseases, Nitrogen Cycle, Animal Kingdom, Animal Tissue, Human Diseases

Best books for preparation of SSC CGL Tier II General Awareness:

Here are the best books to prepare for the SSC CGL Tier-2 General Awareness section:

Book Name Author
NCERT Books of Class X, XI-History, Geography, EconomicsNCERT
General Knowledge Lucent Publication
Manorama YearbookManorama

How to score good marks in the General Awareness section?

To excel in the General Awareness section of SSC CGL Tier 2, follow the steps outlined below in a structured manner to maximize your preparation and improve your scoring potential.

StepDescription
Know the Complete General Awareness SyllabusThe General Awareness section tests your knowledge of your surroundings and its application to society. Topics include Current Events, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, and Scientific Research. Expect questions on Sports, Books & Authors, Important Schemes, etc.
Go Through Previous Year’s QuestionsSolving previous year papers helps you understand question patterns and difficulty levels. For Tier-2, you can refer to Tier-1 papers for guidance and practice questions at a higher level. You can also take Tier-2 new pattern mock tests for better preparation.
Quality Study MaterialChoose limited but high-quality study material. Avoid switching between multiple books or sources frequently. Stick to one reliable source to strengthen your understanding and prevent confusion.
Read NewspapersReading newspapers daily helps in improving both English and General Awareness. Focus on national and international news, government schemes, and current events. Recommended newspapers: The Hindu and The Indian Express.
Attempt Mock Tests/Sectional TestsRegularly attempting mock and sectional tests improves your speed and accuracy. It also helps in better retention of facts and understanding your performance level.
Make Short NotesPrepare concise notes for quick revision, especially for difficult topics. These notes will save time and help you retain information before the exam.
Monthly Current Affairs MagazineStay updated daily and revise with monthly compilations. You can use Oliveboard’s BOLT magazine to cover all important news and events every month efficiently. Click here to download Monthly BOLT.

Important Topics for preparation in SSC CGL Tier II Computer Awareness:

Here are some of the most important topics for SSC CGL TIer-2 Paper-1 (Subject – Computer Awareness)

SubjectTopics
Organization of a ComputerClassification of a computer, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Input/Output Devices, Computer Memory, Memory Organization, Back-up Devices, Ports, Windows Explorer, Keyboard Shortcuts, Microprocessor & Microcontroller
SoftwareWindows Operating System, Basics of Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint)
Working with the Internet and E-mailsWeb Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking
Basics of Networking and Cyber SecurityNetworking Devices and Protocols, Network and Information Security Threats (hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.), Preventive Measures

Best Book for Computer Knowledge Module:

Here are the best books to prepare for the SSC CGL Tier-2 Computer Awareness section:

Book NameAuthor
Objective Computer AwarenessR. Pillai
Objective Question Bank of Computer Awareness for General CompetitionArihant Publication
Computer KnowledgeShikha Agarwal

How to Score Good Marks in the Computer Knowledge Section?

  • The computer Knowledge section in SSC CGL Tier-2 paper-1 is just qualifying.
  • Follow a systematic & integrated approach: Finish the chapters and keep taking regular tests.
  • Revision is an important part of preparation. So, keep revising whatever you learn.
  • In the computer awareness section, you can expect some numerical problems from a topic like number systems. So, it is a good idea to keep practicing these conversions in order to answer questions more quickly.
  • Don’t get caught up with proper computer textbooks because they would be of a much higher level than is required for exam preparation purposes. Instead, opt for online e-books and capsules that are tailor-made for every exam. You should also take regular quizzes on this (available online for free) topic so that you remember it. These quizzes will also give you a fair idea about the kind of questions you can expect in the exam.

FAQs

Q.1 How to Improve my Quantitative Aptitude for SSC CGL?

Ans. Attempting mock tests and practicing questions on a daily basis is the only way to score maximum marks at SSC CGL.

Q.2 What type of questions are asked in Math SSC CGL Tier-1?

Ans. Questions like Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, etc. are asked in the SSC CGL tier-1 exam.

Q.3 Can I crack SSC CGL on the first attempt?

Ans. Yes, you can. With the right strategy, preparations, and focus you will be able to crack SSC CGL on the first attempt.

Q.4 Which are the best books for preparing for SSC CGL?

Ans. The best books for SSC CGL preparation are mentioned below:
Math – Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar Verma
English – Objective General English by SP Bakshi
Reasoning – Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
General Awareness – Lucent

Q.5 Are Current Affairs Needed for General Awareness?

Ans. Yes, Current affairs is an important part of General Awareness