SSC CGL 2019 General Awareness Preparation

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most competitive and sought-after government job exams in India. To succeed in SSC CGL 2019, candidates need to excel in all four tiers of the examination, including the General Awareness section. General Awareness is a critical component as it tests candidates’ knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, polity, science, and more. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to preparing for the General Awareness section of SSC CGL 2019.

Understanding the SSC CGL General Awareness Section

The General Awareness section in SSC CGL comprises questions from various domains, including:

1. Current Affairs: Questions on recent national and international events, government schemes, and important developments.
2. History: Topics related to ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as world history.
3. Geography: Questions about Indian and world geography, including physical, political, and economic aspects.
4. Polity: Knowledge of the Indian Constitution, governance, and political system.
5. Economics: Basic economic concepts, policies, and current economic affairs.
6. Science: Topics in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

General Awareness Preparation Strategy

To excel in the General Awareness section of SSC CGL 2019, you need a well-structured preparation strategy. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:

• Read newspapers regularly: Reading newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, or Times of India can help you stay updated with current affairs.
• Follow news websites and apps: Use reputable news websites and mobile apps to get the latest news and updates.
• Watch news channels: Watching news channels like DD News, NDTV, or CNBC can provide valuable insights into current events.

2. Create a Study Plan:

• Divide your General Awareness preparation into smaller topics and create a study plan that covers all areas.
• Allocate specific time slots for each topic, ensuring balanced coverage.
• Set realistic daily and weekly goals to track your progress.

3. Refer to Quality Study Material:

• Invest in reliable study materials and reference books that cover the SSC CGL General Awareness syllabus comprehensively.
• Use popular books like Lucent’s General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook, and NCERT textbooks for basics.

4. Take Mock Tests:

• Practice SSC CGL mock tests regularly to get a feel for the exam pattern and question types.
• Analyze your mock test performance to identify weak areas that need improvement.

5. Revise Regularly:

• Periodically revise the topics you’ve covered to reinforce your memory.
• Make concise notes for quick revision, highlighting key points and formulas.

6. Solve Previous Year’s Question Papers:

• Solve SSC CGL General Awareness question papers from previous years to understand the exam’s trend and the types of questions asked.
• Pay attention to repeated topics and question patterns.

7. Focus on Accuracy:

• While attempting mock tests and practice questions, prioritize accuracy over speed.
• Avoid guessing if you’re uncertain about an answer, as SSC CGL has negative marking.

8. Stay Informed About Government Schemes and Policies:

• Keep a tab on current government initiatives, schemes, and policies, as they often feature in the General Awareness section.

9. Join Online Forums and Discussion Groups:

• Participate in online forums, Facebook groups, or Telegram channels dedicated to SSC CGL preparation.
• Engaging with fellow aspirants can help you stay motivated and gain valuable insights.

10. Current Affairs Magazines:

• Consider subscribing to a monthly current affairs magazine like Pratiyogita Darpan or Competition Success Review.
• These magazines provide in-depth coverage of current affairs and are designed for competitive exams.

Tips for SSC CGL 2019 General Awareness Exam Day

On the day of the SSC CGL 2019 General Awareness exam, follow these tips to perform your best:

1. Time Management: Allocate time wisely to each section within the General Awareness paper. Prioritize sections you are more confident about.
2. Read Instructions Carefully: Read the instructions on the question paper carefully. Ensure you understand the marking scheme and negative marking rules.
3. Start with Your Strongest Section: Begin with the section you are most comfortable with to build confidence before moving on to challenging sections.
4. Stay Calm: Maintain composure during the exam. If you encounter a difficult question, don’t panic; move on to the next one and return to it later if needed.
5. Review Your Answers: If time allows, review your answers to check for errors or omissions.
6. Manage Time: Keep an eye on the time and allocate it wisely. Don’t spend too much time on a single question.

Conclusion

Preparing for the General Awareness section of SSC CGL 2019 requires dedication, consistency, and a well-structured study plan. Stay updated with current affairs, refer to reliable study materials, and practice regularly to improve your knowledge and test-taking skills. By following these strategies and tips, you can boost your chances of success in SSC CGL 2019 and secure a coveted government job.