SSC CGL Syllabus: Every Subject, Tier by Tier
Four subjects, two tiers, one topic list you can actually plan a schedule around.
The SSC CGL syllabus covers four subjects: Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness. All four appear in Tier 1. Tier 2 Paper I retests Maths, Reasoning and English at a harder level, adds General and Financial Awareness, and brings in a Computer Knowledge module.
That overlap is the single most useful fact about this syllabus. You are not preparing two exams. You are preparing one set of subjects that gets tested twice, at two depths. Everything you build for Tier 1 keeps paying in Tier 2.
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What Is the SSC CGL Syllabus?
The SSC CGL syllabus is the set of topics tested across the exam's two tiers: Quantitative Aptitude (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation), English Language (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension), General Intelligence and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), and General Awareness (history, polity, geography, economy, science and current affairs).
Quantitative Aptitude Topics
The calculation-heavy core of both tiers. Algebra and Geometry carry extra weight in Tier 2.
- check_circleNumber System and Simplification
- check_circlePercentage, Profit and Loss
- check_circleSimple and Compound Interest
- check_circleRatio, Proportion and Mixture
- check_circleTime, Speed and Distance
- check_circleTime and Work
- check_circleGeometry and Mensuration
- check_circleTrigonometry
- check_circleAlgebra
- check_circleData Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts)
English Language Topics
Tested in Tier 1 and again, at greater length, in Tier 2, where English is the largest section.
- check_circleReading Comprehension
- check_circleCloze Test
- check_circleError Detection and Correction
- check_circleSentence Improvement
- check_circleSynonyms and Antonyms
- check_circleIdioms and Phrases
- check_circleOne-Word Substitution
- check_circleActive and Passive Voice
- check_circleDirect and Indirect Speech
- check_circlePara Jumbles
General Intelligence & Reasoning Topics
- check_circleAnalogy (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
- check_circleSeries (Number, Letter, Figure)
- check_circleCoding-Decoding
- check_circleBlood Relations
- check_circleDirection and Distance
- check_circlePuzzle and Seating Arrangement
- check_circleSyllogism
- check_circleMatrix and Venn Diagrams
- check_circleCritical Thinking
Questions from this exact syllabus. No signup.
General Awareness Topics
The one subject you cannot cram in the last month. Current affairs coverage runs on the last 6 months.
- check_circleIndian History and Culture
- check_circleIndian Polity and Constitution
- check_circleIndian and World Geography
- check_circleIndian Economy
- check_circleScience and Technology
- check_circleCurrent Affairs (last 6 months)
- check_circleSports and Awards
- check_circleStatic GK
Which Subject Appears in Which Tier
Tier 1 spreads 100 questions evenly across the four subjects. Tier 2 Paper I reweights them.
Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematical Abilities
Tier 1
25 questions, 50 marks
Tier 2 Paper I
30 questions, 90 marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Tier 1
25 questions, 50 marks
Tier 2 Paper I
30 questions, 90 marks
English Comprehension / Language
Tier 1
25 questions, 50 marks
Tier 2 Paper I
45 questions, 135 marks
General Awareness / General & Financial Awareness
Tier 1
25 questions, 50 marks
Tier 2 Paper I
25 questions, 75 marks
Computer Knowledge Module
Tier 1
not tested
Tier 2 Paper I
20 questions, 60 marks
| Subject | Tier 1 | Tier 2 Paper I |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematical Abilities | 25 questions, 50 marks | 30 questions, 90 marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 questions, 50 marks | 30 questions, 90 marks |
| English Comprehension / Language | 25 questions, 50 marks | 45 questions, 135 marks |
| General Awareness / General & Financial Awareness | 25 questions, 50 marks | 25 questions, 75 marks |
| Computer Knowledge Module | not tested | 20 questions, 60 marks |
English Decides Tier 2 Ranks
At 135 marks, English Language and Comprehension is the largest single section in Tier 2 Paper I, bigger than Maths or Reasoning. Candidates who treat English as a side subject in Tier 1 usually discover this too late. Weight your reading list accordingly from month one.
Check the Official Notification for Your Cycle
SSC revises structure and section details between cycles. Treat this page as the study map and the official notification on ssc.gov.in as the legal document. Download it when your cycle opens and read the syllabus annexure once, fully.
SSC CGL Syllabus FAQs
Is the SSC CGL syllabus the same for Tier 1 and Tier 2?expand_more
The subjects overlap heavily but the depth differs. Tier 1 tests Quant, English, Reasoning and General Awareness at 25 questions each. Tier 2 Paper I retests Maths, Reasoning and English at a harder level, adds General and Financial Awareness, and includes a Computer Knowledge module.
Which subjects carry the most marks in SSC CGL?expand_more
In Tier 1 all four sections are equal at 50 marks each. In Tier 2 Paper I, English Language and Comprehension is the largest section at 135 marks, followed by Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning at 90 marks each.
How much current affairs does SSC CGL ask?expand_more
General Awareness draws current affairs from roughly the last 6 months before the exam, alongside static topics like history, polity, geography, economy and science.
Is there a separate syllabus for Statistics or Finance posts?expand_more
Yes. Paper II (Statistics) and Paper III (Finance and Economics) in Tier 2 are role-specific papers for particular posts. Paper I is mandatory for everyone.
Next steps
- Exam Patternarrow_forward
- Books & Study Materialarrow_forward
- Preparationarrow_forward
- SSC CGL Guidearrow_forward
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