SSC Selection Post Matriculation Level Syllabus
The matriculation level examination covers every Selection Post vacancy whose essential qualification is Class 10. One paper, taken once, counted against every matriculation level post you applied for.
That last point is what makes this exam worth taking seriously. Cut-offs vary widely between posts because each has its own vacancy count and applicant pool, so a score that misses one post can comfortably clear another.
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. The paper is set in English and Hindi only. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 80 minutes, with 20 minutes per part.
Each part locks when its fifteen minutes end, so time cannot be moved between them.
Syllabus at matriculation 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 the ability to deal with abstract ideas and symbols. Both verbal and non-verbal questions appear, and the non-verbal share is higher at this level than at graduation level.
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. School standard recall rather than precise detail.
Quantitative Aptitude
Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, relationships between numbers, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work, along with the use of tables and graphs.
Note that the phase notice generally sets Quantitative Aptitude at matriculation standard for all three levels, which means this part is identical whichever level you sit. Check the wording in your phase notice, because that line decides how much maths a graduation level candidate needs.
English Language
Basic understanding of English, 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.
What sits after the exam
Some matriculation level posts carry a skill test, typing test or trade test, listed against the individual post rather than applied across the exam. These are qualifying.
Document verification follows, and a few posts add a medical examination. Read each post’s entry before applying, because a post whose physical or experience requirement you cannot meet is a wasted fee.
How to prepare
Nothing here goes past Class 10. If you are already preparing for SSC MTS or GD Constable, you are prepared for this paper and the only new thing to practise is the fifteen minute sectional lock.
Practise each part against its own timer from the start. Twenty-five questions in fifteen minutes is thirty-six seconds each and there is no borrowing.
At 0.50 per error on a two mark question, four errors cost two correct answers. Accuracy carries more weight here than attempt count.
Frequently asked questions
What qualification is needed for the matriculation level exam?
Class 10 or equivalent, with individual posts sometimes adding experience or trade requirements.
How many questions are asked?
100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, 25 in each of four parts.
Is there sectional timing?
Yes. Each part runs on a 15 minute timer.
What is the negative marking?
0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Can one exam count for several posts?
Yes. One matriculation level paper is counted against every matriculation level post you applied for.
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.