The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is your first step toward securing a prestigious government job in India. With 17,727 vacancies announced for 2025, competition is fierce, but a solid grasp of the exam pattern, syllabus, and smart preparation can give you an edge. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a retaker, this guide breaks down everything—sections, marking scheme, time management, and pro tips—to help you crack Tier 1 with confidence. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of SSC CGL Tier 1 2025 📌
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizing Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs (4 Sections) |
| Total Marks | 200 (50 marks per section) |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes (No sectional timings) |
| Negative Marking | -0.5 for each wrong answer |
| Qualifying Nature | Tier 1 is qualifying; Tier 2 scores decide final selection |
| Language | English & Hindi (except English section) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025 📋
Section-Wise Breakdown
The exam has 4 sections, each with 25 questions (50 marks). Here’s the structure:
| Section | Topics Covered | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Coding, Blood Relations | Logical puzzles, Venn diagrams |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Science, Static GK | Govt schemes, recent sports events |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry | Speed Math, DI tricks |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension | Error spotting, idioms |
Note: No sectional time limits—balance speed and accuracy!
SSC CGL Tier 1 Marking Scheme ✔️
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- Wrong Answer: -0.5 marks (25% penalty)
- Unattempted: No deduction
Pro Tip: Avoid wild guesses! Aim for 85+ attempts with >90% accuracy to clear cutoffs.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2025 📚
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Covers verbal and non-verbal logic. Top topics:
- Analogies (e.g., “Doctor:Hospital ➔ Teacher:?”)
- Coding-Decoding (e.g., “CAT ➔ 3120”)
- Blood Relations (e.g., “How is A related to B?”)
2. General Awareness
- Current Affairs (6 months prior)
- Static GK (History, Geography, Polity)
- Science & Tech (e.g., Nobel Prize winners)
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Fast Calculations: Percentage, Profit/Loss
- Geometry: Triangles, Circles (formula-heavy)
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Pie Charts
4. English Comprehension
- Grammar: Error spotting, Active-Passive
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Idioms
- Reading: Cloze tests, Para-jumbles
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Tier 1 🎯
1. Study Plan
- Daily: 2 hours for concepts + 1 hour for MCQ practice
- Weekly: 1 mock test (analyze weak areas)
2. Time Management
| Section | Time Allocated | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 mins | Solve DI & easy topics first |
| English | 15 mins | Focus on grammar & quick reads |
| Reasoning | 15 mins | Prioritize puzzles & analogies |
| GK | 10 mins | Revise notes before exam day |
3. Recommended Books
- Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal
- English: Kirans SSC English
- GK: Lucent’s General Knowledge
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Ignoring negative marking (costs 10+ marks!)
- Overloading on unreliable online sources
- Skipping previous year papers
Final Thoughts
The SSC CGL Tier 1 2025 demands speed, accuracy, and smart prep. Start early, focus on high-weightage topics, and take timed mocks to build stamina. Remember: Tier 1 is just the qualifier—save energy for Tier 2! 🏆
Need a syllabus PDF? Download it from SSC’s official site. Got questions? Drop them below! 👇
Divya Reddy is a career guidance writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a Master’s in Human Resources and 8+ years of experience, Divya loves helping students navigate their academic journeys. She enjoys practicing yoga.
