SSC Selection Post Graduation Level Syllabus
The graduation level examination covers every Selection Post vacancy whose essential qualification is a degree or higher. That includes posts with postgraduate and professional requirements, since the Commission runs one paper for graduation and above rather than splitting them.
Exam pattern
Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
A | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
B | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
C | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
D | English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
Two marks for a correct answer and 0.50 deducted for a wrong one. Set in English and Hindi only. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 80 minutes.
Syllabus at graduation standard
General Intelligence
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 abstract ideas and symbols. Set close to the CGL Tier 1 standard, with longer puzzles and more information per question.
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. Recall at this level is precise, with article numbers, scheme details and specific figures appearing.
Quantitative Aptitude
Number systems, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work, along with tables and graphs. Algebra, geometry, mensuration and trigonometry appear where the notice sets the part at graduate standard.
This is the one part where the notice wording matters most. Phase notices generally state that Quantitative Aptitude is set at matriculation standard for all levels, which if it appears would mean no trigonometry and no geometry in your paper. Read that line in your own phase notice before planning your maths preparation, because it is the difference between two weeks of work and two months.
English Language
Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms and correct usage, through error spotting, fill in the blanks, one word substitution, idioms and phrases, sentence improvement, para jumbles, cloze passages and comprehension. Set close to the CGL Tier 1 standard.
Why graduates should still take this exam seriously
Selection Post competes with CGL for the same candidates and usually loses their attention. That is the reason to take it.
Applications per vacancy are lower on many individual posts, because each post has its own eligibility and applicant pool rather than one national pool. A candidate who applies broadly across a level is buying several separate chances from one paper and one fee.
How to prepare
CGL Tier 1 preparation covers this paper. If you are already working towards CGL, the only additional practice you need is against the fifteen minute sectional lock.
Read your phase notice on Quantitative Aptitude before deciding how much maths to prepare. That single line changes the workload considerably.
Apply broadly within the level and rank preferences honestly against what you can actually do, including any skill test or experience requirement attached to the post.
Frequently asked questions
What qualification is needed for the graduation level exam?
A bachelor’s degree or higher. Posts requiring postgraduate or professional qualifications are covered by the same paper.
Is the pattern different from the other two levels?
No. The pattern is identical and only the standard of the questions changes.
Is trigonometry asked in the graduation level paper?
It depends on the wording of the phase notice, which generally sets Quantitative Aptitude at matriculation standard across all levels. Check the notice for your phase.
What is the negative marking?
0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Is there an interview?
No. Selection is based on the computer based examination, any skill test the post requires and document verification.
Marks, timings, sectional timing and negative marking on this page follow the scheme of examination in the latest SSC Selection Post phase notice published on ssc.gov.in.