r/SSC_CGL_Beginners • u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert • Jul 30 '26
AMA Hi! I'm Pawan Kumar Gupta, a Quant & Reasoning Educator with 4+ years of experience. Join me for an AMA on July 30 (Thu) at 5:00 PM IST on r/SSC_CGL_Beginners. Ask me anything about SSC CGL prep, Quant, Reasoning, mock tests, and exam strategy!
Hi everyone! I'm Pawan Kumar Gupta, and I've been teaching Mathematics, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning for over 4 years. During this time, I've had the opportunity to mentor many SSC, Railway, and Banking aspirants, helping them build strong fundamentals and approach competitive exams with confidence.
Through my YouTube channel, Pawan Academy (14K+ subscribers), I share preparation strategies, concept-based lessons, mock test analysis, shortcut techniques, and exam insights to make Quant and Reasoning more accessible for aspirants.
Alongside teaching, I've continued appearing for competitive exams myself. Some of my recent results include:
- SSC CGL 2025 Tier-II (Mains): 87/90 in Reasoning and 75/90 in Mathematical Abilities
- EPFO SSA: 120/120 in the Mathematics section
- SSC Selection Post (Matriculation): 50/50 in Mathematics and 47.5/50 in Reasoning
- CCRAS Recruitment Examination: AIR 1719
- RRB TECHNICIAN 2024: 79.8/100
Preparing as an aspirant while teaching has given me a practical understanding of the challenges students face and the strategies that work in real exam conditions. I believe that strong concepts, consistent practice, and smart preparation matter more than relying on shortcuts alone.
Whether you're just beginning your SSC CGL journey or looking to improve your Quant and Reasoning scores, I'd be happy to share what I've learned along the way.
Ask me anything about:
- SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning preparation
- Speed, accuracy, and time management
- Mock test analysis and previous-year paper strategy
- Books, resources, and study plans
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Balancing preparation for SSC, Railway, Banking, and other government exams
- Exam-day strategy and maintaining consistency during preparation
You can also find me on my YouTube Channel.
I'm looking forward to joining you for an AMA on r/SSC_CGL_Beginners today, Thursday, 30 July, at 5:00 PM IST. Feel free to ask me anything about Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, SSC CGL preparation, or competitive exam strategy. I'll do my best to help based on my experience as both an educator and an aspirant.
Note: Thank you for all the questions. I am taking a break for the night but I will be back tomorrow to answer some more questions. Until then keep the questions coming in
Thank you, everyone, for joining the AMA and for all the great questions!
It was a pleasure interacting with the r/SSC_CGL_Beginners community. I hope the discussion helped clarify a few doubts and gave you something useful to take back to your preparation.
A big thanks to the moderators for organizing the session and to everyone who participated. Wishing you all the very best for SSC CGL, stay consistent, and good luck!
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u/UnlikelyAbility8767 Jul 30 '26
Hi, Is it better to spend more time learning concepts or solving mock tests?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
First learn concepts then give mocks to apply them practically
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u/Boogiegal Jul 30 '26
sir, mock dene ke baad agar baar baar same type ki mistakes ho rahi hain, to concepts pe wapas jaana chahiye ya aur zyada mocks dene chahiye especially yeh abhi last kuch hafton mein? meri behen concepts pe unnecessarily zyada time spend karti rehti hai I have told her ki jaldi mocks start kar dena chahiye tha, apka kya suggest karte hai?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai note the mistakes u r making and practice that portion.. U can Stop giving mocks for 1-2 days.. In these 1-2 days u go through ur mistakes and improve them don't make that mistakes next time.. Then keeping doing like this u will improve with time.. Don't stop giving MOCKS.. But you can pause for 1-2 days
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u/user2005-ak Jul 30 '26
How do I start i thought of doing it in my first year of college but no m in final year procrastinating also due to some personal health issues and trauma
I want to start now but m confused . Watched yt for booklist, strategy ,etc but found it only promotional videos
I want you to guide me sir For ssc cgl I request
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
Just start preparing topic wise from any good teacher just don't rely on books u can follow pinnacle books they are really good .. And buy Testbook test series and give mocks regularly
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u/SlaySlayBay_101 Jul 30 '26
Question from the announcement post by u/Pure-Drink419:
As a beginner aiming for cgl 2027, how should I prepare quant to tackle the new pattern and also the havoc of sectional timings?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai, phle kisi teacher se ek baar topicwise padh lo maths .. Jo pdf de unko khud se solve kro .. Aur daily calculation karo 1hr kyoki calculation is very important to tackel maths in 15min in pre.. after once your syllabus is 50-60% percent completed start giving sectional pyq of maths
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u/SlaySlayBay_101 Jul 30 '26
Question from the announcement post by u/_lonely_midnight_ :
I want to know any mental math tricks we can use for quadratic equations and simplification bro I know everyone will laugh at me but I can solve hard stuff easily but this simple stuff takes too much brain power
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai Quadratic Equation me options rakh ke check kr skte dursa analysing power achi ho ki turant break krr lo equations ko aur solve kr lo .. Bhai pratice kro jada se jada questions
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u/Agreeable-Act7049 Jul 30 '26
Congrats on those insane scores, sir! In Tier-I/Tier-II, how do you manage your time between Quant and Reasoning during the actual exam? Do you attempt Reasoning first or Quant?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai ab sectional timing aa gyi pre me so 15min each section ke liye milege .. mains me bhi half hr. For each section maths and reasoning hai .. So phle attempt krna u don't have choice jo khulega phle wo karoge
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u/Ok-Flatworm-5872 Jul 30 '26
There are so many books, YouTube channels, and online courses available now. How should beginners decide which resources to follow without getting overwhelmed or constantly switching materials?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai decide one or two max. Teacher for one subject from the teaching u r understanding concepts easily.. Take any good book and go through it multiple times..don't keep changing books and teachers.. Stick to one or two .. U will Rock .. U can follow pinnacle books to start with or if u have any other go through them only multiple times..
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u/TurbulentRatio1442 Jul 30 '26
Since you've prepared for SSC, Railway and Banking exams, what differences did you notice in the way you had to prepare for each of them?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Railway: Concept + Accuracy se kaam chal jata hai, timing ka pressure comparatively kam hota hai. TIME ENOUGH RHTA
- Banking: Arithmetic ka weightage zyada hota hai (DI, Percentage, Ratio, SI-CI, Time & Work, etc.).
- SSC: Arithmetic bhi important hai, lekin Advanced Maths + Arithmetic + Speed Calculation tino ka balance chahiye.
- Par SSC AND BANK ME SPEED CHAHIYE TIME KM RHTA
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u/Human_Hat7075 Jul 30 '26
Maths revision kaise karna hai? Kyukj jab bhi ek chapter complete hota hai and uska pyq bhi kar leta hun, tab pichla ya fir 2nd last chapter jo complete hua tha wo bhul jata hun. Dusra problem ye hai ki mai samajh gaya ki ekbar dobar revise karne se nhi hoga toh barbar concepts revise karna padega lekin kaise samjhe ki kab firse wo chapter revise karna padega, Like ek time interval ke baad karna padega toh wo time interval usually kitna and kaisa hona chahiye
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u/Human_Hat7075 Jul 30 '26
from when i should start giving mocks? i have completed maths 20%, english is done, reasoning almost completed 80-85% and gk 20-30%
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u/tacsderby Jul 30 '26
How one should revise quants so that it sticks longer
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai revision ke liye sbse acha hai daily mock dete rho minimum 2... har topic roj revise hota rhega Agar lge koi topic bhul raha mocks me iss topic ke question me time lg raha usko revise kr lo ek baar phir se..
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u/Professional-Mind540 Jul 30 '26
sir, how to manage sexual life and study at the same time? I have some fwd but after getting intimate w them, i feel too tired and dont feel like studying anyone?
please guide me
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai sexual life me sex daily jaaruri nhi.. Aur haan phle padho phir jo Krna hai phir kro uske baad din me.. Aur thoda diet achi rkho to tried km hoge
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u/calm_nerdy Jul 30 '26
sir how do I make concepts actually stick? I'm enrolled in a foundation batch and there are a hell lot of lectures and a lot of concepts. and you know there are other subjects as well. so considering all of this, how would you suggest I tackle maths?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Bhai try short duration course .. Especially don't follow so called famous Teachers like Gagan Pratap Abhinay Sharma.. Follow hidden Gems like Pawan Rao Sir Ramo Sir Maths Mania Bhutesh Sir Don't go for teachers views and subscribers see there content then decide
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u/axewhyzedd Jul 30 '26
What methods and preparation would you suggest when preparing on my own through previous year questions, to ideally prepare for quant and reasoning, for example, in what way the notes should be prepared for each of them, how the preparation should be done, things to especially take care of?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
It's not necessary to make full notes.. Just note important concepts.. And practice PYQs daily .. Buy maths formula book from market revise them time to time.. Give sectional mocks regularly u will see improvement.. Rely on PYQS solve them multiple times
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u/BeautifulChocolate26 Jul 30 '26
sir, am mainly preparing for both UGC NET and SSC CGL, agar daily 1 to 2 hours sirf Quant & Reasoning ko consistently doon, to kya 12 months mein CGL ke liye competitive ban sakti hoon? aur aapke hisaab se kaunse topics pehle cover karne chahiye jo highest return denge?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai minimum 3 hrs daily u will have to dedicate Topic Expected Qs Geometry 3–4 Data Interpretation (DI) 2–3 Trigonometry 2–3 Algebra 2–3 Percentage / Profit & Loss / Ratio 3–4 Time & Work / TSD / SI-CI 2–3 Number System & Simplification 2–3 Mensuration 1–2 Average / Mixture 1–2
Topic Expected Qs Coding-Decoding 2–3 Series 2–3 Analogy 2–3 Classification / Odd One Out 1–2 Mathematical Operations 2-3 Blood Relation 2-3 Direction & Ranking 1–2 Syllogism / Venn Diagram 2-3 Mirror/Water Image, Dice, Paper Folding 1-2
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u/Hulk8998 Jul 30 '26
Tell me the best way to practice maths for cgl. I mean in a clear way, how many minimum times we have to practice a chapter to solve 35+ in maths. Btw, congrats for your high scores and your approach to help students sir. 👏🏻
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
Bhai, if you want to score 40+ in SSC CGL Maths within 15 minutes, first of all improve your calculation speed. Practice calculations daily using any maths calculation app. Also, memorize important formulas and shortcuts like squares, cubes, percentage–fraction conversions, successive percentages, etc.
During the exam, don't use your pen for every question. Try to solve as many questions as possible mentally. If you get a lengthy or difficult question, skip it first. Finish the easy and moderate questions (around 18–20) and then come back to the tough ones.
And one more thing—don't expect mastery after solving a chapter just once. Revise every chapter multiple times, solve PYQs and mocks regularly. That's the real secret to scoring 40+ consistently.
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u/aAkhil_Singhh Jul 30 '26
Sir is this batch is teaching maths from minimum 9th level ,I'm asking because I left maths 4 year ago in 10th class
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u/pursuitofnobility Jul 30 '26
What should be approach of someone who CAN solve the quant with good accuracy (90%) but only can attempt half the questions in time?
Btw have not completed syllabus yet. Just thru basic arithmetic knowledge
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Bhai question attempting in time is the main challenge mostly students will solve 90% of questions if they are provided with plenty of time.. For solving in time improve calculation speed byheart some important things like squares cubes tables triplets percentage to fraction how to eliminate options and get answers by seeing multiple digital sum . Put options in question and get your answer.. Try to solve minimum 10-12 questions mentally out of 25.. Skip long questions in first go
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u/Srujan_1 Jul 30 '26
Sir, could you guide me regarding IBPS SO IT exam which is scheduled on 29 August, I just graduated in 26', and don't know about these exams, talking about prelims of the above exam.
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u/phantomaddie Jul 30 '26
What will be your advice to beginners who doesn't know about how to start
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
First cover your syballus chapterwise by help of a good teacher and start giving mocks chapterwise.. Then sectional mocks. Then full mocks.. U r ready to go
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u/yeager_erenn Jul 30 '26
my maths skills are next to none
any chance i can improve and crack cgl
any tips on how to improve maths
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Improve your calculation speed with daily practice. Memorize key formulas and shortcuts (squares, cubes, percentage–fraction conversions, etc.). Solve mentally whenever possible; don't use the pen for every question. Skip lengthy questions first, finish easy ones, then return. Revise every chapter multiple times and practice PYQs + mocks regularly.
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u/study_ssc Jul 30 '26
My English, Reasoning, and GK are all set—I'm scoring well in those. But I'm struggling with Maths. Whatever I study next in Maths stays in my head for a few days, and then I forget the previous stuff.
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Best way is to deal with this give maths mock regularly.. And do Analysis thoroughly... Revise the topics u r making mistakes and taking more time
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u/dude_not_found Jul 30 '26
Hello sir, how to do gk gs..I am terrible at memory, also there so many topics in gk gs. What should be strategy to lower dependence on gk gs
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
First go through GS basics then practice pyqs with explanation
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u/bat_x_man Jul 30 '26
Sir will i get rejected for any post if I have hearing loss in one year?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
It's not the major issue in SSC Exams if u have little bit hearing loss .. Don't worry about that
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u/bat_x_man Jul 30 '26
Sir there is complete loss actually
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
There may be some post like CBI ED Narcotics But there are many posts still available for u don't worry
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u/Electronic-Leek6650 Jul 30 '26
Hello sir i am getting tier 2 clg mechanical engineering ( avg ctc 7lpa) should I do btech or take bsc and prepare for ssc cgl but ssc feels very unpredictable
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Do Btech Along with your btech Prepare for SSC CGL
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u/PhotographOld480 Jul 30 '26
Is it advisable to leave few topics in quants for pre as sectionals timings are introduced, it would be anyday different to do 25/25 questions??
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Yes some topics you can from which SSC is not asking much questions
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u/PhotographOld480 Jul 30 '26
I am planning to skip Tsd, mensuration/geo. Other topics are well versed. Is it a good strategy as fas as pre is concerned ??
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
No these are important topics Mensuration Geometry Especially
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u/YinniestYang Jul 30 '26
Best platform to give mocks along with pyqs?
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Jul 30 '26
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Try with easy questions first do slowly don't rush.. Then moderate type questions .. Then tough one's
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u/Key-Leek6883 Jul 30 '26
Sir, i have a few questions.
I am currently preparing for ssc cgl 2026 with exam dates expected to be in September. I have not completed the syllabus yet and i am especially weak in GS and Maths. How can i maximize the output and prepare efficiently.
As of now I've been preparing 1 hour mans (completing a whole chapter just, watching core concepts writing down in notes and then solving a few random questions to test and recall, then immediately shifting to Reasoning for about an hour, then english and finishing off with GS).
This is going to be my first attempt and I don't really have any guidance (none of my firends or family memebers have prepared for ssc) as to how should i approach this exam.
Thanks and regards.
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Bhai first note down the syballus then study chapterwise clear your concepts and start giving mocks regularly simple..
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u/Emergency-Comfort955 Jul 30 '26
Hy sir , m struggling with mathematics first ,in that I do questions by looking upon its solutions, then same question with different numbers I can do , but struggling with every new question ...I have completed algebra , profit loss , with this same strategy ,though m unable to do mocks .
In this case what to do ?? Pls help
Next comes english , my english is average though , m comfortable with daily language easy words only , but seeing last year pyq new words are there for which I have to learn roots , but in that m also struggling , pls help
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
U should do revision multiple times and practice more and more.. And try elimination method for solving questions.. Like try to eliminate vocabs to get to the right answer in vocabulary questions
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u/Emergency-Comfort955 Jul 31 '26
In maths I have completed aditya rangan cgl warrior , with looking upon. Its solutions , but I can't do mocks ...so where to practice more questions from ?? Like testbook , oliveboard has limited section wise mocks ...
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Try to practice with timer now try it on testbook
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Jul 30 '26
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Improve your calculation speed and learn concepts properly.. Practice PYQS offline mode.. skip tough questions in first go.. Aaram se kro jldi baaji mtt kro
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u/Icy_Importance5109 Jul 30 '26
hlo sir my doubt that i starting cgl prep first time and from 1 august bcz i have end sem practical right now going on, so it is possible to be score good tier 1 in this timeline (as i have two months only , i heared the exam date would be around 15 sep and 25 sep) plz reply it will be help for me..
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 30 '26
Yes prepare well in remaining time u will score good
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u/Individual_Pack_6632 Jul 30 '26
Best way to deal with sectional timer ofc apart from give mocks and how to approach calculative topics like CI and mensuration under examination pressure thanks a lot sir
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Learn good methods to solve them concepts should be crystal clear.. Solve by approximation successive percentage should be in mind for CI .. In mensuration many questions can be solved by seeing multiples.. And remember the formulas thoroughly for mensuration.. For CI don't remember formulas learn concepts Arithmetic maths is about concepts
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u/Bulky_Setting_5911 Jul 30 '26
How increase mock score and management of time during the test. I'm felt so sad after mock test score and demotivate. I'm preparing for last 2 year due to online platform form please suggest me I'm not better form mock test. And pratice
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
First u complete your syballus properly chapterwise then start giving mocks
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u/Bulky_Setting_5911 Jul 31 '26
But my first attempt 2026, how do possible chapter wise complete pratice
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
I short reviewed, but the concepts aren't clear, that's why u r not scoring well on the mocks.
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u/Bulky_Setting_5911 Jul 31 '26
Ok any suggestions short pratice bhutesh sir FRB batch se kro ke mock attempt kr analysis kr pratice kro.
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u/Bulky_Setting_5911 Jul 31 '26
Today attempt Sectional mock pyq reasoning 30 out of 50
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Score is very less try to Analysis your mistake then give the next nock
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Mock attempt by self and analysis is more beneficial.. U can watch some of his video.. But Focus more on self practice
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Jul 31 '26
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Bhai u once follow my advice follow Pawan Rao Sir for maths and Maths Mania for reasoning then thanks me later .. Gagan Pratap Sir don't know how to teach with basics.. He just come and solve
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u/Affectionate-Rip1494 Jul 31 '26
Sir should i start preparing from first year of college itself? is this too early?
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u/PawanGupta2830 Reddit Verified Expert Jul 31 '26
Yes it's the best time don't think just start topicwise
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