Please wait...

Oliveboard

Success Story of SSC CGL 2024 Topper Shubham Agrawal, AIR 1

Aditi

Securing All India Rank (AIR) 1 in SSC CGL 2024 is a dream come true for Shubham Agrawal. His journey is an inspiration for thousands of aspirants preparing for government exams. In this interview, Shubham shares his preparation strategy, challenges, and tips for candidates aiming for success in the SSC CGL exam.

Success Story Of Shubham Agrawal

Shubham Agarwal’s journey to success is a testament to perseverance, strategy, and self-belief. One of the key factors in his success was his ability to maintain stability, both mentally and financially, by having a secondary source of income. His journey highlights the importance of hard work combined with smart preparation, a well-planned strategy, and daily improvement. Shubham believes that cracking SSC CGL is achievable with consistent effort and the right mindset. His story serves as an inspiration for all aspirants, proving that with dedication and a strategic approach, success is within reach.

Interview with SSC CGL 2024 Topper Shubham Agrawal, AIR 1

Q1: Can you introduce yourself and share your educational background?
A: Hello everyone, my name is Shubham Agrawal, and I am from Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. I completed my graduation from NIT Raipur.

Great India Exam Fest with 2X Validity + 61% off (12 & 18 Months) on the SSC Super Elite Plan! Use Code: “EXAM“: Click Here

Educational Background and Its Role in SSC CGL Preparation

Q2: How did your academic background help in your SSC CGL preparation?
A: My background in engineering helped me a lot, especially in mathematics. I was already good at basic math, which made my preparation easier. Additionally, while preparing for UPSC, I used to read newspapers, which improved my English and general knowledge. I also taught mathematics at a private coaching institute, which helped me stay in touch with the subject.

Q3: Was this your first attempt at SSC CGL?
A: Yes, this was my first and last attempt at SSC CGL due to the age criteria.

Q4: What were your scores in SSC CGL 2024?
A: I scored 159 in the prelims and 370+ (normalized) in the Tier 2 Mains.

Mathematics Preparation Strategy For SSC CGL

Q5: What was your strategy for SSC CGL mathematics preparation?
A: I focused on fundamental concepts rather than short tricks. Short tricks may help in one or two questions, but strong fundamentals are crucial for both Tier 1 and Tier 2. My experience with JEE preparation and teaching mathematics played a vital role in strengthening my concepts.

Q6: How did your UPSC preparation contribute to your SSC CGL success?
A: My UPSC preparation helped in English comprehension, reading habits, and general knowledge. Reading newspapers regularly improved my English, and my GK preparation for UPSC was beneficial for CGL as well.

Q7: Many aspirants struggle with mathematics. What advice would you give them?
A: Focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics rather than relying on short tricks. Class 10-level mathematics is essential. If your fundamentals are clear, solving problems becomes much easier.

Q8: How important is reasoning ability in SSC CGL?
A: Reasoning is an important component, and my JEE preparation helped me develop strong analytical and logical reasoning skills. The ability to solve different types of questions logically is essential for SSC CGL.

Q9: What role did your family play in your preparation?
A: My parents were extremely supportive throughout my eight-year-long journey of competitive exam preparation. Not many parents would be so patient, and I am grateful for their unwavering support.

Q10: What advice do you have for SSC CGL aspirants?
A: Stay consistent, focus on fundamentals, and practice regularly. Believe in your preparation and work diligently towards your goal.

Attempt A Free SSC CGL Mock Test Now

SSC CGL Attempt and Scores

Q11: What was your expected range of marks in the General Knowledge (GK) section?
A: I expected my range to be around 25 to 35 marks out of 50 in GK.

Q12: How much did you actually score in the GK section in Tier 1?
A: I scored less than my expected range, around 22-23 marks.

Q13: What was your total score in the Tier 1 exam?
A: My total score in Tier 1 was 153.

Q14: How much time should be given to GK preparation?
A: Most of the time should be dedicated to GK, but other subjects should not be ignored.

Q15: How did you practice for other subjects?
A: I practiced at least 20 to 30 questions of Maths and Reasoning regularly.

Q16: How did you prepare for the English section?
A: I did not prepare from any specific source but focused on active-passive voice and speech. Since I read newspapers regularly, my English reading skills were strong.

Q17: Was English tough in the SSC CGL exam?
A: No, English was not tough in the SSC CGL exam. I come from a Hindi-medium background, so if I could do it, Hindi-medium students can also do well.

Q18: What additional subjects are there in the Tier 2 exam?
A: Tier 2 includes two more subjects: Computer and Typing Test.

Q19: How did you prepare for the Typing Test?
A: I initially thought my typing was good, but since more speed was required, I bought a keyboard and started practicing separately.

Q20: What was your final typing speed?
A: I was able to complete the test in 12 minutes, leaving 3 minutes for checking.

Q21: How important is accuracy in the Typing Test?
A: Accuracy is key because missing even one line can significantly impact the result.

Q22: How did you prepare for the Computer section?
A: My computer knowledge was weak, so I dedicated a lot of time to studying it, as it is not an easy section in CGL.

Q23: How much did you score in the Computer section?
A: I scored 31 marks. If I had answered one more question incorrectly, I might not have made it to the final list since the cut-off was 27.

Q24: Is the Computer section just a qualifying phase?
A: Yes, but scoring at least 27 marks is mandatory. If I had scored below that, I would not have received my desired post.

Q25: How does Tier 2 preparation compare to Tier 1?
A: The preparation is similar, but there is more time in Tier 2 due to separate sectional timing.

Q26: How was your experience during the Tier 2 exam?
A: I was relaxed after the first hour as I knew I could attempt all 70 questions. I even had 10 minutes left for revision.

Q27: What techniques did you use for GK in Tier 2?
A: I used various elimination techniques to answer GK questions.

Q28: Was time management crucial in Tier 2?
A: Yes, especially in Section 1, where I had to be very fast. Mock tests helped me improve my speed.

Q29: How did mock tests help in preparation?
A: Initially, I took too long to solve the first few questions. However, with practice, I was able to complete all 60 questions in 57 minutes, leaving 3 minutes for checking.

Q30: When did you start referring to Olive Board content?
A: After the Tier 1 exam, I joined Olive Board’s test series and attempted at least 25 to 30 mock tests.

Q31: How did Olive Board’s mock tests compare to the actual exam?
A: The mock tests were tougher than the real exam, but they helped in better preparation.

Mock Test Strategy and Time Management For The SSC CGL Exam

Q32: What advice do you have for candidates who feel demotivated by low mock test scores?
A: Mock tests should be used for practice and identifying weak areas rather than treating them as the final benchmark.

Q33: What was your mock test score one week before the exam?
A: I scored 272 in one test but did not let it affect me. The next day, I scored 348, which boosted my confidence.

Q34: What was your expected final score in the exam?
A: I aimed to score 330+ in the actual exam, which I was confident about after analyzing my mock tests.

Q35: How important is composure in the SSC CGL exam?
A: Composure plays a crucial role in the SSC CGL exam. While preparation, strategy, and hard work are essential, staying calm during the exam is equally important. Even when facing difficult sections like Computers, maintaining stability and not letting stress affect performance is key to success.

Q36: How did you handle the pressure of the examination?
A: I have faced many disappointments before, failing in at least 15 exams. This experience helped me manage pressure effectively. Additionally, I had a secondary source of income, which reduced the stress of failure. Having financial security allows candidates to approach the exam with a clear mind and without unnecessary pressure.

Q37: Why do you suggest having a secondary source of income while preparing for competitive exams?
A: Most aspirants come from middle-class backgrounds, and financial stability can ease the pressure of exam failure. A secondary income ensures that candidates do not feel an extreme burden, allowing them to focus on preparation with a balanced mindset.

Q38: How did you handle tough questions during the exam?
A: While some questions, especially in Computers, were tough, I reminded myself that they were difficult for everyone. Instead of panicking, I maintained my confidence and focused on the overall paper. A difficult section does not determine overall success, and staying composed helps in attempting other sections effectively.

Q39: How important is strategy in cracking the SSC CGL exam?
A: Strategy is essential. Hard work alone is not enough; smart work is required. Without a clear plan, candidates may keep attempting the exam without improving. Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses, and continuously refining them, is necessary to succeed.

Attempt SSC CGL Typing Test

Q40: What should candidates do if their scores are not improving?
A: If a candidate is consistently scoring 100 marks in Tier 1 and is unable to increase it to 120 or 130, they should reconsider their preparation approach. If improvement is not visible despite multiple attempts, it may be advisable to explore other career options. Self-assessment is necessary to determine if the exam is the right fit.

Q41: How should aspirants approach daily improvement?
A: Even a 1% improvement each day can lead to significant progress over time. If a candidate remains stagnant, they won’t progress. However, if they consistently enhance their skills, even slightly, they will see major improvements over months of preparation.

Q42: How does SSC CGL compare to the UPSC Civil Services Exam?
A: Based on my experience, cracking SSC CGL is easier than the UPSC Civil Services Exam. However, SSC CGL is still a speed test that requires a combination of accuracy and time management. With the right strategy, it is definitely achievable.

Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspirants

Q43: What final advice do you have for SSC CGL aspirants?
A: Have a strong strategy, improve daily, and do not remain stagnant. Hard work combined with smart work leads to success. Stay focused, remain patient, and believe in yourself. SSC CGL is achievable with the right mindset and preparation.

Q44: How important is family support in this journey?
A: Family plays a significant role in an aspirant’s success. Their encouragement helps candidates overcome failures and continue working towards their goals. My family’s support was instrumental in keeping me motivated throughout my journey.

Q45: What message do you have for future SSC CGL aspirants?
A: Success is possible for everyone. Coming from a humble background does not limit one’s potential. With dedication, persistence, and a strategic approach, cracking the SSC CGL exam is within reach for any aspirant.

  Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series