The exam is conducted in two tiers – Tier I and Tier II – each designed to assess different skills and knowledge areas. Tier I is a computer-based objective test comprising four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section carries 25 questions, with 50 marks allotted per section, making a total of 100 questions and 200 marks. The exam duration is 60 minutes. This tier focuses on evaluating a candidate's basic understanding and general aptitude. General Intelligence & Reasoning covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics like analogies, classification, coding-decoding, syllogism, and matrix reasoning. The General Awareness section tests a candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, static GK, history, geography, economics, general science, and Indian polity. Quantitative Aptitude includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation, SSC CGL Syllabus and number systems, assessing the candidate’s numerical problem-solving skills. English Comprehension focuses on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension passages, error spotting, and sentence improvement.

Tier II is also a computer-based exam and is conducted in multiple sessions or papers depending on the posts applied for. Paper I is compulsory for all candidates and includes two modules: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence. It has 30 questions in each section with a maximum of 90 minutes to complete. The Mathematical Abilities module covers advanced mathematics, including percentage, profit and loss, time and work, algebra, mensuration, and geometry. The Reasoning & General Intelligence module tests analytical and logical reasoning through puzzles, series, relationships, and decision-making problems. Paper I also includes Module II of Section II, which focuses on English Language and Comprehension, and Module I of Section III, which is Computer Knowledge – both critical for roles involving documentation, communication, and basic computer operations. Paper II is for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and tests knowledge of statistics with questions on probability, mean, median, standard deviation, and correlation. Paper III is for candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer and includes questions related to finance, economics, and accounting principles.

The syllabus also emphasizes negative marking – 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer in Tier I and specific penalties in Tier II – making accuracy crucial. SSC may update or tweak the pattern slightly each year, but the core structure remains consistent. To succeed, candidates must create a focused study plan, practice with mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs. The SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 is comprehensive but manageable with the right preparation strategy. Understanding the tier-wise syllabus helps in prioritizing subjects and allocating time effectively, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for every stage of the examination.