SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) Syllabus and Exam

The Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most sought-after government job exams in India. Conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), this exam serves as a gateway to Group B and Group C posts in various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India. The exam attracts lakhs of aspirants every year due to its prestigious job profiles, stable career growth, and attractive salary packages. The primary objective of SSC CGL is to recruit skilled graduates for administrative, financial, and enforcement roles across different government sectors. Lets us go through the SSC CGL Syllabus

Exam Selection Pattern

The SSC CGL Selection Process comprises two main tiers followed by Document Verification (DV). Tier-I is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks), General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks), and English Comprehension (25 questions, 50 marks), totaling 100 questions (200 marks) with a negative marking of 0.50 per wrong answer. Those who clear Tier-I qualify for Tier-II, also a CBT, which consists of Paper-I (compulsory for all posts) covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).

Paper-II is for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), while Paper-III is for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer. Negative marking applies in Tier-II, with 1 mark deducted for specific sections. After clearing both tiers, candidates undergo Document Verification (DV) to validate their educational qualifications, age, and category certificates. The final selection is based on the cumulative performance in Tier-I and Tier-II, ensuring only the most qualified candidates secure government positions.

SSC CGL Syllabus Breakdown

The SSC CGL Syllabus is divided into four major subjects: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude (Maths), General Awareness (GK), and English Language. Below is a detailed subject-wise breakdown:

Reasoning SSC CGL Syllabus (General Intelligence & Reasoning)

This section tests logical and analytical skills, covering topics such as:

1. Verbal Reasoning
   
   • Analogies
   • Classification
   • Coding-Decoding
   • Direction Sense Test
   • Blood Relations
   • Seating Arrangement
   • Syllogism
   • Statement & Conclusion
   • Venn Diagrams
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning
   
   • Mirror & Water Images
   • Paper Folding & Cutting
   • Figure Completion
   • Embedded Figures
   • Counting Figures
   • Cube and Dice Problems

Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) SSC CGL Syllabus

This section tests mathematical ability, divided into:

1. Arithmetic
   
   • Number System
   • LCM & HCF
   • Simplification
   • Percentage
   • Ratio & Proportion
   • Average
   • Time & Work
   • Time, Speed & Distance
   • Simple & Compound Interest
   • Profit, Loss & Discount
2. Algebra
   
   • Linear Equations
   • Quadratic Equations
   • Algebraic Identities
3. Geometry & Mensuration
   
   • Lines, Angles & Triangles
   • Circles & Polygons
   • Surface Area & Volume of Cubes, Cylinders, and Spheres
4. Trigonometry
   
   • Heights & Distances
   • Trigonometric Ratios
5. Data Interpretation
   
   • Bar Graphs
   • Pie Charts
   • Tabular Data

 General Awareness (GK) SSC CGL Syllabus

This section evaluates candidates’ knowledge of current affairs and general studies:

1. Static GK
   
   • Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
   • Geography (Physical & Political)
   • Indian Polity & Constitution
   • Indian Economy
   • Environment & Ecology
2. Current Affairs
   
   • National & International Events
   • Government Schemes
   • Awards & Honors
   • Sports
3. Science & Technology
   
   • Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Basic Concepts)
   • Space & Defense News
   • Latest Innovations

English Language SSC CGL Syllabus

This section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills:

1. Grammar & Vocabulary
   
   • Parts of Speech
   • Tenses
   • Active & Passive Voice
   • Direct & Indirect Speech
   • Idioms & Phrases
   • Synonyms & Antonyms
   • One-Word Substitution
2. Comprehension & Writing
   
   • Reading Comprehension Passages
   • Cloze Test
   • Sentence Correction
   • Para Jumbles

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On the other hand, Tier-II is also a CBT but consists of three different papers depending on the post preference. Paper-I (compulsory for all posts) includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Module, and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), where candidates must type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Paper-II, meant for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), covers Statistics topics like Probability, Sampling, Regression, and Correlation Analysis.

Paper-III, for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer, focuses on Finance & Economics, including Accounting, Budgeting, and Economic Policies. The negative marking in Tier-II varies: 1 mark per wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks deduction in Paper-II & III. The difficulty level of Tier-II is moderate to difficult, and it determines the final merit-based selection. Once candidates successfully clear Tier-II, the next stage is Document Verification (DV) and, for some posts, Skill Tests like the DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) and CPT (Computer Proficiency Test). These are mandatory for final selection.

Eligibility Criteria

1. To apply for SSC CGL, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria related to nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications.
2. Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962. Individuals of Indian origin from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries are also eligible if they have a certificate issued by the Government of India.
3. The age limit varies depending on the post, generally ranging between 18 to 32 years, with age relaxation for certain categories: SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwD (10–15 years), and Ex-Servicemen (as per rules).
4. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Some posts require specific qualifications, such as Statistics or Mathematics for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Commerce, Finance, or Economics for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO).

There is no limit on the number of attempts, but candidates must meet the age and qualification criteria at the time of application.

Age Limit

The age limit varies by post, generally between 18 to 32 years. Below is the post-wise age limit:

• 18 to 27 years – Tax Assistant, Auditor, Accountant, Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
• 20 to 30 years – Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in various ministries
• 18 to 30 years – Inspector (Central Excise, Preventive Officer, Examiner), Sub Inspector (CBI, NIA)
• 21 to 32 years – Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

Age Relaxation is provided as per government rules:

• SC/ST – 5 years
• OBC – 3 years
• PwD (General) – 10 years, PwD (OBC) – 13 years, PwD (SC/ST) – 15 years
• Ex-Servicemen – 3 years after deduction of military service

SSC CGL 2024 Cut-Off Marks

The SSC CGL 2024 final cut-off marks were determined based on factors such as the number of candidates, exam difficulty, and vacancies. Below is the category-wise cut-off:

• General (UR): 322.77
• OBC: 306.27
• EWS: 300.03
• SC: 285.45
• ST: 266.49
• Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 202.28
• OH: 258.66
• HH: 181.89
• VH: 219.45
• PwD-Other: 136.73

Dates And Time

In the 2024 cycle, the Tier-I (Preliminary) exam was conducted from September 9 to 26, 2024. Following this, the Tier-II (Mains) exam took place between January 18 and 20, 2025. These dates reflect the typical scheduling pattern of the SSC CGL examination process.​For the 2025 cycle, the Tier-I exam is expected to be held in June-July 2025, though exact dates are yet to be announced.

Analysis On Last Year Question Paper

TIER 1 

The SSC CGL Tier-I 2024 exam had a moderate difficulty level overall, with some variations across sections. The General Awareness (GS) section was moderate, with around 15-18 questions requiring good conceptual knowledge. The Mathematics section was also moderate, with 15-16 questions of average difficulty, while 4-5 questions were relatively easy. Another 4-5 questions were moderate and conceptual, and a few were calculation-intensive. The Reasoning section ranged from easy to moderate, but it was not very straightforward, requiring regular practice to solve efficiently. The English section was moderate, with a focus on comprehension and grammar, making consistent practice essential for scoring well. Overall, while the paper was manageable, proper preparation and practice were necessary to attempt the questions efficiently.

TIER 2

The SSC CGL Tier-II 2025 exam maintained a balanced difficulty level across sections, requiring candidates to have a solid conceptual understanding and consistent practice. The Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) section was easy to moderate, with most candidates attempting around 80-85 questions. It included a mix of straightforward calculations and conceptual problems that tested problem-solving skills.

The English Language and Comprehension section was moderate, with 160-175 good attempts, requiring strong grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. The General Studies (GS) section was also moderate, covering a broad range of topics, including current affairs, history, polity, economics, and science. Notably, many questions in the GS section were from Class 11 and 12 syllabi, particularly in subjects like economics and science, emphasizing the need for conceptual clarity. Candidates needed an in-depth understanding of static GK and recent developments to score well. Overall, while the exam was manageable, it demanded thorough preparation, regular practice, and time management to maximize accuracy and attempts.

Notes | Materials 

To prepare effectively for the SSC CGL exam, a well-structured approach with the right study materials is essential.

1. For Mathematics, once the syllabus is completed, practicing from the SSC TCS PYQ book can be highly beneficial, as it provides real exam-level questions. Additionally, students who prefer extra problem-solving strategies can refer to Quicker Maths book , though this choice depends on individual learning preferences. To enhance speed and accuracy, it is crucial to memorize square roots, cube roots, percentage tables, and mensuration formulas etc as they significantly help in quick calculations.
2. When it comes to General Knowledge (GK), relying on a combination of our coaching materials, Lucent GK, and TCS PYQ ensures thorough preparation. Given the vast syllabus, focusing on conceptual clarity and frequently revising key facts can enhance retention.
3. For English, there is an abundance of study materials available. Books like Neetu Singh’s English provide in-depth coverage of grammar and vocabulary, while TCS PYQ of English is an excellent resource for practicing previous years’ questions and improving accuracy.
4. Reasoning is another crucial section where coaching notes and materials serve as a strong foundation. To reinforce learning, practicing with TCS PYQ for Reasoning helps in understanding the pattern of questions asked in the exam.
5. A balanced approach that includes conceptual understanding through coaching materials and rigorous practice with previous years’ questions is key to excelling in the SSC CGL exam. By following this method, aspirants can develop accuracy, speed, and confidence, ultimately improving their chances of success.
6. Also , Our coaching materials are comprehensive, well-structured, and sufficient for SSC CGL preparation. They are designed to present even the most complex topics in the easiest and simplest form, ensuring that students can grasp concepts quickly and effectively. With clear explanations, step-by-step methods, and smart problem-solving techniques, these materials eliminate unnecessary confusion and provide a strong conceptual foundation. Additionally, they include exam-oriented content, solved examples, and practice questions, making external resources unnecessary. By relying on our materials, students can enhance their understanding, accuracy, and confidence, ultimately improving their performance in the exam.

Why Majestic Academy

Choosing Majestic Academy for SSC Examination guidance offers several compelling advantages. We are committed to provide a  top-tier education and personalized training for SSC .We are offering both online and offline classes, accommodating diverse learning preferences. The academy’s dedication to student success is evident through numerous testimonials from candidates who have achieved their career goals with Majestic Academy’s support. Our comprehensive approach ensures that students receive the guidance and resources necessary to excel in SSC examinations.​ The expert faculty, including experienced educators, ensure conceptual clarity and exam-specific strategies. With regular mock tests, doubt-clearing sessions, and personalized mentorship, students receive a competitive edge in their preparation.We also emphasize updated study material, time management techniques, and answer-writing practice, crucial for SSC exams. Many successful candidates credit their success to Majestic Academy’s rigorous training and supportive learning environment, making it a top choice for SSC aspirants in Assam and Northeast