The General Awareness Section for SSC CGL exam is one of the most scoring sections if approached strategically. Since this section doesn’t require lengthy calculations or formulas, candidates can attempt more questions quickly and boost their overall score.
However, due to its vast syllabus, many aspirants struggle with what to focus on. This guide will break down the most important topics, smart preparation techniques, and common mistakes to avoid to help you master General Awareness for SSC CGL effectively.
Exam Pattern & Importance
Total Questions: 25
Total Marks: 50
Time Required: Less than 10 minutes
Key Advantage: Quick & high-scoring section
This section is fact-based, meaning if you know the answer, you can mark it instantly—saving time for other sections.
Most Important Topics for General Awareness for SSC CGL
Focus on high-weightage topics to maximize your marks. Here’s a subject-wise breakdown:
1. History (4-5 Questions Expected)
- Modern History (1857 Revolt, Congress Sessions, Important Movements)
- Medieval History (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire)
- Ancient History (Harappan Civilization, Vedic Period, Maurya & Gupta Empires)
Tip: Prioritize Modern History as it has the highest weightage. Read NCERTs (Class 6-12) and Lucent’s GK for a strong foundation.
2. Geography (3-4 Questions Expected)
- Physical Geography (Rivers, Mountains, Climate, Soil Types)
- Indian Geography (States, Capitals, Important Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks)
- World Geography (Continents, Important Deserts, Major Rivers & Mountains)
Tip: Focus more on Indian Geography as it’s frequently asked in SSC CGL.
3. Indian Polity (3-4 Questions Expected)
- Constitutional Amendments & Articles (Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles)
- President, Prime Minister, Parliament Structure
- Judiciary System (Supreme Court, High Courts, Important Cases)
Tip: Read M. Laxmikanth’s Polity book for conceptual clarity in General Awareness.
4. Economics (2-3 Questions Expected)
- Basic Economic Terms (GDP, Inflation, Fiscal Deficit, Monetary Policy)
- Budget & Economic Survey Highlights
- Banking System (RBI Functions, NPA, Types of Banks)
Tip: Focus on basic concepts and current economic trends for General Awareness for SSC CGL.
5. General Science (4-5 Questions Expected)
- Biology (Human Body, Diseases, Vitamins, Food & Nutrition)
- Physics (Motion, Laws of Thermodynamics, Electricity, Sound)
- Chemistry (Periodic Table, Acids & Bases, Chemical Reactions)
Tip: Read NCERT Science (Class 6-10) and practice previous year papers to strengthen General Awareness for SSC CGL.
6. Current Affairs (5-6 Questions Expected)
- Government Schemes (PM Kisan, Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat)
- Recent Appointments (New Chief Ministers, Governors, Supreme Court Judges)
- Important Days & Events (National and International Days with Themes)
- Awards & Recognitions (Nobel, Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Filmfare)
- Sports News (Olympics, Cricket World Cup, Grand Slams)
Tip: Stay updated with monthly current affairs compilations and daily news analysis.
7. Miscellaneous GK (2-3 Questions Expected)
- Books & Authors (Latest Bestsellers & Classics)
- Important Organizations (IMF, WHO, UN, BRICS, ASEAN)
- Famous Personalities (Historical & Contemporary Figures)
Tip: Revise important static GK topics regularly for General Awareness for SSC CGL.
How to Prepare Effectively for General Awareness for SSC CGL?
✔ 1. Read NCERT Books (Class 6-12) – Focus on History, Geography, and Science for conceptual clarity.
✔ 2. Stay Updated with Current Affairs – Follow newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and monthly Current Affairs PDFs.
✔ 3. Attempt Daily GK Quizzes – Practice online quizzes on Testbook, Gradeup, and NetPractice to enhance retention.
✔ 4. Use Mnemonics & Mind Maps – Break complex topics into visual charts, acronyms, and short tricks.
✔ 5. Revise Regularly – Make short notes and revise them daily to strengthen long-term memory.
✔ 6. Practice Previous Year Papers – Solving last 5 years’ SSC CGL papers gives insight into important topics and trends.
✔ 7. Take Mock Tests Weekly – Timed tests improve accuracy and speed while simulating real exam conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in General Awareness for SSC CGL
❌ Skipping Current Affairs – At least 6-7 questions come from current events. Stay updated!
❌ Relying Only on Lucent’s GK – While it’s useful, also read NCERTs and follow newspapers for General Awareness for SSC CGL.
❌ Ignoring Mock Tests – Without regular practice, retention drops, and time management becomes difficult.
❌ Memorizing Without Understanding – Focus on conceptual clarity instead of rote learning.
Final Thoughts
Scoring well in General Awareness for SSC CGL is all about consistency and smart preparation. By focusing on high-weightage topics, using short tricks, and practicing daily, you can ace this section effortlessly.
Want to boost your GA score? Download NetPractice App for daily quizzes, full-length mock tests, and personalized GK study plans!
Stay consistent, stay updated, and clear SSC CGL with confidence!
Have a look at comprehensive guides for Reasoning and English –