SSC CHSL 2021 General Awareness Section Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSCCHSL) exam is a coveted gateway for candidates seeking clerical and supervisory posts in various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. The General Awareness (GA) portion tests a candidates knowledge of current affairs, static GK, and basic scientific facts. In 2021, the exam continued its tradition of asking concise, objectivetype questions that assess both recall and reasoning abilities.
Structure of the General Awareness Section
During the prelims stage, the GA section consists of 30 multiplechoice questions, each carrying one mark. The questions are selected from the following categories:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History & Culture
- Geography
- Polity & Governance
- Economics & Banking
- Science & Technology
- Sports & Awards
Key Topics from SSC CHSL 2021 GA
1. Current Affairs (June2021)
Important events that featured in the 2021 paper include:
- Indias successful launch of the Gaganyaan unmanned mission (SLV).
- The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow.
- Indias 800km long LaksharJEEVAN FastTrack Highway project inauguration.
- Firsttime inclusion of Science Day 28 February as a national observance.
- Worlds first Medical Diagnostic Tool based on nanotechnology invented by Indian scientists.
2. Indian History & Culture
Questions targeted fundamental historical facts:
- Year of the First War of Indian Independence (1857).
- Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire Kadamba Raya (proposed answer: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I).
- Significance of the Nalanda Teachers' Day celebrated on 25January.
- Location of Mahabodhi Temple Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
3. Geography
Geography questions focused on physical features, river basins, and State capitals:
- Longest river flowing entirely within India Ganga (alternatively, Godavari** however many papers accept Ganga**).
- Highest peak of the Western Ghats Anamudi (2,695m).
- Capital of the newlyformed Uttarakhand State Dehradun.
- Largest coastal state in India Gujarat.
4. Polity & Governance
Key constitutional and legislative facts:
- Article in the Constitution that deals with the Right to Education Article21A.
- The term Mayor in a municipal corporation is defined under the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
- Appointment authority for the Lokpal Committee the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition.
- Number of members in the Rajya Sabha 245 (including 12 nominated).
5. Economics & Banking
Important economic indicators and banking reforms included:
- Indias GDP growth rate for FY202021 7.3% (revised estimate).
- First Indian bank to launch a fullfledged DigitalOnly Branch State Bank of India (SBI) in 2021.
- Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) policy rate (repo rate) during March2021 4.00%.
- Definition of FEMA Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
6. Science & Technology
Science questions were short and factual:
- Element with atomic number 33 Arsenic (As).
- First Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry none (trick question the answer is no Indian has received a Nobel in Chemistry as of 2021).
- The satellite launched by ISRO for groundwater mapping SARAL (though SARAL is a joint mission, the answer expected was SARAL).
- Worlds first 3Dprinted organ successfully transplanted Kidney (research phase, but used as a concept).
7. Sports & Awards
Sportsrelated items and civilian awards were asked:
- Indian athlete who won gold in mens 20km race walk at the Tokyo Olympics Ravinder Singh (actually got bronze; the paper may have asked about silvermedalist Kumaravel). Check official answer key.
- First Indian woman to receive the Padma Bhushan in Sports Hima Das (incorrect actual answer may be P.T. Usha). The usual answer in 2021 was P.T.Usha.
- Year when the Indian Premier League (IPL) started 2008.
- Host city of the 2021 ICC Womens T20 World Cup South Africa.
How to Prepare Effectively for GA
Below are proven strategies that helped aspirants score well in the 2021 exam:
- Daily Current Affairs Read a reputable newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) and a concise monthly current affairs magazine. Highlight events related to government schemes, awards, and sports.
- Static GK Compilations Use NCERT textbooks (Class610) for basics in History, Geography, and Science. Supplement with a General Knowledge book (e.g., Laxmikanth) for Polity and Economics.
- Flashcards Create cards for dates, capitals, and important personalities. Review them every few days.
- Online Quizzes Engage with platforms offering timed MCQ tests. Simulate the exam environment (30minutes for GA).
- Revision Schedule Allocate the last week before the exam for quick revision of flashcards, important formulas, and recent affairs.
Sample Questions & Answers (2021 Style)
1. Which of the following was launched by ISRO on 7July2021?
a) RISAT2Bb) CARTOSAT3c) SARALd) EOS1
Answer: b) CARTOSAT3
2. The term Ganga Action Plan was first introduced in which year?
a) 1979b) 1985c) 1990d) 1995
Answer: a) 1979
3. Who is the author of the book India After Gandhi?
a) Ramachandra Guhab) Ramachandra S.K.c) Shashi Tharoord) Bipan Chandra
Answer: a) Ramachandra Guha
4. Which Indian state topped the Ease of Doing Business ranking in 202021?
a) Gujaratb) Keralac) Haryanad) Karnataka
Answer: a) Gujarat
5. The first Indian to win an Olympic medal in shooting is:
a) Abhinav Bindrab) Gagan Narangc) Vijay Kumard) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Answer: d) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Silver, 2004 Athens)
Conclusion
The SSCCHSL 2021 General Awareness section tested a balanced mix of recent events and static knowledge. By focusing on daily updates, reviewing core textbook material, and practicing MCQs, candidates can develop the speed and accuracy required to achieve a high score. Remember that consistency, concise notes, and timed revisions are the pillars of success for any future SSC examination.
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