SSC CGL Syllabus 2025: Complete Tier‑Wise Topics & Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) Examination is one of the most competitive government exams in India, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment into Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts in various ministries and departments. If you are preparing for this prestigious exam, here is the complete SSC CGL syllabus 2025 with exam pattern, subject-wise topic details, books, PDF, and expert preparation tips.

SSC CGL 2025: Exam Overview

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination
Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam Stages	Tier 1 (Pre), Tier 2 (Mains), DEST/CPT (Skill Test)
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Eligibility	Graduation in any discipline
Official Website	ssc.nic.in

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50	60 minutes
General Awareness	25	50
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
English Comprehension	25	50
Total	100	200

Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Paper	Subjects	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Paper I	Quant + Reasoning + English + GK + Computer + DEST	135 + DEST	390 + Qualifying	2 hrs 30 min
Paper II	Statistics (for JSO post)	100	200	2 hrs
Paper III	Finance and Economics (for AAO post)	100	200	2 hrs

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2025 (Subject-Wise Detailed Topics)

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

Topics	Description
Analogy	Relationship-based questions (word, letter, number).
Classification	Odd one out based on category or pattern.
Series	Completion or missing number/letter/figure series.
Coding-Decoding	Letter substitution, symbolic logic.
Blood Relations	Family tree, coded relations.
Direction Test	Distance, direction, and angle-based reasoning.
Venn Diagrams	Set-based reasoning with logical interpretation.
Syllogism	Statement and conclusion-based logic.

2. General Awareness

Topics	Description
History	Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian history.
Geography	Physical & Indian geography, rivers, climate.
Polity	Constitution, Indian Parliament, governance.
Economy	Basic economic terms, Budget, RBI roles.
General Science	Physics, Chemistry, Biology (class 10 level).
Current Affairs	Events of national and international importance.

3. Quantitative Aptitude

Topics	Description
Number System	Divisibility, LCM, HCF, BODMAS.
Percentage	Increase/decrease calculations, conversion.
Ratio & Proportion	Comparative ratios, direct & inverse proportion.
Simple & Compound Interest	Year-on-year interest calculations.
Time, Speed, Distance	Relative speed, trains, boats.
Algebra	Equations, identities, factorization.
Geometry & Mensuration	Areas, volumes, angles, properties.

4. English Comprehension

Topics	Description
Reading Comprehension	Passage-based Q&A.
Cloze Test	Passage with missing words.
Error Spotting	Grammar-based corrections.
Fill in the Blanks	Contextual vocabulary.
Antonyms/Synonyms	Word knowledge.
One-word Substitution	Phrase replaced with a single word.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus

Paper I – Compulsory for All Posts

Subject	Key Topics Covered
Quantitative Aptitude (Advanced)	Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, Number System, Arithmetic
Reasoning	High-level puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism
English Language	Advanced Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Improvement, Vocabulary, Grammar
General Awareness	Government Schemes, Union Budget, Economic Affairs, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
Computer Knowledge	Basics of Computers, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, Email, Cyber Safety
DEST (Typing Test)	2000 key depressions in 15 minutes in English (Qualifying only)

Paper II – Statistics (Only for Junior Statistical Officer)

Topic	Subtopics
Data Representation & Tabulation	Graphs, Charts, Frequency Tables, Diagrams
Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion	Mean, Median, Mode, Range, Standard Deviation, Variance
Correlation and Regression	Karl Pearson’s Coefficient, Spearman’s Rank, Linear Regression
Probability and Distribution	Basic Probability Theories, Binomial, Poisson, Normal Distribution
Sampling and Estimation	Sampling Techniques, Population vs Sample, Point and Interval Estimation

Paper III – General Studies (Only for Assistant Audit Officer)

Section	Topics Covered
Finance	Fundamental Accounting Principles, Bookkeeping, Budgeting, Financial Management, Cost Control
Economics	Microeconomics: Demand, Supply, Market Structures Macroeconomics: National Income, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Planning in India, Economic Reforms, Inflation, External Sector (Exports/Imports), Balance of Payments

SSC CGL Tier 3 – Descriptive Paper (Offline)

• Mode: Pen & Paper (Offline)

• Type: Descriptive (Essay, Letter, Application, Precis)

• Language: English or Hindi (only one)

• Marks: 100

• Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for PwD)

• Purpose: Tests writing skills for official communication

• Included in Merit: Yes (qualifying + counted for final selection)

Note: Minimum qualifying marks (usually 33%) required to stay eligible.

DEST/CPT (Skill Test) – SSC CGL Tier 4

The DEST (Data Entry Skill Test) and CPT (Computer Proficiency Test) are part of SSC CGL Tier 4. These are qualifying in nature and mandatory for specific posts. However, the marks obtained in these tests are not included in the final merit list.

Skill Test Overview

Test	Full Form	Applicable Posts	Nature	Qualification Criteria
DEST	Data Entry Skill Test	Tax Assistant (CBDT & CBIC)	Qualifying	2000 key depressions in 15 minutes
CPT	Computer Proficiency Test	Assistant Section Officer (CSS, MEA, etc.)	Qualifying	Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

DEST (Data Entry Skill Test)

• Objective: Tests typing speed and accuracy.
• Format: English passage typing.
• Duration: 15 minutes.
• Requirement: Minimum 2000 key depressions (~27 words per minute).
• Software: Conducted on SSC’s custom software platform.
• Applicable for: Tax Assistant posts in CBDT and CBIC.

CPT (Computer Proficiency Test)

• Objective: To assess basic computer application skills.
• Sections:
  • Word Processing: Typing and formatting a document in MS Word.
  • Spreadsheet: Creating and editing Excel sheets with formulas.
  • Slide Generation: Making PowerPoint presentations.
• Applicable for: ASO (CSS, MEA) and Assistant posts in AFHQ, Ministry of Railways, etc.

Important Points

• Both DEST and CPT are mandatory but qualifying.
• Candidates failing these will not be eligible for the respective posts.
• PWD candidates may be exempted as per SSC guidelines.

Download SSC CGL Syllabus PDF

To get the official SSC CGL syllabus PDF, follow the steps:

• Visit the official website – ssc.nic.in
• Go to Candidate’s Corner > Syllabus
• Click on SSC CGL to download the updated PDF

Best Books for SSC CGL 2025 Preparation

Subject	Book	Author/Publisher
Reasoning	A Modern Approach to Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal
General Awareness	Lucent’s GK	Lucent
Quantitative Aptitude	Fast Track Arithmetic	Rajesh Verma
English	Objective General English	S.P. Bakshi
Statistics	Fundamentals of Statistics	S.C. Gupta
Finance & Economics	Indian Economy	Ramesh Singh

Preparation Tips for SSC CGL 2025

• Make a subject-wise study plan.
• Practice with mock tests and previous year papers.
• Focus on your weak areas and revise regularly.
• Read newspapers and GK capsules for current affairs.
• Practice typing for DEST and CPT (skill test).

Specializations for Different SSC CGL Posts

Post	Specialization
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)	Finance and Economics
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)	Statistics and Maths
Other Posts	General (Quant, Reasoning, English, GK)

Conclusion

The SSC CGL 2025 syllabus is vast but manageable with a smart strategy and the right resources. Covering all subject-wise topics thoroughly and regularly practicing mocks can significantly boost your chances of selection. Stay updated with current affairs, polish your conceptual clarity, and maintain speed with accuracy in practice sessions.

Prepare well, stay focused, and aim high!