SSC CGL Syllabus for Tier 1 and 2

Tier-Wise Breakdown

The SSC CGL Exam is conducted in two main stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 are administered as Computer-Based Tests (CBT) featuring objective multiple-choice questions. Tier 1 is qualifying exam, while Tier 2 is the selection round.

The core syllabus includes four main subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Additionally, candidates targeting specific positions must take domain-related papers. Below is a summary of the exam structure:

Exam Structure

Tier	Exam Type	Mode
Tier 1 (Qualifying round)	Objective MCQs covering – General Intelligence & Reasoning – English Comprehension – Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) and – General Awareness	Computer-Based (Online)
Tier 2 (Final selection round)	– Paper I (compulsory for all candidates) – Paper II (for JSO post candidates) – Paper III (for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer candidates) – Objective MCQs, except for Module-II of Section-III in Paper I	Computer-Based (Online)

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

Below is the updated exam pattern for both stages.

Tier 1 is the initial stage and serves as a qualifying exam. Although marks from Tier 1 are not included in the final merit list, candidates must clear the cut-off to move on to Tier 2.

• The exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions.
• Objective type questions
• Questions are evenly split into four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
• Each section contains 25 questions.
• The total marks for Tier 1 are 200.
• Candidates have 60 minutes (1 hour) to complete the exam.
• There is a penalty of 0.50 marks for every incorrect response.There is no sectional timing.

Subject	Number of Questions	Total Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
English Comprehension	25	50
Total	100	200

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus

The syllabus for Tier 1 covers the following subjects:

1. General Intelligence and Reasoning

This section assesses your ability to think logically and solve problems through both verbal and non-verbal questions. It evaluates skills like pattern recognition, analytical reasoning, and decision making. Focus Areas in this section frequently include Series, Coding-Decoding, and Analogy.

General Intelligence & Reasoning	Difficulty	Priority
Analogy	High	High
Coding Decoding	High	High
Word Test	Medium	Medium
Venn Diagrams	Medium	Medium
Missing Number	Medium	Medium
Alphanumerical Series	High	High
Syllogism	Medium	Medium
Visual Reasoning	Medium	Medium

2. General Awareness

Scoring well in the General Awareness section can make a significant difference during the SSC CGL exam, it is highly rewarding for those who prepare thoroughly, yet can be tricky for those who overlook it. Focus Areas include Science + Static GK. Static GK is more frequent than dynamic current affairs.

General Awareness Topics	Difficulty	Priority
History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)	High	High
Geography (India & World – Physical + Political)	High	High
Polity (Constitution, Parliament, Fundamental Rights)	High	High
Economics (Basic Concepts, Budget, Inflation, RBI)	Medium	Medium
General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology – Class 6–10 level)	High	High
Current Affairs (Last 6–8 months)	High	High
Government Schemes & Committees	Medium	Medium
Sports, Awards & Honours	Medium	Low to Medium
Books & Authors	Low	Low
Important Days	Low	Low

3. Quantitative Aptitude (Numerical Ability/ Maths)

This section measures your proficiency in mathematics, focusing on accuracy, speed, and problem-solving abilities. It primarily consists of questions that require both calculations and the application of concepts. Focus Areas include Mensuration, Profit-Loss, and Percentage.

Quantitative Aptitude Topics	Difficulty	Priority
Number System	High	High
Simplification	Medium	Medium
Ratio & Proportion	Medium	High
Percentage	Medium	High
Average and Mixture	Low	Medium
Simple & Compound Interest	Low	High
Profit and Loss	High	High
Time and Work	Medium	High
Time, Speed & Distance	Medium	High
Algebra	High	High
Geometry	High	Medium
Mensuration	Medium	Medium
Trigonometry	Medium	Medium
Data Interpretation	High	High

4. English Comprehension

This segment evaluates a candidate’s grasp of English, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. It tests the ability to understand, interpret, and analyze language effectively. Focus Areas include Grammar-based error spotting and cloze test.

English Comprehension Topics	Difficulty	Priority
Reading Comprehension	High	High
Cloze Test	High	High
Fill in the Blanks	Medium	High
Find Error	High	High
Synonyms Antonyms	Low	High
One Word Substitution	Medium	Medium to High
Idioms & Phrases	Medium	Medium
Active & Passive Voice	Medium	Medium
Direct & Indirect Speech	Medium	Medium
Parajumbles	High	Medium
Spelling	Low	Low to Medium

Exam Preparation Tips for Tier 1:

• Focus on maintaining a balance between speed and accuracy instead of trying to answer every question.
• Give proper attention to the General Awareness section, as it provides the highest score-to-time advantage.
• Take timed mock tests regularly to improve time management under actual exam conditions.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

SSC CGL Tier 2 is the main exam in the selection process. It consists of two separate papers. After completing the preliminary exam, preparation for the Tier-2 exam should begin. The Mains exam will be held online and consists mainly of objective multiple-choice questions, with the exception of Module II (Data Entry Speed Test) in Section III of Paper-I. A comprehensive overview of the SSC CGL Tier 2 syllabus and exam pattern is provided below.

Paper	Posts
Paper I	Mandatory for all posts
Paper II	Only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus

The SSC CGL Tier 2 consists of Paper I being held over two sessions—Session I and Session II—in separate days/shifts. All candidates who pass Paper I must appear in both sessions. Session I covers Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III, while Session II includes Module II of Section III. Candidates are required to clear all sections of Paper I to qualify.

Paper	Section	Module	Sections	No. of Questions	Marks	Time Duration
Paper 1	Section-I	Module-I	Mathematical Abilities	30	90	1 hour
		Module-II	Reasoning & General Intelligence	30	90
	Section-II	Module-I	English Language and Comprehension	45	135	1 hour
		Module-II	General Awareness	25	75
	Section-III	Module-I	Computer Proficiency	20	60	15 minutes
		Module-II	Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)	–	Qualifying	15 minutes
Paper 2	–	–	Statistics	100	200	2 hours

Topics for Tier 1 and tier 2 exams are same, thoguht the level of questiosn would be slightly tougher. A lot of coachings try to package same topics with different names just to sell tier 1 and tier 2 courses separately, so be aware of that. There is literally no difference.

1. Mathematical Abilities (Module I of Session I of Paper I)

2. General Intelligence and Reasoning (Module-II of Section-I of Paper-I)

3. English Language & Comprehension (Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I)

4. General Awareness (Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I)

5. Computer Proficiency (Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I)

Syllabus Topics	Sub-Topics
Computer Fundamentals	Structure and organization of a computer Central Processing Unit (CPU) Input and output devices Computer memory and its organization Backup storage devices Ports and connectors Windows Explorer usage Common keyboard shortcuts
Software	Basics of Windows Operating System along with Microsoft Office applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Internet and Email	Internet usage and email management including web browsing, searching, downloading and uploading files, managing email accounts, and e-banking
Networking and Security	Fundamentals of networking and cybersecurity Devices for Networking and communication protocols Security risks like hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, and methods to prevent them

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus- Paper 2 (Statistics)

Paper-II is applicable only to candidates who have applied for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) positions in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and for the Statistical Investigator Grade II role in the office of the Registrar General of India (Ministry of Home Affairs). These candidates must have also been shortlisted in Tier-I for these specific posts to be eligible for Paper-II.

This paper focuses on advanced-level statistics topics relevant to these roles, while Paper-I is mandatory for all SSC CGL candidates regardless of the post applied for.

Topic	Priority	Approximate Weightage (Number of Questions)
Collection, Classification, and Presentation of Statistical Data	High	4-6
Measures of Central Tendency	High	3-5
Measures of Dispersion (Common Measures)	High	2-4
Moments, Skewness, and Kurtosis	Medium	1-2
Correlation and Regression	Medium	1-3
Probability Theory	Medium to High	2-4
Random Variable and Probability Distributions	Medium	1-3
Sampling Theory	Medium	1-2
Statistical Inference	Medium	1-3
Analysis of Variance	Low to Medium	1-2
Time Series Analysis	Low	0-1
Index Numbers	Low	0-1

Essential Tips for SSC CGL Preparation

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the number of questions, total marks, time duration for each section, and the marking scheme including negative marking, to strategize your approach effectively.
• Create a Detailed Study Plan: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and topic based on their weightage and your proficiency. Incorporate regular revision sessions to reinforce concepts and avoid last-minute cramming.
• Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Solving past SSC CGL papers helps you get accustomed to the exam’s difficulty level, question types, and time management, boosting your confidence and performance.
• Enhance Speed and Accuracy: Focus on increasing your problem-solving speed while minimizing mistakes. This balance is crucial since high accuracy with rapid solving is required to clear competitive cut-offs.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Dedicate daily time to reading newspapers, news websites, and monthly current affairs magazines to cover national, international, sports, economy, and government schemes updates.
• Identify and Improve Weak Areas: Analyse your performance in mock tests and practice papers to spot weak subjects or topics. Devote extra time to these areas with targeted practice and concept revision.
• Regular Mock Tests and Analysis: Consistently attempt full-length mock exams under real exam conditions. Review your mistakes carefully and understand the solutions to improve your weaknesses. Practicing mock tests can help build confidence before exam.
• Build Strong Conceptual Clarity: Do not rely solely on rote learning; focus on understanding fundamental concepts in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English language, and general awareness for long-term retention.
• Time Management Practice: Develop skills to manage time efficiently during the exam so that you can attempt all questions without rushing or leaving any section incomplete.
• Focus on Shortcuts and Tricks: Learn shortcut methods and problem-solving tricks for quantitative and reasoning sections to save valuable time during the exam.
• Maintain Health and Mindset: Ensure proper sleep, balanced diet, and regular breaks during study to keep your mind fresh and focused. Stay positive and confident throughout your preparation journey.

SSC CGL is highly competitive, and a well-structured and consistent preparation strategy is vital for success. Emphasizing frequent revision, practicing mock tests, and keeping updated with current affairs will enhance your chances significantly. Maintaining discipline and a positive attitude will help you stay motivated and perform at your best on exam day.

SSC CGL Exam FAQs

Q1: What are the qualification requirements for SSC CGL?

The minimum qualification varies depending on the post, but generally, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Certain posts, such as Junior Statistical Officer or Statistical Investigator Grade-II, may require specific educational backgrounds or subject criteria like mathematics or statistics.

Q2: Is Tier 1 considered only a qualifying exam?
Yes, the Tier 1 exam is qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in Tier 1 do not contribute to the final merit list but clearing it is mandatory to advance to Tier 2.

Q3: Which tier holds the greatest importance for the final selection?
Tier 2, specifically Paper 1, is the most significant. It is mandatory for all posts and carries the highest weightage in determining the final merit.

Q4: Can candidates succeed in SSC CGL without attending coaching classes?
Definitely. Many aspirants clear SSC CGL by following a disciplined study routine, practicing mock tests regularly, and thoroughly covering the official syllabus, without the need for coaching.

Q5: Which are the highest-ranking positions available through SSC CGL?
Some of the top posts that candidates can aspire to through SSC CGL include:

• Income Tax Auditor
• Assistant Law Enforcement Officer in the Emergency Department
• Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the Ministry of External Affairs
• Deputy Inspector in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) Inspector
• Deputy Auditor at the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
• District Accountant

Refer SSC CGL Tier 1 & Tier 2 Previous Year Question Papers

Next, take these SSC CGL Free Mock Tests

Practice SSC CGL Topic wise Questions