Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most competitive exams in India for graduates seeking government jobs. The 2019 edition requires comprehensive preparation across multiple subjects within a limited timeframe. This 50-day schedule provides a strategic approach to cover all important topics while maintaining a balance between learning and revision.
Key Points About SSC CGL 2019
- The exam consists of four tiers: Tier I (Preliminary), Tier II (Mains), Tier III (Descriptive), and Tier IV (Skill Test)
- This schedule focuses primarily on preparation for Tier I, with some guidance for Tier II
- Consistent study for 6-8 hours daily is recommended for optimal results
- Regular practice tests and previous year papers are essential for time management
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation:
Tier I (Computer Based Examination)
| Section | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Note: There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
50-Day Study Schedule
Week 1-2: Foundation Building (Days 1-14)
Focus on understanding basic concepts and establishing a strong foundation in all major subjects.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Systems
- LCM, HCF
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
Reasoning
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
English
- Basic Grammar
- Parts of Speech
- Tenses
- Vocabulary (1 hour daily)
General Awareness
- Polity (Basic concepts)
- History (Modern India)
- Current Affairs
- Budget & Economic Survey
Week 3-4: Concept Strengthening (Days 15-28)
Deep dive into complex topics and practice with moderate to difficult questions.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Ratio, Proportion
- Time, Speed, Distance
- Mensuration
Reasoning
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
English
- Comprehension passages
- Idioms & Phrases
- One-word Substitution
- Error Correction
General Awareness
- Geography (Physical & Economic)
- General Science (Basic concepts)
- Static GK
- Daily Current Affairs
Week 5-6: Advanced Topics & Practice (Days 29-42)
Focus on high-weightage topics and increase practice intensity with mock tests.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- Matrix problems
- Practice previous year papers
English
- Sentence Improvement
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Reading Comprehension
General Awareness
- Art & Culture
- Important Dates & Days
- Books & Authors
- Current Affairs revision
Week 7: Mock Tests & Special Focus (Days 43-49)
Dedicate this week to full-length mock tests and identifying weak areas.
- Days 43-46: Take 1 full mock test per day (morning) with detailed analysis (evening)
- Day 47: Topic-wise revision based on weak points identified from mock tests
- Day 48: Speed practice for quantitative & reasoning sections
- Day 49: Final revision of important formulas, grammar rules, and current affairs
Day 50: Final Preparation
- Light revision only - no new topics
- Review quick notes prepared during the 49 days
- Maintain calm and positive mindset
- Ensure all exam-day requirements are ready
- Get adequate rest for the exam day
Preparation Tips & Strategies
Smart Study Techniques
- Follow Pomodoro technique: Study for 25-45 minutes with 5-minute breaks
- Create concise notes for quick revision before the exam
- Focus on high-weightage topics that consistently appear in exams
- Practice sufficient number of previous year question papers (at least 5 years)
- Take regular breaks and maintain a proper sleep schedule
Subject-wise Approach
Quantitative Aptitude
- Maintain a formula sheet for quick reference
- Practice mental calculations to improve speed
- Focus on geometry and algebra topics as they carry significant marks
- Learn shortcuts for commonly repeated question types
English
- Read newspapers daily to improve comprehension
- Memorize 10-15 new words every day
- Focus on grammar rules and their application
- Practice comprehension passages with time limits
Reasoning
- Understand the basic logic behind each type of question
- Practice puzzles regularly to improve logical thinking
- Focus on non-verbal reasoning as it's often neglected by many
- Learn common patterns in series and coding-decoding
General Awareness
- Study the last 6 months' current affairs thoroughly
- Make connections between historical events and current news
- Use mnemonics for remembering facts and dates
- Focus more on static GK sections with high return on investment
Exam Day Strategy
- Time management: Allocate approximately 15 minutes to each section
- Attempt easier questions first to secure marks early
- Maintain accuracy over speed - negative marking can severely impact scores
- Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any question initially
- Keep calm even if the paper seems difficult - it's relative for all
Recommended Resources
The following resources can supplement your 50-day study plan:
Books
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Lucent's General Knowledge
Online Resources
Previous Year Papers
Regular practice with previous year papers (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014) is essential for understanding the exam pattern and frequently asked questions.
Final Words of Encouragement
The SSC CGL exam tests not just your knowledge but also your perseverance, time management skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Stick to this 50-day schedule faithfully, make adjustments based on your progress, and maintain consistent effort. Success in competitive exams is often less about brilliance and more about systematic preparation and unwavering dedication. Good luck with your SSC CGL 2019 preparation!
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