SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level, one of the most sought exams conducted by Staff Selection Commission. It conducts both CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam) and CGL (Combined Graduate Level). SSC is a very important organisation of the Indian government that conducts recruitment exams for several posts in various departments & ministries (Group "B" & "C" posts). This exam’s name is taken from the qualification needed for the exam
SSC CGL Exam Pattern consists of two stages- Preliminary Test, Mains. A graduate degree is a basic qualification required to apply for this exam. The rest of the job classifications under the SSC CGL examination is based on the job profile. The SSC has already conducted the tier 1 exam from 01 to 13 December 2022. The result PDF for the same was released on 09 February 2023, along with the tier 1 cutoff marks. The Tier- II exam is set to be conducted from 2nd to 7th March 2023.
This article discusses the qualifications, preparation tricks and syllabus for the SSC CGL exam. So, let's get started.
Required Qualifications for various posts in SSC CGL
For different posts, different set of qualifications are required.
SSC CGL Posts
|
Department/Ministry (in which candidates are recruited)
|
Classification of Post
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Assistant Audit Officer
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Indian Audit & Accounts Department under CAG
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Group “B” Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)
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Assistant Accounts Officer
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Indian Audit & Accounts Department under CAG
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Group “B” Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)
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Assistant Section Officer
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Central Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of External Affairs, AFHQ
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Group “B”
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Assistant
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Rest of the Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations
|
Group “B”
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Inspector of Income Tax
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CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes)
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Group “C”
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Inspector (Central Excise)
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CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes & customs)
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Group “B”
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Assistant Enforcement Officer
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Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue
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Group “B”
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Sub Inspector
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Central Bureau of Investigation
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Group “B”
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Inspector
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Central Bureau of Narcotics
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Group “B”
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Junior Statistical Officer
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M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation
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Group “B”
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Statistical Investigator Grade-II
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Registrar General of India
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Group “B”
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Auditor
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Offices under C&AG, CGDA
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Group “C”
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Accountant/ Junior Accountant
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Other Ministry/ Departments
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Group “C”
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Senior Secretariat Assistant/ Upper Division Clerks
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Central Govt. Offices/ Ministries other than CSCS cadres
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Group “C”
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Tax Assistant
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CBDT/ CBIC
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Group “C”
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Upper Division Clerks
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Government Departments
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Group “C”
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Preparation tips for SSC CGL exam
1. Get well- versed with the syllabus
Beforing appearing in any exam and starting with its prep, its obvious that one needs to be well- versed the syllabus. If you have the knowledge of the subjects and the weightage that it holds, it becomes easy to choose that which subject is to be given more importance.
2. Draft a systematic study plan
The beginners needs to clarify their doubts regarding the SSC exam pattern and syllabus, and then they must figure out a systematic study plan in which even if the subject with more weightage is given importance, yet time should remain to prepare the least important ones even if few days are left for the exam.
3. Be prepared with all study material
The aspirants must be ready with their study materials and books to prepare for the SSC exams. Even if they have joined a coaching institute, remember that usually none of the courses are exhaustive, you need to go through additional materials as well like books on reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude & English language.
4. Practice mock tests & previous year papers
Even after going through with the syllabus, if the asiprant is stil in doubt, it’s better to solve the previous year papers. This will give them a claer idea of how to attemot each questions and the type of questions which strikes the paper. Also, it will assists to apprehend the type of questions asked in the exam and understand the standard & difficulty level of the exam.
5. Avoid last minute read
It is always better to revise before we sleep, as our brain most active when we sleep. So, sleep sound, turn off your phones and technologies and rest your brain before entering the exam hall. Stay calm and appear for the exam; you will surely remember most of the things you have studied this way.
SSC CGL 2023 Exam Pattern
As its is a two- tier recruitment process, here’s the mode and exam pattern of all stages:
Tier
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Type
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Mode
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Tier – I
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Objective Multiple Choice (MCQs)
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Online
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Tier – II (Paper I, II, III)
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-
Paper I (Compulsory for all posts)
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Paper II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
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Paper III for candidates who apply for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.
These are Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I
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Online
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SSC CGL Tier-II Exam Pattern
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Paper-I is conducted in two sessions - Session I & Session II, on the same day and is compulsory for all candidates who qualify in Paper 1.
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Session-I: Includes conducting Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III.
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Session II: Includes conducting only Module II of Section-III. It will be mandatory for the candidates to qualify for all the sections of Paper-I.
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Paper- II, III- It includes statistics and General studies, which is further divided into Finance & Economics.
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SSC CGL Tier- II Paper 1
|
Sections |
Module |
Subject |
No. of questions |
Marks |
Weightage |
Section I (Session I) |
Module- I |
Mathematical Abilities |
30 |
90 |
23% |
Module- II |
Reasoning and General Intelligence |
30 |
|
23% |
Section II (Session II) |
Module- I |
English Language and Comprehension |
45 |
|
35% |
Module- II |
General Awareness |
25 |
|
19% |
Section III |
Module- I (Session I) |
Computer Knowledge Test |
20 |
|
Qualifying |
Module- II (Session II) |
Data Entry Speed Test |
One Data Entry Task |
Qualifying |
SSC CGL Tier- II Paper 2 & 3
|
Paper |
Section |
No. of questions |
Marks |
Duration |
Paper II |
Statistics |
100 |
200 |
2 hours |
Paper III |
General Studies (Finance and Economics) |
100 |
200 |
2 hours |
SSC CGL Syllabus 2023
Tier-1 & Tier-2 subjects:
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SSC CGL Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (Tier-1 & Tier-2)
In Tier-1 Exam, the Quantitative Aptitude Questions checks the candidate's ability of appropriate use of numbers and number sense. Few of the topics are repetitive in both the teirs; hence take note for the same chapters, which will save your time during your next stage preparation for the same chapters in Tier- 2. Here’s the list of topics-
SSC CGL Tier-I- Quantitative Aptitude
|
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Computation of whole numbers
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Decimals
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Fractions
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Relationships between numbers
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Profit and Loss
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Discount
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Partnership Business
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Mixture and Alligation
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Time and distance
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Time & Work
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Percentage
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Ratio & Proportion
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Square roots
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Averages
-
Interest
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Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary surds
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Graphs of Linear Equations
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Triangle and its various kinds of centres
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Congruence and similarity of triangles
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Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles
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Triangle
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Quadrilaterals
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Regular Polygons
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Right Prism
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Right Circular Cone
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Right Circular Cylinder
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Sphere
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Heights and Distances
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Histogram
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Frequency polygon
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Bar diagram & Pie chart
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Hemispheres
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Rectangular Parallelepiped
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Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base
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Trigonometric ratio
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Degree and Radian Measures
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Standard Identities
-
Complementary angles
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SSC CGL Tier-II- Module-I of Section-I of Paper-I (Mathematical Abilities)
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Number Systems
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Computation of Whole Number
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Decimal and Fractions
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Relationship between numbers
Fundamental arithmetical operations
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Percentages
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Ratio and Proportion
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Square roots
-
Averages
-
Interest (Simple and Compound)
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Profit and Loss
-
Discount
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Partnership Business
-
Mixture and Alligation
-
Time and distance
-
Time and work
Algebra
-
Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds (simple problems)
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Graphs of Linear Equations
Geometry
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Similarity with elementary geometric figures and facts: Triangle and its various kinds of centres
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Congruence and similarity of triangles
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Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.
Mensuration
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Triangle
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Quadrilaterals
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Regular Polygons
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Circle
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Right Prism
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Right Circular Cone
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Right Circular Cylinder
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Sphere
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Hemispheres
-
Rectangular Parallelepiped
-
Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base.
Trigonometry
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Trigonometry
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Trigonometric ratios
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Complementary angles
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Height and distances (simple problems only)
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Standard Identities
Statistics and probability
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Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart
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Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode, standard deviation
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Calculation of simple probabilities
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2. SSC CGL Syllabus for General Intelligence and Reasoning (Tier- 1 & Tier- 2)
The SSC CGL Syllabus for this subject consists of verbal and non-verbal topics. This part examines the candidate's activeness and sharpness in any situation. The topics are provided hereunder-
SSC CGL Tier-I- General Intelligence and Reasoning
|
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Analogies
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Similarities and differences
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Space visualization
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Spatial orientation
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Problem-solving
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Analysis
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Judgment
-
Blood Relations
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Decision making
-
Visual memory
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Discrimination
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Observation
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Relationship concepts
-
Arithmetical reasoning
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Figural classification
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Arithmetic number series
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Non-verbal series
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Coding and decoding
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Statement conclusion
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Syllogistic reasoning
|
SSC CGL Tier- II- Module-II of Section-I of Paper-I (Reasoning and General Intelligence)
|
-
Semantic Analogy
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Symbolic operations, Symbolic/ Number Analogy, Trends
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Figural Analogy
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Space Orientation
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Semantic Classification
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Venn Diagrams
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Symbolic/ Number
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Classification
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Drawing inferences
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Figural Classification
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Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
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Semantic Series
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Figural Patternfolding and completion
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Number Series
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Embedded figures
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Figural Series
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Critical Thinking
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Problem Solving
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Emotional Intelligence
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Word Building
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Social Intelligence
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Coding and de-coding
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Numerical operations
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Other sub-topics, if any.
|
3. SSC CGL Syllabus for English Language (Tier-1 & Tier- 2)
Amongst every sections in SSC CGL Tier-1, the English section is the only part in the English language. The candidates ability to analyse their understandability of the subject and their basic comprehension and writing skills would also be tested. The aspirants must hold good command in these topics:
SSC CGL Tier-I Syllabus- English Language
|
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Idioms and Phrases
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One word Substitution
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Sentence Correction
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Error Spotting
-
Fill in the Blanks
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Spellings Correction
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Reading Comprehension
-
Synonyms-Antonyms
-
Active Passive
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Sentence Rearrangement
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Sentence Improvement
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Cloze test
|
SSC CGL Tier- 2- Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension)
|
-
Vocabulary
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English Grammar
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Sentence structure
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Spot the Error
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Fill in the Blanks,
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Synonyms/Homonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Spellings/ Detecting misspelt words
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Idioms & Phrases
-
One word substitution
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Improvement of Sentences,
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Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
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Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
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Shuffling of Sentence parts
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Shuffling of Sentences in a passage,
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Cloze Passage
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Comprehension Passage- To test comprehension, three or more paragraphs will be given, and questions based on those will be asked. At least one paragraph should be a simple one based on a book or a story, and the other two paragraphs should be on current affairs, based on a report or an editorial.
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4. SSC CGL Syllabus for General Awareness (Tier-1 & Tier-2)
This part analyzes the candidate's awareness of General Knowledge and General Science and their societal implementation. The section is very vast in terms of topics.
SSC CGL Tier-I General Awareness
|
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India and its neighbouring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
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Science
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Current Affairs
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Books and Authors
-
Sports
-
Important Schemes
-
Important Days
-
Portfolio
-
People in News
-
Static GK
|
Tier- 2- Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I (General Awareness)
|
-
India and its neighbouring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
-
Science
-
Current Affairs
-
Books and Authors
-
Sports
-
Important Schemes
-
Important Days & Dates
-
Portfolio
-
People in News
|
Tier- 2 Subjects:
5. SSC CGL Syllabus for Computer Proficiency (Tier-2)
Computer Proficiency is part of Tier- 2 only under Section- III.
Tier- 2- Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency)
|
Computer Basics
|
-
Organization of a computer
-
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
-
Input/ output devices
-
Computer memory
-
Memory organization
-
Back- up devices
-
PORTs
-
Windows Explorer
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Keyboard shortcuts
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Software
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Windows Operating system including basics of Microsoft Office like MS word, MS Excel and Power Point etc.
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Working with Internet and e-mails
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Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking
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Basics of networking and cyber security
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Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojan etc.) and preventive measures
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6. SSC CGL Syllabus for Statistics (Tier- 2)
SSC CGL Tier 2- Paper 2 (Statistics)
|
1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data
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Primary and Secondary data, Methods of data collection; Tabulation of data; Graphs and charts; Frequency distributions; Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions.
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2. Measures of Central Tendency
|
Common measures of central tendency – mean median and mode; Partition values- quartiles, deciles, percentiles.
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3. Measures of Dispersion- Common measures of Dispersion
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range, quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation; Measures of relative dispersion.
|
4. Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis
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Different types of moments and their relationship; the meaning of skewness and kurtosis; different measures of skewness and kurtosis.
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5. Correlation and Regression
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Scatter diagram; simple correlation coefficient; simple regression lines; Spearman‟s rank correlation; Measures of association of attributes; Multiple regression; Multiple and partial correlation (For three variables only).
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6. Probability Theory
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Meaning of probability; Different definitions of probability; Conditional probability; Compound probability; Independent events; Bayes‟ theorem.
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7. Random Variable and Probability Distributions
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Random variable; Probability functions; Expectation and Variance of a random variable; Higher moments of a random variable; Binomial, Poisson, Normal and Exponential distributions; Joint distribution of two random variable (discrete).
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8. Sampling Theory
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Concept of population and sample; Parameter and statistic, Sampling and non-sampling errors; Probability and nonprobability sampling techniques(simple random sampling, stratified sampling, multistage sampling, multiphase sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, purposive sampling, convenience sampling and quota sampling); Sampling distribution(statement only); Sample size decisions.
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9. Statistical Inference
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Point estimation and interval estimation, Properties of a good estimator, Methods of estimation (Moments method, Maximum likelihood method, Least squares method), Testing of hypothesis, Basic concept of testing, Small sample and large sample tests, Tests based on Z, t, Chi-square and F statistic, Confidence intervals.
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10. Analysis of Variance
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Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data.
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11. Time Series Analysis
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Components of time series, Determining trend component by different methods, Measuring seasonal variation by different methods.
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12. Index Numbers
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Meaning of Index Numbers, Problems in the construction of index numbers, Types of index number, Different formulae, Base shifting and splicing of index numbers, Cost of living Index Numbers, Uses of Index Numbers.
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7. SSC CGL Syllabus General Studies-Finance and Economics (Tier- 2)
This is divided into two parts- Finance & Accounts and Economics & Governance-
SSC CGL Syllabus- Paper 3 (General Studies-Finance and Economics)
Part
|
Subject
|
Topics
|
Part A: Finance and Accounts-(80 marks)
|
Financial Accounting
|
-
Nature and scope
-
Limitations of Financial Accounting
-
Basic concepts and Conventions
-
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
|
Basic concepts of accounting
|
-
Single and double entry
-
Books of Original Entry
-
Bank Reconciliation
-
Journal, ledgers
-
Trial Balance
-
Rectification of Errors
-
Manufacturing
-
Trading
-
Profit & Loss Appropriation Accounts
-
Balance Sheet
-
Distinction between Capital and Revenue Expenditure
-
Depreciation Accounting
-
Valuation of Inventories
-
Non-profit organisations Accounts
-
Receipts and Payments and Income & Expenditure Accounts
-
Bills of Exchange
-
Self Balancing Ledgers
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Part B: Economics and Governance-(120 marks)
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Comptroller & Auditor General of India- Constitutional provisions, Role and responsibility
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Finance Commission-Role and functions
|
Basic Concept of Economics and introduction to Micro Economics
|
-
Definition
-
Scope and nature of Economics
-
Methods of economic study
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Central problems of an economy
-
Production possibilities curve
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Theory of Demand and Supply
|
-
Meaning and determinants of demand
-
Law of demand and Elasticity of demand
-
Price
-
Income and cross elasticity
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Theory of consumer‟s behaviour
-
Marshallian approach and Indifference curve approach
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Meaning and determinants of supply
-
Law of supply
-
The elasticity of Supply
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Theory of Production and cost
|
-
Meaning and Factors of production
-
Laws of production- Law of variable proportions and Laws of returns to scale.
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Forms of Market and price determination in different markets
|
-
Various forms of markets-Perfect Competition
-
Monopoly
-
Monopolistic Competition
-
Oligopoly
-
Price determination in these markets.
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Indian Economy
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-
Nature of the Indian Economy Role of different sectors, Role of Agriculture, Industry and Services-their problems and growth.
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National Income of India-Concepts of national income, Different methods of measuring national income.
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Population-Its size, rate of growth and its implication on economic growth.
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Poverty and unemployment- Absolute and relative poverty, types, causes and incidence of unemployment.
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Infrastructure-Energy, Transportation, Communication.
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Economic Reforms in India
|
-
Economic reforms since 1991
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Liberalisation
-
Privatisation
-
Globalisation
-
Disinvestment
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Money and Banking
|
-
Monetary/ Fiscal policy- Role and functions of Reserve Bank of India; functions of commercial Banks/RRB/Payment Banks.
-
Budget and Fiscal deficits and Balance of payments.
-
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003.
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Role of Information Technology in Governance |
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