Time management is crucial for excelling in the SSC CGL exam. With limited time and a large number of questions, speed and accuracy become the key to success. Many aspirants struggle to complete the paper on time, which impacts their overall score. To help you maximize your efficiency, here are some expert tips and strategies to solve more questions in less time while maintaining accuracy.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
Before attempting to solve questions faster, familiarize yourself with the SSC CGL exam pattern. The exam consists of four sections:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Each section has a specific time requirement, so knowing which one takes longer can help you manage your pace effectively.
Check – SSC CGL Syllabus Breakdown
2. Prioritize Easy Questions First
Not all questions in the SSC CGL exam carry different marks, so it makes sense to focus on the ones you can solve quickly. Follow these steps:
- Scan the paper quickly to identify easy questions.
- Solve straightforward ones first before moving on to difficult or time-consuming ones.
- Leave complex calculations for later to avoid wasting time early on.
3. Use the 20-40-20 Strategy
A smart way to divide your time is the 20-40-20 rule:
- Spend 20% of your time on the easiest questions.
- Dedicate 40% of your time to moderately difficult questions.
- Use the last 20% of your time for the most challenging ones.
This method ensures you don’t waste too much time on one section while also securing marks from the easiest questions.
4. Master Mental Math and Approximation Techniques
For the Quantitative Aptitude section, calculation speed is crucial. You can improve by:
- Memorizing squares, cubes, tables, and percentage values.
- Using approximation to eliminate unlikely answer choices quickly.
- Practicing mental math daily to reduce dependency on rough work.
Read – How to prep for SSC CGL Calculations and Formulas
5. Improve Reading Speed for English & General Awareness
- Skim through comprehension passages rather than reading word-for-word.
- Identify keywords in General Awareness questions to recall facts faster.
- Practice daily newspaper reading to enhance retention and speed.
How to Retain General Awareness Facts Easily
6. Use Shortcuts & Tricks for Reasoning
The General Intelligence & Reasoning section can be time-consuming, but using shortcut techniques can save time:
- Learn pattern recognition for series-based questions.
- Solve blood relation problems using family trees.
- Practice syllogisms with Venn diagrams instead of lengthy logic.
Here’s How to Master Reasoning in SSC CGL
7. Manage Time Effectively During the Exam
Even with the best preparation, poor time management can hurt your score. Keep these points in mind:
- Stick to a strict time limit per section.
- If you get stuck on a question, move on instead of wasting precious minutes.
- Reserve at least 5 minutes at the end for revision.
Comprehensive Time Management Guide for SSC CGL
8. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly
Practicing with SSC CGL mock tests is one of the most effective ways to improve your speed. Mock tests help you:
- Get familiar with the actual exam environment.
- Develop better time management skills.
- Identify weak areas that need improvement.
Read to Know Why Mock Tests are Important For SSC CGL Prep
Final Thoughts
Cracking the SSC CGL exam requires more than just knowledge—it’s about solving questions efficiently under time pressure. By prioritizing easy questions, mastering shortcut techniques, and practicing regularly, you can boost your speed without compromising accuracy.
Looking for more practice? Take daily quizzes and full-length mock tests with NetPractice to sharpen your skills and boost your exam performance!