SSC CGL Exam Weightage : Crack the Code

February 1, 2025

Understanding the weightage of various topics in the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination is crucial for effective preparation. Focusing on the areas that carry the most marks in students can optimize their study plans and success in the exam. Let us go on to the subject-wise weightage distribution for SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Weightage

The Tier 1 exam comprises four sections:

  1. General Intelligence and Reasoning:  

Key topics include:

  • Analogy: Approximately 5-6 questions.
  • Series: Around 5 questions.
  • Syllogism: About 2-3 questions.
  • Coding-Decoding: Roughly 2-3 questions.
  • Odd One Out: Close to 2-3 questions.
  • Miscellaneous: Encompasses topics like blood relations, directions, and more, totaling about 10 questions.

SSC has consistently followed a pattern where logical reasoning questions dominate this section, particularly Analogy, Series, and Coding-Decoding.

  1. Quantitative Aptitude

Important topics are:

  • Arithmetic: Constitutes about 10-12 questions, covering percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, and more.
  • Algebra: Approximately 4-5 questions.
  • Geometry: Around 4-5 questions.
  • Trigonometry: About 2-3 questions.
  • Data Interpretation: Roughly 4-5 questions.

Data from previous 5 years’ SSC CGL papers suggests that Arithmetic and Geometry form nearly 50% of the total questions in this section. This is why candidates must focus on mastering these topics.

  1. English Language and Comprehension

Key areas include:

  • Reading Comprehension: About 5 questions.
  • Cloze Test: Approximately 5 questions.
  • Error Spotting: Around 3-4 questions.
  • Sentence Improvement: Roughly 3-4 questions.
  • Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms): About 3-4 questions.

In most SSC CGL papers, Reading Comprehension and Cloze Tests together account for nearly 40% of the section, making them key focus areas.

  1. General Awareness

Important topics are:

  • Static GK: Includes History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and more, totaling about 15-20 questions.
  • Current Affairs: Approximately 5-10 questions.

Analysis of previous papers shows that Static GK consistently contributes around 70% of the total General Awareness section, with History and Polity being the most frequently tested subjects.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Weightage

Tier 2 is more specialized and includes:

  1. Paper I (Compulsory for all posts):
    • Mathematical Abilities: Focuses on higher-level mathematics, including advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
    • Reasoning and General Intelligence: In many ways similar to Tier 1 but of a greater level of complexity.
    • English Language and Comprehension: Tests deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
    • General Awareness: Broader scope, including scientific research and developments.
    • Computer Knowledge Test: Assesses basic computer proficiency.
    • SSC has increased the difficulty level of Mathematical Abilities and English over the years, as seen in recent exam papers.
  2. Paper II (For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer):
    • Statistics: Covers topics like probability, regression, and correlation analysis.

These distributions are consistent with the analysis of the SSC CGL 2024 exam conducted on September 19, 2024. The overall difficulty level was rated as easy to moderate, with a good number of attempts ranging between 76-84 questions.

Strategic Preparation Tips

Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Focus more on the areas from which more questions will come. For example, arithmetic and data interpretation in Quantitative Aptitude score pretty high.

Practice Regularly: Daily practice of the reasoning and quantitative questions makes for a speedier performer.

Enhance Vocabulary:  Reading newspapers and books will only build up vocabulary for the English portion.

Stay Updated: Regularly follow current affairs for the General Awareness section.

Utilize Mock Tests: Taking timed mock tests helps in understanding the exam pattern and managing time effectively. Ace your SSC CGL prep with NetPractice – Practice. Revise. Succeed!

By recognizing the topic-wise weightage and appropriately molding your preparation in line with it, you can approach the SSC CGL exam with the right confidence and strategy. 

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