SSC CGL Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025 – Complete Guide
Preparing for the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam requires not only hard work but also smart planning. One of the most important steps in your preparation journey is to understand the exam pattern and detailed syllabus. Without this clarity, students often waste time studying irrelevant topics.
In this guide, we will explain the latest SSC CGL exam pattern (Tier 1 & Tier 2), subject-wise syllabus, and the best way to create your study strategy.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC CGL 2025 exam will be conducted in two stages – Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both stages are conducted online through CBT (Computer-Based Test).
📌 Tier 1 – Preliminary Exam
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Questions: 100 (Multiple Choice)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer
- Subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Qs), General Awareness (25 Qs), Quantitative Aptitude (25 Qs), English Comprehension (25 Qs)
📌 Tier 2 – Mains Exam
Tier 2 is more detailed and consists of multiple papers depending on the post you are applying for.
- Paper 1: Compulsory for all candidates. Includes:
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning and General Intelligence
- English Language and Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
- Data Analysis
- Paper 2: Statistics (only for candidates applying for the post of Statistical Investigator Grade II)
- Paper 3: Finance & Economics (only for candidates applying for the post of Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer)
Tier 2 is designed to test your advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills. It plays a major role in the final selection.
SSC CGL Subject-Wise Syllabus
🧮 Quantitative Aptitude
Questions test numerical ability and problem-solving. Topics include: Number System, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation.
🧩 Reasoning & General Intelligence
Tests logical thinking and analytical skills. Topics include: Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Analogy, Classification, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Series, Syllogism, Non-Verbal Reasoning.
📖 English Language
Tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Topics include: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test.
🌍 General Awareness
Covers both static and current topics. Subjects include: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, General Science, Current Affairs (National & International).
How to Prepare for SSC CGL Syllabus Effectively
- 👉 Start with NCERT basics for Maths & English.
- 👉 Make short notes for GK & Current Affairs.
- 👉 Give regular mock tests to analyze weak areas.
- 👉 Practice previous year papers to understand exam trends.
- 👉 Revise important formulas, grammar rules, and GK facts weekly.