How to Score 180+ in SSC CGL Tier 1: 7 Proven Tips (2025)

1 Master the Sectional Breakdown

SSC CGL Tier 1 has 4 sections (25 Qs each): Reasoning, GK, Quant, English. To score 180+, aim for:

• Reasoning: 45–50/50
• Quant: 40–45/50
• English: 40–45/50
• GK: 35–40/50

Key: Don’t ignore GK — it’s the biggest differentiator!

2 Prioritize High-Weightage Quant Topics

70% of Quant comes from just 5 areas:

1. Data Interpretation (5–7 Qs)
2. Algebra (3–4 Qs)
3. Geometry & Mensuration (4–5 Qs)
4. Percentage, Profit & Loss (3–4 Qs)
5. Time & Work, Speed (3–4 Qs)

→ Practice 10 DI sets daily. They’re fast and scoring.

3 Build a Current Affairs Bank

GK = 50% Static + 50% Current Affairs (last 6 months). Focus on:

• Budget 2025 & Economic Survey highlights
• New government schemes (PM Vishwakarma, etc.)
• Science & Tech (ISRO missions, DPDPA, ARKA supercomputer)
• Important appointments (CJI, CEC, Finance Secretary)

→ Revise weekly. Use our December 2025 CA summary.

4 Use the “2-Pass” Attempt Strategy

Don’t solve sequentially. Use this method:

1. Pass 1 (40 mins): Solve all easy questions (70–80 Qs)
2. Pass 2 (20 mins): Attempt moderate/difficult ones

This ensures you never miss easy marks due to time pressure.

5 Practice Puzzles Daily (Reasoning)

Puzzles & seating arrangements = 10–12 questions. Master these types:

• Box-based puzzles
• Month/date puzzles
• Circular seating (with blood relations)

→ Solve 2 puzzles daily. Speed comes with repetition.

6 Improve English with “Error Spotting”

English is the easiest to score in. Focus on:

• Error Detection (5–7 Qs)
• Sentence Improvement (3–4 Qs)
• Cloze Test (5–7 Qs)

→ Read 1 editorial daily (The Hindu, Indian Express).

7 Take Full-Length Mocks Weekly

Mocks build speed, accuracy, and confidence. Follow this cycle:

1. Take a mock under exam conditions
2. Analyze mistakes (why did you get it wrong?)
3. Revise weak topics
4. Repeat

Aim for 15+ mocks before exam day.