ssc stenographer preparation strategy

This is Arshiya. I cracked SSC Stenographer 2023 at the age of 20. I am currently pursuing a B.A. from Allahabad University. This was my second attempt, and my main aim is to guide you on how I managed to increase my score from only 95 marks to 148 marks by consistently putting in 9-10 hours of study for two months. However, I must add a disclaimer: my base was already built to some extent, and not everyone has the same kind of background. Also, my shorthand speed was 100 wpm at this particular point, so I left shorthand completely. If you are a beginner, start applying this strategy from now on; otherwise, you will regret it in the end. This exam is not at all difficult to crack; all you need is a smart approach, relevant up-to-date resources, and of course, consistency, which will lead you to score well in the CBT (1st stage) as well as you can qualify the shorthand skill test (2nd stage).

 

As you know,this exam comprises three sections: English, Reasoning and General Awareness. You need to focus on all these subjects simultaneously to build confidence in each one.

English 

Sources:

• Prashant Solanki Sir (concepts)
• Neetu Ma'am( concepts)
• English Grammar and Composition by SC Gupta( recommended)
• English Madhyam (Telegram channel for newspaper editorials)
• Pinnacle  (pyq)

1.Grammar

In English, start by mastering the basics from a teacher you admire. After each chapter, create your own handwritten notes and solve previous year questions (PYQs) related to that chapter. I recommend using English Grammar and Composition by S.C. Gupta so that if you miss out on any rule you can cover it by this book. This book is particularly beneficial for students who do not have an English background. You can also prefer Mirrors of Common Error(you can download the pdf)if you struggle with spotting error type questions. Additionally, watch marathon videos of PYQs by Rani Ma'am, especially focusing on vocabulary, and solve PYQs from Pinnacle.

2.Vocabulary

You should dedicate one hour daily to improving your vocabulary. I recommend using the same English Grammar and Composition book for antonyms, synonyms, and idioms and phrases. Keep your vocabulary resources concise so you can revise them multiple times. There's no point in memorizing over 1000 words if you can't recall them later. Prioritize recent vocabulary from previous SSC exams. You don't need to make notes for vocabulary, but you can if you prefer. Use root words to learn vocabulary more effectively.

3.Comprehension 

To excel in comprehension and cloze tests, there are no shortcuts; you must read extensively, whether it's newspaper editorials or novels, to improve your reading speed. You can join the English Madhyam channel on Telegram for daily editorials, and they will also provide vocabulary to help you enrich your vocabulary. To improve your comprehension solve previous years of CGL Tier 2 and CPO Tier 2 questions from Pinnacle.

How to attempt English section?

Try to attempt all the grammar or vocabulary-related questions in the first 15 minutes, and then attempt the rest of the questions, including PQRS, cloze test, and comprehension, in the remaining 30 minutes. Aim to complete all the questions in 45 minutes so that you can use the remaining time for revision or any other section.

Reasoning 

Sources

• Vikramjeet Sir (concepts)
• Piyush Varshney Sir (concepts)
• Pinnacle (pyq)

In reasoning, start by covering every topic that comes in SSC Stenographer, specifically. Analyze previous years' questions from Testbook to ensure you don't miss any topic, regardless of its difficulty. I advise you not to underestimate easy questions, as they can often lead to silly mistakes. Make notes for reasoning so that you can revise them quickly before the exam. After completing each topic, solve previous years' questions. Speed is crucial in reasoning, so dedicate 15 minutes daily to improve your calculations. Download the Math Workout app for a fun way to improve your math skills. Spend another 15 minutes learning or revising tables up to 20, squares up to 40, and cubes up to 17. You can also watch videos from Sigma Academy by Hemant on YouTube to boost your preparation. Don't forget to take sectional mocks, especially for reasoning, as they will help increase your speed. Focus on previous years' CPO questions as they have a similar pattern.

How to practice Reasoning?

After completing all the concepts from whichever YouTube channel or batch you choose, start solving at least 50 questions daily from Pinnacle. However, ensure that these questions are not all from one chapter by setting a timer. Topics like Analogy,Number Series, and Missing Numbers require practice. If you cannot solve a question from Pinnacle in one go, circle it, but don't waste time; just see the answer and move forward. After solving every question, try to solve those circled questions again. If you still cannot solve them, double circle them, and continue this process to improve these chapters.

General Awareness

Here comes the most controversial section and the most frequently asked questions I receive. My score in GK was pretty decent (25.25), so I think I can give you some decent advice. Analyze previous years' SSC Stenographer questions from Testbook thoroughly. Note all the topics that come in the exam so that you don't waste time studying unnecessary material. Spend most of your time analyzing previous years' papers so you know which topics are important. There are no specific sources,I just grab the best content from different channels. If you also want to score well, you have to explore YouTube and find what suits you best. However, I'll mention the sources I preferred.

Major Sources:

• An Aspirant (YouTube channel)
• Parcham classes (YouTube channel)
• The Pundits (Telegram channel for free static pdf)
• Lucent
• Pinnacle

History- If you don't find interest in reading Lucent first, you can watch one-shot videos of Lucent History by Shubham Gupta sir of Unacademy on YouTube. Make concise notes while watching the videos. After watching the video, you can easily read Lucent, which will help you revise again. Do topic-wise previous years' questions from Pinnacle; this also adds to your revision.

Polity-For Polity, you can follow the same strategy as for history. You can also study from the An Aspirant YouTube channel for comprehensive study, as they will also provide you with concise handwritten notes.

Geography-Lucent and Parcham classes videos.

Science(Physics and Chemistry)- Many candidates don't focus on science, but these 3-4 questions can help you score more than others. If you're not from a science background, you can prefer Vipan Goyal sir for NCERT-oriented study. You can also refer to the 9th and 10th NCERT textbooks.

Biology: You have to read Lucent thoroughly, but still, Lucent is not sufficient as SSC is now asking very detailed questions from Biology. Therefore, you can find any YouTube channel from which you can study the important topics in-depth.

World Mapping- Khan Sir

Art and culture - This section falls under the static part, and you have to study it very deeply as they are no longer asking direct questions, and these questions now carry higher weightage. I preferred the An Aspirant YouTube channel for its in-depth study.

Economics- Lucent for only important topics(don't waste your time in studying economics)

Current Affairs- Speedy current affairs book.

Additionally, before the exam, look at the questions that have recently appeared in the SSC exams, as you need to be up-to-date.

Mocks

Mocks and previous year questions are the key to cracking any examination. In my previous attempt, I didn't attempt any mocks, and I learned from that mistake. I preferred Testbook mocks one month before the exam. In the last 15 days, I attempted a mock daily. It's crucial to analyze the mock the same day; otherwise, you won't know your mistakes. Make a separate notebook to write down your mistakes so you can rectify them.

There are several strategies from toppers, but ultimately, you have to make your strategy. Focus on smart work rather than hard work in the wrong direction. Most importantly, take care of your health; don't put too much pressure on yourself, or all your hard work will be in vain. This is my own experience, but I believe that God has been with me throughout my journey. Don't lose hope and start studying 5-6 hours daily, along with practicing shorthand from now on. Start manifesting things that will give you the power to work harder.I try to be as raw as I can, so I hope I clear all your questions but if you still have any doubts, comment below.