From a small village in Kolkata with no one in his family having graduated, Sudip Dutta dreamed big and went on to conquer the SSC CGL 2024 exam, securing his dream post as a CGST Inspector. A BSc Honors in Mathematics graduate, Sudip’s journey proves that determination, smart preparation, and the right guidance can turn dreams into reality.
Success Story of SSC CGL Topper Sudip Dutta
Here, in an exclusive interview with SSC CGL Topper Sudip Dutta, he shares his preparation strategy, mindset during setbacks, and tips for aspirants who want to crack SSC exams efficiently.
Q1. Could you tell us about your educational background and early schooling?
Ans: My schooling was in Bengali medium in a government school in West Bengal. I did my 10th and 12th from there, and later pursued BSc (Hons) in Mathematics. Initially, I considered becoming a school teacher or pursuing higher studies like research or PhD, but over time my interest shifted towards government exams like SSC CGL, Railways, Banks, and UPSC. Eventually, I focused on SSC CGL, which became my main goal. I used Oliveboard resources to strengthen my preparation.
Q2. Was SSC CGL your first attempt, Sudip?
Ans: No, SSC CGL 2024 was my third attempt. My first attempt was in 2022 where I cleared prelims but missed mains. In 2023, I missed the cut-off by a few marks. MTS 2024 was my first attempt, and I also cleared CHSL 2024 in the same year as sSC CGL. Oliveboard mock tests helped me track my performance across attempts and adjust my strategy.
Q3. How did you stay motivated despite previous setbacks?
Ans: After failing in 2022 and 2023, I became very focused on achieving success this time. As I knew I had limited time, I had to make this attempt count. After analyzing my previous mistakes, particularly in prelims, where timing and negative marking affected my scores, I worked on improving my basics and avoided excessive negative attempts in GK. Using Oliveboard’s mock tests, I could practice under exam-like conditions and identify areas to improve.
Q4. Can you share your preparation strategy for GK?
Ans: Initially, I relied on Oliveboard’s previous year questions (PYQs) and analyzed them thoroughly. Later, I moved to theory-based preparation using a one-year course, combined with multiple revisions. I also used mock tests extensively from Oliveboard, which helped me track progress and understand the pattern of questions. Smart and educated guessing was crucial. I learned to eliminate wrong options and trust my instincts where my preparation was strong.
Q5. How did mock tests help in your preparation?
Ans: I gave mock tests regularly and analyzed them the same day. I compared my timing with toppers and noted solutions that worked best. Oliveboard’s variety of mock tests helped me experience questions of easy, moderate, and difficult levels, which prepared me for anything in the actual exam. This constant evolution of approach helped me optimize performance and improve accuracy.
Q6. How did teaching others help in your preparation?
Ans: I taught Mathematics to students from 5th to 10th standard, which strengthened my basic concepts. Teaching helped me understand and retain concepts better. It also made my quantitative aptitude preparation easier since I had already mastered the basics.
Q7. How did you feel on the day the results were announced?
Ans: CHSL results came first, and my family was very proud. When the CGL and MTS results came, it was overwhelming because I had achieved what no one in my 10 km radius had done before. Seeing my family’s pride was a lifelong memory.
Q8. What advice would you give to aspirants preparing for SSC exams?
Ans: Avoid depression and keep believing in yourself. Focus on daily preparation and regular revision. Mocks are essential from day one to track progress and learn from mistakes. Using Oliveboard’s SSC CGL live mocks gave me exposure to competition and helped me assess my standing early. Revision should be systematic: daily review, weekly review, monthly review, and final review before the exam. Smart and educated guessing is important in GK where full knowledge is not always possible. Trust your instincts when SSC CGL preparation is strong.
Q9. Any final tips on time management and exam strategy?
Ans: Time management is critical, especially in prelims. You cannot afford to spend too long on one question. Accuracy and speed go hand in hand. Revision ensures that everything stays fresh in your mind, so don’t compromise on it. Multiple mock test attempts and analysis on Oliveboard will help you identify weaknesses and improve continuously.
Sudip Dutta’s SSC CGL 2024 success proves that structured preparation and regular mock practice can lead to selection.Start your SSC CGL preparation like Sudip with Oliveboard’s comprehensive courses and mock tests and take your first step towards selection today!
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.