SSC CGL syllabus 2025: tier-wise subjects, marks and pattern
Tier-wise SSC CGL syllabus from the official notification: subjects, marks, negative marking and preparation pointers.
SSC CGL has two tiers of computer-based exams. Tier-I tests four subjects - General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension - with 25 questions of 50 marks each in one hour, and a 0.50 mark penalty per wrong answer. Tier-II Paper-I covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and a qualifying Computer Knowledge module, while Paper-II (Statistics) is only for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts. This guide breaks down the complete SSC CGL syllabus tier by tier, straight from the official notification.
How the SSC CGL exam is structured
Based on the official SSC CGL 2025 notification (2025), the exam has only two stages now - Tier-I and Tier-II, both computer-based. There is no Tier-III descriptive paper and no interview; those were removed in earlier reforms. Tier-I is the screening stage and its marks count toward the final merit. Tier-II decides the merit for most posts through Paper-I, which is compulsory for every candidate. Paper-II is taken only by candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts who clear the Tier-I shortlist. After Tier-II, the remaining steps are document verification and a medical examination, not further written tests.
SSC CGL Tier-I syllabus and pattern
Tier-I has 100 objective questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes (80 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates). Questions appear in both English and Hindi, except the English section.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | Graduation |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | Graduation |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | Class 10 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | Graduation |
The reasoning section covers analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, syllogisms, embedded figures, pattern folding and statement-conclusion questions, in both verbal and non-verbal form. General Awareness spans history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general policy and scientific research, with a strong current-affairs component. Quantitative Aptitude covers percentages, ratio, averages, interest, profit and loss, time and work, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data interpretation. English Comprehension tests basic understanding and correct usage of English.
SSC CGL Tier-II syllabus and pattern
Tier-II Paper-I runs in two sessions on the same day and is compulsory for all posts. Session-I has three sections: Section-I combines Mathematical Abilities (30 questions) with Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions) for 180 marks; Section-II combines English Language and Comprehension (45 questions) with General Awareness (25 questions) for 210 marks. Each section gets one hour. Session-II is Section-III: a Computer Knowledge module of 20 questions for 60 marks in 15 minutes, plus a 15-minute Data Entry Speed Test. Negative marking in Paper-I is 1 mark per wrong answer. The computer module is mandatory but qualifying in nature, except for specific posts like Assistant Section Officer in CSS where computer proficiency counts.
Paper-II is Statistics: 100 questions for 200 marks in two hours, with a 0.50 mark penalty per wrong answer. It covers collection and representation of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, sampling, correlation and regression, index numbers and time series - only for JSO and Statistical Investigator applicants.
The facts most candidates get wrong
Three points from the notification trip people up every year. First, Tier-I marks are not just qualifying - they count in the final merit for all posts, so treating Tier-I as a formality costs rank. Second, the Computer Knowledge module can decide your post even when it is qualifying: for CSS Assistant Section Officer and certain inspector posts, computer proficiency is prescribed, so a weak Section-III blocks those posts specifically. Third, every section of Paper-I must be qualified separately; a huge math score cannot rescue a failed English section. The 2025 notification listed approximately 14,582 tentative vacancies, and age limits are reckoned as on 01-08-2025 with the usual category relaxations - always verify the current year's figures in the latest notice on ssc.gov.in before applying, because vacancy counts change every cycle.
How to use this syllabus to prepare
Convert the syllabus into a checklist per subject and mark every topic you cannot yet solve at exam speed. Quantitative Aptitude and Mathematical Abilities share most topics, so one preparation track covers both tiers for maths; the same overlap exists between Tier-I English and Tier-II English, where the Tier-II version adds comprehension passages built from reports and editorials. General Awareness rewards daily current-affairs reading far more than monthly cramming. For the computer module, two weeks of basics (hardware, MS Office, internet and e-mail, networking and cyber security) is enough for most graduates. Our government jobs section tracks SSC and other exam notifications with their official dates so you can plan attempts without relying on rumours, and our jobs section lists openings for graduates who want a backup plan alongside exam prep.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SSC CGL syllabus the same every year?
The structure and indicative syllabus have been stable since the 2022 revision, but the Commission can change details in each year's notification. Always read the current notification on ssc.gov.in before finalising your preparation plan.
Does Tier-I count in the final merit?
Yes. Per the official notification, Tier-I marks are included in the final merit calculation for all posts, alongside Tier-II Paper-I.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. Tier-I deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer. In Tier-II, Paper-I deducts 1 mark per wrong answer and Paper-II deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Who needs to take Tier-II Paper-II?
Only candidates who applied for Junior Statistical Officer or Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts and are shortlisted in Tier-I. Everyone else takes only Paper-I.
What is the minimum qualification for SSC CGL?
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university is the essential qualification for almost all CGL posts; JSO additionally requires specific subjects at degree level as listed in the notification.
Sources
Based on the official SSC CGL 2025 notification (2025). Exam structure and marking: Scheme of the Examination, ssc.gov.in. Notices and corrigendum: ssc.gov.in notice board for CGL 2025. Vacancy and age-limit figures are as stated in the 2025 notification and change every cycle; confirm the current numbers in the latest notice before applying.
