7 Common Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Maths

7 Common Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Maths:- The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CGL exam every year to recruit candidates for various central government posts. It’s one of the most popular exams in India, and lakhs of students appear for it each year. As part of your SSC Exams preparation, you need to focus on four main subjects, General Awareness, Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude (Maths).
Among these, SSC CGL Maths is considered the most scoring section if you prepare well. The questions are concept-based and often follow a fixed pattern, making it easier to crack with regular practice. With proper time management and a good study plan, you can improve your speed and accuracy in this section. If you're serious about your SSC CGL preparation, focusing on Maths can give your overall score a big boost. Check out the article below for 7 smart and practical tips to help you with your SSC exam preparation in Maths.
SSC CGL 2025
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination 2025 is one of the most awaited government exams in India. As per the official SSC Calendar 2025–26, the notification is expected to be released on 22nd April 2025, along with the start of the online application process. Aspiring candidates aiming for Group B and Group C posts across various government ministries and departments should start their SSC CGL preparation early to stay ahead of the competition.
Event |
Date / Details |
Notification Release Date |
22nd April 2025 |
Application Start Date |
22nd April 2025 |
Last Date to Apply |
21st May 2025 |
Tier 1 Exam Date (Expected) |
June–July 2025 |
Selection Process |
Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
Official Website |
ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2025 Selection Process
The SSC CGL 2025 selection process is designed to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and government organisations. The process has been simplified over the years and now includes just two main stages:
Tier 1 – Preliminary Examination (Qualifying Stage)
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This is the first stage of the exam and is compulsory for all applicants.
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It is a computer-based test (CBT) with four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude (Maths), and English Comprehension.
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Marks obtained in this tier are not counted for final merit, but they are used for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2.
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Negative marking: 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Check Out - SSC Previous Year Papers
Tier 2 – Main Examination (Merit Deciding Stage)
This stage is crucial for final selection. It is also computer-based and consists of different papers depending on the post applied for:
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Paper I – Compulsory for all posts: Mathematical Abilities (SSC CGL Maths), Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
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Paper II – For candidates applying for Statistical Investigator posts
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Paper III – For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer
7 Common Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Maths
Many students find the Quantitative Aptitude section of the SSC CGL exam quite difficult. But the truth is, with the right strategy, clear basics, and regular practice using SSC CGL previous year question papers, you can master this section confidently.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 smart preparation tips for SSC CGL Maths, along with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and a table of important topics based on the analysis of SSC previous year papers:-
Know the Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme First
Before starting your SSC CGL preparation, it’s important to understand the structure of the exam. Knowing how the Maths section is organised helps you plan your time better and avoid negative marking.
Tier |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Time Limit |
Negative Marking |
Tier 1 |
Quantitative Aptitude |
25 |
50 Marks |
1 hour (total for Tier 1) |
-0.50 per wrong answer |
Tier 2 |
Quantitative Abilities |
30 |
90 Marks |
1 hour (shared with Reasoning) |
-1 per wrong answer |
Build a Strong Foundation with Basics
Jumping straight into tough problems won’t help if your basics are weak. Many students lose marks in easy questions because they forget formulas or basic concepts. A strong foundation is the key to solving even advanced-level problems in SSC CGL Maths. Don’t just memorise, try to understand how and why formulas work. This helps in solving different question types with proper understanding.
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Revise basic formulas of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
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Memorise square numbers up to 30 and cube numbers up to 20.
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Know percentage-fraction conversions (e.g. 1/4 = 25%).
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Keep a small notebook for daily formula revision. This will also help
Practise SSC CGL Previous Year Papers Regularly
If there’s one golden rule in SSC exam preparation, it’s this: solve as many SSC CGL previous year papers as you can. These papers show you the exact types of questions that come in the exam.
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Focus on at least the last 5–7 years of SSC CGL previous year question papers.
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Note down frequently repeated questions and concepts.
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Use them to identify your strong and weak areas.
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Time yourself while solving to improve speed and accuracy.
Prioritise Important Topics with Higher Weightage
Not all topics in SSC CGL Maths are equally important. By reviewing SSC previous year question papers, you’ll notice that some topics are asked more frequently. Focusing on these high-weightage topics can improve your score quickly.
Topic |
Area to Focus |
Percentage |
Conversion between % and fractions, successive percentage change, increase/decrease problems |
Profit, Loss & Discount |
Cost price, selling price, marked price, overall profit/loss in combined transactions |
Ratio & Proportion |
Simplification of ratios, direct & inverse proportions, partnership problems |
Averages |
Weighted average, average of consecutive numbers, missing value questions |
Algebra |
Identities, linear & quadratic equations, factorisation, simplification |
Geometry |
Triangles, circles, properties of angles, basic theorems |
Mensuration (2D & 3D) |
Area and perimeter of plane figures, surface area & volume of cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone |
Trigonometry |
Trigonometric identities, height & distance, value-based questions (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) |
Time, Speed & Distance |
Relative speed, trains, boats & streams, average speed |
Time & Work |
Work efficiency, combined work, days required, pipes and cisterns |
Number System |
Divisibility rules, LCM & HCF, remainders, types of numbers |
Data Interpretation |
Bar graphs, pie charts, tables — focus on calculation speed |
Simplification |
BODMAS, brackets, decimals and fractions, basic arithmetic operations |
Simple & Compound Interest |
Difference between SI & CI, interest for different time periods |
Mixture & Alligation |
Replacement type problems, ratio-based mixing problems |
Surds & Indices |
Simplification using laws of exponents, rationalisation |
Read More: How to Crack SSC CGL in First Attempt?
Take Weekly Full-Length Mock Tests
Once you’ve covered most of the syllabus, start taking full mock tests regularly. They help you test your preparation under real exam conditions and improve your time management.
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Take 1–2 mock tests every week.
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Review all questions, correct and incorrect, after the test.
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Focus more on improving weak areas in the next week.
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Simulate exam-like conditions: no distractions, fixed time, and quiet space.
Learn Smart Tricks and Shortcuts
After you're comfortable with the basics, you can use shortcuts to solve questions faster. This is especially useful for repetitive calculations or specific question types in the SSC CGL Maths section.
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Use Vedic Maths methods for quick multiplication and division.
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Learn shortcut formulas for Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, and Interest problems.
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Avoid overusing tricks—use them only if you're sure about the concept.
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Create a cheat sheet of all tricks and revise it regularly.
SSC CGL Maths Books
Preparing for competitive exams like SSC CGL 2025 demands the right strategy and the right resources. One such trusted companion for aspirants is the PW SSC CGL Maths Book, which offers a comprehensive and structured approach to SSC exam preparation. With over 7300+ TCS-based MCQs, this book covers key sections including Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Reasoning, and English Language, all in line with the latest SSC exam pattern.
It also includes 25 online computer-based tests (CBTs) that simulate the real exam environment, helping candidates enhance their speed and accuracy. Additionally, the monthly current affairs magazine keeps learners up to date with important national and international events—crucial for scoring well in the General Awareness section.
PW SSC Books 2025
For aspirants preparing for SSC CGL 2025 and other government exams, PW SSC Books 2025 offer a one-stop solution for complete and focused preparation. While the SSC CGL Maths book remains a standout with its 7300+ TCS-based MCQs and exam-oriented content, PW also provides a range of other essential books covering General Awareness, Reasoning, English Language, and Current Affairs.
PW SSC Books 2025 |
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SSC Game Changer General Awareness 8000+ TCS MCQ For 2025 SSC Exams |
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SSC SSC Game Changer Reasoning 6800+ TCS MCQ For 2025 SSC Exams |
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SSC Game Changer English 7300+ TCS MCQ For 2025 SSC Exams |
Also Read: SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exams
Common Preparation Tips for SSC FAQs
1. What makes PW SSC Books suitable for SSC CGL preparation?
PW books are designed by expert faculty with deep knowledge of the SSC exam pattern. They include TCS-based MCQs, detailed explanations, current affairs, and online CBTs, all are accordingly made with SSC CGL 2025 requirements.
2. Is the PW SSC CGL Maths book based on the latest exam pattern?
Yes, it follows the latest exam pattern and includes 7300+ MCQs that reflect the TCS-style questions seen in SSC previous year question papers.
3. What subjects do PW SSC books cover?
PW offers books on Quantitative Aptitude (Maths), Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and Current Affairs, making it a complete set for SSC exam preparation.
4. Are previous year questions included in PW books?
Yes, most PW books include SSC previous year questions with solutions to help candidates understand real exam patterns and frequently asked topics.
5. Can beginners use these books for SSC CGL preparation?
Yes, the books are structured to help beginners as well as repeat candidates, with topic-wise explanations, solved examples, and numerous practice questions.


