SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Syllabus
Paper 1 is compulsory for every SSC CGL post and carries 450 scoring marks. It runs in two sessions on the same day, split into three sections and five modules, and it is where the merit list is actually built.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 pattern
Session | Section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
Session 1 | Section 1 | Module 1, Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour for Section 1 |
Session 1 | Section 1 | Module 2, Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
Session 1 | Section 2 | Module 1, English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 hour for Section 2 |
Session 1 | Section 2 | Module 2, General Awareness | 25 | 75 | |
Session 1 | Section 3 | Module 1, Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
Session 2 | Section 3 | Module 2, Data Entry Speed Test | Skill test | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Total | 150 | 450 |
Three marks per correct answer. One mark deducted for a wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2 and Module 1 of Section 3. Questions are set in English and Hindi except the English Language module.
Note where the time sits. Section 1 gives you an hour for 60 questions across two very different modules, and nothing stops you spending forty of those minutes on maths. Section 2 gives you an hour for 70 questions. That is the tighter half of the paper and the one candidates run out of time in.
Module 1, Mathematical Abilities
Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions and relationships between numbers. Fundamental arithmetical operations covering percentage, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership business, mixture and alligation, time and distance and time and work.
Algebra covering basic algebraic identities of school algebra, elementary surds and graphs of linear equations.
Geometry covering triangles and their various centres, congruence and similarity of triangles, circles and their chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords and common tangents to two or more circles.
Mensuration covering triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, circles, right prisms, right circular cones, right circular cylinders, spheres, hemispheres, rectangular parallelepipeds and regular right pyramids with triangular or square bases.
Trigonometry covering trigonometric ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances and standard identities.
Statistics and probability covering the use of tables and graphs, histograms, frequency polygons, bar diagrams, pie charts, measures of central tendency including mean, median, mode and standard deviation, and the calculation of simple probabilities.
Module 2, Reasoning and General Intelligence
Semantic, symbolic, number and figural analogy. Classification on the same four lines. Semantic, number and figural series. Problem solving, word building, coding and decoding, numerical and symbolic operations, trends, space orientation, space visualisation, Venn diagrams, drawing inferences, punched hole and pattern folding and unfolding, figural pattern folding and completion, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.
Same headings as Tier 1 with longer, more layered questions.
Module 3, English Language and Comprehension
Forty-five questions for 135 marks makes this the largest module in the paper.
Vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure tested through spotting errors, fill in the blanks, synonyms, homonyms and antonyms, spelling and misspelt words, idioms and phrases, one word substitution, improvement of sentences, active and passive voice, conversion into direct and indirect narration, shuffling of sentence parts, shuffling of sentences in a passage, cloze passages and comprehension passages.
Module 4, General Awareness
India and its neighbouring countries covering history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general polity, the Indian Constitution and scientific research. Current events, sports, awards, important schemes, important days, books and authors and people in the news.
Twenty-five questions asked with more precision than Tier 1 requires.
Module 5, Computer Knowledge Test
Computer basics covering the organisation of a computer, the CPU, input and output devices, computer memory and memory organisation, backup devices, ports, Windows Explorer and keyboard shortcuts.
Software covering the Windows operating system and the basics of MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint.
Working with the internet and email covering web browsing and searching, downloading and uploading, managing an email account and e-banking.
Basics of networking and cyber security covering networking devices and protocols, threats such as hacking, viruses, worms and trojans, along with preventive measures.
Mandatory and qualifying. Twenty questions on a closed syllabus you can cover in a fortnight.
Module 6, Data Entry Speed Test
Typing an English passage on a computer at 8,000 key depressions per hour, which comes to roughly 2,000 key depressions in the 15 minutes allowed. Qualifying, with the maximum permissible error percentage fixed in the notification.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1?
150 objective questions for 450 marks, plus the qualifying Data Entry Speed Test.
Which module carries the most marks?
English Language and Comprehension, at 45 questions and 135 marks.
Is the Computer Knowledge Test compulsory?
Yes. It is mandatory but qualifying, so it must be cleared and its marks are not added to merit.
How much time is given for each section?
One hour for Section 1, one hour for Section 2 and 15 minutes for the Computer Knowledge module, with the Data Entry Speed Test in a separate session.
What is the DEST typing speed for SSC CGL?
8,000 key depressions per hour over 15 minutes.