The SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 is structured to evaluate candidates across four tiers, each focusing on different skill sets. Tier 1 is the preliminary exam that includes four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section has 25 questions carrying 50 marks, with negative marking of 0.50 for every wrong answer. Tier 2 is more detailed and includes Paper I, II, and III depending on the post applied for. Paper I covers advanced math and reasoning, Paper II tests English language proficiency, and Paper III is for candidates applying for posts like Statistical Investigator and AAO, focusing on Statistics, Finance, and Economics. Tier 3 is a descriptive test conducted in pen-and-paper mode where candidates write essays, letters, or précis. Tier 4 consists of computer proficiency tests and data entry speed tests, applicable to select posts. The syllabus is extensive and requires consistent preparation. Quantitative Aptitude includes topics like algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. General Awareness tests knowledge of current affairs, history, polity, and science. English section checks comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Practicing previous year question papers is crucial. Understanding the syllabus helps in focused preparation. Candidates must qualify each tier to move forward. The descriptive paper, though qualifying in nature, impacts final merit. Computer-based exams require speed and accuracy. Regular revision is key to success. The SSC officially releases the syllabus at ssc.nic.in. Knowing the syllabus ensures you don’t miss any important topic. With the right strategy and practice, cracking SSC CGL becomes achievable…..
What is SSC CGL
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
If you’re targeting government jobs, SSC CGL is one of the most prestigious exams to aim for.
Eligibility for SSC CGL 2025
Before applying, make sure you meet the SSC CGL eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown:
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (varies by post)
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwD: 10-15 years depending on category
Educational Qualification:
- Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- For specific posts:
- Statistical Investigator: Bachelor’s degree with statistics.
- Assistant Audit Officer: Desirable – CA/CS/MBA/Cost & Management Accountant.
SSC CGL Exam pattern 2025
🔹 Tier-I: Preliminary Exam
Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
I | Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning | 100 | 200 | 2 hrs |
II | English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hrs |
III | Statistics / General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hrs |
✅ Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer
Tier II - Main Exam
It consists of 3 Papers (Paper I is compulsory for all, others depend on the post):
Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
I | Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning | 100 | 200 | 2 hrs |
II | English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hrs |
III | Statistics / General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hrs |
📚 SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 – Tier-wise Subjects
SSC CGL TIER 1 SYLLABUS
Paper Section | Section Descriptions | Topics |
General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series, Problem Solving, Word Building, Coding & Decoding, Numerical Operations, Symbolic Operations, Trends, Space Orientation, Space Visualization, Venn Diagrams, Drawing Inferences, Punched hole/pattern-folding and unfolding, Figural Pattern – folding and completion, Indexing
|
General Awareness: Questions in this component will be aimed at testing the candidates’ general awareness of the environment around him and its application to society. Questions will also be designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of every day 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 neighbouring countries especially pertaining
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic Scene
- General Policy & Scientific Research
Quantitative Aptitude: The questions will be designed to test the ability of appropriate use of numbers and number sense of the candidate. The scope of the test will be computation of
- Whole numbers, decimals, fractions and relationships between numbers
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Interest
- Profit and 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 Comprehension: Candidates’ ability to understand correct English, his basic comprehension and writing ability, etc. would be tested.
The questions in Parts A, B, & D will be of a level commensurate with the essential qualification viz. Graduation and questions in Part-C will be of 10th standard level.
TIER II- SSC CGL SYLLABUS 2025
Module-II of Section-I of Paper-I (Reasoning and General Intelligence):
Questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. These will include questions on
Semantic Analogy | Symbolic operations | Symbolic/ Number Analogy |
Trends | Figural Analogy | Space Orientation |
Semantic Classification, | Venn Diagrams | Symbolic/ Number Classification |
Drawing inferences | Figural Classification | Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding |
Semantic Series | Figural Pattern-folding and completion | Number Series |
Embedded figures | Figural Series | Critical Thinking |
Problem Solving | Emotional Intelligence | Word Building |
Social Intelligence | Coding and de-coding | Numerical operations |
SSC CGL PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS - PDF download here
Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension):
Vocabulary | grammar | sentence structure |
synonyms | antonyms and their correct usage | Spot the Error |
Fill in the Blanks | Synonyms/Homonyms | Antonyms |
Spellings/ Detecting mis- spelt 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 |
To test comprehension, three or more paragraphs will be given and questions based on those will be asked. At least one paragraph should be a simple one based on a book or a story and the other two paragraphs should be on current affairs, based on a report or an editorial.
Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I (General Awareness):
Questions are designed to test the candidates’ general awareness of the environment around them and its application to society. Questions are also designed to test knowledge of current events and of such mattersof everyday observation and
experience in their scientific aspect asmay be expected of an 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 and scientific research
Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency):
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 like MS word, MS Excel and Power Point etc.
Working with Internet and e-mails: Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking.
Basics of networking and cyber security: Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojan etc.) and preventive measures.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper-II (Statistics)
Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data – Primary and Secondary data, Methods of data collection; Tabulation of data; Graphs and charts; Frequency distributions; Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions.
Measures of Central Tendency
- Economic Scene
- General policy and scientific research
Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency):
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 like MS word, MS Excel and Power Point etc.
Working with Internet and e-mails: Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking.
Basics of networking and cyber security: Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojan etc.) and preventive measures.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper-II (Statistics)
Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data – Primary and Secondary data, Methods of data collection; Tabulation of data; Graphs and charts; Frequency distributions; Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions.
Measures of Central Tendency- Common measures of central tendency – mean median and mode; Partition values- quartiles, deciles, percentiles.
Measures of Dispersion- Common measures dispersion – range,quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation; Measuresof relative dispersion.
Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis – Different types of moments and their relationship; meaning of skewness and kurtosis; different measures of skewness and kurtosis.
Correlation and Regression – Scatter diagram; simple correlation coefficient; simple regression lines; Spearman’s rank correlation; Measures of association of attributes; Multiple regression; Multiple and partial correlation (For three variables only).
Probability Theory – Meaning of probability; Different definitions of probability; Conditional probability; Compound probability;Independent events; Bayes’ theorem.
Random Variable and Probability Distributions – Random variable; Probability functions; Expectation and Variance of a random variable; Higher moments of a random variable; Binomial, Poisson, Normal and Exponential distributions; Joint distribution of two random variable (discrete).
Sampling Theory – Concept of population and sample; Parameter and statistic, Sampling and non-sampling errors; Probability and non- probability sampling techniques (simple random sampling, stratified sampling, multistage sampling, multiphase sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, purposive sampling, convenience sampling and quota sampling); Sampling distribution(statement only); Sample size decisions.
Statistical Inference – Point estimation and interval estimation, Properties of a good estimator, Methods of estimation (Moments method, Maximum likelihood method, Least squares method), Testing of hypothesis, Basic concept of testing, Small sample and large sample tests, Tests based on Z, t, Chi-square and F statistic, Confidence intervals.
Analysis of Variance – Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data.
Time Series Analysis – Components of time series, Determinations of trend component by different methods, Measurement of seasonal variation by different methods.
Index Numbers – Meaning of Index Numbers, Problems in the construction of index numbers, Types of index number, Different formulae, Base shifting and splicing of index numbers, Cost of livingIndex Numbers, Uses of Index Numbers.
Paper-III (General Studies-Finance and Economics):
Part A: Finance and Accounts-(80 marks):
Fundamental principles and basic concept of Accounting:
Fundamental principles and basic concept of Accounting
Financial Accounting
Nature and scope, Limitations of Financial Accounting, Basic concepts and Conventions, Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles.
Basic concepts of accounting
Single and double entry, Books of original Entry, Bank Reconciliation, Journal, ledgers, Trial Balance, Rectification of Errors, Manufacturing, Trading, Profit & loss Appropriation Accounts, Balance Sheet Distinction between Capital and Revenue Expenditure, Depreciation Accounting, Valuation of Inventories, Non-profit organisations Accounts, Receipts and Payments and Income &
Expenditure Accounts, Bills of Exchange, Self Balancing Ledgers.
Part B: Economics and Governance-(120 marks):
Comptroller & Auditor General of India -Constitutional provisions, Role and responsibility.
Finance Commission-Role and functions.
Basic Concept of Economics and introduction to Micro Economics: Definition, scope and nature of Economics, Methods of economic study and Central problems of an economy and Production possibilities curve.
Theory of Demand and Supply: Meaning and determinants ofdemand, Law of demand and Elasticity of demand, Price, income and cross elasticity; Theory of consumer’s behaviour- Marshallian approach and Indifference curve approach, Meaning and determinants of supply, Law of supply and Elasticity of Supply.
Theory of Production and cost: Meaning and Factors of production; Laws of production- Law of variable proportions and Laws of returns to scale.
Forms of Market and price determination in different markets: Various forms of markets-Perfect Competition,Monopoly, Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly and Price determination in these markets.
Indian Economy:
Nature of the Indian Economy Role of different sectors- Role of Agriculture, Industry and Services-their problemsand growth;
National Income of India-Concepts of national income, Different methods of measuring national income.
Population-Its size, rate of growth and its implication on economic growth.
Poverty and unemployment- Absolute and relative poverty, types, causes and incidence of unemployment.
Infrastructure-Energy, Transportation, Communication.
Economic Reforms in India: Economic reforms since 1991; Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation and Disinvestment.
Money and Banking:
Monetary/ Fiscal policy- Role and functions of Reserve Bank of India; functions of commercialBanks/RRB/Payment Banks.
Budget and Fiscal deficits and Balance of payments. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003t
– Common measures of central tendency – mean median and mode; Partition values- quartiles, deciles, percentiles.
Measures of Dispersion- Common measures dispersion – range,quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation; Measuresof relative dispersion.
Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis – Different types of moments and their relationship; meaning of skewness and kurtosis; different measures of skewness and kurtosis.
Correlation and Regression – Scatter diagram; simple correlation coefficient; simple regression lines; Spearman’s rank correlation; Measures of association of attributes; Multiple regression; Multiple and partial correlation (For three variables only).
Probability Theory – Meaning of probability; Different definitions of probability; Conditional probability; Compound probability;Independent events; Bayes’ theorem.
Random Variable and Probability Distributions – Random variable; Probability functions; Expectation and Variance of a random variable; Higher moments of a random variable; Binomial, Poisson, Normal and Exponential distributions; Joint distribution of two random variable (discrete).
Sampling Theory – Concept of population and sample; Parameter and statistic, Sampling and non-sampling errors; Probability and non- probability sampling techniques (simple random sampling, stratified sampling, multistage sampling, multiphase sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, purposive sampling, convenience sampling and quota sampling); Sampling distribution(statement only); Sample size decisions.
Statistical Inference – Point estimation and interval estimation, Properties of a good estimator, Methods of estimation (Moments method, Maximum likelihood method, Least squares method), Testing of hypothesis, Basic concept of testing, Small sample and large sample tests, Tests based on Z, t, Chi-square and F statistic, Confidence intervals.
Analysis of Variance – Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data.
Time Series Analysis – Components of time series, Determinations of trend component by different methods, Measurement of seasonal variation by different methods.
Index Numbers – Meaning of Index Numbers, Problems in the construction of index numbers, Types of index number, Different formulae, Base shifting and splicing of index numbers, Cost of livingIndex Numbers, Uses of Index Numbers.
Paper-III (General Studies-Finance and Economics):
Part A: Finance and Accounts-(80 marks):
Fundamental principles and basic concept of Accounting:
Fundamental principles and basic concept of Accounting
Financial Accounting
Nature and scope, Limitations of Financial Accounting, Basic concepts and Conventions, Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles.
Basic concepts of accounting
Single and double entry, Books of original Entry, Bank Reconciliation, Journal, ledgers, Trial Balance, Rectification of Errors, Manufacturing, Trading, Profit & loss Appropriation Accounts, Balance Sheet Distinction between Capital and Revenue Expenditure, Depreciation Accounting, Valuation of Inventories, Non-profit organisations Accounts, Receipts and Payments and Income &
Expenditure Accounts, Bills of Exchange, Self Balancing Ledgers.
Part B: Economics and Governance-(120 marks):
Comptroller & Auditor General of India -Constitutional provisions, Role and responsibility.
Finance Commission-Role and functions.
Basic Concept of Economics and introduction to Micro Economics: Definition, scope and nature of Economics, Methods of economic study and Central problems of an economy and Production possibilities curve.
Theory of Demand and Supply: Meaning and determinants ofdemand, Law of demand and Elasticity of demand, Price, income and cross elasticity; Theory of consumer’s behaviour- Marshallian approach and Indifference curve approach, Meaning and determinants of supply, Law of supply and Elasticity of Supply.
Theory of Production and cost: Meaning and Factors of production; Laws of production- Law of variable proportions and Laws of returns to scale.
Forms of Market and price determination in different markets: Various forms of markets-Perfect Competition,Monopoly, Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly and Price determination in these markets.
Indian Economy:
Nature of the Indian Economy Role of different sectors- Role of Agriculture, Industry and Services-their problemsand growth;
National Income of India-Concepts of national income, Different methods of measuring national income.
Population-Its size, rate of growth and its implication on economic growth.
Poverty and unemployment- Absolute and relative poverty, types, causes and incidence of unemployment.
Infrastructure-Energy, Transportation, Communication.
Economic Reforms in India: Economic reforms since 1991; Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation and Disinvestment.
Money and Banking:
Monetary/ Fiscal policy- Role and functions of Reserve Bank of India; functions of commercialBanks/RRB/Payment Banks.
Budget and Fiscal deficits and Balance of payments. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003
