Introduction
The Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of the most competitive government exams in India. Lakhs of aspirants appear for this exam every year to secure prestigious posts in ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India.
One of the key sections in this exam is General Awareness, and within that, Current Affairs plays a vital role. With questions getting more dynamic and recent affairs-oriented, mastering this section can significantly boost your overall score.
At HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, we guide students not just to study hard, but to study smart. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to effectively prepare for current affairs for SSC CGL and what important topics you should focus on.
Why is Current Affairs Important for SSC CGL?
The General Awareness (GA) section in SSC CGL Tier-I carries 25 questions for 50 marks. Out of these, 6–8 questions are usually based on recent current affairs. Scoring in current affairs is often easier than in static GK—if you’re well-prepared. The best part is, this section doesn’t require calculations or lengthy reading; you just need regular updates and revision.
How to Prepare for Current Affairs Effectively
1. Read Daily News
Stay updated with daily news from reliable sources like:
- The Hindu or Indian Express (especially for editorials and national/international news)
- PIB (Press Information Bureau)
- News apps like Inshorts, NewsOnAir, or DailyHunt
You don’t need to spend hours reading the newspaper. Just 30–45 minutes of focused reading is enough.
2. Use Monthly Current Affairs Magazines
Books or PDFs from trusted sources like:
- Vision IAS Monthly Magazine
- Drishti IAS Monthly Digest
- HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY’s Monthly Current Affairs Notes
These are concise, exam-focused, and curated by experts. Make short notes while reading them, especially on important days, government schemes, and awards.
3. Watch Daily/Weekly Current Affairs Videos
Visual content helps in better retention. Follow a trusted YouTube channel or HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY’s in-house current affairs sessions to revise weekly updates. These usually summarize all key topics in 15–30 minutes.
4. Take Daily Quizzes
Practicing daily current affairs quizzes reinforces your memory and improves speed. Platforms like:
- Testbook
- Gradeup
- Adda247
- HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY’s Test Series
provide excellent daily and weekly quizzes.
5. Revise Regularly
Current affairs are easy to forget if not revised. Set aside 1–2 hours every weekend to revise what you’ve covered during the week. Follow a 3-tier strategy: Daily → Weekly → Monthly Revision.
Time Span to Cover for SSC CGL
It’s safe to cover last 6–8 months of current affairs before the exam. For example, if your exam is in September, you should start revising from January of that year.
Important Topics for SSC CGL Current Affairs
Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked topics based on analysis of previous year papers:
1. National and International Events
- Recent summits and conferences
- Important meetings (e.g., G20, UN sessions, BRICS)
- Host cities and themes
2. Government Schemes & Policies
- Newly launched or updated schemes by Central and State Governments
- Focus on sectors like women empowerment, agriculture, education, health
3. Appointments & Resignations
- New governors, chief ministers, judges, and heads of important national institutions
- UN and global body appointments
4. Awards & Honours
- Padma Awards, Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prizes
- Sports awards (Arjuna, Khel Ratna)
- Literature, peace, science-related awards
5. Books and Authors
- Recently released books by famous personalities
- Books on political, social or economic themes
6. Sports
- Winners of major tournaments (Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, IPL)
- National and international records
- Host countries and venues
7. Science and Technology
- Space missions (ISRO, NASA)
- Recent innovations and discoveries
- New scientific initiatives in India
8. Economic Affairs
- Budget highlights and economic survey
- GST updates, RBI policy changes
- New banking rules, merger of banks
9. Important Days & Themes
- International and national observance days
- Themes released by organizations (UN, WHO)
10. Obituaries
- Deaths of prominent personalities in politics, literature, cinema, and sports
Tips from HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY
- Follow a fixed source and avoid reading from too many platforms.
- Create your own notes or highlight points in PDF magazines.
- Revise through infographics and one-liners before the exam.
- Focus on facts and figures—SSC CGL rarely asks opinion-based questions.
- Use the last 15 days before the exam for full revision, no new topics!
Final Thoughts
This article in the downgpt must have given you clear idea about Preparing for current affairs for SSC CGL doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a smart plan, reliable resources, and regular revision, you can ace this section easily.
At HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, our expert-curated current affairs sessions, notes, and mock tests are tailored specifically for SSC aspirants like you. Join our community and get access to simplified learning, one-on-one guidance, and result-driven strategies.
📚 Stay updated, stay ahead!
Let current affairs be your strength in cracking SSC CGL.