The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam 2025 is one of the most popular government exams in India. Lakhs of candidates apply each year for a few thousand posts. To clear this exam, you must know which topics carry high weight and how to plan your preparation smartly.
This guide gives you a complete overview of the exam pattern, section-wise important topics, recent changes, and a simple study plan to help you prepare effectively.
1. Overview of SSC CGL 2025
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the CGL exam to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various government ministries and departments.
Expected Notification Date: April 2025
Mode of Exam: Computer-Based (Tier I and Tier II)
Language: Available in both English and Hindi
Main Posts under SSC CGL:
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- Income Tax Inspector
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Sub-Inspector (CBI)
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Accountant and Auditor in various ministries
2. Exam Pattern (2025 Format)
The SSC CGL exam has two tiers:
Tier I (Preliminary Exam)
- Objective type, online
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Four sections (each of 50 marks)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
Tier II (Mains Exam)
- Divided into three papers:
- Paper I (Compulsory for all) – Reasoning, Maths, English, and General Awareness
- Paper II (JSO) – Statistics
- Paper III (AAO) – Finance and Economics
Paper I is the most important because it decides your final merit for most posts.
3. Section-wise High-Weight Topics
A. General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section tests your logical thinking. Questions are often moderate, but scoring high here saves time for other sections.
Important Topics:
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy and Classification
- Number Series
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Calendar and Clock
- Matrix and Venn Diagram
- Missing Number
- Directions and Puzzles
Tips:
- Practice 20–30 questions daily from each topic.
- Focus on patterns and logic instead of memorization.
B. Quantitative Aptitude
This is the most scoring section but also time-consuming. It carries maximum weight in Tier II.
Important Topics:
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage and Profit-Loss
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Averages
- Algebra (Basic to Moderate)
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification
Tips:
- Learn short tricks for arithmetic problems.
- Focus on geometry and trigonometry formulas—they are high weight.
- Practice full-length mock tests to improve speed.
C. English Comprehension
Many students fear this section, but it’s easier if you follow a routine.
Important Topics:
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-Word Substitution
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Spot the Error
- Sentence Improvement
- Active–Passive Voice
- Direct–Indirect Speech
Tips:
- Learn 10 new English words daily.
- Read one English news article every morning.
- Practice grammar-based MCQs regularly.
D. General Awareness
GA can make a big difference in Tier I. It’s factual but short questions help you score quickly.
Important Topics:
- Current Affairs (last 12 months)
- History (Freedom Movement, Important Dates)
- Geography (Physical, Indian, World)
- Polity (Constitution, Parliament, Fundamental Rights)
- Economy (Budget, RBI Policies)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
- Static GK (National Parks, Dams, Books, Awards)
Tips:
- Revise current affairs weekly.
- Read one GK capsule every day.
- Focus more on Indian Polity and Economy.
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4. Subject-Wise Preparation Plan (100 Days Plan)
| Duration | Focus Area | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–30 | Basics + Concept Clarity | Study NCERT (6–10) for GA, learn Quant formulas, grammar rules |
| Days 31–60 | Topic Practice | Attempt topic-wise tests, 2 full mocks per week |
| Days 61–80 | Revision + Speed Building | Daily quizzes, analysis of mistakes |
| Days 81–100 | Final Practice | Solve previous year papers, focus on weak areas |
Daily Routine Example:
- 2 hours Quant
- 1.5 hours English
- 1.5 hours Reasoning
- 1 hour GK & Current Affairs
5. How to Approach Tier II
Tier II focuses more on application and accuracy.
Paper I:
- 30% Arithmetic (Quantitative Aptitude)
- 30% Reasoning and English
- 20% Data Interpretation
- 20% GK
Paper II (Statistics):
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Probability
- Correlation and Regression
- Sampling Methods
Paper III (Finance and Economics):
- Basic Accounting Terms
- Micro and Macro Economics
- Fiscal Policy and Banking Concepts
6. Study Materials and Books
Recommended Books:
- Quant: R.S. Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude)
- Reasoning: Lucent Reasoning / A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- English: Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh / Wren & Martin
- GK: Lucent’s General Knowledge / Monthly Current Affairs PDFs
- Mock Tests: Testbook, Oliveboard, Adda247
Online Tools:
- Use YouTube for topic explanations in Hindi.
- Take online quizzes from allexamsprep.in daily.
7. Common Mistakes Students Make
- Ignoring weak topics and focusing only on strengths
- Not giving mock tests regularly
- Failing to revise formulas and shortcuts
- Overloading with too many study materials
- Leaving current affairs for last week
Avoid these to improve accuracy and confidence.
8. Simple Tips to Score High
- Practice previous 5 years’ papers
- Revise short notes weekly
- Focus more on accuracy than number of attempts
- Maintain proper sleep and schedule
- Stay updated with daily current affairs
9. Final Words
Clearing SSC CGL 2025 is possible with a focused plan. You don’t need expensive materials or coaching. You need discipline, consistent practice, and smart time management.
Understand the exam pattern, study high-weight topics first, and revise regularly.
Keep following allexamsprep.in for updated MCQs, free practice sets, and detailed exam-wise guidance.
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