SSC CGL Syllabus 2025: Complete Topic-Wise Breakdown with Preparation Tips
Meta Description: Explore the complete SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 for Tier I, II, III, and IV with topic-wise details, preparation tips, and a downloadable PDF. Ace your exam with our guide!
The SSC CGL 2025 (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) exam is a premier opportunity for graduates aiming for prestigious government jobs in ministries, departments, and organizations. Conducted in four tiers, this exam demands a thorough understanding of the syllabus to succeed. This blog post provides a detailed, topic-wise syllabus for all tiers, weightage analysis, preparation strategies, and recommended resources. Download the syllabus PDF or explore our expert tips at Daily Affairs Hub.
Overview of SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in four tiers: Tier I (Preliminary), Tier II (Mains), Tier III (Descriptive), and Tier IV (Skill Test). Below is the exam pattern for each tier.
| Tier | Mode | Sections | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier I | Online (MCQs) | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension | 200 | 60 minutes |
| Tier II | Online (MCQs) | Paper I (Compulsory), Paper II (JSO), Paper III (AAO) | 800 | 2 hours per paper |
| Tier III | Offline (Descriptive) | Essay, Letter/Application Writing | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Tier IV | Skill Test | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | Qualifying | Varies |
Key Point
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Tier I; 0.25 marks in Tier II Paper I (Section I, II, V), 0.50 marks in Paper II & III.
- Tier I: Qualifying in nature.
- Tier II & III: Contribute to the final merit list.
- Tier IV: Qualifying for specific posts (e.g., Tax Assistant, AAO).
SSC CGL Tier I Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Breakdown & Weightage
Tier I is a screening round with four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section has 25 questions and 50 marks, with a 60-minute total duration.
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
This section tests logical and analytical skills. It’s crucial for scoring high in Tier I.
| Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Analogy | Semantic, symbolic, number-based analogies | 3-4 questions |
| Classification | Number, letter, and figure-based classification | 2-3 questions |
| Series | Number, alphabet, mixed series | 2-3 questions |
| Coding-Decoding | Letter, number, symbol-based coding | 2-3 questions |
| Blood Relations | Family tree, coded relations | 1-2 questions |
| Direction & Distance | Directions, distances, turns | 1-2 questions |
| Order & Ranking | Position, rank-based problems | 1-2 questions |
| Puzzles | Seating arrangement, scheduling, and comparison | 3-4 questions |
| Syllogism | 2-3 statement syllogisms, possibility cases | 2-3 questions |
| Venn Diagram | Logical Venn diagrams | 1-2 questions |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Mirror/water images, paper folding, figure completion | 2-3 questions |
Pro Tip
Practice puzzles and syllogisms daily using A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.
2. General Awareness
This section covers current affairs and static GK, testing your knowledge of the world around you.
| Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National/international news, awards, summits (6-12 months) | 5-6 questions |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, the freedom struggle | 3-4 questions |
| Geography | Physical, Indian, and world geography | 3-4 questions |
| Polity | Indian Constitution, governance, amendments | 2-3 questions |
| Economy | Basic economy, budget, economic survey | 2-3 questions |
| Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (NCERT-based) | 3-4 questions |
| Static GK | Countries, capitals, currencies, and important days | 2-3 questions |
Pro Tip
Read Lucent’s General Knowledge and follow daily updates on Daily Affairs Hub. Stay updated with PIB for government schemes.
Daily Current Affairs
3. Quantitative Aptitude
This section tests numerical and mathematical skills, requiring speed and accuracy.
| Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Simplification | BODMAS, fractions, decimals, percentages | 2-3 questions |
| Number Series | Missing/wrong number series | 2-3 questions |
| Data Interpretation | Table, bar graph, line graph, pie chart | 4-5 questions |
| Arithmetic | Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss | 8-10 questions |
| Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, SI/CI, Average | ||
| Mixture & Alligation, Partnership, Ages | ||
| Quadratic Equations | Root comparison, solving equations | 2-3 questions |
| Mensuration | 2D/3D shapes (triangle, circle, cube, cylinder) | 2-3 questions |
| Trigonometry | Heights & distances, basic identities | 1-2 questions |
| Algebra | Linear equations, basic algebraic identities | 1-2 questions |
| Geometry | Triangles, circles, polygons | 1-2 questions |
Pro Tip
Master shortcuts with Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma. Practice DI daily on Testbook.
4. English Comprehension
This section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
| Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Passages (social issues, economy, environment) | 5-6 questions |
| Cloze Test | Fill-in-the-blanks with grammar/vocabulary | 4-5 questions |
| Spotting Errors | Grammatical errors (tense, prepositions) | 3-4 questions |
| Sentence Improvement | Replacing incorrect words/phrases | 3-4 questions |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence rearrangement | 2-3 questions |
| Fill in the Blanks | Single/double fillers | 2-3 questions |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and one-word substitutions | 3-4 questions |
Pro Tip
Improve vocabulary with Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. Practice RC on Adda247. Check our English Tips.
SSC CGL Tier II Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Breakdown & Weightage
Tier II consists of three papers: Paper I (Compulsory for all posts), Paper II (Junior Statistical Officer), and Paper III (Assistant Audit Officer/Accounts Officer). Below is the detailed syllabus.
Paper I: Compulsory for All Posts
Paper I is divided into three sections: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
| Section | Topics | Weightage (Questions/Marks) |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | Same as Tier I Quantitative Aptitude (advanced level) | 30 questions / 90 marks |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | Same as Tier I Reasoning (advanced puzzles, syllogisms) | 30 questions / 90 marks |
| English Language & Comprehension | Advanced RC, cloze test, error spotting, para jumbles | 45 questions / 135 marks |
| General Awareness | Current affairs, static GK (history, polity, geography) | 25 questions / 75 marks |
| Computer Knowledge | Computer basics, MS Office, internet, cybersecurity | 20 questions / 60 marks |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Typing test (2000 key depressions in 15 minutes) | Qualifying |
Key Point
- Paper I is compulsory and has two modules: Module I (Math + Reasoning), Module II (English + GA + Computer).
- DEST is qualifying for posts like Tax Assistant.
Paper II: Statistics (For Junior Statistical Officer)
This paper is for candidates applying for JSO posts, focusing on statistical concepts.
| Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Collection & Representation of Data | Data classification, tabulation, graphs | 10-12 questions |
| Measures of Central Tendency | Mean, median, mode | 10-12 questions |
| Measures of Dispersion | Variance, standard deviation, range | 8-10 questions |
| Probability Theory | Basic probability, conditional probability | 8-10 questions |
| Sampling Theory | Random sampling, stratified sampling | 8-10 questions |
| Statistical Inference | Hypothesis testing, confidence intervals | 10-12 questions |
| Correlation & Regression | Pearson’s correlation, linear regression | 8-10 questions |
| Time Series Analysis | Trends, seasonal variations | 6-8 questions |
| Index Numbers | Types of index numbers, uses | 6-8 questions |
Pro Tip
Refer to Fundamentals of Statistics by S.C. Gupta for JSO preparation. Practice statistical problems on Oliveboard.
Paper III: General Studies (Finance & Economics) (For AAO)
This paper is for Assistant Audit Officer/Accounts Officer posts, focusing on finance and economics.
| Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Accounting | Accounting principles, balance sheet, journals | 20-25 questions |
| Basic Economics | Microeconomics, macroeconomics, demand-supply | 20-25 questions |
| Indian Economy | Budget, economic survey, and fiscal policy | 15-20 questions |
| Public Finance | Taxation, government expenditure | 10-15 questions |
| Auditing | Types of audits, audit process | 10-15 questions |
Pro Tip
Study Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh and Financial Management by Prasanna Chandra for AAO preparation.
SSC CGL Tier III Syllabus 2025
Tier III is a descriptive paper (offline) to test writing skills. It carries 100 marks with a 60-minute duration.
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Topics on social issues, economy, environment, technology (200-250 words) |
| Letter/Application Writing | Formal (to officials), Informal (to friends/family) |
| Precis Writing | Summarizing a given passage (1/3rd of the original length) |
Pro Tip
Practice 2-3 essays/letters weekly. Refer to sample formats on Adda247 and
SSC CGL Tier IV Syllabus 2025
Tier IV is a skill test (qualifying in nature) for specific posts.
| Test | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes (Tax Assistant posts) |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint tasks (AAO, Inspector posts) |
Pro Tip
Practice typing daily and familiarize yourself with MS Office.
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL 2025
- Master the Syllabus: Use the tables above to create a structured study plan covering all topics.
- Recommended Books:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Lucent’s General Knowledge by Dr. Binay Karna
- Kiran’s SSC CGL Previous Year Solved Papers
- Practice Mock Tests: Use platforms like Gradeup or Bankersadda for mock tests.
- Stay Updated: Follow Daily Affairs Hub for current affairs and exam updates.
- Time Management: Allocate time for each section and practice sectional tests to improve speed.
Expert Advice
“Revise standard books 3-4 times and solve previous years’ papers to understand question trends.” – SSC CGL Topper
Why Choose This Syllabus Guide?
This detailed SSC CGL 2025 syllabus ensures you cover every topic with clarity and focus. Combined with our preparation tips and resources, you’re well-equipped to excel. For more exam strategies, visit Daily Affairs Hub.
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