The SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025 is one of the most searched topics among candidates preparing for the Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam. With lakhs of applicants every year, this exam opens doors to prestigious government jobs in ministries, departments, and organizations.
Understanding the SSC CGL syllabus and exam structure is the first step toward effective preparation. This guide will cover the tier-wise exam pattern, detailed syllabus, and provide you with a free downloadable SSC CGL syllabus PDF to streamline your preparation.
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level Examination, conducted annually to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in government offices. Jobs under SSC CGL include Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Audit Officer, Sub-Inspector, Statistical Investigator, and more.
Importance of Knowing the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Candidates often jump into preparation without a clear roadmap. But without knowing the SSC CGL exam pattern and syllabus, it’s like sailing without a compass. By analyzing the pattern, you can:
- Understand the weightage of topics.
- Prioritize high-scoring subjects.
- Manage time effectively during preparation and exams.
- Identify key resources for SSC CGL.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern Overview
The SSC CGL exam consists of four tiers:
- Tier 1 – Computer-Based Examination (Preliminary)
- Tier 2 – Computer-Based Examination (Mains)
- Tier 3 – Descriptive Paper (Offline)
- Tier 4 – Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) / Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Each tier tests different skills, and qualifying all stages is mandatory for final selection.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 1
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Questions: 100 (2 marks each)
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: 0.50 per wrong answer
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 2 (Mains)
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Papers: Four (compulsory for some posts)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 (English), 0.50 (Maths/Statistics/Economics)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Time |
| Paper I | Quantitative Abilities | 200 | 2 hrs |
| Paper II | English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 2 hrs |
| Paper III | Statistics | 200 | 2 hrs |
| Paper IV | General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 200 | 2 hrs |
Tier 3
- Mode: Pen and Paper (Offline)
- Paper Type: Essay/Letter/Application writing in English/Hindi
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 minutes
SSC CGL Skill Test / Data Entry Test (Tier 4)
- DEST (Data Entry Skill Test): Typing speed of 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
- CPT (Computer Proficiency Test): Word Processing, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 (Tier-Wise Breakdown)
Tier 1 Syllabus
The SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus covers four sections. Each section has equal weightage, making it crucial to prepare all subjects thoroughly.
SSC CGL General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section tests logical ability, analytical skills, and problem-solving aptitude. Key topics include:
- Classification
- Analogy
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Statement & Conclusion
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (Figures, Patterns, Series)
- Puzzles
SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus
General Awareness (GA) evaluates candidates’ knowledge of current affairs and static GK.
- History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (Physical, Indian, World)
- Polity (Constitution, Parliament, Rights)
- Economics (Basic concepts, National Income, Budget, Inflation)
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) Syllabus
Maths is often considered the most challenging section. Important topics are:
- Number System, LCM & HCF
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Average, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
- Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
- Algebra, Statistics, Probability
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
SSC CGL English Comprehension Syllabus
English checks grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- One-Word Substitution
- Idioms & Phrases
- Active/Passive Voice
- Direct/Indirect Speech
SSC CGL Tier 2 (Mains) Syllabus
SSC CGL Quantitative Abilities Syllabus
This paper is similar to Tier 1 Maths but more advanced, with tougher DI and higher-level problem-solving.
SSC CGL English Language & Comprehension Syllabus
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Reading Comprehension (Passages, Paragraphs)
- Grammar (Advanced rules)
- Vocabulary (Difficult synonyms/antonyms)
SSC CGL Statistics Syllabus
- Collection & Representation of Data
- Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode)
- Dispersion, Skewness, Kurtosis
- Correlation & Regression
- Sampling Theory
- Probability Distributions
- Index Numbers
SSC CGL General Studies (Finance & Economics) Syllabus
- Basic Concepts of Economics & Finance
- Financial Institutions & Markets
- Indian Economy (Budget, Taxes, Monetary Policy)
- Economic Reforms
- Accounting Principles
Subject-Wise SSC CGL Detailed Syllabus
SSC CGL Maths Syllabus
Maths is asked in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Focus areas include Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Interpretation.
SSC CGL Reasoning Syllabus
This section is highly scoring and requires daily practice of puzzles, syllogisms, and logical reasoning questions.
SSC CGL English Syllabus
Covers grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. Strong command over reading and writing will help in both Tier 1 & Tier 2.
SSC CGL General Awareness / GK Syllabus
History, Polity, Geography, and Current Affairs are must-prepare areas. Reading newspapers and yearbooks helps a lot.
SSC CGL General Studies (GS) Syllabus
Includes Economics, Finance, Science, and Technology. Important for Paper IV (Tier 2).
SSC CGL History, Polity & Geography Topics
- History: Indian freedom movement, Important dynasties, Social reformers
- Polity: Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Duties, Amendments
- Geography: Climate, Rivers, Natural Resources, Agriculture
SSC CGL Computer Syllabus
- Basics of Computers (Hardware & Software)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet, Email, Networking
- Computer Security & Basics of Programming
SSC CGL Syllabus PDF 2025 Free Download
Many aspirants prefer having the SSC CGL syllabus PDF free download for offline study.
- SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus PDF – Covers Reasoning, GK, Maths, English.
- SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus PDF – Includes Quant, English, Statistics, Finance/Economics.
Candidates can find the official syllabus PDF on SSC’s official website: SSC Official Website.
Tips to Prepare for SSC CGL Based on Exam Pattern and Syllabus
How to Cover the SSC CGL Complete Syllabus Efficiently
- Make a study timetable covering all four subjects daily.
- Focus more on weak areas while revising strong areas regularly.
- Solve previous year question papers and mock tests.
- Revise important formulas and grammar rules daily.
Best Books and Resources for SSC CGL Preparation
- Maths: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, Advanced Maths by Rakesh Yadav
- Reasoning: Lucent Reasoning, MK Pandey Analytical Reasoning
- English: SP Bakshi Objective English, Norman Lewis Word Power Made Easy
- General Awareness: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook, Newspapers (The Hindu / Indian Express)
FAQs on SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The exam has four tiers: Tier 1 (CBT), Tier 2 (CBT), Tier 3 (Descriptive), and Tier 4 (Skill Test).
Yes. In Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted per wrong answer. In Tier 2, negative marking varies between 0.25 and 0.50 marks.
You can download it from the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in) or from trusted exam preparation portals.
Topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Data Interpretation.
It requires consistent preparation. Focus on current affairs, history, polity, and science for scoring well.
Yes. For Tier 4 (CPT), knowledge of MS Office, Computer Basics, and Internet Applications is required.
Conclusion
The SSC CGL exam pattern and syllabus 2025 forms the foundation for every aspirant’s preparation. With four tiers testing everything from reasoning and maths to English, GK, and computer skills, cracking SSC CGL requires smart planning and consistent practice.Having the SSC CGL complete syllabus at hand and using the syllabus PDF for free download makes preparation structured and effective. Combine the right strategy with the best resources, and success in SSC CGL will be well within reach.
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