SSC CGL Syllabus: Complete Prelims and Mains Subject Wise Syllabus PDF
If you are preparing for SSC CGL exam, then first understand the syllabus properly. Many students start preparation without knowing the full syllabus, and later they get confused. SSC CGL paper is not very hard, but speed, accuracy, revision and mock test practice matter a lot.
SSC CGL Syllabus PDF is one of the most searched things by students because everyone wants the complete subject-wise syllabus in one place. In this article, I am sharing the full syllabus of Prelims and Mains in simple language.
The SSC CGL syllabus is mainly divided into Prelims and Mains. Prelims means Tier 1 and Mains means Tier 2. In Tier 1, you have to study four subjects: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English. In Tier 2 also these subjects are important, but the level becomes more detailed.
SSC CGL Prelims and Mains Syllabus: This guide includes Tier 1 syllabus, Tier 2 syllabus, Maths syllabus, English syllabus, Reasoning syllabus, GK GS syllabus, Computer syllabus, DEST and PDF download buttons.
In this article, I am sharing the SSC CGL Prelims and Mains syllabus in simple English. I have written it like a student-friendly guide, so you can easily understand what to study and what to revise.
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SSC CGL Exam Pattern: Prelims and Mains
Before reading the syllabus, understand the exam pattern. If you know the pattern, then syllabus becomes more clear. SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus is the first stage, and after that qualified students appear in SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus.
| Stage | Subjects / Modules | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 / Prelims | Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English | Objective type computer based exam |
| Tier 2 / Mains Paper 1 | Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and DEST | Objective type exam plus skill test module |
| Tier 2 / Paper 2 | Statistics | Only for selected statistical posts like JSO and Statistical Investigator |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern should be clear before starting preparation. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature for the next stage, but you should still take it seriously because without Tier 1 you cannot reach Mains. In Mains, your score becomes very important for final selection.
SSC CGL Prelims Syllabus: Tier 1 Full Syllabus
SSC CGL Prelims syllabus has four subjects. Each subject needs a different strategy. Reasoning needs speed, Maths needs practice, English needs grammar and vocabulary, and GK GS needs revision.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus Subject Wise: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension are the four main subjects of Prelims.
| Subject | What You Need |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | Logic, pattern, visual thinking and fast solving |
| General Awareness | Static GK, current affairs and basic general knowledge |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, advance maths and calculation speed |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, vocabulary, reading and sentence understanding |
SSC CGL Prelims Reasoning Syllabus
SSC CGL Reasoning syllabus is scoring if you practice daily. Reasoning questions are mostly based on logic, patterns, series, coding and visual understanding. This subject can increase your score very fast if you improve speed.
SSC CGL Reasoning Syllabus: This section is important for both Prelims and Mains because it checks your logic, pattern understanding, series solving and visual reasoning ability.
Important Topics in Prelims Reasoning
- Analogy
- Similarities and differences
- Space visualization
- Spatial orientation
- Problem solving
- Analysis and judgment
- Decision making
- Visual memory
- Discrimination and observation
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Figural classification
- Arithmetic number series
- Non-verbal series
- Coding and decoding
- Statement conclusion
- Syllogistic reasoning
- Semantic analogy
- Symbolic or number analogy
- Figural analogy
- Semantic classification
- Number classification
- Figural classification
- Semantic series
- Number series
- Figural series
- Word building
- Numerical operations
- Symbolic operations
- Venn diagrams
- Drawing inferences
- Punched hole and pattern folding
- Embedded figures
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Social intelligence
For Reasoning, do not only watch classes. Practice with a timer. If you solve slowly, your score will not improve even if your concepts are clear.
SSC CGL Prelims GK GS Syllabus
SSC CGL General Awareness syllabus looks very big, but you can handle it with smart revision. GK GS is not a subject where you study one time and finish. You need repeated revision.
SSC CGL GK GS Syllabus: This section includes General Awareness, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Static GK.
Important Topics in Prelims GK GS
- Current events
- India and its neighbouring countries
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic scene
- General policy
- Scientific research
- Everyday science
- General awareness of environment and society
- Important national and international events
- Basic polity
- Indian economy basics
- Static GK
In GK GS, previous year questions are very helpful. They show you what type of questions SSC asks again and again. If you revise static GK properly, you can improve your score.
SSC CGL Prelims Maths Syllabus
SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is one of the most important parts of the exam. Maths can be scoring, but only when your concepts and calculation speed are good. In Tier 1, Maths level is generally based on school-level concepts, but speed matters a lot.
SSC CGL Maths Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data interpretation topics.
Important Topics in Prelims Maths
- Number system
- Whole numbers
- Decimals and fractions
- Relationship between numbers
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Simple interest and compound interest
- Profit and loss
- Discount
- Partnership business
- Mixture and alligation
- Time and distance
- Time and work
- Basic algebraic identities
- Elementary surds
- Graphs of linear equations
- Triangle and its centres
- Congruence and similarity of triangles
- Circle, chords, tangents and angles
- Common tangents to circles
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular polygons
- Mensuration
- Right prism
- Right circular cone
- Right circular cylinder
- Sphere and hemisphere
- Rectangular parallelepiped
- Regular right pyramid
- Trigonometric ratio
- Degree and radian measures
- Standard identities
- Complementary angles
- Heights and distances
- Histogram
- Frequency polygon
- Bar diagram
- Pie chart
For Maths, do arithmetic first because it helps in many topics. After that, cover advance maths like geometry, trigonometry, algebra and mensuration.
SSC CGL Prelims English Syllabus
SSC CGL English syllabus checks your basic understanding of correct English, grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. Many students ignore English, but English can save time in the exam if your basics are strong.
SSC CGL English Syllabus: English Comprehension includes grammar, vocabulary, error detection, sentence improvement, comprehension and correct usage of words.
Important Topics in Prelims English
- Reading comprehension
- Basic grammar
- Sentence understanding
- Vocabulary
- Correct usage of English
- Writing ability basics
- Error detection
- Sentence improvement
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Idioms and phrases
- One word substitution
English preparation becomes easier when you solve previous year questions. Do not only read grammar rules. Apply those rules in real questions.
SSC CGL Mains Syllabus: Tier 2 Full Syllabus
SSC CGL Mains syllabus is more detailed than Prelims. In Tier 2 Paper 1, you have Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and Data Entry Speed Test.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus PDF: Mains syllabus includes Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and DEST. Statistics is only for selected statistical posts.
Most students make the mistake of preparing only Tier 1 level. But if your goal is final selection, then you should keep Tier 2 in mind from the beginning.
SSC CGL Mains Maths Syllabus
SSC CGL Mains Maths is called Mathematical Abilities. It includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics and probability basics. This part needs regular question practice.
SSC CGL Mains Maths Syllabus: This section needs strong calculation speed, formula revision and mixed practice from arithmetic and advanced maths.
Important Topics in Mains Maths
- Number system
- Computation of whole numbers
- Decimals and fractions
- Relationship between numbers
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Simple interest
- Compound interest
- Profit and loss
- Discount
- Partnership business
- Mixture and alligation
- Time and distance
- Time and work
- Basic algebraic identities
- Elementary surds
- Graphs of linear equations
- Triangle and its centres
- Congruence and similarity of triangles
- Circle, chords, tangents and angles
- Common tangents to two or more circles
- Mensuration
- Triangle
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular polygons
- Circle
- Right prism
- Right circular cone
- Right circular cylinder
- Sphere and hemispheres
- Rectangular parallelepiped
- Regular right pyramid
- Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios
- Complementary angles
- Heights and distances
- Standard identities
- Histogram
- Frequency polygon
- Bar diagram
- Pie chart
- Mean, median and mode
- Standard deviation
- Simple probability
Mains Maths needs speed with accuracy. You should practice topic-wise first and then start mixed practice. Mixed practice is important because the real exam will not ask questions chapter by chapter.
SSC CGL Mains Reasoning Syllabus
SSC CGL Mains Reasoning includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The topics are similar to Tier 1, but the exam pressure and time management make it more challenging.
SSC CGL Mains Reasoning Syllabus: Reasoning in Mains needs fast solving, visual thinking, coding-decoding practice, analogy, classification, series and Venn diagram understanding.
Important Topics in Mains Reasoning
- Semantic analogy
- Symbolic operations
- Symbolic or number analogy
- Trends
- Figural analogy
- Space orientation
- Semantic classification
- Venn diagrams
- Symbolic or number classification
- Drawing inferences
- Figural classification
- Punched hole and pattern folding
- Pattern unfolding
- Semantic series
- Figural pattern folding and completion
- Number series
- Embedded figures
- Figural series
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Emotional intelligence
- Word building
- Social intelligence
- Coding and decoding
- Numerical operations
- Other related reasoning topics
Reasoning is a section where you can save time if you practice regularly. Try to solve reasoning sets with a timer and keep checking your accuracy.
SSC CGL Mains English Syllabus
SSC CGL Mains English is more detailed than Tier 1 English. It checks vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and reading comprehension. This section can become very scoring if you practice daily.
SSC CGL Mains English Syllabus: Mains English includes vocabulary, grammar, sentence improvement, active passive voice, narration, cloze test and comprehension passage.
Important Topics in Mains English
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Correct usage of words
- Spot the error
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms and homonyms
- Spellings
- Detecting misspelled words
- Idioms and phrases
- One word substitution
- Improvement of sentences
- Active voice and passive voice
- Direct and indirect narration
- Shuffling of sentence parts
- Shuffling of sentences in a passage
- Cloze passage
- Comprehension passage
For English, revise grammar rules with examples. Also read short editorials or simple articles because comprehension improves with reading habit.
SSC CGL Mains GK GS Syllabus
SSC CGL Mains General Awareness checks your awareness of society, current events and basic static GK. The syllabus is similar to Tier 1, but you should revise more deeply for Mains.
SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus: GK GS is useful for both Tier 1 and Tier 2, so revise static GK, science, polity, history, geography and current affairs regularly.
Important Topics in Mains GK GS
- General awareness of environment
- Application of general awareness to society
- Current events
- Everyday observations and experience
- Scientific aspect of daily life
- India and neighbouring countries
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic scene
- General policy
- Scientific research
- Static GK
- Basic polity
- Basic economy
- Important schemes and events
GK GS becomes strong only with revision. Make short notes and revise them again and again. Do not collect too many sources. One good source plus previous year questions is enough for smart preparation.
SSC CGL Mains Computer Knowledge and DEST Syllabus
In Tier 2, Computer Knowledge is also included. Many students ignore this section, but you should not ignore it because it is part of the exam structure. Along with this, DEST means Data Entry Speed Test, which checks typing/data entry speed.
SSC CGL Computer Knowledge Syllabus: Computer basics, MS Office, internet, email, networking and cyber security are important topics for Tier 2.
Computer Knowledge Topics
- Computer basics
- Organization of a computer
- Central Processing Unit
- Input and output devices
- Computer memory
- Memory organization
- Backup devices
- Ports
- Windows Explorer
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Windows operating system
- Basics of Microsoft Word
- Basics of Microsoft Excel
- Basics of PowerPoint
- Web browsing and searching
- Downloading and uploading
- Email account management
- E-banking
- Networking devices and protocols
- Cyber security basics
- Hacking, virus, worms and Trojan basics
- Preventive measures in cyber security
DEST: Data Entry Speed Test
SSC CGL DEST Syllabus is basically related to typing and data entry speed. DEST is a skill test module. It is not something you can improve in one day, so practice typing regularly if you are preparing seriously for SSC CGL.
SSC CGL Mains Statistics Syllabus
SSC CGL Statistics Paper is not for every student. It is mainly for candidates who apply for posts like Junior Statistical Officer or Statistical Investigator. If you are not applying for these posts, then you do not need to prepare this paper.
SSC CGL Statistics Syllabus: Statistics paper includes data collection, measures of central tendency, dispersion, probability, sampling, hypothesis testing, time series and index numbers.
Important Topics in Statistics Paper
- Collection of statistical data
- Classification of statistical data
- Presentation of statistical data
- Primary and secondary data
- Methods of data collection
- Tabulation of data
- Graphs and charts
- Frequency distribution
- Mean, median and mode
- Quartiles, deciles and percentiles
- Range
- Quartile deviation
- Mean deviation
- Standard deviation
- Measures of relative dispersion
- Moments
- Skewness and kurtosis
- Correlation and regression
- Scatter diagram
- Simple correlation coefficient
- Simple regression lines
- Spearman rank correlation
- Probability theory
- Conditional probability
- Compound probability
- Independent events
- Bayes theorem
- Random variable
- Probability distributions
- Binomial distribution
- Poisson distribution
- Normal distribution
- Exponential distribution
- Sampling theory
- Statistical inference
- Testing of hypothesis
- Z test, t test, Chi-square test and F test
- Analysis of variance
- Time series analysis
- Index numbers
Best Way to Complete SSC CGL Syllabus
If you want to complete the SSC CGL syllabus properly, then do not study randomly. Make a simple routine and follow it daily. First complete the basic concepts, then start previous year questions, and after that give mock tests.
SSC CGL Subject Wise Syllabus Preparation: Maths and Reasoning need practice, English needs grammar and vocabulary, and GK GS needs daily revision.
- Study Maths and Reasoning daily because these subjects need practice.
- Revise GK GS daily because GK needs repeated revision.
- Practice English grammar and vocabulary every day.
- After completing one topic, solve previous year questions from that topic.
- Give mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Analyze every mock test properly and write your mistakes.
Download SSC CGL Syllabus PDF
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SSC CGL Syllabus PDF Download: Download separate PDFs for Prelims and Mains so students can save the syllabus and revise topic-wise anytime.
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Final Words
The SSC CGL Prelims and Mains syllabus looks big in the beginning, but it becomes easy when you divide it subject-wise. Do not try to complete everything in one day. Start with basic topics, revise regularly and give more mock tests.
SSC CGL full syllabus is manageable if your preparation is regular. Paper is not impossible. The paper becomes easy when your speed is good. So focus on concept, practice, revision and mock test analysis. These four things can improve your preparation level very fast.
FAQ: SSC CGL Syllabus
What are the subjects in SSC CGL Prelims?
SSC CGL Prelims has four subjects: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension.
What are the subjects in SSC CGL Mains?
SSC CGL Mains Paper 1 includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and Data Entry Speed Test.
Is SSC CGL syllabus tough?
SSC CGL syllabus is not very tough, but it is lengthy. The main challenge is speed, accuracy and regular revision. If you practice daily and give mock tests, the syllabus becomes manageable.
Is Statistics compulsory in SSC CGL Mains?
No, Statistics Paper is not compulsory for every candidate. It is mainly for candidates who apply for statistical posts like Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator.
How should I complete SSC CGL syllabus fast?
To complete SSC CGL syllabus fast, study subject-wise, solve previous year questions, revise GK and English daily, and give regular mock tests. Do not change sources again and again.
