Complete Guide to SSC CGL English Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)
If you’re gearing up for the SSC CGL exam, understanding the SSC CGL English syllabus is one of the most crucial steps in your preparation. Whether you’re just starting out or are revising for the nth time, knowing exactly what to expect from the English section in both Tier 1 (Prelims) and Tier 2 (Mains) will help you streamline your study plan and boost your chances of success.
In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at the SSC CGL English syllabus for both prelims and mains as per new exam pattern, break it down topic-wise, and share a few tips to tackle each section efficiently. Let’s get started!
Why Focus on the SSC CGL English Syllabus?
The English section in SSC CGL is not just about vocabulary or grammar; it tests your comprehension, communication, and command over the language. A strong performance in English can be a game-changer since it’s part of both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams.
SSC CGL English Syllabus for Tier 1 (Prelims)
The Tier 1 or prelims exam consists of four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The English section carries 25 questions for a total of 50 marks.
Here’s a topic-wise breakdown of the SSC CGL English syllabus for Tier 1:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Short passages with questions testing inference, tone, vocabulary, etc. |
| Cloze Test | Fill in the blanks with contextually appropriate words. |
| Error Spotting | Identifying grammatical errors in sentences. |
| Sentence Improvement | Correcting or improving underlined parts of a sentence. |
| Fill in the Blanks | Choosing the correct word/phrase to complete a sentence. |
| One Word Substitution | Replacing a group of words with a single word. |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | Vocabulary-based questions. |
| Idioms & Phrases | Common idiomatic expressions and their meanings. |
| Spelling Errors | Identifying correctly or incorrectly spelled words. |
SSC CGL English Syllabus for Tier 2 (Mains)
Tier 2 or the Mains exam has become more competitive and demands a deeper understanding of the English language. The English Language and Comprehension paper (Paper 2) consists of 45 questions for 135 marks.
Here’s the detailed SSC CGL English syllabus for Tier 2:
| Topic | Details |
| Reading Comprehension | Longer passages than Tier 1, with more complex questions. |
| Cloze Test | 5-10 blanks per passage testing contextual understanding. |
| Para Jumbles | Reordering jumbled sentences to form a meaningful paragraph. |
| Error Spotting | Advanced level grammar and sentence structure. |
| Sentence Improvement | Focuses on complex sentence corrections. |
| Fill in the Blanks | Vocabulary and grammar-based gap fillers. |
| Active & Passive Voice | Converting sentences between active and passive. |
| Direct & Indirect Speech | Changing sentences from direct to indirect speech and vice versa. |
| One Word Substitution | Slightly advanced vocabulary. |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | May include tricky and uncommon words. |
| Idioms & Phrases | Usage of idioms in context. |
| Spelling Errors | Testing attention to detail. |
| Sentence Completion | Choosing the best option to complete a given sentence. |
📘 SSC CGL Tier 1 English Marks Distribution (Prelims)
-
Total Questions: 25
-
Total Marks: 50
-
Each Question: 2 marks
-
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
| Topic | Approx. No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 5 | 10 |
| Cloze Test | 5 | 10 |
| Error Spotting | 2–3 | 4–6 |
| Sentence Improvement | 2–3 | 4–6 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2 | 4 |
| One Word Substitution | 1–2 | 2–4 |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | 2 | 4 |
| Idioms & Phrases | 1–2 | 2–4 |
| Spelling Errors | 1–2 | 2–4 |
Note: The distribution may vary slightly each year, but this is a typical pattern.
📗 SSC CGL Tier 2 English Marks Distribution (Mains)
-
Total Questions: 45
-
Total Marks: 135
-
Each Question: 3 marks
-
Negative Marking: 1 marks per wrong answer
| Topic | Approx. No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 15 |
| Cloze Test | 10 |
| Error Spotting | 2 |
| Sentence Improvement | 2 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2 |
| Active & Passive Voice | 3 |
| Direct & Indirect Speech | 3 |
| Para Jumbles | 3 |
| One Word Substitution | 2 |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | 1 |
| Idioms & Phrases | 1 |
| Spelling Errors | 1 |
Key Differences Between Tier 1 and Tier 2 English Syllabus
While the core topics in the SSC CGL English syllabus remain similar in Tier 1 and Tier 2, the level of difficulty and depth of questions increase significantly in Tier 2. You’ll need more comprehensive preparation for Tier 2, especially in areas like Reading Comprehension, Voice, and Narration.
How to Prepare for the SSC CGL English Syllabus?
Here are some practical tips to prepare effectively for the SSC CGL English syllabus:
- Read Daily: Make reading a habit. Newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express are excellent for improving comprehension and vocabulary.
- Strengthen Grammar: Use standard grammar books like Wren & Martin and practice rules consistently.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will help you manage time and identify weak areas.
- Vocabulary Building: Maintain a vocabulary diary and revise it regularly. Apps like Magoosh or WordUp can help too.
- Revise Idioms/Phrases: Make flashcards to memorize common idioms and phrases.
- Analyze Previous Year Papers: Go through at least the last 5 years of SSC CGL papers to understand the pattern.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring vocabulary because it’s “too basic” or “too difficult.”
- Focusing only on grammar rules but not practicing their application.
- Skipping reading comprehension due to time constraints.
- Not revising regularly.
Final Thoughts
The SSC CGL English syllabus is vast but manageable with the right strategy and consistent effort. Focus on understanding concepts, keep practicing, and stay updated with exam patterns. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or close to the exam date, revisiting the syllabus and aligning your preparation with it can give you a strong advantage.
By making the SSC CGL English syllabus your roadmap, you can not only cover all the necessary topics but also identify areas where you can score easily. Good luck, and keep working smart!
Visit Official Website of SSC- Link
