With the exam approaching, it’s important to focus on high‑scoring areas like Quantitative Aptitude and English Language, which form the core of Paper 1. Tier 2 tests your speed and accuracy, so knowing the topic‑wise weightage of English and Quant will help you set the right priorities. Based on past trends, a clear analysis of the number of questions asked from each topic can guide your final revision strategy. For better preparation, attempt a free SSC CGL Tier 2 mock test and evaluate your readiness for the exam.
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The Tier 2 exam is a major stage in the SSC CGL selection process and is important for final selection. It includes multiple papers depending on the post you are applying for.
Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates and is held in two sessions on the same day:
- Session I: Includes 4 modules – Maths (Quants), Reasoning, English, and General Awareness.
- Session II: Includes a Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying only) and a Typing Test (DEST) which is also qualifying.
Paper 2 is only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) applicants.
Check out the below points:
- All questions are multiple choice (except the DEST Typing Test).
- The exam is in English and Hindi, except the English section.
- Wrong answers deduct marks:
– 1 mark for each wrong answer in Paper 1
– 0.50 mark for each wrong answer in Paper 2 - Computer Knowledge and DEST are only qualifying – their marks aren’t counted in the final score.
- DEST = Typing 2000 characters in 15 minutes.
| Paper/Session | Section / Subject | Questions × Marks per Question | Total Marks | Time Duration |
| Paper 1 | (For all posts) | |||
| Session I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 × 3 | 90 | |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 × 3 | 90 | 1 hour | |
| English Language Comprehension | 45 × 3 | 135 | ||
| General Awareness | 25 × 3 | 75 | 1 hour | |
| Session II | Computer Knowledge (Qualifying Only) | 20 × 3 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| DEST (Qualifying Only) | Typing Test (2000 characters) | – | 15 minutes | |
| Paper 2 | Statistics (For JSO post only) | 100 × 2 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2025
The SSC CGL Tier 2 exam is the most important stage in the selection process. It tests candidates on subjects like Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Understanding the detailed syllabus helps you plan your preparation effectively.
| Section | Topics |
| Mathematical Abilities | Number Systems: Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Relationship between numbers Fundamental Arithmetical Operations: Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Distance, Time and Work Algebra: Basic identities, Elementary Surds, Linear Graphs Geometry: Basic figures, Triangles, Circles, Chords, Tangents Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilateral, Regular Polygons, Sphere, Cone, Cylinder, etc. Trigonometry: Ratios, Heights and Distances Statistics & Probability: Tables, Graphs, Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Simple Probabilities |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | Semantic & Figural Analogy, Symbolic Operations, Trends, Venn Diagrams, Drawing Inferences, Critical Thinking, Emotional & Social Intelligence, Coding-Decoding, Numerical Operations, Embedded Figures, Pattern Folding/Unfolding |
| English Language & Comprehension | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms/Antonyms, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms, Word Substitution, Sentence Improvement, Voice and Narration, Sentence Ordering, Cloze Passage, Reading Comprehension |
| General Awareness | Environment, Society, Current Affairs, Scientific Observations, Indian History & Culture, Geography, Economy, Constitution & Polity, Scientific Research, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Computer Knowledge | Computer Basics (CPU, I/O Devices, Memory), Software (Windows, MS Office), Internet and Email (Browsing, Uploading/Downloading, Email management), Networking & Cyber Security (Protocols, Threats, Prevention) |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Weightage of All Subjects
Knowing how many questions come from each topic helps you focus your revision. Below are the usual ranges based on past exams.
English Language (200 Qs – 2 hours)
This section tests your grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence structure. Strong reading skills and familiarity with common error types are essential to score well.
| Topic | Typical Range |
| Reading Comprehension | 15 – 30 |
| Synonyms / Antonyms | 2 – 10 |
| Idioms & Phrases | 2 – 10 |
| Para-jumbles | 20 – 25 |
| Error Spotting | 12 – 15 |
| Sentence Improvement | 8 – 15 |
| Active / Passive Voice | 10 – 25 |
| Direct / Indirect Speech | 10 – 25 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2 – 10 |
| One Word Substitution | 2 – 10 |
| Correct Spelling | 1 – 3 |
| Cloze Test | 0 – 30 |
Quantitative Aptitude (200 Qs – 2 hours)
This section evaluates your calculation speed, accuracy, and understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Regular practice is key to scoring high.
| Topic | Typical Range |
| Geometry | 9 – 15 |
| Data Interpretation | 5 – 10 |
| Average | 2 |
| Mixture & Alligation | 2 – 6 |
| Speed, Distance & Time | 4 – 8 |
| Percentage | 4 – 10 |
| Height & Distance | 1 |
| Profit, Loss & Discount | 3 – 7 |
| Mensuration | 5 – 6 |
| Simplification | 4 – 6 |
| Trigonometry | 5 – 9 |
| Algebra | 3 – 6 |
| Number System | 5 – 6 |
| Ratio & Proportion | 1 – 3 |
| Time and Work | 3 – 4 |
| Partnership | 2 – 3 |
| Coordinate Geometry | 1 |
| Simple & Compound Interest | 2 – 3 |
| Miscellaneous | 2 – 3 |
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SSC CGL Tier 2 Weightage of English and Quants FAQs
Ans. There are 45 English questions in Paper 1 (Session I), each carrying 3 marks.
Ans. Quant section has 30 questions × 3 marks = 90 marks in Paper 1.
Ans. Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Paper 1.
Ans. Usually 5–9 questions are asked from basic trigonometry and heights.
Ans. Data Interpretation generally has 5–10 questions per shift.
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