SSC CGL Exam 2025: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Salary Details

Key Details

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of India's most prestigious and competitive examinations for recruiting candidates to various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.

The SSC CGL examination is conducted in multiple tiers, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's knowledge and skills. The multi-tier structure ensures a comprehensive assessment of candidates' abilities, from basic knowledge to advanced problem-solving skills and communication abilities.

Detailed Exam Pattern

Tier 1 - Preliminary Examination (Computer Based)

Aspect	Details
Duration	60 minutes
Total Questions	100 questions
Total Marks	200 marks
Marking Scheme	+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking	-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Exam Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Qualifying Nature	Yes (Shortlisting for Tier 2)

Subject-wise Distribution - Tier 1

Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50	15 minutes
General Awareness	25	50	15 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50	15 minutes
English Comprehension	25	50	15 minutes
Total	100	200	60 minutes

Tier 2 - Mains Examination (Computer Based)

Paper 1: Quantitative Abilities

Aspect	Details
Duration	120 minutes
Total Questions	100 questions
Total Marks	200 marks
Marking Scheme	+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking	-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Exam Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension

Aspect	Details
Duration	120 minutes
Total Questions	200 questions
Total Marks	200 marks
Marking Scheme	+1 mark for correct answer
Negative Marking	-0.25 marks for wrong answer
Exam Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Paper 3: Statistics (For specific posts only)

Aspect	Details
Duration	120 minutes
Total Questions	100 questions
Total Marks	200 marks
Marking Scheme	+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking	-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Applicable Posts	Statistical Investigator Grade II & Compiler

Paper 4: General Studies (Finance and Economics)

Aspect	Details
Duration	120 minutes
Total Questions	100 questions
Total Marks	200 marks
Marking Scheme	+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking	-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Applicable Posts	Assistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer

Tier 3 - Descriptive Paper (Pen and Paper Mode)

Aspect	Details
Duration	60 minutes
Total Marks	100 marks
Exam Mode	Pen and Paper
Language	English or Hindi
Qualifying Marks	33% (minimum)
Paper Type	Descriptive

Components of Tier 3

Component	Word Limit	Marks
Essay Writing	200-250 words	20-30 marks
Letter/Application Writing	150-200 words	20-30 marks
Précis Writing	1/3 of original passage	20-30 marks

Tier 4 - Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test

Test Type	Applicable Posts	Requirements
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)	Tax Assistant, DEO	2000 key depressions per hour
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)	All posts with CPT requirement	MS Office, Database management
Document Verification	All selected candidates	Original documents verification

Comprehensive Syllabus

Tier 1 Syllabus

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Topics	Sub-topics
Verbal Reasoning	Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Syllogism
Non-Verbal Reasoning	Pattern Completion, Figure Classification, Mirror Images, Water Images, Embedded Figures
Logical Reasoning	Statement and Assumptions, Statement and Conclusions, Cause and Effect, Course of Action
Analytical Reasoning	Seating Arrangement, Ranking, Number Series, Letter Series, Coding-Decoding
Problem Solving	Mathematical Operations, Venn Diagrams, Cubes and Dice, Clock and Calendar

General Awareness

Subject Area	Topics Covered
History	Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Indian National Movement, World History
Geography	Physical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, Economic Geography, Environmental Issues
Indian Polity	Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Parliament, Judiciary, Executive, Federalism
Economics	Basic Economic Concepts, Indian Economy, Economic Development, Banking, Financial Institutions
Science	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Space Technology
Current Affairs	National and International Events, Sports, Awards, Books and Authors, Important Days

Quantitative Aptitude

Mathematical Areas	Topics
Arithmetic	Number System, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Partnership
Algebra	Basic Algebraic Identities, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Graphs
Geometry	Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons
Mensuration	Area and Perimeter, Surface Area and Volume, 2D and 3D Figures
Trigonometry	Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances, Complementary Angles
Statistics	Data Interpretation, Charts and Graphs, Mean, Median, Mode

English Comprehension

Language Skills	Components
Vocabulary	Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases
Grammar	Tenses, Voice, Narration, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions
Sentence Structure	Subject-Verb Agreement, Sentence Improvement, Error Spotting
Reading Comprehension	Passage Reading, Inference, Main Idea, Supporting Details
Writing Skills	Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Test

Tier 2 Syllabus

Paper 1: Quantitative Abilities (Detailed)

Topic	Sub-topics	Weightage
Number System	HCF-LCM, Divisibility Rules, Remainder Theorem, Prime Numbers	8-10 questions
Algebra	Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions	15-20 questions
Geometry	Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Coordinate Geometry	15-18 questions
Mensuration	2D and 3D Figures, Surface Area, Volume	8-12 questions
Trigonometry	Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances	8-10 questions
Statistics & DI	Data Interpretation, Charts, Graphs, Statistical Measures	15-20 questions

Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension (Detailed)

Section	Topics	Question Types
Vocabulary	Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution	25-30 questions
Grammar	Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks	40-50 questions
Reading Comprehension	Passage-based Questions, Inference, Main Idea	50-60 questions
Sentence Structure	Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Test	30-40 questions

Tier 3 Syllabus (Descriptive Paper)

Component	Skills Tested	Evaluation Criteria
Essay Writing	Analytical thinking, Expression, Current affairs knowledge	Content, Language, Structure, Relevance
Letter Writing	Formal communication, Proper format, Clarity	Format, Language, Tone, Completeness
Précis Writing	Comprehension, Summarization, Conciseness	Accuracy, Brevity, Coherence, Grammar

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit Structure

Category	Age Limit	Relaxation
General/EWS	18-32 years	No relaxation
OBC	18-35 years	3 years
SC/ST	18-37 years	5 years
PwD (General)	18-42 years	10 years
PwD (OBC)	18-45 years	13 years
PwD (SC/ST)	18-47 years	15 years
Ex-Servicemen	18-37 years	5 years

Educational Qualification

Requirement	Details
Minimum Qualification	Bachelor's degree from recognized university
Final Year Students	Can apply (degree must be completed before document verification)
Professional Degrees	Engineering, Medical, Law degrees accepted
Distance Education	Degrees from UGC recognized institutions accepted

Physical Standards (For specific posts)

Post Category	Physical Requirements
Customs/Excise Officers	Medical fitness, Vision requirements
Narcotics Officers	Height, Chest measurements
Border Security Posts	Physical endurance tests

Posts and Pay Scale

Group B Posts (Gazetted)

Post	Pay Level	Monthly Salary	Allowances
Assistant Section Officer (ASO)	Level-7	₹44,900-1,42,400	DA, HRA, TA
Assistant Enforcement Officer	Level-7	₹44,900-1,42,400	DA, HRA, TA
Assistant in Other Ministries	Level-7	₹44,900-1,42,400	DA, HRA, TA

Group C Posts (Non-Gazetted)

Post	Pay Level	Monthly Salary	Department
Income Tax Inspector	Level-6	₹35,400-1,12,400	Income Tax Department
Central Excise Inspector	Level-6	₹35,400-1,12,400	Central Board of Excise
Preventive Officer	Level-6	₹35,400-1,12,400	Customs Department
Examiner (Customs)	Level-6	₹35,400-1,12,400	Customs Department
Sub Inspector (CBI)	Level-6	₹35,400-1,12,400	Central Bureau of Investigation
Senior Secretariat Assistant	Level-5	₹29,200-92,300	Various Ministries
Tax Assistant	Level-4	₹25,500-81,100	Income Tax Department
Postal Assistant	Level-4	₹25,500-81,100	Department of Posts
Sorting Assistant	Level-4	₹25,500-81,100	Department of Posts
Data Entry Operator	Level-4	₹25,500-81,100	Various Departments
Court Clerk	Level-4	₹25,500-81,100	Supreme Court/High Courts

Additional Benefits

Benefit Type	Details
Dearness Allowance (DA)	Currently 46% of basic pay
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	24%/16%/8% based on city category
Travel Allowance (TA)	₹3,600-7,200 per month
Medical Benefits	CGHS facilities for self and family
Leave Travel Concession	Once in 4 years
Pension	As per 7th Pay Commission

Cut-off Trends (Previous Years)

Category	Tier 1 Cut-off	Tier 2 Cut-off
General	155-165	320-350
EWS	150-160	310-340
OBC	145-155	300-330
SC	130-140	280-310
ST	125-135	270-300

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information needed to understand and prepare for the SSC CGL examination. Regular updates and revisions of the preparation strategy based on exam trends and personal progress will enhance your chances of success.