SSC CGL Syllabus

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India. The examination is held online in two tiers.

Examination Pattern

Tier I

Computer Based Examination (objective type). Each question carries 2 marks with a penalty of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.

SNo.	Subject	No. of Questions	Max. Marks	Duration
1	General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50	Composite time of 1 hour
2	General Awareness	25	50
3	Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
4	English Comprehension	25	50
	Total	100	200

Tier II

Computer Based Examination conducted in three papers. Paper I is compulsory for all posts; Paper II and Paper III are only for candidates applying to specific posts (Junior Statistical Officer and Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer respectively).

Paper	Sections	No. of Questions	Max. Marks	Duration
Paper I	Module 1: Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning and General Intelligence Module 2: English Language and Comprehension & General Awareness Module 3: Computer Knowledge Module 4: Data Entry Speed Test	Section 1: 60 Section 2: 70 Module 3: 20	390	2 hours 15 minutes (+ DEST)
Paper II	Statistics	100	200	2 hours
Paper III	General Studies (Finance & Economics)	100	200	2 hours

Detailed Syllabus

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, spatial orientation, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning and figural classification, arithmetic number series, non-verbal series, coding and decoding, statement conclusion, and syllogistic reasoning. Topics also include semantic and figural analogy/classification/series, number series, embedded figures, and pattern folding & completion.

General Awareness

Questions test awareness of the environment and its application to society, along with current events. Coverage includes History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity, Indian Constitution, Scientific Research, and everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect.

Quantitative Aptitude

Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, relationship between numbers, percentage, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, interest (simple and compound), profit and loss, discount, partnership business, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work, basic algebraic identities and elementary surds, graphs of linear equations, triangles and their properties, circles and their chords/tangents, trigonometry, heights and distances, and data interpretation (histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram, pie chart).

English Comprehension

Candidates' ability to understand correct English, comprehension and writing ability is tested. Topics include synonyms, antonyms, spellings, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence correction, error spotting, fill in the blanks, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, cloze passage, and reading comprehension.

Note: SSC revises the CGL scheme of examination periodically. There is a penalty for wrong answers (0.50 marks in Tier I). Always confirm the latest tiers, marks and negative-marking scheme with the official SSC notification before applying.

Previous Year Question Papers

Working through a full paper is the fastest way to understand the question pattern, topic weightage and difficulty level.

• 📝 SSC CGL 2011 Tier-I — all 200 questions (text)

The 2011 Tier-I followed the older 200-question pattern (50 questions each on Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English). Papers are reproduced for candidates' study and reference only; no answer key is published.