SSC CPO Exam Strategy and Insights for Aspirants

The Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Provident Fund (CPO) examination is a highly competitive and rigorous process for candidates seeking to secure positions with the Indian Police Service. This guide shares valuable insights and tips for those preparing for the CPO exam, based on a candidate's personal experiences and reflections on their own performance.

Personal Experience 2017

My first attempt at the SSC CPO exam in 2017 was a significant learning process. Although I managed to score 149, with a cutoff of 116, I did not prepare extensively for the physical part due to commitments in other areas (such as the Civil Services Preliminary Examination - CGL 17 Mains and a separate interview for another position). The 1600 meter running test proved to be quite challenging, and since I had not focused on physical training, I underperformed in this section.

Preparation Over Seven Months

For the last seven months prior to my second attempt, I dedicated myself fully to the SSC Mains preparation. It is important to note that during this period, most of my time was spent on general studies (GS) and reasoning sections. Due to the reduced time spent on GS and reasoning, both of these sections seemed moderate in comparison to mathematics and English, where I tackled all 50 questions.

Exam Experience and Analysis

Shift 2 - 25 November 2020: My second attempt in the SSC CPO exam was on 14th March in Shift 2. The overall difficulty level was categorized as easy to moderate. Here is a detailed breakdown of the different sections:

English: The grammar was easy, and the close test passages were straightforward. The overall English section was less intense compared to previous years. Mathematics: Out of the 30 math questions, only 3-4 questions were data interpretation (DI) and a bit challenging. The rest of the questions were relatively easy. General Knowledge (GK): The static part was quite easy, with about 10-12 questions from science, 3 from history, 5 from economics, 4 from geography, and about 7-8 miscellaneous questions. Additionally, there were approximately 10 current affairs questions which are crucial to stand out from other candidates. Reasoning: The reasoning section was very easy, allowing for a good attempt rate and a high score.

Performance Summary and Recommendations

Performance Summary: In total, I attempted around 150 questions. My math section performance was weak, as I only attempted 24 questions. I managed 41 in GK, 50 in English, and 37 in reasoning. My overall performance was satisfactory, with an approximate total score of 171.

Key Conclusion: For the CPO exam, it is recommended to focus more on general knowledge (GK) and general studies (GS). For mathematics, it is crucial to enhance calculation skills and practice regularly. In the reasoning section, even though it was very easy, more focus should be placed on understanding and practicing advanced concepts like geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and algebra. For English, the AK Singh book is a good source for practice, and reading the Hindu daily for enhancing reading skills can be very beneficial.

Reflection: My attempt in the exam was 190 questions, with a few questions in reasoning and GK left unattempted due to certainty in others. After accounting for negative marking, my final score was around 176.75, taking normalization into consideration.

Following these insights and tips can significantly improve your chances of success in the SSC CPO exam. With consistent preparation and strategic focus, candidates can achieve higher scores and secure their preferred positions.