This article will help you understand the syllabus for the SSC CGL, know the full examination pattern, and include an exclusive 30-day strategy for candidates preparing for this examination. This strategy can assist anybody who is a first-time candidate or an existing candidate who has not been successful over the past two to three years. The SSC CGL is a big test with a lot of content. In addition, we provide targeted study strategies and give you time management tips so that you can efficiently utilize the time allotted to complete your preparation and achieve success.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| 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
| Chapter | Question Types |
|---|---|
| Classification | Word Based, Number Based, Alphabet Based, Alphanumeric, Figure Based |
| Analogy | Word Analogy, Number Analogy, Alphabet Analogy, Alphanumeric Analogy, Figure Analogy |
| Series | Number Series (Missing, Wrong, Arithmetic, Mixed), Alphabet Series (Single, Double, Reverse), Alphanumeric Series, Figure Series |
| Coding–Decoding | Letter Coding, Number Coding, Letter–Number Coding, Symbol Coding, Substitution Coding, Matrix Coding |
| Blood Relation | Direct Relation, Indirect Relation, Puzzle Based, Coded Blood Relation |
| Direction Sense Test | Simple Direction, Distance & Direction, Mixed Direction, Shadow Based |
| Ranking & Order Test | Height Based, Age Based, Marks Based, Left–Right Position, Top–Bottom Order |
| Seating Arrangement / Puzzle | Linear Arrangement, Circular Arrangement, Double Row, Floor Based, Box / Shelf Puzzle |
| Syllogism | Traditional, Venn Diagram Based, Statement–Conclusion, Either–Or, Possibility Based |
| Venn Diagram | Two Set, Three Set, Multiple Set, Coded Venn Diagram |
| Cube & Dice | Dice Numbering, Opposite Faces, Adjacent Faces, Cube Painting, Cube Cutting |
| Mirror Image | Figure Based, Alphabet / Number Based |
| Water Image | Figure Based, Vertical Reflection |
| Paper Folding & Cutting | Paper Folding, Paper Cutting, Hole Punch, Shape Based |
| Embedded Figures | Simple, Complex, Hidden Figures |
| Missing Number | Arithmetic Logic, Matrix Based, Figure Based, Mixed Logic |
| Matrix Reasoning | 2×2 Matrix, 3×3 Matrix, Number Matrix, Figure Matrix |
| Mathematical Operations | Symbol Replacement, Equation Balancing, Incorrect Equation |
| Statement Based Reasoning | Statement–Conclusion, Statement–Assumption |
2. General Awareness
| Chapter | Topics / Question Types |
|---|---|
| History | Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History, Indian National Movement, Important Dynasties, Governor-General & Viceroys |
| Geography | Physical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, Climate, Rivers & Dams, Soil, Minerals, Agriculture |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles, Parliament, President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court, Panchayati Raj |
| Indian Economy | Basic Economics, National Income, Budget, Five Year Plans, Banking & Finance, Inflation, Poverty & Unemployment, Economic Reforms |
| General Science | Physics (Motion, Heat, Light, Electricity), Chemistry (Matter, Acid-Base, Metals, Carbon), Biology (Cell, Plant, Human Body, Diseases) |
| Environment & Ecology | Ecosystem, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Wildlife Conservation, National Parks & Sanctuaries |
| Static GK | Countries–Capitals–Currencies, National Symbols, Awards & Honours, Books & Authors, Important Days, Sports, Festivals |
| Current Affairs | National Current Affairs, International Current Affairs, Government Schemes, Appointments, Summits, Reports & Indexes |
| Indian Culture | Art & Architecture, Dance Forms, Music, Paintings, Languages, Religions |
| Defence & Security | Missiles, Military Exercises, Defence Organisations, Ranks & Commands |
| Space & Technology | ISRO Missions, Space Programs, Satellites, Computer Basics, IT & AI Awareness |
| Government Schemes | Central Government Schemes, State Government Schemes, Ministry-wise Schemes |
| Miscellaneous GK | Superlatives, Inventions & Discoveries, Famous Personalities, Important Places |
3. Quantitative Aptitude
| Chapter | Topics / Question Types |
|---|---|
| Number System | Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational & Irrational Numbers, LCM & HCF, Divisibility Rules, Remainders |
| Simplification | BODMAS, Fractions & Decimals, Square & Cube, Approximation |
| Percentage | Percentage Basics, Increase–Decrease, Successive Percentage |
| Profit & Loss | Profit, Loss, Discount, Marked Price, Successive Discount |
| Simple Interest & Compound Interest | SI, CI, Difference between SI & CI |
| Ratio & Proportion | Ratio, Proportion, Partnership, Mixture |
| Average | Simple Average, Weighted Average, Age Based Problems |
| Time & Work | Work Efficiency, Pipes & Cisterns, Work–Wages |
| Time, Speed & Distance | Speed, Distance, Time, Trains, Boats & Streams |
| Algebra | Linear Equations, Identities, Polynomials, Quadratic Equations |
| Geometry | Lines & Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons |
| Mensuration (2D) | Area & Perimeter of Triangle, Square, Rectangle, Circle |
| Mensuration (3D) | Cube, Cuboid, Cylinder, Cone, Sphere |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances |
| Coordinate Geometry | Distance Formula, Section Formula |
| Data Interpretation | Table, Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph |
| Data Sufficiency | Question Based on Sufficiency of Data |
| Probability | Basic Probability |
| Permutation & Combination | Basic P&C Concepts |
4. English Comprehension
| Chapter | Topics / Question Types |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases, Foreign Words, Root Words, Prefix–Suffix, Homonyms, Homophones, Synonym Phrases |
| Spelling | Correct Spelling, Incorrect Spelling, Commonly Confused Spellings |
| Grammar – Parts of Speech | Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection |
| Tense | Present Tense, Past Tense, Future Tense, Sequence of Tenses |
| Subject–Verb Agreement | Singular–Plural Rules, Collective Nouns, Either–Or / Neither–Nor Rules |
| Articles | Definite Article, Indefinite Article, Omission of Articles |
| Prepositions | Use of Prepositions, Incorrect Preposition Correction |
| Conjunctions | Coordinating, Subordinating, Correlative Conjunctions |
| Modals | Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Should, Would, Ought To |
| Voice | Active Voice, Passive Voice, Tense Based Voice Change |
| Narration | Direct Speech, Indirect Speech, Statements, Questions, Commands, Exclamations |
| Error Detection | Spotting Errors, Sentence Correction, Phrase Correction |
| Sentence Improvement | Phrase Replacement, Sentence Rewriting |
| Fill in the Blanks | Single Blank, Double Blank, Grammar Based, Vocabulary Based |
| Cloze Test | Grammar Cloze Test, Vocabulary Cloze Test, Mixed Cloze Test |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence Rearrangement, Paragraph Completion |
| Reading Comprehension | Factual Questions, Vocabulary Based, Synonym–Antonym, Inference Based, Tone of Passage |
| Sentence Completion | Appropriate Word, Appropriate Phrase |
| Word Usage | Correct Usage, Context Based Usage |
| Confusing Words | Affect–Effect, Its–It’s, Then–Than, Lose–Loose |
| Phrase & Idiom Usage | Context Based Idiom Usage |
| Miscellaneous Grammar | Change of Degree, Transformation of Sentences |
| Punctuation | Use of Comma, Full Stop, Colon, Semicolon, Apostrophe |
| Voice & Narration Mixed | Mixed Practice Questions |
| Passage Based Grammar | Grammar Questions from Passage |
| Ordering of Words | Sentence Formation |
| Ordering of Phrases | Logical Arrangement |
Important Notes for Tier 1
The Tier I examination of the SSC (Staff Selection Commission) for Graduate Level (CGL) is a test whose sole purpose is to screen applicants out of the pool of applicants. All marks attained will only be considered for determining the CUT OFF. The final merit list of all applicants will be based upon their performance in the Tier 2 examination. As the Tier 1 examination will be conducted for 100 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, capturing both speed and accuracy while answering questions is critical to achieving any success.SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Papers in Tier 2 | Paper I – Compulsory for all posts Paper II (Statistics) – Only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Paper III (Finance & Economics) – Only for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO/ACO) |
| 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 |
| Mandatory | Paper I is mandatory for all candidates |
SSC CGL Paper–II – Statistics (JSO)
| Chapter | Topics / Question Types |
|---|---|
| Collection of Data | Primary Data, Secondary Data, Census Method, Sampling Method, Sources of Data |
| Presentation & Representation of Data | Tabulation, Frequency Distribution, Histogram, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart, Ogive, Line Diagram |
| Measures of Central Tendency | Arithmetic Mean, Geometric Mean, Harmonic Mean, Median, Mode, Weighted Mean |
| Measures of Dispersion | Range, Quartile Deviation, Mean Deviation, Standard Deviation, Variance, Coefficient of Variation |
| Moments & Skewness | Moments, Skewness, Kurtosis |
| Correlation | Simple Correlation, Karl Pearson’s Coefficient, Spearman’s Rank Correlation, Scatter Diagram |
| Regression | Regression Lines, Regression Coefficients, Properties of Regression |
| Probability Theory | Classical Probability, Addition Theorem, Multiplication Theorem, Conditional Probability, Bayes’ Theorem |
| Random Variables | Discrete Random Variable, Continuous Random Variable, Probability Mass Function, Probability Density Function |
| Mathematical Expectation | Expectation, Variance, Moments |
| Probability Distributions | Binomial Distribution, Poisson Distribution, Normal Distribution |
| Sampling Theory | Sampling Methods, Sampling Distribution, Standard Error |
| Statistical Inference | Estimation, Point Estimation, Interval Estimation |
| Hypothesis Testing | Null Hypothesis, Alternative Hypothesis, Type-I & Type-II Errors, Level of Significance |
| Tests of Significance | Z-Test, t-Test, Chi-Square Test, F-Test |
| Confidence Intervals | Confidence Interval for Mean, Proportion, Variance |
| Time Series Analysis | Components of Time Series, Trend, Seasonal Variation, Cyclical Variation, Irregular Variation |
| Index Numbers | Simple Index, Weighted Index, Laspeyres Index, Paasche Index, Fisher’s Ideal Index, Cost of Living Index |
| Interpolation & Extrapolation | Newton’s Forward & Backward Formula, Binomial Expansion Method |
| Association of Attributes | Contingency Table, Yule’s Coefficient |
| Statistical Quality Control | Control Charts, Process Control |
| Miscellaneous Statistics | Numerical Problems, Short Answer Concepts |
Paper III – Finance & Economics (Only for AAO/ACO Posts)
| Section | Chapter | Topics / Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounts (40 Marks) | Basic Accounting Principles | Accounting Concepts & Conventions, Capital & Revenue, Depreciation |
| Single Entry System | Meaning, Features, Preparation of Accounts | |
| Double Entry System | Rules of Debit & Credit, Accounting Equation | |
| Journal | Journal Entries, Opening Entries, Adjustment Entries | |
| Ledger | Ledger Posting, Balancing of Accounts | |
| Trial Balance | Preparation, Errors in Trial Balance | |
| Rectification of Errors | One-Sided Errors, Two-Sided Errors, Suspense Account | |
| Trading Account | Gross Profit, Cost of Goods Sold | |
| Profit & Loss Account | Net Profit, Operating & Non-Operating Items | |
| Balance Sheet | Assets & Liabilities, Capital Structure | |
| Depreciation | Straight Line Method, Written Down Value Method | |
| Bills of Exchange | Drawing, Acceptance, Endorsement, Dishonour | |
| Final Accounts | Adjustments, Closing Entries | |
| Economics & Governance (60 Marks) | Basic Economic Concepts | Micro Economics, Macro Economics, Economic Systems |
| Demand & Supply | Law of Demand, Law of Supply, Elasticity | |
| Market Structures | Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly | |
| National Income Accounting | GDP, GNP, NNP, Methods of Measuring National Income | |
| Money & Banking | Functions of Money, Commercial Banks, Central Bank | |
| Inflation | Causes, Types, Effects, Control Measures | |
| Fiscal Policy | Taxation, Public Expenditure, Deficit Financing | |
| Monetary Policy | Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, CRR, SLR | |
| Indian Economy | Post-Independence Economy, Five Year Plans | |
| Economic Reforms | Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization | |
| Government Schemes | Flagship Schemes, Social Sector Schemes | |
| Role of RBI | Monetary Control, Credit Control | |
| International Organizations | IMF, World Bank, WTO | |
| Governance | Budget, Economic Survey, Sustainable Development | |
| Current Economic Issues | Growth, Employment, Poverty, Inclusive Development |
Skill Tests (Post-Specific)
| Skill Test | Applicable Posts | Topics / Tasks Covered |
|---|---|---|
| DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) | Tax Assistant (CBIC, CBDT) | Data Entry on Computer, Key Depression Speed Test, Numeric & Alphabetic Entry, Accuracy Checking |
| CPT – Word | CSS, MEA, Inspector Posts | Typing & Formatting, Paragraph Formatting, Page Setup, Headers & Footers, Tables, Find & Replace |
| CPT – Excel | CSS, MEA, Inspector Posts | Spreadsheet Basics, Cell Formatting, Basic Formulas, Functions (SUM, AVERAGE), Sorting & Filtering, Charts |
| CPT – PowerPoint | CSS, MEA, Inspector Posts | Slide Creation, Slide Design, Text & Image Insertion, Transitions, Animations, Presentation Formatting |
| CPT – General Computer Skills | CSS, MEA, Inspector Posts | File Management, Keyboard Shortcuts, Basic Computer Awareness |
Why a 30-Day Plan Works
The SSC Examination is a major benchmark in a person’s educational cycle. Before beginning any type of study plan for the SSC exam, it is important to understand how to manage your time effectively. Many people feel that they have already used up much of their time before the actual exam even begins, which is why practicing time management skills is essential. By understanding how to create and implement a study plan throughout the exam preparation process, and by working through the study material systematically, candidates can be successful in the SSC Examination.
When you first begin studying for the SSC Examination, you are likely to feel confident and excited about your ability to pass. However, after going through the syllabus and understanding the exam pattern, it may start to feel overwhelming. You may feel anxious and worried about how much time is left and how many things still need to be completed before the exam. In reality, if you develop a specific study plan that includes everything necessary to clear the exam, and if you set your goals based on a logical progression to achieve them, you can be successful.
| Week | Quantitative Aptitude | Reasoning | English & GA | Daily Routine / Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Day 1–7) | Number System, HCF & LCM, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss | Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation, Odd One Out | Reading Comprehension, Synonyms & Antonyms, Spot the Error, Polity Basics, Current Affairs | Solve 50 PYQs per subject; Watch concept videos 1.5x speed; Add 10 new words to vocab notebook |
| Week 2 (Day 8–14) | Ratio & Proportion, Average, Simple & Compound Interest, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work | Calendar & Clock, Syllogism, Venn Diagram | Cloze Test, Sentence Improvement, Idioms & Phrases, History (Ancient & Medieval), Current Affairs | Revise Week 1 topics; Solve 50 questions per topic from PYQs; Mock Test on Day 10; Maintain Error Log |
| Week 3 (Day 15–21) | Geometry & Mensuration, Algebra & Basic Trigonometry | Puzzle & Seating Arrangement, Statement & Conclusion, Analogy | Para Jumbles, Voice & Narration, Geography & Science, Current Affairs | Mixed PYQ sets practice; Revise formulas and shortcuts daily; Mock Tests: Day 15 & Day 20 |
| Week 4 (Day 22–28) | Solve 2 full sets daily (Quant) | Solve 2 full sets daily (Reasoning) | English: 2 RC + 2 Cloze Tests daily; GA: Complete revision + Current Affairs recap | Mock Tests: Day 22, 24, 26, 28; Focus on polishing, revision & exam simulation |
Day 29-30: Final Revision & Confidence Boost
The last two days are about calm, confidence, and final polish. During this phase of preparation, candidates need to concentrate on the revision and reinforcement of what they have already studied; therefore, no new topics should be introduced at this time. Candidates will continue to review the following: short notes; important formulas; general awareness facts; vocabulary; and their personal error log (the document they used to track errors made while completing tests). Candidates need to go back and review the mistakes made in previous mock exams to gain perspective on them; however, care must be taken to ensure that this review is done in a non-stressful manner (as stress will hinder performance). As new topics should not be introduced at this time, it is imperative that candidates work through assigned mock tests under actual testing conditions on a regular basis (allowing plenty of time for recovery after the test). Throughout this process, candidates will develop time management skills, learn to manage errors, and build their stamina for the actual exam. After completing every full-length mock exam, candidates should perform a detailed analysis of all errors in order to identify patterns and rectify them. Reviewing the formulas and short notes on a daily basis is an excellent way to remember all of the concepts. Candidates should also review the error log prior to each mock exam in order to avoid making the same errors repeatedly. There are many common mistakes that candidates can make, including failing to identify weak areas; practicing excessively without taking time to revise; managing time poorly; and not doing an analysis of how they made errors. Finally, one last mock test should be taken the day before the exam, and following it, candidates should meditate, relax and sleep well in order to stay calm and confident. Candidates should maintain a balanced approach to studying by combining revision, practice and mental discipline.
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 |
This 30-day plan will allow for a comprehensive study of the entire SSC syllabus and enable you to prepare effectively by having a strong base and strategizing your practice. It is essential to stay consistent and maintain all of your efforts throughout the course of this time period without allowing your stress level to detract from your positive outlook, which is equally as important as preparation. Create a solid foundation by practicing regularly and having a structured approach to revision, and your use of effective strategies to do so will result in success. Treat mock exams seriously, be sure to evaluate the mistakes you made and learn lessons from those evaluations.
If you exercise perseverance, dedication, and continual daily effort when pursuing the SSC exams, then success will be yours to achieve through belief in yourself, following the roadmap set out above, and putting forth your maximum effort!
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