SSC CGL Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025: Complete Breakdown

Posted on: 14 Sep 2025 By: SKY Team Reading Time: 12 mins

The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is a nationwide competitive exam for recruitment to various posts in ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India. Before you begin preparing, it is essential to understand the exam pattern, tier-wise structure, and detailed syllabus. This guide gives a clear, step-by-step breakdown and practical tips you can use today.

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Exam Overview Exam Pattern Syllabus Strategy FAQs

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Quick Exam Overview

  • Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
  • Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
  • Selection Stages: Tier 1 (Prelims), Tier 2 (Mains), Tier 3 (Descriptive), Tier 4 (Skill/Computer Test) — depending on post
  • Key Subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension (Tier 1) and advanced papers in Tier 2

Detailed Exam Pattern (Tier-wise)

🔹 Tier 1 — Preliminary Exam (Screening)

Format: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — 1 hour total. This stage filters candidates for Tier 2; good score and high accuracy are both necessary.

Section No. of Questions Marks Time
General Intelligence & Reasoning 25 50 60 minutes (total)
General Awareness 25 50
Quantitative Aptitude 25 50
English Comprehension 25 50

Negative marking: -0.50 for every wrong answer (Tier 1).

🔹 Tier 2 — Mains Exam

Tier 2 tests depth in specific subjects. Papers depend on the post you apply for (some posts require Statistics or Finance papers).

Paper Subject Questions / Type Marks / Duration
Paper I Quantitative Abilities Objective / MCQs 200 marks / 2 hours
Paper II English Language & Comprehension Objective / MCQs 200 marks / 2 hours
Paper III Statistics Objective / MCQs (for statistical posts) 200 marks / 2 hours
Paper IV General Studies (Finance & Economics) Objective / MCQs (for audit/account posts) 200 marks / 2 hours

Note: Negative marking rules and sectional weight may vary slightly in notifications — always check the official SSC notification for the year you are attempting.

Full Syllabus — Topic-Wise (What to study)

The following is a practical syllabus split to help you plan study sessions.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

  • Analogy, Classification
  • Series (Number & Alphabet), Coding-Decoding
  • Blood Relations, Directions, Seating Arrangements
  • Puzzles, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Statements & Conclusions
  • Figure-based problems (paper folding, mirror image — if included)

General Awareness

  • Current Affairs (last 12–18 months) — National & International
  • History — Ancient, Medieval, Modern (Indian emphasis)
  • Geography — Physical, Indian, World Geography basics
  • Polity — Constitution, Governance, Important Articles & Schedules
  • Economy — Budget basics, schemes, RBI basics, inflation, GDP terminology
  • Science & Technology — Basic concepts + major recent developments

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number System, HCF/LCM
  • Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
  • Average, Simple & Compound Interest
  • Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance
  • Algebra basics, Linear Equations
  • Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry basics
  • Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Chart, Bar Graphs)

English Comprehension

  • Reading Comprehension passages
  • Grammar: Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Prepositions, Articles
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution
  • Sentence Improvement, Para jumbles, Cloze tests

Subject-wise Strategy & Resources

Quantitative Aptitude — Strategy

  • Start with basics: number system, ratios, percentage.
  • Learn formula sheet & maintain a formula notebook.
  • Daily practice: 30–50 questions (mix easy + medium) and timed DI sets.
  • Use shortcut techniques for speed — but practice accuracy first.

Reasoning — Strategy

  • Practice puzzles every day; start with simpler puzzles and increase complexity.
  • Memorize patterns for coding-decoding and series questions.
  • Develop logical elimination methods to save time in puzzles.

English — Strategy

  • Read daily: editorials, short passages to improve comprehension speed.
  • Revise grammar rules with practice exercises.
  • Build a vocab notebook: 5–10 new words daily with usage.

General Awareness — Strategy

  • Daily current affairs: 20–30 minutes reading + monthly revision notes.
  • Use NCERTs (History/Geography) for basics and a yearly current affairs compendium for updates.
  • Make short quick-revision notes for government schemes, awards, sports, important dates.

Free Study Material

Download our free SSC CGL Study Plan PDF with detailed subject-wise timetable and important topics checklist.

Download Study Plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?

A: Yes. Tier 1 typically has -0.50 per wrong answer. Tier 2 negative marking varies by paper (check the latest notification).

Q2: Which sections carry more weight?

A: Tier 2 carries more weight overall. Within Tier 1, all sections are equal but scoring high in Quant and Reasoning helps selection to Tier 2.

Q3: How many months do I need to prepare?

A: Depends on background — 6 months is a balanced plan for most serious aspirants; 3 months for revision/fast preparation if basics are strong; 9–12 months if starting from scratch.

Q4: Can I clear SSC CGL without coaching?

A: Yes. Many aspirants clear CGL via disciplined self-study, mock practice, and use of quality books/resources + online tests.

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Final Notes

Understanding the pattern and syllabus is the first step — the next is disciplined practice. Use topic-wise study + mocks + analysis. Use TrainWithSky resources and SKY Dost whenever you need a quick tutor or practice partner.

Good luck! Start with a small daily routine today and build momentum — consistent small steps win exams.

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