SSC Scientific Assistant Part 1 Syllabus
Part 1 is the general half of the Scientific Assistant examination. One hundred questions across four subjects, worth exactly as much as the stream paper that follows it.
That equal weighting is unusual for a technical recruitment and it works in your favour. Part 1 is the same material every other SSC exam tests, so anything you have already prepared for CGL, CHSL or Selection Post transfers directly.
Where Part 1 sits in the exam
Section | Questions | Marks |
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 25 |
General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
Part 1 total | 100 | 100 |
Part 2, your chosen stream paper | 100 | 100 |
Paper total | 200 | 200 |
One computer based examination of two hours covering both parts. One mark per correct answer and 0.25 deducted per wrong answer. Questions are set in English and Hindi except the English Language section. There is no sectional timing.
Both parts are compulsory.
Part 1 syllabus, subject wise
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualisation, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, along with the ability to deal with abstract ideas and symbols. Both verbal and non-verbal questions appear.
Quantitative Aptitude
Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work. Algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, along with the use of tables and graphs.
English Language and Comprehension
Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms and correct usage, tested through error spotting, fill in the blanks, one word substitution, idioms and phrases, sentence improvement and comprehension passages.
General Awareness
Current events and everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect. India and its neighbouring countries covering history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general polity, the Constitution and scientific research.
How to plan the two hours
Two hours for 200 questions with no sectional timer gives you full control over the split. Use it.
Part 1 questions are answerable faster than stream paper questions, particularly reasoning, English and general awareness. Clearing the general half quickly leaves the surplus for Part 2, where the numerical work sits.
Most candidates do the opposite. They open the stream paper first because it is familiar, spend seventy minutes there, then rush a hundred marks of general material in fifty.
How much preparation Part 1 needs
Less than you think, if you have prepared for any other SSC exam. The syllabus is short, shared and set at a standard that does not require specialised study.
Six to eight weeks of light, consistent work covers it. Reasoning and English respond quickly to practice. General Awareness needs daily reading over months rather than intensity. Quantitative Aptitude at this level is arithmetic with some school geometry and trigonometry.
Compare that to the stream paper, which needs the bulk of your hours, and the sensible plan is to run Part 1 in short daily sets alongside your technical preparation.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in Part 1 of the Scientific Assistant exam?
100 questions for 100 marks, 25 in each of four subjects.
Is Part 1 compulsory?
Yes. Both Part 1 and Part 2 are compulsory.
Is there sectional timing?
No. Two hours covers the whole 200 question paper.
What is the negative marking?
0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Does Part 1 carry the same weight as the stream paper?
Yes. Both parts carry 100 marks.
Marks, timing and negative marking on this page follow the scheme of examination in the latest SSC Scientific Assistant notification published on ssc.gov.in.