Table of Contents:
01) Overview of SSC CGL Exam Pattern:
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination in two tiers:
| Tier | Mode | Subjects Included | Exam Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Online | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English | Objective (MCQs) |
| Tier 2 | Online | Paper I: Quantitative Abilities (Compulsory for all) Paper II & III: Only for specific posts | Objective (MCQs) |
📌 Note: Tier 1 is qualifying in nature. Tier 2 is considered for final merit.
02) SSC CGL Tier 1 Math Syllabus – Quantitative Aptitude (Prelims):
In Tier 1, the Quantitative Aptitude section tests basic math knowledge up to the 10th standard (CBSE) level. There are 25 questions, each carrying 2 marks, totaling 50 marks
Tier 1 Math Pattern:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| Time Limit | — | 60 mins (entire paper) |
SSC CGL Math Syllabus for Prelims Includes:
- Number System
- Simplification
- HCF and LCM
- Ratio and Proportion
- Mixture & Alligation
- Percentage
- Partnership Business
- Pipes & Cistern
- Average
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Boat & Stream
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Mensuration (2D and 3D)
- Geometry (Basic Level)
- Trigonometry (Basic Level)
- Algebra (Simple Equations)
- Data Interpretation (Pie chart, Bar graph, Table) & Some other Chapters as well.
👉 These topics form the foundation of the SSC CGL math syllabus and help filter serious candidates.
03) SSC CGL Tier 2 Math Syllabus – Quantitative Abilities (Mains):
In Tier 2, Paper I (Quantitative Abilities) is mandatory for all candidates. It tests deeper understanding and problem-solving skills beyond the basics. The syllabus remains similar but questions are more advanced.
Tier 2 Math Pattern:
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Quantitative Abilities | 30 | 90 | Composite Time of 1 hour for Quant & Reasoning |
SSC CGL Math Syllabus for Mains Includes:
The syllabus expands to include:
- Number Systems (Divisibility, LCM, HCF, Decimals, Fractions)
- Computation of Whole Numbers
- Percentages
- Ratio & Proportion
- Square roots, Averages
- Interest (SI & CI)
- Profit and Loss, Discount
- Partnership Business
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Distance
- Time and Work
- Algebra (Basic algebraic identities, Linear equations)
- Geometry (Circles, Triangles, Polygons)
- Mensuration (Cubes, Cones, Cylinders, Sphere)
- Trigonometry (Heights and Distances)
- Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables)
- Probability
- Elementary Statistics & Some other chapters as well.
✅ This is where mastering the SSC CGL Math syllabus is crucial for scoring high in the merit list.
04) SSC CGL Math Syllabus Chart – Topic Wise Distribution (Expected):
Here’s a chart-based overview of expected topic-wise question weightage based on past year papers:
Tier 1 Quantitative Aptitude Topic Distribution:
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Number System | 1–2 |
| Simplification | 2–3 |
| Percentage | 2–3 |
| Profit & Loss | 2–3 |
| Time and Work | 2 |
| Time, Speed & Distance | 2 |
| Average | 1–2 |
| Ratio & Proportion | 2–3 |
| Algebra | 2–3 |
| Geometry | 2–3 |
| Mensuration | 2–3 |
| Trigonometry | 2–3 |
| DI (Bar, Pie, Table) | 3–4 |
Tier 2 Quantitative Abilities Topic Distribution:
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Algebra | 3-4 |
| Geometry | 3-4 |
| Mensuration | 2-3 |
| Trigonometry | 3-4 |
| Arithmetic | 12-15 |
| DI (Advanced) | 2-3 |
📌 Note: These numbers vary slightly year to year, but this chart provides a reliable roadmap to prioritize topics within the SSC CGL Math syllabus.
05) Difficulty Level Analysis – Prelims vs Mains:
| Exam Stage | Difficulty | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Easy – Moderate | Speed, Accuracy, Time Management |
| Tier 2 | Moderate – Tough | Conceptual Clarity, Short Tricks, Depth, More Speed, Time Management |
In Tier 1, the competition is high but the questions are generally on the easier side. In Tier 2, questions test your approach and depth of knowledge in core mathematics. Practicing previous year papers will give you more boost and confidence in solving Quant questions in exam.
06) Best Books to Cover SSC CGL Math Syllabus:
To master the SSC CGL Math syllabus, you need structured books with ample practice sets. First go with subject wise books to cover entire syllabus and then complete previous year papers for any reputed books dedicated for SSC CGL Maths Preparation.
07) Tips to Prepare SSC CGL Math Syllabus Effectively:
- Understand the Weightage: Focus on high-frequency topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, and DI.
- Strengthen Arithmetic Basics: These are crucial in both Tier 1 and Tier 2.
- Use Shortcuts Wisely: Learn Vedic maths and shortcut tricks for faster calculation.
- Mock Tests are a Must: Practice full-length mocks at least 2–3 times a week.
- Track Weak Areas: Use error logs to track mistakes and revise weak concepts.
- Revise Daily: Create short notes of formulas and revise them regularly.
- Analyze Previous Year Papers: Identify repeated questions and trends to stay ahead.
08) FAQs on SSC CGL Math Syllabus:
❓ Is the SSC CGL Math syllabus the same for Tier 1 and Tier 2?
The core topics are similar, but Tier 2 includes more depth, tricky questions, and Probability & Elementary Statistics are add on.
❓ What is the level of SSC CGL maths?
It ranges from basic to moderate difficulty but requires deep conceptual clarity and speed.
❓ How much time should I dedicate daily to Math?
Minimum 2–3 hours, including concept building, practice, and mock test analysis.
❓ Can I skip Geometry and Mensuration in the SSC CGL math syllabus?
You should not. These topics carry at least 30–40 marks in Tier 2.
❓ Which topic is most scoring in the SSC CGL math syllabus?
Algebra, Trigonometry, and Arithmetic-based topics like Time & Work and SI/CI , Simplification, Number System are highly scoring.
09) Final Words on SSC CGL Math Syllabus:
To crack the SSC CGL exam with a good rank, mastering the math section is non-negotiable. Whether you’re appearing for the first time or are a repeater, building strong command over the SSC CGL Math syllabus will make you exam-ready.
Start with basics, advance to high-level questions, and most importantly—practice daily. With the right strategy and disciplined preparation, conquering the Quantitative Aptitude section becomes easier.
10) You Might Be Interested In:
- ✅ Practice Questions of Math for SSC CGL – Chapter-wise practice questions with solutions to boost your speed and accuracy.
- ✅ Important Study Notes for SSC CGL – Concise and exam-focused notes of Quantitative Aptitude Concepts, Practice Sheets, Quick Tricks to boost your preparation.
11) Download This Syllabus As PDF
👉 Click here to download the SSC CGL Math Syllabus and Pattern 2025 as a PDF
