Categories: SSC Exam

8 Most Scoring Areas in SSC Exam GK Preparation

For most students SSC exam GK is unpredictable and difficult to handle. They don’t have much idea about what types of questions are asked and how to prepare for them. Even those students who join an SSC coaching centre in Delhi may remain clueless about how to prepare methodically for this section. The institutes providing coaching for SSC exams focus mainly on covering the full syllabus. However, attention should be paid at how a student can score high by focusing on certain key areas, rather than trying to cover the entire scope of the GK section.

On carefully analyzing the pattern of several past year SSC exam papers, one can clearly see a pattern emerging. Certain types of questions are asked much more frequently as compared to others. Questions from certain areas are a regular feature in the exam. Directing one’s focus of preparation towards these areas can be really fruitful. It can help a student derive maximum value out of the time and effort spent in preparing for GK. These areas are:

1. The Firsts in India – Memorizing the names of the “firsts in India” is undoubtedly of great benefit to a student. The people who were the first to occupy important positions such as the chairman of finance commission, the chief election commissioner, the speaker of lok sabha etc. have a unique place in Indian history. The following are some of the questions which have been asked previously from this area:

Who was the first woman governor of a state in India?
Who was the first woman judge of Supreme Court in India?
Who was the first governor general of independent India?
Who was the first comptroller and auditor general of India?
Who was the first woman chief justice of a high court in India?

2. Common Chemical Compounds – Questions based on the formulae, composition and utility of frequently used chemical compounds find a place in any SSC exam. Neglecting questions like these means a sure shot loss of marks to any student:

What is dry ice?
What is the chemical name of bleaching powder?
What is laughing gas?
Which compound is used as antifreeze in car radiators?
What is the chemical name of aspirin?
Which compound is added as an odorant in LPG cylinders?

3. Folk Dances & Traditional Festivals – Our country has a rich culture and its diversity is enormous. India is a land of unity in diversity, where each state has a distinct cultural identity. Folk dances and traditional festivals are an integral part of this identity. One must know about the states associated with the dances and festivals mentioned below:

Folk & Traditional Dances: Tippani, Rauf, Hikat, Chakri, Khayal, Natti, Jhora, Yakshagana, Cheraw, Jatra, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Baharat Natyam etc.
Traditional Festivals: Bihu, Onam, Pongal, Chhat, Ugadi, Karaga etc.

4. Indian Constitution (Articles, Amendments & Borrowed Features) – The history of Indian constitution and from where we have borrowed its various features must be learnt. Important articles of the constitution and the amendments made in it are extremely exam relevant. One should be thorough with the following types of questions.

In which article of the constitution is the Presidential ordinance given?
What is given in article 356 of the constitution?
Through which amendment were fundamental duties included in the constitution?
Directive principles of state policy have been taken from the constitution of which country?
Through which amendment was panchayati raj added in the constitution?
The method of constitutional amendment has been adopted from the constitution of which country?

5. Socio-Religious Movements in Pre-Independent India – Social and religious reform movements played a significant role in awakening the Indian consciousness which finally resulted in India getting its independence. It is an absolute must to learn about the people associated with the following movements:

Satya Shodhak Samaj
Young Bengal Movement
Brahmo Samaj
Theosophical Society
Servants of India Society
Atmiya Sabha
Arya Samaj, Ved Samaj & Prarthana Samaj
Harijan Sevak Samaj
Ramkrishna Mission

6. Dynasties (Founders, Capitals, Art & Culture) – Influential dynasties that ruled various parts of India during different time periods are definitely an area from where questions are put up. Such questions can be frequently seen in the exam:

Who was the founder of Lodhi dynasty?
Kanchipuram, the capital of Pallavas, was situated on the bank of which river?
Who shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
The period of which dynasty is known as the golden age of India?
Elephanta caves were built during the rule of which dynasty?
Who was the founder of Rashtrakutas?

7. National Income & Market Structure – Concepts related to economics are generally considered tougher than others. Hence, students quite often give up on anything which is related to economics. However, marks can surely be scored by attempting questions on national income and market structure. These questions are:

What is national income?
What is depreciation?
What type of demand curve is seen in oligopoly?
Under which market structure is demand curve parallel to x axis?
What types of goods are produced in monopolistic competition?
What is NNP (at factor cost)?

8. Important Scientific Phenomena – Students who are not from science background most often have the tendency of skipping questions which are even remotely related to science. Yet, it is possible to choose the right questions related to science, which are not very difficult. One can definitely attempt questions like:

Why is the colour of sky blue?
Optical fibres work on which principle?
Why is the drop of water spherical in shape?
On what basis can the swing of a spinning cricket ball in air be explained?
Why does diamond shine?
How are mirages formed?

Conclusion: A student will most definitely be benefitted by paying proper attention to the above mentioned aspects. It is recommended that a student should combine this knowledge and understanding with what he/she has learnt at a centre for SSC Coaching in Delhi.

Vidya Guru