Official Exam Guide

How To Manage Time In SSC CGL Exam 2024

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✍️ Reviewed by PrepMe247 Exam Editorial Board ⏱️ Updated 2026-09-13 🛡️ Verified Official Commission Source

Time management is the key to success in any competitive recruitment exam. It becomes even more important when you are appearing for SSC CGL Tier I. The thing that most stresses almost any student in the exam preparation stage more than in the actual exam, is the time limit. This year SSC has introduced a new time limit for the Tier I exam i.e 60 Minutes. Previously the SSC CGL Tier I time limit was 75 minutes but now it has been reduced. As the exam is online, so you don’t even have the luxury of the extra two minutes that your professor takes to collect your paper. Practice efficiently on PrepMe247 using the TCS iON CBT Format with our bilingual, 100% free practice and no paywall. So here are some Time Management Tips for SSC CGL Tier I that will help you get through your exam & clear it easily.

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Time Management Tips for SSC CGL 2024 Tier I

The best approach to answer the question is to select those questions which are easy & less time-consuming. As a question appears on your screen then don’t blindly start solving it. Just take a while & see if it is really worth solving. Then only proceed otherwise skip to the next question to solve that.

Here are some points that you should keep in mind:

  • There are no sectional time limits. This lets you allocate your time the way you may see fit.
  • You can try out different time management strategies on PrepMe247 to figure out the best way for you to solve the paper.
  • If you find out how to manage your time well, half the work is already done.

Know the SSC CGL Apply Online process in detail here.

So let us look at the section-wise as well as overall time management tips for SSC CGL Tier I exam.

Read the SSC CGL tips from our esteemed in-house experts here right now!

1: Section-Wise Time Management Tips for SSC CGL 2024 Tier I

There are 4 sections in the SSC CGL Tier I exam namely General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Check the time management tips for each section separately.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

  • You have 25 questions from this section, each worth 2 marks. This section needs your attention as it is quite a tricky one to solve.
  • However, it is advised that you allocate not more than 20 minutes to this section.
  • You are required to work hard on the paper keeping the time factor in mind.
  • Derive methods and tricks while solving the questions in your practice sessions on PrepMe247.
  • Derive quicker ways to solve questions other than the usual methods to save time.
  • You should be able to comfortably attempt at least 15-20 questions in the 20 minutes with reasonable accuracy if you are well prepared.
  • Do not spend over a minute on any question of this section.
  • If you get stuck on a question, leave it and move on to the next one.

Read in detail the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria to know about Age Limit here.

General Awareness

  • This is the most scoring section of the SSC CGL Tier I paper.
  • If you are well prepared in this section, it would take you not more than 10-15 minutes in attempting the entire section.
  • The time saved in this section can be utilized in attempting the more difficult and lengthy Quantitative Aptitude and General Reasoning Section.
  • But unless you are a genius, please don’t attempt all the questions.
  • Only attempt those questions which you are sure about.
  • You may also attempt those questions whose answers you can be reasonably certain of after eliminating one or two options.
  • Don’t attempt questions based on complete guesswork. This can bring down your overall performance as there is negative marking.
  • Do not spend over half a minute on a single General Awareness question as these will be trivia-based.

Check the status of your official SSC CGL application here.

Quantitative Aptitude

  • The Quantitative Aptitude section may be the most difficult and time-consuming section among all the sections of the Tier I paper.
  • It also comprises 25 questions worth 2 marks each. You should invest not more than 25 minutes in this section.
  • As there are no sectional cut-offs in SSC CGL, you are advised to attempt this section at the very end.
  • Start attempting the paper with the easier sections like General Awareness. Complete all the other sections before moving to the Quantitative Aptitude Section.
  • Questions related to Arithmetic, Simplification, Number System, Trigonometry, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Probability, Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Interest, Profit & Loss, Time Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Number Series, etc. are asked in this section.
  • You need to have a clear idea of concepts and formulas before applying them to a question. Do not apply guess-work in the paper.
  • On the contrary, it is wise enough to move to other known questions rather than getting stuck to any specific question for long.

English Language

  • The English Language is one such section that can place you in a better position to further get selected in the recruitment process.
  • This section demands your skills in Basic English Language Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar. If you could attain proficiency, over the two half the job is done for you.
  • The questions are on a set pattern that gets repeated in this subject. With proper preparation, you can finish the entire section in less than 15 minutes.
  • Try to attempt the Reading Comprehension at the beginning and quickly.

2: Be Quick With The Calculations

Make sure you’re thorough with the short tricks and calculations as that will prevent time within the exam. Maths formulas including the squares, cubes, reciprocals of numbers, and tricks to unravel tough calculations, should get on your fingertips. Try to not use your pen while solving simplifications. Learn tables because it will prevent wastage of your time and you’ll utilize that time elsewhere.

3: Attempt Difficult Questions At Last

In any exam, there are some questions that are difficult to unravel instantly. Many aspirants keep drilling that question and when did not solve, it leads to demotivation affecting their entire performance. So, to stop such chaos, don’t attempt such questions that appear to be lengthy and time-consuming. Attempt the easy questions first then come to difficult questions at the last.

4: Maintain Accuracy

Accuracy with time management shouldn’t be neglected. Don’t rush into attempting any question if you’re unsure of any, just don’t attempt it. It’s better to leave the question unattempted than to score negative marks. Try to not do any guesswork and attempt questions with accuracy.

5: Manage Time for Daily Study Tasks

  • Plan your daily tasks and set a deadline for yourself and make sure you reach those deadlines daily.
  • Break your study hours into slots of 2-2 hours. And take all of them one by one.
  • Prepare the SSC CGL study Plan to complete your daily tasks with full concentration and efforts driven.
  • After completing each topic save time for revision also. Give at least 15 to 20 minutes to revision only.

Be ready with the SSC CGL 2024 Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Tier I Exam Pattern 2021 has been given below.

Subject Qs Marks Time
General

Intelligence

& Reasoning

25 50 60 min

(Total)

For VH &

Candidates

suffering from

Cerebral Palsy:

80 min

General

Awareness

25 50
Quantitative

Aptitude

25 50
English

Language

25 50
Total 100 200
  • SSC CGL exam paper has 100 questions worth 200 marks.
  • But you have only 60 minutes to solve it. So it is clear that you could not solve all the 100 Qs in 60 minutes.
  • Remember that wrong answers carry a penalty of 0.5 marks.

Check the final SSC CGL Result on the official SSC site once it is out.

SSC CGL Strategy & Order to Attempt the Paper

Know the detailed process to download your SSC CGL Admit Card here.

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We hope these 5 Time Management Tips for SSC CGL Tier I were useful to you. Use them while preparing for mock exams as much as possible with PrepMe247's 100% free practice and no paywall. In conclusion, we are sure you will ace the exam if you follow these tips carefully. candidates can download the PrepMe247 App and make themselves exam-ready. Good luck!!

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the SSC CGL Notification 2026 released?

The SSC CGL Notification 2026 was released on 21st May 2026 on the official SSC website. Aspirants can practice for the exam completely free with no paywall using PrepMe247's bilingual mock tests.

How many stages are there in the SSC CGL Examination?

The SSC CGL examination is conducted in multiple tiers, typically including Tier I and Tier II, designed to rigorously test candidates' aptitude, reasoning, English, and general knowledge.

How many SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 posts have been announced?

Around 12,256 tentative vacancies have been announced under SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 for various Group B and Group C posts. Candidates can practice with 100% free practice sets on PrepMe247.

How can I prepare well for the SSC CGL Exam?

You can prepare comprehensively for the SSC CGL Exam on PrepMe247 using our 100% free practice platform, bilingual mock tests, previous years' question papers, and structured study plans with zero paywalls.

What is the level 7 salary in SSC?

The Gazetted/Non-Gazetted Group 'B' posts like ASO and Inspectors receive a level 7 salary in SSC CGL, with a basic pay of ₹44,900 per month.

How can I increase my speed in numerical aptitude?

Continuous practice on PrepMe247's bilingual test interface, daily calculation drills, and thorough analysis of mock tests will help you master the quantitative aptitude section.

Can I crack SSCCGL 2026 in 30 days?

To clear the SSC CGL exam in 30 days, a candidate must have a well-managed and organised study plan, utilizing PrepMe247 for high-speed TCS iON CBT format practice with zero paywalls.

How many sections are there in SSC CGL Tier 1 exam?

There are 4 sections in the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.

What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL Recruitment 2026?

The Commission has reopened the SSC CGL Application window. Candidates can apply from 23rd June 2026 to 25th June 2026.

Is time management beneficial in the SSC CGL exam?

Yes, time management is crucial as it allows you to attempt the maximum number of questions within the 60-minute limit while maintaining high accuracy on the computer-based test.

What are SSC CGL jobs?

The SSC CGL examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit eligible candidates for various posts across the departments of the Central Government, such as Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer, Inspector (Central Excise), and more.

What is the SSC CGL qualification?

The basic SSC CGL qualification is that the aspirant needs to possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. PrepMe247 offers specialized resources for all eligible candidates.

What is the SSC CGL salary?

There are several posts for which candidates are recruited through the SSC CGL examination, paid as per Level 4 to Level 8 of the CPC.

Is SSC CGL easy to pass on the first attempt?

Yes, with a good preparation strategy, consistent effort, and regular practice on PrepMe247's bilingual platform featuring the TCS iON CBT format.

What is the highest post in SSC?

The highest post in the SSC is of the Assistant Audit Officer or Assistant Accounts Officer which falls under Group B of the Gazetted post.

Which SSC post has the highest salary?

The post that has the highest-paid salary is of the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO).

Is SSC CGL tough?

SSC CGL Exam is a competitive examination and can be a tough nut to crack due to limited vacancies, but it becomes manageable with PrepMe247's 100% free practice and no paywall policy.

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