The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in government departments. To excel in the exam, it's crucial to understand the syllabus in detail. In this blog, we’ll break down the SSC CGL syllabus for Tier-I and Tier-II examinations to help you focus your preparation.

SSC CGL Tier-I Syllabus

Tier-I is the first step in the SSC CGL selection process and comprises four sections, each testing different skills. The duration of the exam is 60 minutes, and each section carries 50 marks, making a total of 200 marks. The sections are:

  • General Intelligence & Reasoning
  • General Awareness
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • English Comprehension

Let's explore each section in detail.

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section assesses your logical and analytical reasoning abilities through verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions. Key topics include:

  • Analogies (Semantic, Symbolic/Number, Figural)
  • Classification (Semantic, Symbolic/Number, Figural)
  • Series (Semantic, Number, Figural)
  • Problem-Solving and Word Building
  • Coding-Decoding (Number/Letter coding, Symbolic coding)
  • Numerical and Symbolic Operations
  • Arithmetical Reasoning and Pattern Folding
  • Space Orientation & Visualization
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Figural Pattern Folding/Completion
  • Embedded Figures
  • Emotional and Social Intelligence
  • Critical Thinking

This section tests your ability to quickly process information and draw logical conclusions.

2. General Awareness

General Awareness (GA) evaluates your knowledge of the environment and its application to society. This section is often the game-changer because it covers a broad spectrum of subjects. Key topics include:

  • Current Affairs: Focus on the latest happenings, especially in India and its neighboring countries.
  • History, Geography, and Culture of India
  • Economics and General Policy
  • Scientific Research: Basic science and technology-related knowledge.

The questions are designed to test not only your theoretical knowledge but also your ability to apply what you know in real-life contexts.

3. Quantitative Aptitude

This section tests your mathematical ability and number sense. The questions are based on basic to intermediate level mathematics. Key topics include:

  • Number Systems (Computation of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers)
  • Arithmetic Operations (Percentages, Ratios, Square roots, Interest calculations, Time and Distance, etc.)
  • Algebra (Basic algebraic identities, Graphs of Linear Equations)
  • Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Tangents, Chords, Congruence and Similarity of Triangles)
  • Mensuration (Calculation of areas and volumes for different geometric shapes)
  • Trigonometry (Heights and distances, Trigonometric ratios, Complementary angles)
  • Data Interpretation (Bar diagrams, Pie charts, Frequency polygons)

Understanding these mathematical concepts is crucial to score well in this section.

4. English Comprehension

This section tests your grasp of the English language and comprehension abilities. Topics include:

  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitutions.
  • Grammar and Sentence Structure: Spotting errors, correcting sentences.
  • Reading Comprehension: A passage is given, followed by a series of questions based on the content.

This section checks your ability to understand and analyze English text, and it is an essential part of the SSC CGL Tier-I exam.

SSC CGL Tier-II Syllabus

The Tier-II examination of the SSC CGL consists of multiple papers that test candidates on a deeper level. The main sections of Tier-II include:

  1. Mathematical Abilities (Paper-I, Session-I)
  2. Reasoning and General Intelligence (Paper-I, Session-II)
  3. English Language and Comprehension (Paper-I, Section-II)
  4. General Awareness (Paper-I, Section-II)
  5. Computer Proficiency (Paper-I, Section-III)
  6. Statistics (Paper-II)

1. Mathematical Abilities (Module-I of Paper-I, Session-I)

This section has a more advanced syllabus compared to Tier-I. The key topics are:

  • Number Systems (Decimals, Fractions, Whole Numbers)
  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Distance, etc.)
  • Algebra (Surds, Linear Equations)
  • Geometry (Congruence, Similarity of Triangles, Circles, and Tangents)
  • Mensuration (Cylinders, Cones, Prisms, Pyramids, Spheres)
  • Trigonometry (Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances)
  • Statistics & Probability (Histograms, Mean, Median, Mode, Probability Calculations)

2. Reasoning and General Intelligence (Module-II of Paper-I, Session-II)

The topics in this module are a mix of verbal and non-verbal reasoning, similar to Tier-I but slightly more advanced. Topics include:

  • Semantic and Symbolic Analogy
  • Series and Classification
  • Pattern Folding
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Word Building
  • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

This section demands a higher level of logical thinking and the ability to interpret complex patterns.

3. English Language and Comprehension (Module-I of Paper-I, Section-II)

A more extensive section than in Tier-I, this module covers:

  • Advanced Vocabulary: Antonyms, Synonyms, and Homonyms
  • Grammar: Sentence correction, spotting errors
  • Reading Comprehension: Longer and more complex passages

This section will test your in-depth knowledge of English comprehension and expression.

4. General Awareness (Module-II of Paper-I, Section-II)

Similar to the GA section in Tier-I but with more emphasis on current events, Indian history, culture, geography, economic policies, and scientific research. The questions are designed to assess your understanding of current and historical events and their impact on society.

5. Computer Proficiency (Module-I of Paper-I, Section-III)

This section tests your basic computer knowledge, including:

  • Computer Fundamentals: CPU, input-output devices, memory, and operating systems.
  • Software: Basic use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Internet Usage and Cybersecurity

Computer skills are critical for certain posts under SSC CGL, and this module ensures candidates have the required knowledge.

6. Statistics (Paper-II)

For candidates opting for certain statistical posts, this paper includes:

  • Data Collection and Classification
  • Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion
  • Probability Theory
  • Sampling Theory
  • Correlation and Regression Analysis
  • Index Numbers and Time Series Analysis

This section involves advanced statistical concepts and requires a solid foundation in the subject.

Conclusion

The SSC CGL syllabus is vast and requires a strategic approach to preparation. Understanding the topics covered in each section and planning your study schedule accordingly can significantly improve your chances of success. Focus on the areas where you need improvement and stay updated on current affairs for the General Awareness section. With dedication and thorough preparation, cracking the SSC CGL exam is achievable.

Good luck with your preparations!