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SSC CHSL Vs. SSC CGL – What Changes in Strategy You Need?

When preparing for government exams like SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) and SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level), many students find themselves asking: Is the same preparation strategy enough for both? According to experts and successful candidates, the answer is no. While the subjects in both exams are similar, the difficulty level, approach, and time management are quite different. In this article, we bring you insights from toppers and expert recommendations to help you understand how your preparation strategy should change when switching between SSC CHSL and SSC CGL.

SSC CHSL vs. SSC CGL Tier 1: Exam Pattern Comparison

While the exam pattern and syllabus are almost the same, the level of preparation, complexity of questions, and competition differ. Students can prepare the base syllabus together for both exams, but for SSC CGL, they must practice more advanced level questions, tougher mock tests, and faster solving techniques.

Feature SSC CHSL Tier 1 SSC CGL Tier 1
Number of Questions 100 100
Total Marks 200 200
Time Duration 60 minutes 60 minutes
Sections General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
Negative Marking 0.50 marks per wrong answer 0.50 marks per wrong answer

Similar Difficulty Level in Both Exams

The questions in SSC CHSL Tier 2 and SSC CGL Tier 2 are almost the same in terms of difficulty. In fact, many questions are often repeated across both exams. But the structure of the exam, number of questions, and marking pattern vary slightly. Understanding this is important to plan your preparation in the right direction.

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Section Module Subjects No. of Questions Marks Time
Section I Module-I Mathematical Abilities 30 90 1 hour
Module-II Reasoning & General Intelligence 30 90
Section II Module-I English Language & Comprehension 40 120 1 hour
Module-II General Awareness 20 60
Section III Module-I Computer Knowledge 15 45 15 minutes
Module-II Typing/Skill Test 10-15 minutes

Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Section Module Subjects No. of Questions Marks Time
Section I Module-I Mathematical Abilities 30 90 1 hour
Module-II Reasoning & General Intelligence 30 90
Section II Module-I English Language & Comprehension 45 135 1 hour
Module-II General Awareness 25 75
Section III Module-I Computer Knowledge 20 60 15 minutes
Module-II Data Entry Speed Test 15 minutes

Same marking scheme as CHSL: 3 marks for each correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

Common Topics in the Syllabus

The subjects covered in both exams are almost the same. Here are the key topics:

Mathematics: Number System, Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, and Trigonometry.
Reasoning: Classification, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Series, Puzzles, and Non-verbal Reasoning.
English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement, Voice, Narration, and Reading Comprehension.
General Awareness: Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs, and Static GK.
Computer Knowledge: MS Office basics, Internet, Email, Cyber Security, Hardware, and Software basics.

What Changes in Strategy Are Needed?

Though the syllabus and question types are similar, candidates must make some changes in their preparation strategy based on the exam they are targeting.

Strategy for SSC CHSL Tier 2:

  • Since English and Computer sections have fewer questions, focus on accuracy and time management.
  • Practice for the Typing Test and revise basic computer knowledge regularly.
  • Grammar-based and reading comprehension questions should be practiced more, as they are crucial for scoring in the English section.

Strategy for SSC CGL Tier 2:

  • English section has more weightage. So, focus on mastering comprehension and advanced grammar.
  • General Awareness section has 25 questions, slightly more than CHSL. Stay updated with current affairs and revise key static topics.
  • Practice Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) and revise computer concepts in detail.

Common Preparation Tips for Both:

  • Use the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern while practicing mock tests. It covers all areas and prepares you better for both exams.
  • Make a subject-wise timetable covering all topics regularly.
  • Focus on speed and accuracy through daily practice and full-length mock tests.

The SSC CHSL and SSC CGL exams may look similar, but their Tier 2 patterns have a few key differences. To succeed, it’s important to adjust your strategy according to the exam structure. Focus on your weak areas, revise core subjects, and take regular mock tests. With the right preparation plan, you can perform well in both exams.

SSC CHSL Vs. SSC CGL – What Changes in Strategy You Need? |_3.1

FAQs

Can I prepare for SSC CHSL and SSC CGL exams together?

Yes, the base syllabus for SSC CHSL and SSC CGL is almost the same, especially for Tier 1. However, SSC CGL requires a higher level of preparation due to tougher questions and more competition. While you can study common topics together, you must separately focus on advanced questions and faster solving techniques for SSC CGL.

How should I adjust my strategy for SSC CGL compared to SSC CHSL?

For SSC CGL, you need to solve higher-level mock tests, focus more on the English section as it carries more weightage, and regularly update yourself with current affairs. Time management, accuracy, and handling pressure become more important in SSC CGL compared to SSC CHSL.