Download SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 PDF

Understanding the SSC CGL Syllabus in Detail (2025-26)

Are you dreaming of a prestigious government job in India? The Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination is your gateway to various highly sought-after positions in different Ministries and Departments. But before you dive into preparation, the most crucial first step is to thoroughly understand the SSC CGL Syllabus.

At Rojgar Point, we’re here to simplify this complex journey for you. This comprehensive guide will break down the SSC CGL syllabus for 2025-26, helping you strategize your preparation effectively, even if you’re just starting. Getting familiar with what to study is the key to unlocking your potential and securing a top rank.

What is the SSC CGL Exam All About?

The SSC CGL is a national-level examination conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission. It’s designed to recruit eligible graduates for Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts in various government organizations. The selection process is generally divided into four tiers, each testing different skills and knowledge sets.

Understanding the exam pattern is just as important as knowing the syllabus. Let’s briefly look at the structure:

• Tier-I: Computer-Based Examination (CBE) – Objective (MCQs)
• Tier-II: Computer-Based Examination (CBE) – Objective (MCQs)
• Tier-III: Pen and Paper Mode (Descriptive Paper)
• Tier-IV: Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) / Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) / Document Verification (as per post requirement)

Now, let’s explore the detailed syllabus for each tier.

SSC CGL Tier-I Syllabus: Your First Hurdle

Tier-I is the screening stage. It’s a 200-mark exam with 100 questions, and you get 60 minutes to complete it. Be mindful of the 0.50 marks negative marking for each incorrect answer.

Here are the four sections you need to master:

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section tests your ability to think logically and solve problems. It’s not about memorizing facts, but about understanding patterns and relationships.

• Analogies: Finding similarities between different things (numbers, letters, words, figures).
• Similarities & Differences: Identifying commonalities and distinctions.
• Space Visualization: Imagining how shapes look from different angles.
• Problem Solving: Analyzing situations and finding solutions.
• Decision Making: Choosing the best option from given choices.
• Visual Memory: Remembering images or patterns you’ve seen.
• Discrimination & Observation: Noticing subtle details and differences.
• Relationship Concepts: Questions based on blood relations, directions, etc.
• Arithmetical Reasoning: Logic puzzles involving basic math operations.
• Arithmetical Number Series: Finding missing numbers in a sequence.
• Non-Verbal Series: Identifying the next figure in a pattern.
• Coding & Decoding: Understanding and creating codes for letters, words, or numbers.
• Statement-Conclusion & Syllogistic Reasoning: Drawing logical conclusions from given statements.
• Figural Classification, Embedded Figures, Figure Completion, Paper Cutting & Folding: Visual reasoning puzzles.

2. General Awareness

This part checks your knowledge of current events and general subjects. Staying updated is key!

• Current Affairs: National and international news, recent events.
• History: Indian History (ancient, medieval, modern), Indian National Movement.
• Culture: Arts, dance forms, music, festivals of India.
• Geography: Indian and World Geography (physical, social, economic aspects).
• Economic Scene: Basic understanding of the Indian economy, economic policies.
• Indian Polity & Constitution: Indian Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues.
• Scientific Research: General understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science.
• Awards & Honors, Books & Authors, Important Days, Sports, UN & Other International Organizations.

3. Quantitative Aptitude

This section tests your numerical ability and how well you can solve mathematical problems.

• Number Systems: Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers, basic arithmetic operations.
• Percentages, Ratio & Proportion: Calculations related to percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Square Roots, Averages, Interest: Simple and Compound Interest.
• Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business: Business-related calculations.
• Mixture & Alligation: Problems involving mixing substances.
• Time & Distance, Time & Work: Problems related to speed, distance, time, and work done.
• Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, elementary surds, graphs of linear equations.
• Geometry: Triangles and their various centers, congruence and similarity, circles and their chords, tangents, angles formed by chords, common tangents of two or more circles.
• Mensuration: Formulas and calculations for area and volume of various 2D and 3D shapes like triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, prisms, cones, cylinders, spheres, hemispheres, cuboids, pyramids, frustums.
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances.
• Statistical Charts: Understanding and interpreting Bar graphs, Pie charts, Histograms, Frequency polygons.

4. English Comprehension

This section evaluates your understanding of the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills.

• Spot the Error: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
• Fill in the Blanks: Choosing the correct word or phrase to complete sentences.
• Synonyms & Antonyms: Words with similar and opposite meanings.
• Spelling / Detecting Misspelt Words: Finding incorrectly spelled words.
• Idioms & Phrases: Understanding the meaning of common idioms and phrases.
• One Word Substitution: Replacing a phrase or sentence with a single word.
• Improvement of Sentences: Correcting sentences for better grammar or meaning.
• Active/Passive Voice of Verbs: Converting sentences between active and passive voice.
• Conversion into Direct/Indirect Narration: Changing direct speech to indirect and vice versa.
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts / Sentence Rearrangement: Arranging jumbled parts of a sentence or paragraphs in a logical order.
• Cloze Passage: Completing a paragraph with missing words.
• Comprehension Passage: Reading a passage and answering questions based on it.

SSC CGL Tier-II Syllabus: The Main Challenge

Tier-II is where the real competition lies. It consists of four papers. Papers I and II are compulsory for all posts, while Paper III (Statistics) is only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts, and Paper IV (General Studies – Finance & Economics) is for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) posts. Remember the negative marking: 0.25 marks for Paper-II and 0.50 marks for Papers-I, III, and IV.

Paper-I: Quantitative Abilities

The syllabus is similar to Tier-I Quantitative Aptitude, but the difficulty level is significantly higher. Expect more complex and challenging problems.

Paper-II: English Language and Comprehension

This paper is more extensive than Tier-I English. It covers all the topics from Tier-I but with a deeper focus and more complex questions, including:

• All topics from Tier-I English Comprehension.
• Sentence Rearrangement: More advanced sentence and paragraph rearrangement.

Paper-III: Statistics (For JSO Posts Only)

This paper dives deep into statistical concepts.

• Collection, Classification, and Presentation of Statistical Data: Primary and secondary data, methods of data collection, tabulation, graphical representation, frequency distribution.
• Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median, Mode.
• Measures of Dispersion: Variance, Standard Deviation, Range, Quartile Deviation.
• Correlation and Regression: Different types of correlation, correlation coefficient, regression lines.
• Probability Theory: Basic concepts of probability, probability distributions.
• Sampling Theory: Sampling methods, sampling errors.
• Arithmetic and Geometric Progression.
• Index Numbers: Construction and uses of index numbers.

Paper-IV: General Studies (Finance & Economics) (For AAO Posts Only)

This paper is divided into two parts:

Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 Marks)

• Fundamental Concepts of Financial Accounting: Meaning, scope, and functions of financial accounting, accounting concepts and principles, accounting equation, rules of debit and credit, journal entries, ledger, trial balance, manufacturing, trading and profit & loss accounts, balance sheet.
• Accounting Standards: Introduction to Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS).
• General Introduction to Government Accounting: Role and functions of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Part B: Economics and Governance (120 Marks)

• Indian Economy: Introduction, growth, characteristics of the Indian economy.
• National Income: Concepts and measurement of national income.
• Economic Reforms in India.
• Inflation.
• Taxation in India: Direct and Indirect taxes.
• Government Budget and Fiscal Policy.
• Financial Institutions: Reserve Bank of India, Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, NABARD.
• Poverty and Unemployment in India: Causes, policies, and programs.
• Rural Development.
• Population.
• Environment.
• Information Technology.

SSC CGL Tier-III Syllabus: The Descriptive Paper

Tier-III is a descriptive paper, conducted in pen-and-paper mode. It assesses your writing skills and ability to express thoughts clearly. This paper can be written in either Hindi or English.

• Essay Writing: Writing well-structured essays on given topics.
• Precis Writing / Summarization: Condensing a longer passage into a concise summary.
• Letter Writing: Formal and informal letter writing.
• Application Writing: Writing formal applications.

SSC CGL Tier-IV Syllabus: The Final Stage

Tier-IV is typically a qualifying stage and includes the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), and Document Verification.

• Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Required for certain posts. It has three modules:
  • Word Processing: Testing your typing speed and formatting skills in a word processor.
  • Spreadsheet: Testing your ability to work with formulas and data in spreadsheets.
  • Slide Generation: Creating presentations using software like PowerPoint.
• Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): Essential for posts like Tax Assistant (CBEC & CBDT). You’ll need to achieve a typing speed of around 2000 key depressions per hour.
• Document Verification: The final step where your original educational and other relevant documents are checked. Make sure all your documents are in order!

Important Tips for SSC CGL Preparation (Rojgar Point Advice)

• Start Early: The SSC CGL syllabus is vast. The sooner you start, the better.
• Understand the Weightage: Pay attention to which sections carry more marks in each tier.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s question papers and mock tests consistently. This helps you understand the exam pattern and manage time.
• Focus on Concepts: Don’t just memorize; understand the core concepts in Quant, Reasoning, and English.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers and reliable news sources daily for General Awareness.
• Improve Writing Skills: Practice essay, precis, and letter writing for Tier-III.
• Official Notifications are Key: Always refer to the latest official SSC CGL notification for any updates or changes to the syllabus or exam pattern. This article is based on the general and consistent SSC CGL syllabus, but official updates are paramount.

Download SSC CGL Detailed Syllabus PDF (2025-26)

Conclusion

Understanding the SSC CGL syllabus thoroughly is the foundational step towards achieving your government job aspirations. By systematically covering each topic mentioned in this guide and practicing regularly, you can significantly boost your chances of success. Rojgar Point is committed to providing you with the most accurate and helpful information to guide your journey. Start your preparation today, stay consistent, and aim for that top spot!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SSC CGL Syllabus

Q1: Is there negative marking in the SSC CGL exam?

A. Yes, there is negative marking. For Tier-I, it’s 0.50 marks per incorrect answer. For Tier-II, it’s 0.25 marks for Paper-II and 0.50 marks for Papers-I, III, and IV.

Q2: Is the syllabus for SSC CGL Tier-I and Tier-II similar?

A. While some subjects overlap, the difficulty level for Quantitative Aptitude and English in Tier-II is significantly higher than in Tier-I. Tier-II also includes specialized papers for certain posts (Statistics, Finance & Economics).

Q3: Can I write the Tier-III descriptive paper in Hindi or English?

A. Yes, you have the option to write the Tier-III descriptive paper in either Hindi or English.

Q4: Which books are best for SSC CGL preparation?

A. Popular choices include R.S. Aggarwal for Reasoning, Rakesh Yadav or Abhinay Sharma for Quantitative Aptitude, Lucent’s General Knowledge for General Awareness, and Plinth to Paramount (Neetu Singh) or S.P. Bakshi for English. Always supplement with current affairs resources and previous year’s papers.

Q5: How can I download the official SSC CGL Syllabus PDF?

A. You should always visit the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) website (ssc.nic.in) and navigate to the latest SSC CGL examination notification. The detailed official syllabus PDF is usually part of that notification.