Clearing the SSC CHSL exam requires more than completing the syllabus. Candidates also need to understand their weaknesses, improve their accuracy, manage time effectively, and remain consistent throughout their preparation. For Shivam Yadav, his experience with the 2024 attempt became an opportunity to rethink his strategy and prepare more systematically for SSC CHSL 2025.
Originally from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Shivam moved to Delhi for his exam preparation. His journey highlights an important lesson for SSC aspirants: identifying what is not working and making the necessary changes can be just as important as studying new topics.
Shivam Yadav’s SSC CHSL Preparation Journey
Shivam began preparing in a library around August 2023. Like many government exam aspirants, he had to find a preparation method that worked for him while managing the demands of a competitive examination.
His 2024 SSC CHSL attempt helped him recognise that his preparation needed improvement. Instead of continuing with the same approach, he reassessed his strategy and focused on making his study sessions more productive.
For his 2025 attempt, he gave greater importance to mock tests, analysing mistakes, revising important concepts, and working on subjects that needed more attention.
His experience shows why aspirants should evaluate their preparation honestly rather than relying only on the number of hours they study or the number of tests they complete.
Watch his full video:
How Mock Tests Helped Him Identify His Weak Areas
Mock tests became an important part of Shivam’s preparation. However, he did not begin by attempting full-length mocks immediately. He started taking tests after completing approximately 70–80% of the syllabus.
Initially, he practised sectional tests for subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Reasoning. This allowed him to focus on individual subjects before moving on to full-length mock tests.
The next important step was analysing his performance.
Rather than simply checking his score, Shivam maintained separate notebooks to record mistakes subject-wise. This helped him identify recurring errors and understand which areas needed further revision.
For aspirants preparing for SSC CHSL, his approach offers a practical takeaway: a mock test is useful not only for measuring performance but also for deciding what to study next. Reviewing incorrect answers, revisiting difficult concepts, and tracking repeated mistakes can make subsequent practice more focused.
Improving Mathematics, English, Reasoning and General Studies
Mathematics was Shivam’s weakest subject. Instead of ignoring it, he continued working on the areas where he needed improvement.
His preparation strategy also reflected the different requirements of each subject.
Mathematics: Shivam used practice and mock-test analysis to work on his weak areas. Despite identifying Maths as his weakest subject during preparation, he shared that he answered all the Mathematics questions correctly in the SSC CHSL Mains examination.
English: He emphasised repeated revision of vocabulary and grammar. Revisiting previously studied material helped him keep important concepts fresh rather than constantly moving on to new topics.
General Studies: He relied on lectures and previous-year questions (PYQs) to build his preparation. Working with PYQs also helped him understand the types of questions asked in competitive examinations.
Reasoning: His preparation focused on improving speed and accuracy, both of which are important when attempting a timed examination.
His subject-wise approach highlights the importance of identifying the specific demands of each section instead of following the same study method for every subject.
How Many Hours Did Shivam Yadav Study Daily?
Shivam aimed to study for at least seven to eight hours a day. However, he also recognised that not every day would be equally productive.
On difficult days, when studying for the full duration was not possible, he tried to put in two to four hours and continued with activities such as mock tests and their analysis.
This approach reflects a realistic understanding of consistency. Preparation does not always progress at the same pace, and occasional unproductive days are inevitable. Maintaining some connection with the syllabus, even on difficult days, can help aspirants avoid losing their routine completely.
His experience also reinforces the value of using study time purposefully. Along with covering the syllabus, aspirants need time for revision, practice, and reviewing their performance.
What SSC CHSL Aspirants Can Learn from His Journey
Shivam’s preparation journey offers several useful lessons for candidates targeting SSC CHSL:
- Learn from previous attempts: Review what went wrong instead of repeating the same preparation strategy.
- Start mocks at the right stage: Build a reasonable understanding of the syllabus before gradually introducing sectional and full-length tests.
- Analyse every mock: Record mistakes and revisit topics that repeatedly cause problems.
- Revise regularly: Vocabulary, grammar rules, formulas, and important General Studies concepts require repeated revision.
- Stay consistent: Aim for a sustainable routine and continue studying even when a full study session is not possible.
Shivam also qualified the SSC CGL 2025 preliminary stage, but he could not proceed to the Mains examination because his degree was completed later than required for that stage of his plans. His longer-term goal is to pursue an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) position in Delhi through the Central Secretariat Service (CSS).
His journey is a reminder that competitive exam preparation can involve setbacks, adjustments, and more than one goal. What matters is learning from each experience and continuing to work towards the next milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shivam Yadav’s SSC CHSL Journey
1. What was Shivam Yadav’s preparation strategy for SSC CHSL?
He focused on completing most of the syllabus, practising sectional and full-length mock tests, analysing mistakes, maintaining subject-wise mistake notebooks, and revising important concepts.
2. How many hours did Shivam Yadav study daily?
He aimed for seven to eight hours of daily study. On difficult days, he tried to study for two to four hours and continued with mock tests or their analysis.
3. Which subject did Shivam find most challenging?
Mathematics was his weakest subject during preparation. He continued working on it and shared that he answered all the Mathematics questions correctly in SSC CHSL Mains.
4. What is the importance of mock-test analysis for SSC CHSL?
Mock-test analysis helps candidates identify weak areas, recognise recurring mistakes, improve time management, and plan revision more effectively.
5. What is Shivam Yadav’s future goal?
His longer-term goal is to secure an Assistant Section Officer position in Delhi through the Central Secretariat Service via SSC CGL.
Shivam Yadav’s SSC CHSL success story is built around a practical shift in preparation: learning from an earlier attempt, identifying weaknesses, and using mock tests and revision more effectively. His journey shows that completing the syllabus is only one part of preparation. Understanding mistakes, improving subject-wise performance, and maintaining consistency can help aspirants approach their next attempt with a clearer strategy.
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