JSO is one of the most demanded posts that comes under SSC CGL due to its specialized nature and good salary package. This article will guide you through the best SSC JSO Books and study material to prepare effectively for the exam.
Study Material For SSC JSO – Books And Sample Papers
If you plan to prepare for the SSC JSO by self-study, you can purchase the books mentioned in this article for your preparation. Also, you need to take mock tests online. The examination previous year papers are also available for free on the internet. The best source of preparation are:
- Examination preparation books recommended by experts
- Previous years’ question papers
- Sample papers
- Mock test series.
Best SSC JSO Books For Exam Preparation
To clear the SSC JSO exam, you need a good understanding of English, along with Maths and Statistics. Below is a list of popular English books recommended by toppers for SSC CGL JSO 2025.
Best English Books for SSC JSO Preparation
To clear the SSC JSO exam, a good command of English is essential for scoring well in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Below is a list of popular English books recommended by toppers and widely used for SSC-level exams.
| English Books | Authors/Publication House |
| Objective General English | SP Bakshi (Arihant) |
| Competitive General English | Kiran Prakashan |
| Perfect Competitive English | V.K. Sinha |
| Quick Learning Objective General English | RS Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal |
| From Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma |
| Objective English for Competitive Examinations | H M Prasad |
| Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
| A Mirror of Common Errors | Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh |
Best Quantitative Aptitude Books for SSC JSO
Quantitative Aptitude plays a major role in the SSC JSO exam, especially in Tier 2. The following books will help you strengthen both your basic and advanced maths concepts for better accuracy and speed.
| Quantitative Aptitude | Authors/Publication House |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Dr. R.S Agarwal |
| NCERT Maths from Grade 6 to Grade 11 | NCERT |
| SSC Elementary and Advanced Maths | Kiran |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M Tyra |
| Advance Maths | Rakesh Yadav |
| Advance Maths | Abhinay Sharma |
Best Reasoning Books for SSC JSO
Reasoning is a key scoring section in SSC JSO Tier 1. The books listed below provide a wide range of logical and analytical reasoning questions that match the exam pattern.
| Reasoning Books | Authors/Publication House |
| Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Dr. R.S. Aggarwal |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
| Logical and Analytical Reasoning | A.K. Gupta |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma |
Best General Awareness Books for SSC JSO 2025
The General Awareness section tests knowledge of current events and static GK. Here are the most recommended books for covering history, geography, polity, economy, and more.
| General Awareness Books | Authors/Publication House |
| NCERT Books of Class X, XII- History, Geography, Economics | NCERT |
| General Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| Manorama Yearbook | Manorama |
| Bolt series | Oliveboard |
Best Statistics Book for SSC JSO
Statistics is the core subject of the SSC JSO Tier 2 exam. The following book is a widely accepted resource to master statistical concepts and numerical questions.
| Statistics | Authors/Publication House |
| Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics | SC Gupta, VK Kapoor |
Although preparing from the examination books is a good idea, you must also follow the previous years’ question papers as they are a very good source of what to expect in the examination. In case the previous years’ question papers are not available, the candidates can opt for the sample paper and mock test series available online. The advantages of practicing the SSC JSO previous year’s question papers, mock test series, and sample papers are given below:
- This will acquaint the candidate with the pattern of the question paper, the marking scheme of the examination, and the weightage given to each section.
- While solving the sample papers, previous year’s question paper, and taking mock tests, the candidates will answer different types of questions and will be better prepared to answer short, lengthy, tough, tricky, difficult, and easy questions.
- Due to solving question papers and sample papers, the candidate will be in a position to answer questions in the examination more proficiently, quickly, and correctly.
To prepare well for the examination, the candidates should have a clear idea of the syllabus.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2025
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam tests candidates on four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English Language. Here’s the detailed topic-wise syllabus to help you prepare better.
SSC CGL Reasoning Syllabus
This section checks the logical thinking and analytical skills of the candidates. Questions are generally easy to moderate in difficulty.
| Topics Covered |
| Alphabetical Series |
| Coding-Decoding |
| Direction and Distance |
| Order and Ranking |
| Blood Relation |
| Syllogism |
| Logical Venn Diagram |
| Sitting Arrangement |
| Analogy |
| Classification (Number Patterns & Series) |
| Number Series |
| Missing Numbers |
| Arithmetical Reasoning |
| Symbols and Notations |
| Word Formation & Logical Order of Words |
| Clock |
| Calendar |
| Cube, Cuboid and Dice |
| Statement and Assumption |
| Statement and Conclusion |
| Mirror Image |
| Paper Folding and Cutting |
| Figure Completion & Grouping of Figures |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning (Series, Analogy, Classification) |
| Matrix |
| Statement and Argument / Courses of Action |
SSC CGL Maths Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude tests your numerical ability and basic math concepts. It plays a key role in scoring high in the Tier 1 exam.
| Topics Covered |
| Number System (Decimals, Fractions, Relationships between numbers) |
| L.C.M and H.C.F |
| Surds and Indices |
| Algebraic Identities |
| Percentage |
| Profit and Loss |
| Simple and Compound Interest |
| Average |
| Ratio and Proportion |
| Partnership |
| Problems on Ages |
| Time and Work |
| Pipes and Cisterns |
| Mixture and Alligation |
| Time, Speed and Distance |
| Problems on Trains, Boats, and Streams |
| Mensuration: Circle and its chords, Tangents, Angles subtended by chords, Common tangents, Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Cylinder, Sphere, Hemisphere, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Right Pyramid (triangular or square base) |
| Geometry & Coordinate Geometry: Graphs of Linear Equations |
| Trigonometry: Height and Distance |
| Data Interpretation: Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart |
SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus
This section tests your knowledge of current events and general knowledge related to India and the world.
| Topics Covered |
| Environment: Basic environmental science, social applications, current affairs |
| History: Indus Valley, Buddhism, Magadha, Gupta, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Freedom Movement |
| Geography: Solar System, Earth layers, Indian rivers and mountains, climate, soil, vegetation |
| Economics: Planning, National Income, Budget, Market, Population, Economic terms |
| Polity: Indian Constitution, Union & State structure, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Judiciary |
| Science: Basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology (up to 10th level) |
SSC CGL English Syllabus
The English section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. It is scoring for those with strong language basics.
| Topics Covered |
| Noun & Pronoun |
| Verbs, Tenses, Modals, Syntax |
| Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Articles |
| Error Detection |
| Fill in the Blanks |
| Antonyms, Synonyms, Homonyms |
| Cloze Test |
| Sentence and Word Rearrangement |
| Reading Comprehension |
| Sentence Improvement & Spelling Correction |
| Misspelt/Inappropriate Words |
| Idioms & Phrases |
| One Word Substitution |
| Active/Passive Voice |
| Direct/Indirect Speech |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2025
Tier 2 is the main stage of the SSC CGL 2025 selection process and is mandatory for all posts. It includes objective-type questions across different sections and also contains qualifying modules like Computer Knowledge and DEST.
Tier 2 – Paper 1
Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates and is divided into three sections—Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and DEST. It is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
| Section | Module | Questions | Marks |
| Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| Section II | English Language Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | |
| Section III | Module I – Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 (Qualifying Only) |
| Module II – DEST | 1 Task | Qualifying Only |
- Total Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins + 30 mins for qualifying modules
- DEST: 2000 key depressions in 15 mins
- Negative Marking:
–1 mark for each wrong answer in Sections I, II, and Module I of Section III
Module I & II of Section III are not counted in the final merit.
Tier 2 – Paper 2 (Only for JSO Post)
This paper is only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. It checks your understanding of Statistics and is counted in the final selection for JSO
| Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
| Statistics | 100 | 200 |
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marking: +2 per correct answer, –0.50 per wrong answer
- Applicable Only For: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
SSC CGL Tier II Syllabus
The SSC CGL Tier-II exam is conducted to assess candidates’ advanced knowledge in Quantitative Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and domain-specific subjects. Below is the subject-wise syllabus with detailed topic breakdowns to help you prepare effectively.
Mathematical Abilities
This section evaluates candidates on advanced arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation skills. It plays a vital role in scoring well in Paper-I of the Tier-II exam.
| Sections | Topics |
| Number Systems | Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals and Fractions, Relationship between numbers |
| Fundamental Arithmetical Operations | Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Distance, Time and Work |
| Algebra | Basic Algebraic Identities of School Algebra, Elementary Surds (simple problems), Graphs of Linear Equations |
| Geometry | Familiarity with elementary geometric figures and facts, Triangle and its various kinds of centers, Congruence and similarity of triangles, Circle and its chords, Tangents, Angles subtended by chords of a circle, Common tangents to two or more circles |
| Mensuration | Triangle, Quadrilateral, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometry, Trigonometric ratios, Complementary angles, Height and distances (simple problems only), Standard Identities |
| Statistics and Probability | Use of Tables and Graphs, Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart, Measures of central tendency: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Calculation of Simple Probabilities |
Reasoning and General Intelligence
This section includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics to test logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical ability.
| S. No. | Topics |
| 1 | Semantic Analogy |
| 2 | Symbolic Operations |
| 3 | Symbolic/Number Analogy |
| 4 | Trends |
| 5 | Figural Analogy |
| 6 | Space Orientation |
| 7 | Semantic Classification |
| 8 | Venn Diagrams |
| 9 | Symbolic/Number Classification |
| 10 | Drawing Inferences |
| 11 | Figural Classification |
| 12 | Punched Hole/Pattern-Folding & Unfolding |
| 13 | Semantic Series |
| 14 | Figural Pattern-Folding and Completion |
| 15 | Number Series |
| 16 | Embedded Figures |
| 17 | Figural Series |
| 18 | Critical Thinking |
| 19 | Problem-Solving |
| 20 | Emotional Intelligence |
| 21 | Word Building |
| 22 | Social Intelligence |
| 23 | Coding and Decoding |
| 24 | Numerical Operations |
| 25 | Other Sub-Topics |
English Language and Comprehension
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension ability. Candidates will read passages and answer related questions.
| S. No. | Topics |
| 1 | Vocabulary |
| 2 | Grammar |
| 3 | Sentence Structure |
| 4 | Synonyms, Antonyms, and their correct usage |
| 5 | Spot the Error |
| 6 | Fill in the Blanks |
| 7 | Synonyms/ Homonyms |
| 8 | Antonyms |
| 9 | Spellings/ Detecting Misspelled Words |
| 10 | Idioms and Phrases |
| 11 | Word Substitution |
| 12 | Improvement of Sentences |
| 13 | Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs |
| 14 | Conversion into Direct/ Indirect Narration |
| 15 | Shuffling of Sentence Parts |
| 16 | Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage |
| 17 | Cloze Passage |
| 18 | Comprehension Passage |
General Awareness
This section tests your understanding of the environment, society, economy, science, and Indian history and polity. Awareness of current events is also evaluated.
| Subject | Topics |
| Environment | Understanding of ecological issues, conservation, and sustainability |
| Society | Knowledge of societal structures, norms, and values |
| Current Events | Awareness of significant global, national, and local events |
| Scientific Aspect | Understanding of scientific principles and their application in daily life |
| History | Indus Valley Civilization, Buddhism and Jainism, The Magadha Empire, Gupta Dynasty, Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, India’s Freedom Movement |
| Culture | Cultural heritage, traditions, and diversity in India and neighboring countries |
| Geography | Solar System, Earth, Mountains, Rivers, Atmosphere, Climate, Soil, Natural Vegetation |
| Economic Scene | Economic Planning, National Income, Budget, Demand and Supply, Unemployment, Population |
| General Policy | Indian Constitution, State and Union Government Structure, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs |
| Scientific Research | Developments in science and technology, both in India and globally |
| Physics | Units, Motion, Light, Work and Energy, Heat |
| Chemistry | Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Acids & Bases, Fuels, Metals & Non-Metals |
| Biology | Cells, Genetics, Human & Plant Diseases, Evolution, Tissues, Nitrogen Cycle |
Computer Knowledge
This section is meant to test the candidates’ familiarity with basic computer systems, software, and internet usage. It also checks awareness of cybersecurity.
| Subject | Topics |
| Organization of a Computer | CPU, Input/Output Devices, Memory, Ports, Windows Explorer, Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Software | Windows OS, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) |
| Internet & Emails | Web Browsing, Downloading/Uploading, Email Management, e-Banking |
| Networking & Cyber Security | Networking Devices & Protocols, Cyber Threats (viruses, Trojans), Preventive Measures |
Statistics (JSO – Paper 2)
Statistics is part of Tier-II for candidates applying to the Junior Statistical Officer post. It focuses on data collection, analysis, probability, and statistical inference.
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Collection, Classification, and Presentation | Data gathering, Tabulation, Graphs, Frequency Distributions |
| Measures of Central Tendency | Mean, Median, Mode, Quartiles, Percentiles |
| Measures of Dispersion | Range, Mean/Standard Deviation, Relative Dispersion |
| Moments, Skewness, and Kurtosis | Types of moments, Measures of skewness and kurtosis |
| Correlation and Regression | Correlation Coefficients, Regression Lines, Rank Correlation |
| Probability Theory | Definitions, Conditional Probability, Bayes’ Theorem |
| Probability Distributions | Binomial, Poisson, Normal, Exponential, Joint Distributions |
| Sampling Theory | Sampling Methods, Errors, Sampling Distribution |
| Statistical Inference | Estimation, Hypothesis Testing (Z, t, Chi-square, F) |
| Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) | One-way and Two-way Classification |
| Time Series Analysis | Trend Analysis, Seasonal Variation |
| Index Numbers | Types, Uses, Construction Methods (Cost of Living Index, etc.) |
SSC JSO Preparation Tips
Preparing for the SSC JSO exam without coaching is completely possible with the right plan, consistent practice, and smart study techniques. Here are some useful tips to help you stay on track and prepare effectively:
1. Make a Study Plan
A proper plan helps you stay focused and ensures you cover the syllabus on time. Break your preparation into phases to manage your time well.
Follow these steps:
- Divide your time into weekly and monthly targets.
- Start with a subject-wise timetable and adjust based on progress.
- Allot 6–8 hours daily depending on your schedule.
- Keep Sundays for revision and mock analysis.
- Set deadlines to complete the syllabus at least 30 days before the exam.
2. Start With Weak Areas
Focusing on weaker subjects early gives you more time to improve them. This also helps reduce exam-day stress.
How to begin:
- Identify topics you’re least confident in.
- Use video lessons, notes, and NCERTs for clarity.
- Practice basic questions before moving to advanced ones.
- Ask doubts in study groups or forums.
- Don’t skip difficult topics — break them into smaller parts and revise frequently.
3. Understand Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Knowing what to expect in the exam helps you plan better. This avoids wasting time on irrelevant topics.
Key actions:
- Download and read the official SSC JSO syllabus from the SSC website.
- Understand the weightage of each section: Statistics, Quant, GA, and English.
- Prioritize high-weightage topics in each subject.
- Note down repeated topics from past year papers.
4. Practice Mock Tests Regularly
Mock tests are the best way to test your speed, accuracy, and time management. They help you find your strong and weak areas.
Mock test strategy:
- Start with 1–2 topic-wise tests per week.
- Once syllabus is 70% done, begin full-length mocks.
- Analyze every test — check where you made errors and improve.
- Focus on reducing silly mistakes and increasing speed.
- Use a timer for practice to simulate exam pressure.
5. Solve Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers give you real exam-level questions and help you build exam temperament.
Tips to use them:
- Solve at least last 5–7 years of SSC CGL JSO papers.
- Attempt full papers with a timer to improve time management.
- Note down frequently asked question types.
- Revisit tough questions and understand their solutions.
6. Stay Consistent and Motivated
Consistency is more important than long hours. Staying positive and regular helps retain concepts better.
What to do:
- Set daily goals and reward yourself after completing them.
- Don’t get discouraged by low mock scores improvement takes time.
- Join online study groups or Telegram channels for motivation.
- Take small breaks to avoid burnout.
- Track your progress weekly and update your plan as needed.
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SSC JSO Books, Syllabus & Preparation 2025 – FAQs
Ans. Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics – SC Gupta, VK Kapoor
Ans. SSC JSO Tier 1 exam will be held from 13th to 30th August 2025.
Ans. Yes, NCERTs from Class 6 to 11 help build strong fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude.
Ans. Yes, they reveal question trends, improve accuracy, and help with time management.
Ans. 100 questions carrying 2 marks each, totaling 200 marks.
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