The mode of the Staff Selection Commission which conducts the Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Tier 1 examination scheduled to be held on August 27 has changed from OMR-based (printed paper form) to computer-based (online) format. Should this be a cause of concern for aspirants?
The answer is ‘No’, as suggested by experts at SuperProfs, because there is no significant change in the exam syllabus and pattern. The total number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 100 and will have to be completed in 75 minutes (from previous 120 minutes).
The total marks remain the same. Effectively, time per question and marks per question have increased. It is expected that the actual examination will start with a short duration mock test to familiarise test-takers with the test interface.
Aspirants are advised to use this time to understand all functions of the exam interface and not focus on finding the right answer. There is no benefit in submitting the mock test early because the time clock will start only when the actual test begins. Here are some points to keep in mind.
It is crucial to read all the instructions carefully before starting the test. Aspirants may note important points to be referred to later, when in doubt.
Practise at least 10 full-length practice tests before appearing for the actual exam to accustom yourself with computer-based tests and reduce last-minute anxiety. There are many websites that provide such practice tests for free.
Aspirants should first answer the questions they are most confident about. The questions they are not sure of should be ‘marked for review’ and attempted later. General awareness questions can be attempted quickly because there is nothing you need to calculate. Either you know the answer or you don’t. Remember that this exam is all about speed and accuracy.
Focus on the basics and have mathematical formulae on the tip of your tongue. As there is no sectional cut-off in this examination, aspirants should not panic if they are not able to attempt more number of questions in any particular section.
Do not try to learn new concepts at the last moment. Revise what you have learnt and be confident.
The writer is co-founder and CEO, SuperProfs.com.
