Freshness Note
This syllabus is based on the 2018 SSC CPO notification (the 1,330-post cycle); check the latest official notification for any change in pattern before you prepare.
General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 Marks)
- Semantic analogy, symbolic/number analogy and figural analogy
- Semantic classification, symbolic/number classification and figural classification
- Number series and semantic series
- Word building, problem solving and trends
- Coding-decoding, numerical operations and symbolic operations
- Space orientation and space visualisation
- Venn diagrams and drawing inferences
- Punched hole / pattern folding and unfolding; figure pattern folding and completion
- Indexing, address matching, date and city matching
- Classification of centre codes and roll numbers; small and capital letter and number coding
- Embedded figures and critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence and social intelligence
English Comprehension (50 Marks)
- Understanding of correct English
- Basic comprehension
- Writing ability
Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks)
- Number system: computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions; relationship between numbers
- Percentages, ratio and proportion, square roots and averages
- Interest, profit and loss, discount and partnership business
- Mixture and alligation, time and work, time and distance
- Algebra: basic algebraic identities of school algebra, elementary surds (simple problems) and graphs of linear equations
- Geometry: triangles and their various centres, congruence and similarity of triangles, circles and chords, tangents, angles subtended by a chord, common tangents to two or more circles
- Mensuration: triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, circles, right prism, right circular cone, right circular cylinder, sphere, hemisphere, rectangular parallelepiped, regular right pyramid with triangular or square base
- Trigonometry: trigonometric ratios, degree and radian measure, standard identities, complementary angles, heights and distances
- Data interpretation: histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram and pie chart
Note on Sections
The paper has 200 questions with 50 from each section, but the topic list available here covers three sections: Reasoning, English Comprehension and Quantitative Aptitude. Download the official notification for the complete section list and its detailed topics.
Marking Scheme
- Mode: computer-based exam with multiple-choice questions
- Full marks: 200; total questions: 200; time: 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer
Preparation Pointers
- Every section carries 50 questions, so each deserves equal preparation time
- Quantitative Aptitude has the longest topic list, stretching from arithmetic to geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data charts
- Clearing the written tier is only the first step: the PST/PET, Tier II exam and detailed medical examination follow