IBPS PO & Clerk Exam Preparation – Complete Guide
Prepare for IBPS PO and Clerk exams with detailed syllabus, preparation strategies, study notes, tutorials, practice papers, and tips to secure banking jobs efficiently.
Prepare for IBPS PO and Clerk exams with detailed syllabus, preparation strategies, study notes, tutorials, practice papers, and tips to secure banking jobs efficiently.
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of India’s most popular exams for graduates seeking central government jobs.
It recruits for various posts like Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Assistant Section Officer, and more across ministries and departments.
SSC CGL tests quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, English language skills, general awareness, and computer knowledge.
Conducted by: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Eligibility: Graduate degree in any discipline
Age Limit: 18–32 years (varies by post)
Selection Process: Tier I (Prelims) → Tier II (Mains) → Tier III (Descriptive) → Tier IV (Skill/Computer Test)
Posts Offered: Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Assistant Section Officer, Central Excise Inspector, etc.
Subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, General Awareness
Duration: 60 minutes
Total Marks: 200
Mode: Computer-based
Subjects: Quantitative Abilities, English Language & Comprehension, Statistics, General Studies (Finance & Economics)
Duration: 2 hours per paper
Mode: Computer-based
Essay, Letter, or Application writing
Mode: Pen and paper
Data Entry Skill / Computer Proficiency Test for selected posts
Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations
Puzzle, Syllogism, Direction Sense, Statements & Conclusions
Arithmetic: Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage
Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics
Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms/Antonyms
Comprehension, Sentence Improvement, Error Detection
History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science
Current Affairs, Awards, Books & Authors, Sports
Basics of MS Office, Internet, Networking, Hardware & Software
Tier-wise preparation
Focus on high-scoring areas
NCERTs for Maths & Science
Standard GK & Current Affairs books (Lucent, Arihant)
Solve SSC previous year papers
Online mock tests for speed & accuracy
Regular essay & letter writing practice
Focus on clarity, grammar, and structure
Practice MS Office, Typing speed, and basic IT skills
Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal – “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning”
Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal – “Quantitative Aptitude”
English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy
General Awareness: Lucent GK, Arihant, Current Affairs Magazines
Descriptive Paper: Previous year essays & letters
Daily Routine Example:
5–6 AM: Current Affairs & GK
6–8 AM: Quantitative aptitude practice
8–9 AM: English grammar & comprehension
10–12 AM: Mock tests / Previous year papers
2–4 PM: Reasoning practice
5–6 PM: Revision & writing practice
Weekly Routine:
5 days: Academic preparation & mock tests
1 day: Revision & doubt clearing
1 day: Rest / lighter preparation
Ignoring reasoning & English preparation
Not practicing previous year papers
Skipping mock tests
Overloading multiple books without focus
Neglecting descriptive paper practice
Q1: What is the eligibility for SSC CGL?
A1: Graduate degree from a recognized university.
Q2: How many Tiers are there in SSC CGL?
A2: Four – Tier I (Prelims), Tier II (Mains), Tier III (Descriptive), Tier IV (Skill Test / Computer Test).
Q3: Is computer knowledge mandatory?
A3: Yes, for selected posts, Tier IV is compulsory.
Q4: How to prepare for Tier III Descriptive paper?
A4: Practice essay, letter, and application writing regularly focusing on clarity and grammar.
With structured planning, regular practice of mock tests, previous papers, and descriptive writing, aspirants can achieve top ranks in SSC exams. Consistent preparation, time management, and smart strategies are the keys to success.