SSC syllabus and a plan that works.
Understand the common subjects, exam-specific additions, previous-paper strategy and a realistic 90-day preparation system.
The four subjects most candidates must master
Exact weightage, difficulty and modules differ by examination, but these four foundations recur across CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, CPO, Stenographer and many Selection Post papers.
Numbers to data interpretation
Number system, simplification, ratio, percentage, profit and loss, interest, time and work, speed and distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics and charts as prescribed.
Verbal and non-verbal logic
Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, syllogism, directions, relations, Venn diagrams, matrices, embedded figures, paper folding and analytical reasoning.
Accuracy and comprehension
Vocabulary, grammar, error spotting, sentence improvement, voice, narration, cloze test, para arrangement, synonyms/antonyms, idioms and reading comprehension.
Static knowledge and current events
History, geography, polity, economy, science, environment, culture, important organisations, awards, sports and exam-relevant current affairs.
For exams that prescribe it
Computer fundamentals, hardware/software, operating systems, internet/email, networking, cybersecurity basics and office-productivity concepts.
Qualifying, but decisive
Typing/data entry, stenography, physical efficiency, physical standards, medical requirements or technical/language papers depending on the examination.
What changes beyond the common subjects
| Exam | Additional focus | Practical stage |
|---|---|---|
| CGL | Mathematical abilities, English, reasoning, awareness, computer/data-entry modules and post-specific papers | Data-entry/skill requirements where notified |
| CHSL | Tier II modules, computer knowledge | Typing or data-entry skill test by post |
| MTS/Havaldar | Session-based CBE scheme | PET/PST for Havaldar only |
| GD | Elementary mathematics; English/Hindi option under the scheme | PET/PST and medical examination |
| CPO | Paper II English language and comprehension | PET/PST and medical examination |
| JE | Civil, Electrical or Mechanical engineering discipline | No common typing/physical test; follow post rules |
| Stenographer | Reasoning, awareness and English CBE | Stenography dictation and transcription |
| JHT | Hindi, English, translation and essay | Descriptive Paper II |
| Selection Posts | Common subjects at 10th/12th/graduate level | Post-specific skill test if prescribed |
Three phases from concepts to exam temperament
Days 1–15: Diagnose and organise
Take one baseline test, map the syllabus, collect one source per subject and begin formula/vocabulary/current-affairs notes.
Days 16–30: Build foundations
Cover high-frequency arithmetic, core grammar, basic reasoning types and essential static awareness with chapter-wise questions.
Days 31–45: Expand coverage
Add advanced mathematics/reasoning topics and exam-specific modules. Start short sectional tests under time limits.
Days 46–60: Previous papers
Solve recent papers by topic and by shift. Record every error as concept, calculation, memory or time-management failure.
Days 61–75: Full mocks
Take regular complete tests in the real exam duration. Analyse longer than you test and revise weak chapters immediately.
Days 76–90: Revision cycles
Rotate formulae, vocabulary, facts, error notebook and full mocks. Avoid new low-priority sources in the final phase.
A practical study split
Quant or technical subject
Concept review followed by timed sets. Maintain a one-page formula and mistake sheet per chapter.
Reasoning or language
Alternate topic-building days with mixed-speed sets so accuracy does not collapse under time pressure.
General awareness
Combine static topic revision, current-affairs notes and spaced recall rather than passive reading.
Test and analysis
Use a sectional test, previous-paper set or full mock. Log why each wrong or skipped question happened.
Revision
Review formulae, vocabulary, facts and yesterday’s errors. Small daily revision prevents large relearning.
Typing, shorthand or fitness
Practice the qualifying skill throughout preparation; do not wait for the written result.
How to turn tests into marks
Solve in the real duration
Use the exact paper length and permitted calculator/rough-work conditions described in the notice.
Separate speed from knowledge
Mark questions as known-slow, known-fast, guessed, unknown or careless to find the true bottleneck.
Review every option
For awareness and language questions, learn why wrong options are wrong; one question can revise several facts.
Retest weak areas
Within three days, solve a fresh set from the same topic and verify that the correction has become permanent.
Common preparation mistakes
Use the official notice as your final checklist.
SSCExam.in explains the process; ssc.gov.in remains the authority for applications, dates and results.