SSC CGL Syllabus 2025
SSC CGL 2025: Detailed Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Expert Preparation Tips
Your Roadmap to Success in the Combined Graduate Level Examination
Official SSC CGL WebsiteCracking SSC CGL 2025: Your Essential Guide
Welcome, aspirants! The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is one of the most sought-after government exams in India. To ace this competitive exam, a thorough understanding of its syllabus, exam pattern, and effective preparation strategies is paramount. This guide from Jobwill.in provides you with all the crucial details you need to formulate a winning study plan.
SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern: Know Before You Go
The SSC CGL examination is conducted in two tiers. Familiarizing yourself with the structure of both tiers is the first step towards strategic preparation.
SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Pattern (Computer-Based Examination)
Tier-I is a screening test, comprising objective type multiple-choice questions. It tests your general aptitude and English skills.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 minutes for PwBD candidates) |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Note: There will be negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Tier-I. The exam is qualifying in nature, and marks are used for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II.
SSC CGL Tier-II Exam Pattern (Computer-Based Examination)
Tier-II is a critical stage, determining your final merit. It consists of Paper-I (compulsory for all), Paper-II (for JSO/Statistical Investigator Gr. II), and Paper-III (for AAO posts).
Paper-I: Compulsory for all posts
| Module/Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration (Each Section) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I: Module-I (Mathematical Abilities) | 30 | 90 | 1 Hour |
| Section-I: Module-II (Reasoning & General Intelligence) | 30 | 90 | |
| Section-II: Module-I (English Language & Comprehension) | 45 | 135 | 1 Hour |
| Section-II: Module-II (General Awareness) | 25 | 75 | |
| Section-III: Module-I (Computer Knowledge Module) | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes (Qualifying) |
| Section-III: Module-II (Data Entry Speed Test Module) | N/A | N/A | 15 minutes (Qualifying) |
Paper-II: Statistics (For JSO/Statistical Investigator Gr. II posts)
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper-III: General Studies (Finance & Economics) (For AAO posts)
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Note: There will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Paper-I (Section-I, Section-II & Module-I of Section-III) and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III. Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test are qualifying in nature.
SSC CGL Detailed Syllabus: What to Study
Dive deep into the subject-wise topics to ensure you cover every aspect of the SSC CGL syllabus. This detailed breakdown will help you plan your study modules effectively.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies, Similarities & Differences, Spatial Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Figural Classification, Arithmetic Number Series, Non-verbal series, Coding and Decoding, Statement-Conclusion, Syllogistic Reasoning.
General Awareness
- Questions designed to test the candidate’s general awareness of the environment around him/her and its application to society. Questions will also be designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observations and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of any educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Whole numbers, Decimals, Fractions and relationships between numbers, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and distance, Time & Work.
- Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary Surds, Graphs of Linear Equations.
- Triangle and its various kinds of centres, Congruence and similarity of triangles, Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.
- Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base.
- Trigonometric ratio, Degree and Radian Measures, Standard Identities, Complementary Angles, Heights and Distances.
- Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar diagram & Pie chart.
English Language & Comprehension
- Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms, Spellings/Detecting misspelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One word substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice of Verbs, Conversion into Direct/Indirect Narration, Shuffling of Sentence parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage.
Computer Knowledge Module (Tier-II only)
- Computer Basics: Organization of a computer, Central Processing Unit (CPU), input/output devices, computer memory, memory organization, back-up devices, PORTs, Windows Explorer, Keyboard shortcuts.
- Software: Windows Operating System including basics of Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, etc.).
- Working with Internet and E-mails: Web Browsing Software, Search Engines, Downloading/Uploading, E-banking, E-shopping, Basics of E-mails (Managing an E-mail Account, Sending/Receiving E-mails and its related functions).
- Basics of Networking and Cyber Security: Networking devices and protocols, Network and Information Security Threats (like hacking, virus, worms, etc.) and preventive measures.
Statistics (Paper-II, for JSO/Statistical Investigator Gr. II only)
- Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis, Correlation and Regression, Probability Theory, Random Variable and Probability Distributions, Sampling Theory, Statistical Inference, Analysis of Variance, Time Series Analysis, Index Numbers.
General Studies (Finance & Economics) (Paper-III, for AAO posts)
- Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks): Comptroller & Auditor General of India, Finance Commission, Basic Concept of Accounting, Financial Accounting.
- Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks): Indian Economy, National Income, Public Finance, Money and Banking, Role of Information Technology in Governance.
SSC CGL Preparation Tips: Your Path to Success
Effective preparation goes beyond just knowing the syllabus. Implement these strategies to maximize your chances of success in SSC CGL 2025:
1. Understand the Exam Thoroughly
- Syllabus & Pattern: Don’t just skim. Go through every topic and understand the weightage of each section in both Tier-I and Tier-II.
- Previous Year Papers: Analyze at least the last 5 years’ papers to understand question trends, difficulty levels, and important topics.
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan
- Time Management: Allocate dedicated time slots for each subject based on its importance and your proficiency. Stick to your schedule.
- Consistency is Key: Regular study, even for shorter durations, is more effective than sporadic long hours.
- Breaks & Revision: Integrate short breaks into your study sessions and dedicate specific time for daily/weekly revision to reinforce learning.
3. Subject-Wise Strategy
- Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on fundamental concepts. Practice extensively with a variety of problems, including speed math techniques. Timed practice is crucial.
- English Language: Improve grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read newspapers and novels regularly. Practice cloze tests, error spotting, and reading comprehension passages.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Practice different types of reasoning questions. Develop logical thinking. This section can be a high-scoring one.
- General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs (last 6-8 months are crucial). Cover static GK (History, Geography, Polity, Science, Economics) from reliable sources.
- Computer Knowledge (Tier-II): Understand basic computer operations, MS Office, internet, and cybersecurity. This is a qualifying section, but essential.
4. Practice Mock Tests Religiously
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length mock tests within the stipulated time limit. This helps in managing time and exam pressure.
- Analyze Performance: Don’t just take tests; analyze them. Identify your weak areas, understand why you made mistakes, and work on improving them.
- Accuracy & Speed: Focus on both. Initial focus should be on accuracy, gradually building speed as you gain confidence.
5. Maintain Physical & Mental Well-being
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eat well, get adequate sleep (7-8 hours), and incorporate light exercise.
- Manage Stress: Don’t let exam pressure overwhelm you. Practice relaxation techniques, hobbies, or short breaks to de-stress.
- Stay Positive: Believe in your abilities and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey.
Remember: Consistent effort, smart strategy, and belief in yourself are the pillars of success for SSC CGL.
Best Books and Study Materials for SSC CGL 2025
Choosing the right resources is half the battle won. Here’s a curated list of highly recommended books and materials for each section of the SSC CGL examination:
| Subject | Recommended Books / Resources | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
Concept clarity, extensive practice, speed & accuracy. |
| English Language |
|
Grammar rules, vocabulary building, reading comprehension. |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning |
|
Logical thinking, problem-solving techniques, pattern recognition. |
| General Awareness |
|
Static GK, dynamic current events, broad understanding. |
| Computer Knowledge Module |
|
Basic computer concepts, MS Office, internet & networking. |
| Statistics (Paper-II) |
|
Statistical theories, data interpretation, probability. |
| General Studies (Finance & Economics) (Paper-III) |
|
Financial concepts, economic principles, governance. |
Pro Tip: While these books are highly recommended, focus on understanding concepts and practicing rather than just memorizing. Supplement your studies with online resources, video lectures, and consistent mock test analysis for a holistic approach.
For additional resources and mock tests, visit Jobwill.in!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SSC CGL Tier-I exam pattern?
The SSC CGL Tier-I exam is a Computer-Based Examination (CBE) consisting of 4 sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section has 25 questions worth 50 marks, totaling 100 questions and 200 marks. The duration is 60 minutes (80 minutes for PwBD candidates), with a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
What is the SSC CGL Tier-II exam pattern?
The SSC CGL Tier-II exam is also a Computer-Based Examination, comprising Paper-I (compulsory for all posts), Paper-II (for Junior Statistical Officer/Statistical Investigator Gr. II posts), and Paper-III (for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts). Paper-I has three sections, each with two modules (e.g., Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Data Entry Speed Test). Paper-II is Statistics, and Paper-III is General Studies (Finance & Economics). There’s negative marking: 1 mark for each wrong answer in Paper-I (Section-I, Section-II & Module-I of Section-III) and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL exams?
Yes, there is negative marking in both Tier-I and Tier-II of the SSC CGL examination. In Tier-I, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In Tier-II, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Paper-I (Section-I, Section-II & Module-I of Section-III), and 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III.
What are the key subjects covered in the SSC CGL syllabus?
The SSC CGL syllabus broadly covers General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language & Comprehension for Tier-I. For Tier-II, it includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Data Entry Speed Test, and specialized papers for specific posts like Statistics (Paper-II) and General Studies (Finance & Economics) (Paper-III).
What are some recommended books for SSC CGL preparation?
Some highly recommended books include ‘Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations’ by R.S. Aggarwal (for Quant), ‘Objective General English’ by S.P. Bakshi and ‘Plinth to Paramount’ by Neetu Singh (for English), ‘A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning’ by R.S. Aggarwal (for Reasoning), and ‘Lucent’s General Knowledge’ (for General Awareness). Specific books are also available for Statistics and Finance & Economics papers.
Connect with Us for More Updates
Stay connected with Jobwill.in for the latest updates, study materials, and community support: