SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 & Exam Pattern (Tier-wise Updated)

Preparing for SSC CGL 2025? This definitive guide explains the SSC CGL Syllabus 2025, the SSC CGL exam pattern 2025 for Tier-I and Tier-II, subject-wise topics, marking scheme, negative marking, and a realistic 30-day study plan. Bookmark this page before you start mocks—everything is arranged in a crisp, exam-first format.

SSC CGL 2025 Exam Highlights

  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) across two tiers.
  • Tiers: Tier-I (qualifying) and Tier-II (merit-deciding).
  • Coverage: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quant, English in Tier-I; broader, module-based testing in Tier-II including Computer & DEST (qualifying).
  • Scoring: Tier-I carries −0.50 per wrong answer; Tier-II negative marking is module-specific as notified in the year’s official notice.
  • Advice: Master the SSC CGL syllabus 2025 first, then build speed via PYQs and full-length mocks.
Tip: Keep a running error-log (Excel/Notion). For each mock, record topic, mistake reason, and a one-line fix. This compounds faster than doing random extra questions.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 – Tier-I

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

Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible scribe). Nature: Qualifying; however, a strong Tier-I reduces Tier-II pressure by locking accuracy early.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 – Tier-II

Paper-I (for all posts) is split into three sections with six modules:

  • Section-I: Module-I Mathematical Abilities (30 Q), Module-II Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 Q)
  • Section-II: Module-I English Language & Comprehension (45 Q), Module-II General Awareness (25 Q)
  • Section-III (Qualifying): Module-I Computer Knowledge (20 Q), Module-II Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

Paper-II: Only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO). Always check the live notification for timings/marking tweaks.

SSC CGL Tier-I Syllabus 2025 (Subject-wise)

1) General Intelligence & Reasoning

  • Analogy, Classification, Number/Alphabet Series, Coding–Decoding
  • Direction & Distance, Blood Relation, Order & Ranking, Calendar/Clock
  • Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Statement–Assumption/Conclusion
  • Puzzles (Seating/Arrangement), Matrix, Non-verbal Reasoning (Cubes, Paper Folding, Figure Classification)

2) Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number System, Divisibility, HCF/LCM, Simplification & Approximation
  • Percentage, Ratio, Average, Mixture–Alligation, Profit & Loss, SI/CI
  • Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, Time–Speed–Distance, Boats & Streams
  • Geometry (Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles), Mensuration (2D/3D), Trigonometry (Heights & Distances)
  • Algebra (Linear/Quadratic), Co-ordinate Basics, Data Interpretation (Table/Bar/Pie/Line)

3) English Language & Comprehension

  • Grammar: Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Modals, Articles, Prepositions
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms/Antonyms, One-Word Substitutions, Idioms & Phrases
  • Error Spotting, Para Jumbles, Cloze Test, Sentence Improvement
  • Reading Comprehension (factual + inference)

4) General Awareness

  • Static GK: History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Culture
  • Science Basics: Physics/Chemistry/Biology (everyday applications)
  • Environment & Ecology, Sports, Important Days, Awards
  • Government Schemes, Budget/Survey basics, India’s Census facts
  • Current Affairs (National & International)

SSC CGL Tier-II Syllabus 2025 (Module-wise)

Mathematical Abilities

Deeper coverage of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and multi-step Data Interpretation. Expect mixed-topic questions that test concept switching.

Reasoning & General Intelligence

Advanced verbal/non-verbal reasoning, logic puzzles, pattern recognition, statement-conclusion, and data sufficiency type problems.

English Language & Comprehension

Advanced grammar usage, vocabulary in context, para completion, summary-based RC, and inference-heavy passages. Maintain an error-log of idioms and collocations.

General Awareness

Indian economy & policy updates, geography with mapping, modern history/independence themes, environment, science & tech, and high-weight current events.

Computer Knowledge (Qualifying)

Hardware/software basics, operating systems, MS Office/Docs, internet & email, cybersecurity hygiene, shortcuts—practical awareness for workplace readiness.

DEST (Qualifying)

Data entry speed test: accuracy + speed under time pressure. Practice with government-style forms and standardized paragraphs.

Negative Marking & Cut-off Logic

  • Tier-I: −0.50 for each wrong answer. Attempt only when accuracy ≥80% in practice.
  • Tier-II: Negative marking per module (as notified each year). Don’t over-attempt English/GA if accuracy drops—keep an “attempt ceiling.”
Cut-off reality: sectional strengths vary by candidate. The quickest way to lift overall percentile is to convert your best section (Quant/Reasoning/English) into a consistent 90%+ accuracy area while keeping the rest above 70%.

30-Day Smart Study Plan (Practical)

Week 1: Build Concepts + Light Drills

  • Quant: Percentages → Ratio → Averages; 30 selected PYQs daily.
  • Reasoning: Series, Coding/Decoding, Direction, Blood Relation; 2 short puzzle sets/day.
  • English: Tenses & Subject-Verb; 1 RC passage/day; start vocab notebook.
  • GA: One newspaper summary + static notes (Polity/History basics).

Week 2: Geometry, DI & Grammar Control

  • Quant: Geometry/Mensuration + DI (alternate days); formula sheet updates.
  • Reasoning: Seating/Arrangement + Syllogism; 3 mixed sets/day.
  • English: Error spotting + Cloze; revise 200 high-yield words.
  • GA: Economy basics + last 3 months current affairs revision.

Week 3: Mock Engine + Error-log

  • Attempt 4 full mocks (alternate days). Analyze for 90 minutes each.
  • Re-solve all wrongs two days later. Create 10-line mini-notes per weak topic.
  • DEST/Computer: 15-minute daily typing + shortcuts sheet.

Week 4: Peak + Calm

  • 3 mocks with reduced guesswork; practice exact exam timing.
  • Light Quant/Reasoning drills; heavy English RC/parajumbles practice.
  • GA rapid-fire: government schemes, budgets, awards, and static facts.

FAQs on SSC CGL Syllabus 2025

Q1. Is Tier-I counted in final merit?
Tier-I is qualifying; final merit is based on Tier-II. Still, a strong Tier-I improves confidence and momentum.

Q2. Who appears for Paper-II?
Only candidates for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.

Q3. Is Computer Knowledge & DEST mandatory?
Yes, for applicable posts these are qualifying in Tier-II (Paper-I, Section-III).

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