SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer Based Test)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: –0.50 for each wrong answer
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Classification, Analogy
- Series (Number, Alphabet, Figure)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relation, Direction Test
- Ranking, Order Puzzle
- Syllogism, Venn Diagram
- Cube & Dice, Mirror Image, Water Image
- Paper Folding, Embedded Figures
- Missing Numbers, Matrix
2. General Awareness
- History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (India & World)
- Polity & Constitution
- Economy & Finance (Basics, Schemes, Budget)
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
- Awards, Sports, Books & Authors
- Govt. Schemes & Policies
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System, HCF, LCM
- Simplification, Approximation
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Average, Profit & Loss, Discount
- SI & CI, Partnership
- Time, Work, Pipes & Cistern
- Time, Speed & Distance (Boats & Trains)
- Algebra (Basic & Advanced)
- Geometry & Mensuration (2D & 3D)
- Trigonometry (Heights & Distances)
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Table)
4. English Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension (Passages)
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
Important Notes for Tier 1
- It is qualifying + screening (marks considered only for cut-off, Tier 2 decides final merit).
- Speed + Accuracy are key (since only 60 minutes for 100 questions)
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Exam Pattern (Latest Structure)
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Papers in Tier 2:
- Paper I – Compulsory for all posts
- Paper II (Statistics) – Only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post
- Paper III (Finance & Economics) – Only for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) / Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO/ACO) posts
- Negative Marking:
- –0.25 marks for English
- –0.50 marks for Maths, Reasoning, General Awareness, Computer
Paper I (Compulsory for All Posts)
Sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)
- Reasoning & General Intelligence
- English Language & Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge Module
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) – for Tax Assistant posts
Paper I is mandatory for all candidates.
Paper II – Statistics (Only for JSO Post)
Topics Covered:
- Collection & Representation of Data
- Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion
- Correlation & Regression
- Probability Theory
- Random Variables & Distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal)
- Sampling Theory
- Statistical Inference (Hypothesis Testing, Confidence Intervals)
- Time Series Analysis
- Index Numbers
Paper III – Finance & Economics (Only for AAO/ACO Posts)
Finance & Accounts (40 Marks)
- Basic Accounting Principles
- Single & Double Entry System
- Rectification of Errors
- Journal, Ledger, Trial Balance
- Trading, Profit & Loss Account, Balance Sheet
Economics & Governance (60 Marks)
- Basic Concepts of Micro & Macro Economics
- Demand & Supply, Market Structures
- National Income Accounting
- Money & Banking, Inflation
- Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy
- Indian Economy (Post-independence, Planning, Liberalization)
- Government Schemes, Role of RBI, IMF, WTO
Skill Tests (Post-Specific)
- DEST (Data Entry Speed Test): Required for Tax Assistant posts
- CPT (Computer Proficiency Test): Required for CSS, MEA, Inspector posts (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
In Short
- Paper I → Mandatory for all posts (Maths + Reasoning + English + GA + Computer + DEST)
- Paper II → Only for candidates applying for JSO
- Paper III → Only for candidates applying for AAO/ACO
Why a 30-Day Plan Works
Before we jump into daily routines and topics, let’s be honest—30 days isn’t a long time. But with focus and smart planning, it’s enough to revise, strengthen, and master all SSC exam topics.
Here’s why this approach works:
- Structured Learning: You know exactly what to study each day. No confusion, no wasting time.
- Balanced Approach: Combines concepts, practice, and revision.
- Mock Tests & Analysis: Helps you identify weak points and fix them fast.
- Mental Prep: Builds your confidence and exam temperament, not just knowledge.
Remember: It’s not about studying more; it’s about studying smart.
Week 1 (Day 1-7): Foundation & Speed Building
This week is all about laying a strong base. Think of it as building the foundation of a house—without a solid base, everything else wobbles. Focus on basic topics, strengthen concepts, and start building speed.
Quantitative Aptitude – What to Focus On
- Number System: Understand types of numbers, divisibility rules, and remainders. Practice small and large numbers.
- HCF & LCM: Learn shortcuts like prime factorization and division methods.
- Simplification: Master the BODMAS rule; try solving problems mentally wherever possible.
- Percentage: Practice profit, loss, and percentage problems. Learn to convert fractions, percentages, and ratios quickly.
- Profit & Loss: Focus on real-life examples—shopping, discounts, and sales.
Pro Tip: Solve 50 questions daily from previous year papers. This builds confidence and speed.
Reasoning
- Series: Both numerical and alphabetic. Look for patterns, differences, or ratios.
- Coding-Decoding: Start with simple letter/number codes and move to complex patterns.
- Blood Relation: Draw family trees—visualization makes it easier.
- Odd One Out: Practice spotting patterns in numbers, letters, and figures.
Pro Tip: Solve reasoning puzzles for 20–30 minutes daily—it’s like a mental workout!
English
- Reading Comprehension: Underline keywords, focus on main ideas, and practice inference questions.
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Learn 10 new words daily and write them in sentences.
- Spot the Error: Focus on grammar basics—tenses, subject-verb agreement, and prepositions.
Pro Tip: Keep a vocabulary notebook. Revisiting words daily helps retention.
General Awareness
- Polity Basics: Learn about the Constitution, Parliament, and Fundamental Rights.
- Current Affairs: Make a small note daily; this makes revision painless.
Daily Routine for Week 1
- Solve 50 PYQs per subject.
- Watch concept videos at 1.5x speed for weak areas.
- Add 10 new words to your vocabulary notebook.
Tip: Avoid switching topics too often—focus on one subject at a time for better concentration.
Week 2 (Day 8-14): Cover Everything Once
Week 2 is about touching every topic in the syllabus at least once. Think of it as a first round of coverage—you don’t need perfection yet, just familiarity.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Ratio & Proportion: Solve problems on partnerships, mixtures, and daily-life examples.
- Average: Use shortcuts for faster calculations.
- Simple & Compound Interest: Focus on shortcuts and quick calculations.
- Time, Speed, Distance & Time & Work: Practice unit conversions and word problems.
Reasoning
- Calendar & Clock: Learn day-date calculations and angles.
- Syllogism: Use diagrams—it’s easier to visualize.
- Venn Diagram: Practice sets and overlaps.
English
- Cloze Test: Focus on context clues to fill blanks.
- Sentence Improvement: Pay attention to grammar and sentence flow.
- Idioms & Phrases: Learn common idioms and use them in your notebook.
General Awareness
- History (Ancient & Medieval): Focus on important rulers, dynasties, and events.
- Current Affairs: Highlight government policies and national events.
Daily Tasks
- Revise Week 1 topics.
- Solve 50 questions per topic from PYQs.
- Mock Test on Day 10—treat it like the real exam.
- Maintain Error Log.
Tip: Spend 3 hours on Quant, 2 hours on Reasoning & English, and 1 hour on GA daily.
Week 3 (Day 15-21): Mastery & Mixed Practice
Now that you know the syllabus, it’s time to master tricky topics and practice mixed questions.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Geometry & Mensuration: Focus on triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, and 3D shapes.
- Algebra & Basic Trigonometry: Solve equations, inequalities, and simple trigonometric problems.
Reasoning
- Puzzle & Seating Arrangement: Practice linear, circular, and complex puzzles.
- Statement & Conclusion: Focus on logical reasoning.
- Analogy: Both verbal and figure-based analogies.
English
- Para Jumbles: Look for connectors and sentence flow.
- Voice & Narration: Practice active-passive and direct-indirect speech.
General Awareness
- Geography & Science: Cover basics of physical geography and general science.
- Current Affairs: Focus on awards, national & international events.
Daily Routine
- Mixed PYQ sets practice.
- Revise formulas and shortcuts daily.
- Mock Tests: Day 15 & Day 20.
Tip: Time yourself while solving questions. Accuracy is more important than attempting more questions.
Week 4 (Day 22-28): Intensive Revision & Mock Drills
This week is all about polishing, revising, and practicing under exam conditions.
Tasks
- Solve 2 full sets daily in Quant & Reasoning (60 questions each).
- English: 2 Reading Comprehensions + 2 Cloze Tests daily.
- GA: Complete revision + current affairs recap.
- Mock Tests on Day 22, 24, 26, and 28.
Tip: Focus on time management, analyze mistakes, and strengthen weak areas.
Day 29-30: Final Revision & Confidence Boost
The last two days are about calm, confidence, and final polish.
Tasks
- Revise short notes, formulas, GA, vocabulary, and error log.
- Lightly revisit mistakes from previous mocks.
- No new topics.
- Day 30: Final mock test, meditation, and good sleep.
Tip: Trust your preparation. Stay relaxed, eat well, and visualize success.
Mock Test Strategy
- Take full-length mock tests every 3–4 days.
- Simulate real exam conditions.
- Focus on time management and accuracy.
- Analyze errors and adjust strategy.
Revision Strategy
- Revise short notes and formulas daily.
- Go through error log before each mock.
- Avoid new topics last minute.
- Focus on weak topics and improve speed.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring weak topics—address them first.
- Over-practicing—balance practice with revision.
- Poor time management—practice with timers.
- Skipping error analysis—always review mistakes.
- Last-minute cramming—focus on revision & confidence.
Using Sankalp Institute Books (Topic-wise)
| Subject | Topic | Sankalp Book / Material | Task |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number System & Simplification | Sankalp Number System & Simplification Book | Read concepts + solve exercises |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Percentage, Ratio & Proportion | Sankalp Percentages & Ratio Notes | Learn formulas + practice questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Profit, Loss & Discount | Sankalp Profit, Loss & Discount Book | Concept study + exercises |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Time, Work & Speed | Sankalp Time, Work & Speed Module | Timed practice exercises |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Algebra & Geometry | Sankalp Algebra & Geometry Notes | Concepts + problem-solving |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Mensuration & Trigonometry | Sankalp Mensuration & Trigonometry Notes | Timed exercises + examples |
| Reasoning | Classification & Analogy | Sankalp Reasoning Module 1 | Learn patterns + solve exercises |
| Reasoning | Series & Coding-Decoding | Sankalp Coding-Decoding Book | Practice + update error log |
| Reasoning | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | Sankalp Puzzles Module | Solve examples + note tricky questions |
| Reasoning | Syllogism & Venn Diagram | Sankalp Advanced Reasoning Notes | Timed exercises from Sankalp worksheets |
| Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Sankalp Non-Verbal Reasoning Book | Visual puzzles + exercises |
| English | Grammar Basics | Sankalp English Grammar Notes | Study rules + exercises |
| English | Vocabulary & Synonyms/Antonyms | Sankalp Vocabulary Notes | Daily practice + word retention |
| English | Reading Comprehension | Sankalp Reading Comprehension Book | Solve passages + track mistakes |
| English | Cloze Test & Error Spotting | Sankalp English Practice Book | Exercises + review grammar shortcuts |
| General Awareness | History, Polity, Geography | Sankalp GK Book | Read notes + solve MCQs |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs | Sankalp Current Affairs Module | Revise last 6 months + MCQs |
| General Awareness | Economics & Science | Sankalp Economics & Science Notes | Concept learning + exercises |
| Revision & Practice | Formulas & Shortcuts | Sankalp Formula & Shortcut Sheet | Quick revision + exercises |
| Mock Tests | Full-Length Tier 1 Test | Sankalp Full-Length Mock Tests | Simulate exam conditions + review errors |
| Error Log | Weak Areas & Mistakes | Sankalp Exercises & Mock Tests | Track and practice problem areas |
Conclusion
With this 30-day plan, you can cover the entire SSC syllabus efficiently while practicing smartly. Stick to the plan, maintain consistency, and don’t panic. Remember: your mindset is as important as your preparation.
- Build a strong foundation.
- Practice with discipline.
- Revise strategically.
- Take mocks seriously.
With determination and focus, success in SSC exams is within your reach. Believe in yourself, follow this roadmap, and give your best every single day.