Home › Exams › SSC CGL Exam Pattern Syllabus

SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus — Complete Tier-wise Guide (2025)

Updated: 2025 • Read time: 4 min

If you are preparing for government jobs, understanding the SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus is the first must-do step. This clear, step-by-step guide breaks down tier-wise exam pattern, marks, negative marking and the subject-wise syllabus so you can plan a focused study routine.

Quick exam overview

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) has multiple tiers — each tier follows a specific SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus. Generally: Tier I (screening) is objective, Tier II is mains (subject papers), and Tier III may be descriptive/skill test depending on post. For recent official dates and vacancies refer to official updates. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tier-wise pattern & marks

Tier I (Objective)

  • Sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension.
  • Questions/Marks: 100 questions — 200 marks (2 marks each).
  • Negative marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

Tier II (Mains)

  • Paper I: Quantitative Abilities (100 marks)
  • Paper II: English Language & Comprehension (200 marks)
  • Paper III / IV: Statistics / Finance & Economics for specific posts.

Tip: match your study plan with the SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus for each paper to avoid wasting time on low-weight topics.

Subject-wise syllabus highlights

Quantitative Aptitude

Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Profit & Loss), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation.

Reasoning & English

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, series, coding-decoding, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence improvement.

General Awareness

Static GK (History, Polity, Geography), current affairs, economy basics — focus on last 6–12 months for current events.

How to use this SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus for study

  1. Make a weekly plan covering all sections — split practice & revision.
  2. Prioritise high-weight topics from the official syllabus and past papers. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  3. Take full-length mock tests to build speed and accuracy (mocks help you apply the exact SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus under timed conditions).

FAQs — quick answers

What is the exact SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus for Tier I?
Tier I pattern: 4 sections — 100 Qs, 200 marks, 0.5 negative marking. Practice sectional tests regularly.
Does Tier II have negative marking?
Yes. Negative marking applies in Tier II too — it varies by paper and question type. Check official notification for paper-wise rules. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Where can I find the official detailed syllabus?
Download the official notification from the SSC website; allied coaching and exam portals also summarise the SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Ready to plan? Start by mapping a 12-week plan aligned to the SSC CGL exam pattern syllabus. Focus on accuracy, timed mocks, and revision — and use official notifications to stay updated. Good luck!

Back to Sarkari Network