Lessons from My Failed SSC CGL 2021 Tier 1 Attempt

My third attempt at the SSC CGL 2021 Tier 1, I approached with high hopes despite my earlier failures. I managed to answer 95 questions, but despite the easy to moderate paper, my results were far from what I anticipated. With a focus on identifying areas of improvement and sharing valuable insights, this article will explore the crux of my shortcomings and suggest strategies to avoid similar pitfalls in future attempts.

Reasoning: The Misery of Calculations

Reasoning was my Achilles' heel. Effort was made, yet misfortune struck. Particularly challenging was a reasoning question involving figure calculations. This question required meticulous attention to detail, and I faltered, despite my usual interest in such puzzles. An example mistake was overlooked in a figure-based problem, a mistake so subtle that even after rigorous review, no one would have noticed the error. The need for diligent practice and precision in this area is evident.

English: A Case of Misplaced Confidence

The second challenge arose in the English section. While my proficiency is generally known, this year’s paper included several idiomatic expressions that caught me off guard. One such instance was the phrase ‘seconds refill,’ which I had never encountered. My confidence led me to bypass a second read, and despite intuitive guesses, I found myself caught in a muddle. A critical lesson here: always double-check idiomatic expressions to avoid such pitfalls.

Mistakes in Other Sections

The Basic and Mathematics sections presented their own unique challenges. With mathematics, I made the common mistake of wasting precious time on simple questions like averages. Though these questions seemed straightforward, ignoring the risk of time-draining errors is a costly mistake. In basic, the failure to understand a preposition ‘lake of reading’ led to an incorrect selection, highlighting the importance of comprehensive reading comprehension.

Furthermore, in the English section, the confusion between options and the reliance on personal judgment (e.g., spelling mistakes) demonstrated that even seasoned test-takers can falter. Emphasizing that a spellchecker and cross-referencing can be beneficial in such situations is crucial.

Mathematics: A Missed Opportunity

Finally, in the Mathematics section, an unexpected question about a geometric figure (something I had memorized: Pyramid vs Prism) tripped me up. I admitted my mistake and took the time to note down key formulas, representing a missed opportunity and a stark reminder of the value of in-depth preparation.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Despite these mistakes, I believe I delivered what I should have, highlighting the importance of strategic time management. Reflecting on these failings, my key lessons include:

Pay close attention to detail, especially in weaker areas like figures and calculations. Thoroughly prepare for idiomatic expressions and new terminology. Manage your time carefully, avoiding undue focus on individual questions. Double-check your work, especially in sections prone to errors. Ensure a deep understanding of basic concepts and formulas to avoid last-minute urgency.

Aiming for a full-fledged mains preparation, I am determined to apply these lessons to achieve better results in the future. By avoiding past mistakes, I hope to explore new horizons and succeed in my next attempt.