Complete Guide to SSC CGL Syllabus 2025: Exam Pattern, Tier-1 & Tier-2 Breakdown
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination to recruit candidates for various posts in the Indian Government. It’s essential for candidates to thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus for effective preparation. The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two phases: Tier-1 and Tier-2, with specific subjects tested in each phase.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
The SSC CGL is a two-tier exam:
- Tier-1: Computer-based, qualifying in nature, consisting of objective-type multiple-choice questions.
- Tier-2: Objective-type, conducted online with different papers for various posts.
Tier-wise Breakdown:
| Tier | Type of Exam | Mode of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 | Objective MCQs | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Tier-2 | Paper I (Compulsory for all posts) | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Paper II (For candidates applying for JSO) | ||
| Paper III (For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer) |
SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Pattern 2025
The Tier-1 Exam will include four sections, each with 25 questions. The total marks for the exam are 200, and candidates must complete it within 60 minutes. There is negative marking: 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 1 hour |
SSC CGL Tier-1 Syllabus Breakdown
Quantitative Aptitude (Tier-1)
This section assesses your ability to work with numbers and understand basic mathematical concepts. Some of the core topics include:
- Arithmetic: Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Time & Work, Time and Distance, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, etc.
- Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, Linear Equations, Surds.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, 3D objects, and heights & distances.
- Trigonometry & Statistics: Trigonometric ratios, Probability, Graphical representation of data, Histograms, and Pie charts.
General Intelligence and Reasoning (Tier-1)
This section tests your logical and analytical abilities, with topics such as:
- Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, and Sentence Completion.
- Non-verbal Reasoning: Series, Figure Completion, Mirror Images, and Embedded Figures.
English Language (Tier-1)
This section assesses your understanding and ability to use the English language. Topics include:
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Correction, Synonyms-Antonyms, and Sentence Rearrangement.
- Comprehension & Writing Skills: Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech, and Error Spotting.
General Awareness (Tier-1)
This section covers a broad range of knowledge related to:
- History, Culture & Geography: Indian History, Geography, Economy, and Cultural events.
- Science & Technology: General Science, Innovations, and Scientific Research.
- Current Affairs: Recent Events, Government Schemes, Sports, Important Days, and National & International Events.
SSC CGL Tier-2 Syllabus 2025
The Tier-2 Exam follows the Tier-1 exam and is more advanced in difficulty. It also includes multiple papers, which are as follows:
- Paper I: Compulsory for all posts.
- Paper II: For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts.
- Paper III: For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer posts.
SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper I Exam Pattern
Paper I consists of multiple sections with the following details:
| Section | Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 180 | 1 hour | 23% |
| Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 23% | |||
| Section II | Module-I | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 210 | 1 hour | 35% |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 19% | |||
| Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 mins | Qualifying |
| Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test | 1 Task | Qualifying | 15 mins | Qualifying |
Module I of Section I (Mathematical Abilities)
This section tests your mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Topics include:
- Number Systems & Arithmetic: Fractions, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Distance, Interest.
- Algebra: Basic identities, Linear Equations, and Elementary Surds.
- Geometry: Triangle, Circle, Quadrilaterals, and Mensuration.
- Trigonometry & Statistics: Trigonometric ratios, Standard Identities, and Probability.
Module II of Section I (Reasoning and General Intelligence)
Questions are divided into both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, including:
- Logical Reasoning: Symbolic Operations, Analogies, Series, Classification, Venn Diagrams.
- Figural Reasoning: Pattern completion, Embedded figures, and Critical Thinking.
Module I of Section II (English Language and Comprehension)
Tests the command over the English language with questions on:
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms-Antonyms, Idioms, One-word Substitution.
- Comprehension & Sentence Arrangement: Reading comprehension, Shuffling of sentences, and Passage-based questions.
Module II of Section II (General Awareness)
Tests general knowledge of:
- History, Geography & Economics: India’s history, geography, and economic policies.
- Current Affairs & Science: Latest news, scientific advancements, and important personalities.
Module I of Section III (Computer Proficiency)
This section tests basic knowledge of:
- Computer Basics: CPU, Input/Output devices, and Storage.
- Software: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Web Browsing, and Email.
- Networking & Cyber Security: Computer networks, Security threats, and Preventive measures.
SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper 2 (Statistics)
This paper is designed for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts. The syllabus includes:
- Data Collection & Presentation: Tabulation, Graphs, and Frequency Distribution.
- Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median, Mode, and Quartiles.
- Probability & Sampling Theory: Probability distributions, Sampling techniques, and Confidence Intervals.
- Analysis of Variance: Understanding of classified data and time series analysis.
SSC CGL Tier-2 Paper 3 (General Studies – Finance and Economics)
For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer posts, this paper covers:
- Part A: Finance and Accounts: Financial accounting, Bank Reconciliation, Depreciation, and Profit/Loss statements.
- Part B: Economics and Governance: Economic theories, India’s economy, and fiscal policies.
Important Points to Remember for SSC CGL 2025:
-
Penalty for Wrong Answers:
- Tier-1: 0.50 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Tier-2: 1 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers in Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III.
-
Compulsory Papers:
- Paper I is compulsory for all posts.
- Paper II and Paper III are applicable for specific posts like Junior Statistical Officer and Assistant Audit Officer.
-
Focus on Both Tiers Simultaneously: While Tier-1 is qualifying, preparation for Tier-2 should begin early, as it includes more advanced questions across various subjects.