The JSSC CGL Exam is a very important platform for the candidates who want to appear for Jharkhand Government Jobs. There will be another approach to be taken into account as the Paper 2 will check candidates on a chosen regional/tribal language, whereas the Paper 3 will contribute the major part towards merit.

The preparation should start from understanding the exam pattern of the JSSC CGL as compared to the three papers as one. According to the latest exam-pattern information available, Paper 2 will have 100 questions related to the chosen language, whereas Paper 3 will have 150 questions related to General Studies, Science, Mathematics, Mental Ability, Computer Knowledge and Jharkhand Knowledge. Generally, each paper has a two-hour duration with 3 marks for a correct answer and 1 mark for an incorrect one.

JSSC CGL Paper 2: Choose Your Language Carefully

Paper 2 is that of Regional and Tribal Language. Candidates are required to choose one language from those prescribed by JSSC. Some of the languages to be chosen from are Hindi, English, Urdu, Santhali, Bengali, Mundari, Ho, Kharia, Kudukh, Kurmali, Khortha, Nagpuri, Panchpargania, Odia and Sanskrit.

There is one rule which is very important. Select the language which you understand best rather than thinking of that which would be easy for everybody.

Some factors on the basis of which you can decide about the selection are as follows:

• Your understanding and reading ability.

• Knowledge of grammar.

• Vocabulary and Literature.

• Past year question papers and study material.

• Solving 100 questions in two hours.

Candidates are requested to make note of a qualifying threshold that exists for Paper 2 also. In some JSSC Syllabus References, it has been suggested that a 30 % cutoff is present in qualifying the regional language. In such cases where candidates fail to secure a qualifying grade in language. Paper III would not be graded.

How to Prepare Paper 2

Do not wait for the last few weeks to start preparation of the chosen language. Dedicate about 30-45 minutes each day for grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and past language questions.

A good strategy will be as follows:

• Review basic grammar rules.

• Read short paragraphs frequently.

• Prepare key vocabulary and confusing words.

• Solve past year language questions.

• Take one 100 question language mock test each week.

• Keep an error book and revise them.

First, you have to achieve comfortable qualifying marks. Later work on accuracy so that Paper 2 does not cause anxiety during the last moment.

JSSC CGL Paper 3: Your Main Scoring Opportunity

2 Paper 3 being a very important paper for merit preparation. Paper consists of standard format – 150 Questions – 450 Marks with 6 Parts:

This format makes Jharkhand GK an especially important subject as it consists of 40 questions with 120 marks in the conventional 3 marks per question format.

The Paper 3 Scoring Plan

It is not necessary to cover all topics with equal efforts; prepare yourself for your exam in three stages.

Priority 1: Jharkhand GK

Special emphasis should be laid on Jharkhand’s history, geography, culture, tribes, movements, economy, minerals, key personalities, government schemes and current affairs related to Jharkhand.

Short notes on districts, rivers, forests, minerals, industries, festivals, tribal culture, and key historical events should be prepared. Revising these short notes is essential as factual questions can be answered easily after memorizing the details.

Priority 2: General Studies and Science

For General Knowledge, preparation of Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Important Events of India and Current Affairs is needed. For Science, preparation should include fundamentals of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology including topics which are usually asked in schools.

Current affairs can never be neglected. Both national and state-specific current affairs of Jharkhand should be taken into consideration.

Priority 3: Maths, Reasoning and Computer

Mathematics and Reasoning should be prepared with the help of practice instead of theory. Mathematics should include arithmetic, percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, time and work, number system, etc.

Reasoning should include series, analogy, coding-decoding, classification, blood relation, direction, etc.

For computers, preparation should cover basic knowledge about hardware, software, operating systems, MS Office, Internet, Networking, Cyber Safety, etc.

Negative Marking: Accuracy Over Blind Attempts

On the basis of JSSC CGL pattern there are marks allotted as, 3 marks for every right answer, and -1 mark for every wrong answer.

Hence, random guessing may hurt your scores. While practicing, try to form a strategy with three types of questions:

• Sure questions: Attempt immediately.

• Eliminable questions: Attempt after eliminating clearly wrong options.

• Doubtful questions: Leave them unless you have a reasonable basis for choosing an answer.

For instance, scoring 100 correctly and 15 incorrectly would give you a score of 285 marks using a 3 mark/1 mark question value. That illustrates why accuracy rather than attempt increase is desirable.

30-Day Final Strategy

For the last month, balance between Paper 2 and Paper 3 instead of focusing only on the language paper.

Days 1 to 10: Do Practice Paper 2 for grammar and language concepts, along with a bit of basic Jharkhand GK, so it sinks in.

Days 11 to 20: Work on Paper 3. Attempt sectional mock test of Maths, Reasoning, Science & Computer along with revising Jharkhand specific GK.

Days 21 to 25: Attempt to complete Paper 2 and Paper 3 mock tests within time limit.

Days 26 to 30: Only revise, mistakes, facts and weak areas. Don’t start new topics unless it is mandatory.

Final Thought

The major flaw in preparing for JSSC CGL is the last-minute preparation for Paper 2 and considering Paper 3 as one General Knowledge paper only. Preparation for Paper 2 should be done first according to the qualifying criteria, whereas for Paper 3, a systematic approach is needed to score.

Select your regional language according to your proficiency, gain command over Jharkhand GK, practice Mathematics & Reasoning, and use mock tests to improve your accuracy. Those who are planning to apply for Jharkhand Government Jobs need to frequently check the latest notification of JSSC as the official notification of the Commission always holds the final say regarding vacancies, syllabus, marking scheme, and exam date.