BSSC CGL Syllabus 2025 — Complete Prelims & Mains Subject-Wise Syllabus
BSSC CGL Syllabus Overview
The Bihar Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (BSSC CGL) examination is conducted to recruit candidates for various Group C posts in the Bihar state government. The exam is held in two phases: Prelims (qualifying) and Mains (merit-based). Both phases test candidates on a range of subjects including General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Science. Understanding the complete syllabus is the first step toward building an effective preparation strategy.
The BSSC CGL syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s overall knowledge and aptitude at the graduation level. While the Prelims exam tests basic understanding across all subjects, the Mains exam delves deeper into advanced topics. Bihar-specific content, particularly in General Knowledge and Current Affairs, carries significant weight and should not be overlooked. For details on how the exam is structured, refer to the BSSC CGL exam pattern.
BSSC CGL Prelims Syllabus
The Prelims examination is a qualifying stage with 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The syllabus covers seven broad subject areas. While exact question distribution may vary, all subjects carry roughly equal importance. Here is the detailed topic-wise breakdown:
1. General Knowledge (GK)
General Knowledge is one of the most important sections in the BSSC CGL Prelims. It covers a wide range of topics spanning Indian and Bihar-specific history, geography, polity, and economy.
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Indian History | Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India; Freedom Struggle; Important dates and events |
| Bihar History | Magadha Empire, Maurya Dynasty, Bihar in freedom movement, Champaran Satyagraha |
| Indian Geography | Physical features, Climate, Rivers, Agriculture, Natural resources |
| Bihar Geography | Rivers of Bihar, Districts, Climate, Soil types, Irrigation |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj |
| Bihar Polity | State Legislature, Governor, Chief Minister, Local governance |
| Indian Economy | Five Year Plans, GDP, Banking, Taxation, Budget basics |
| Bihar Economy | State budget, Agriculture sector, Industries, Economic indicators |
2. Hindi Language
Hindi is a significant section given that Bihar is a Hindi-speaking state. The questions test grammar, comprehension, and language skills at the graduation level.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Hindi Grammar (Vyakaran) | Sangya, Sarvanam, Visheshan, Kriya, Karak, Vachan, Ling |
| Vilom Shabd | Antonyms of common Hindi words |
| Paryayvachi Shabd | Synonyms of common Hindi words |
| Muhavare & Lokoktiyan | Idioms, Proverbs, and their meanings |
| Samas | Types of compound words — Dvandva, Tatpurusha, Karmadharaya, etc. |
| Sandhi | Swar Sandhi, Vyanjan Sandhi, Visarg Sandhi |
| Comprehension | Reading passages and answering related questions |
| Sentence Correction | Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in Hindi sentences |
3. English Language
The English section tests basic grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Questions are typically at the graduation level and focus on practical language usage.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Subject-Verb Agreement, Voice, Narration |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases |
| Comprehension | Reading passages with questions on meaning, inference, and vocabulary |
| Error Spotting | Identifying grammatical errors in sentences |
| Fill in the Blanks | Choosing the correct word or phrase to complete sentences |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Arranging jumbled sentences into coherent paragraphs |
4. Mathematics
The Mathematics section covers arithmetic and quantitative aptitude topics. Speed and accuracy are key, as calculations must be done without a calculator within the time limit.
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Number System | HCF, LCM, Divisibility, Fractions, Decimals |
| Percentage | Basic calculations, Applications in profit/loss and interest |
| Profit & Loss | Cost price, Selling price, Discount, Successive discounts |
| Simple & Compound Interest | SI/CI formulas, Difference between SI and CI, Applications |
| Ratio & Proportion | Ratios, Proportions, Partnerships, Mixtures and Alligations |
| Time & Work | Work efficiency, Pipes and Cisterns, Combined work |
| Time, Speed & Distance | Average speed, Relative speed, Boats & Streams, Trains |
| Geometry | Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Coordinate Geometry basics |
| Mensuration | Area, Volume, Surface Area of 2D and 3D shapes |
| Trigonometry | Basic ratios, Heights and Distances, Identities |
| Algebra | Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Simplification |
| Data Interpretation | Bar graphs, Pie charts, Tables, Line graphs |
5. Reasoning
The Reasoning section evaluates logical and analytical thinking ability. It includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Analogy | Word-based and number-based analogies |
| Classification | Odd one out from a group of words, numbers, or figures |
| Series | Number series, Letter series, Alpha-numeric series |
| Coding-Decoding | Letter coding, Number coding, Mixed coding |
| Blood Relations | Family tree problems, Relationship-based questions |
| Direction Test | Distance and direction, Shortest distance problems |
| Syllogism | Statement and conclusion-based logical deductions |
| Venn Diagrams | Representing relationships between groups |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Mirror images, Water images, Paper folding, Pattern completion |
| Puzzles | Seating arrangement, Ordering, Ranking |
6. General Science
The General Science section covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the secondary school level (Class 10). Questions focus on concepts applicable to everyday life.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Mechanics, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Heat, Units and Measurements |
| Chemistry | Elements, Compounds, Chemical Reactions, Acids & Bases, Metals & Non-metals |
| Biology | Human Body, Diseases, Nutrition, Cell Biology, Plant Kingdom, Ecology |
| Everyday Science | Scientific inventions, Space science, Technology in daily life |
7. Current Affairs
Current Affairs questions test awareness of recent national and international events. Bihar-specific current affairs are given particular emphasis.
- National Events: Government policies, schemes (PM Awas Yojana, Digital India, etc.), summits, and conferences
- International Events: Global summits, bilateral relations, international organizations
- Bihar-Specific: State government schemes, Bihar Diwas, infrastructure projects, education initiatives
- Awards & Honours: Padma Awards, Nobel Prize, National Awards, Sports awards
- Sports: Major tournaments, Indian athletes’ achievements, Sports events in Bihar
- Science & Technology: ISRO missions, new discoveries, tech innovations
- Economy: RBI policies, GDP data, Union and State budgets
BSSC CGL Mains Syllabus
The Mains examination is the merit-determining stage with 150 questions to be answered in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The syllabus is similar to Prelims but with a deeper and more advanced focus. The Mains exam tests analytical thinking, advanced problem-solving, and thorough subject knowledge.
1. Advanced General Studies
The General Studies section in Mains goes beyond basic facts and tests in-depth understanding of Indian and Bihar-specific topics. Expect analytical questions that require connecting concepts across history, geography, polity, and economy.
- Indian History: Detailed analysis of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern history; Cultural heritage; Art and Architecture
- Bihar Special: Magadha civilization, Nalanda University, Bihar’s role in Indian independence, Jayaprakash Narayan movement
- Indian & Bihar Geography: Advanced physical geography, resource mapping, economic geography, demographic studies
- Indian Polity & Governance: Constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court judgments, governance reforms
- Economy: Macroeconomic concepts, Indian economic development, Bihar economic indicators, fiscal policy
- Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, Climate change, Environmental laws, Pollution control measures
2. Advanced Hindi
The Hindi section in Mains includes more complex grammar, literature-based questions, and advanced comprehension passages. Knowledge of Hindi literature and prominent Hindi writers is expected.
- Advanced grammar: Alankar, Ras, Chhand, Pad Parichay
- Hindi literature: Prominent poets and writers, literary movements
- Advanced comprehension and precis writing concepts
- Translation and paraphrasing skills
- Official Hindi terminology
3. Advanced English
The English section in Mains features more complex passages, advanced vocabulary, and higher-level grammar questions requiring nuanced understanding of the language.
- Advanced reading comprehension with inference-based questions
- Cloze test and sentence completion
- Para jumbles and sentence connectors
- Advanced vocabulary: Phrasal verbs, Collocations, Word usage in context
- Error detection in complex sentences
4. Advanced Mathematics
The Maths section in Mains covers all Prelims topics at a higher difficulty level, with additional focus on Data Interpretation and advanced problem-solving techniques.
- Advanced arithmetic with multi-step problems
- Complex geometry and mensuration questions
- Advanced algebra: Polynomials, Quadratic equations, Inequalities
- Trigonometry: Identities, Heights and Distances with complex figures
- Data Interpretation: Multiple graphs, combined data analysis, data sufficiency
- Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation basics
5. Advanced Reasoning
The Reasoning section in Mains includes complex puzzles, multi-level coding, and advanced analytical reasoning that requires deeper logical thinking.
- Complex seating arrangements (circular and linear)
- Multi-level blood relations
- Logical reasoning: Statements and assumptions, Cause and effect
- Advanced puzzles: Floor-based, Time-based, Comparison-based
- Critical reasoning and decision making
- Input-output and machine-based reasoning
Pro Tip: Focus on Bihar-specific GK topics as they consistently carry high weightage in both Prelims and Mains. Use recommended books and practice regularly with previous year questions to get familiar with the question patterns.
Subject-Wise Weightage (Approximate)
While BSSC does not officially publish subject-wise weightage, analysis of previous year papers reveals the following approximate distribution:
| Subject | Approximate Questions (Prelims) | Approximate Questions (Mains) |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 30-35 | 35-40 |
| Hindi | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| English | 15-20 | 15-20 |
| Mathematics | 25-30 | 30-35 |
| Reasoning | 25-30 | 25-30 |
| General Science | 15-20 | 10-15 |
| Current Affairs | 10-15 | 10-15 |
How to Cover the BSSC CGL Syllabus Effectively
Covering the entire BSSC CGL syllabus requires a structured approach. Here are some strategies to help you prepare efficiently:
- Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Start with GK, Mathematics, and Reasoning as they carry the most marks. This ensures maximum return on your study time.
- Bihar GK Is Non-Negotiable: Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to Bihar history, geography, polity, and current affairs. This is a unique advantage area for Bihar domicile candidates.
- Practice Daily Maths: Solve at least 30-50 Maths questions daily to build speed and accuracy. Focus on shortcuts and mental calculation techniques.
- Read Hindi & English Daily: Regular reading of Hindi newspapers and English editorials improves comprehension and vocabulary naturally.
- Mock Tests Are Essential: Take at least 2-3 full-length mock tests per week to simulate exam conditions and identify weak areas.
- Revision Schedule: Revise completed topics every week. Use flashcards for GK facts and formulas for Maths.
For a detailed preparation roadmap, visit our BSSC CGL preparation tips page. To understand the exam structure and marking scheme, check the exam pattern page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the complete syllabus for BSSC CGL 2025?
The BSSC CGL 2025 syllabus covers General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, and Current Affairs for Prelims. The Mains exam includes advanced-level questions from General Studies, Hindi, English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. Check the BSSC CGL overview page for more details.
Is the syllabus for BSSC CGL Prelims and Mains the same?
No, the Prelims and Mains syllabi differ in depth and scope. Prelims covers basic-level topics from GK, Hindi, English, Maths, Reasoning, Science, and Current Affairs. Mains includes advanced-level questions from General Studies, Hindi, English, Mathematics, and Reasoning with greater emphasis on analytical skills.
How important is Bihar-specific GK in BSSC CGL?
Bihar-specific General Knowledge is extremely important in the BSSC CGL exam. Questions on Bihar history, geography, economy, polity, culture, and current affairs regularly appear. Candidates should dedicate significant time to studying Bihar-centric topics for both Prelims and Mains.
Does BSSC CGL have a separate Science section?
Yes, the Prelims exam includes a General Science section covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the 10th-class level. Questions focus on everyday science, scientific inventions, and basic scientific concepts relevant to daily life.
What topics come under Reasoning in BSSC CGL?
The Reasoning section includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Topics include Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Test, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Statement and Conclusions, Mirror and Water Images, and Pattern Recognition.
Is Current Affairs part of the BSSC CGL syllabus?
Yes, Current Affairs is an important part of the General Knowledge section in both Prelims and Mains. Candidates should cover national and international events, government schemes, awards, sports, and Bihar-specific current affairs from the last 6-12 months.
What level of Maths is asked in BSSC CGL?
The Mathematics section covers topics up to the graduation level including Arithmetic (Number System, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time & Distance), Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation. Mains questions tend to be more complex than Prelims.
How should I start preparing the BSSC CGL syllabus?
Start by understanding the complete syllabus and exam pattern. Focus first on high-weightage topics like GK, Maths, and Reasoning. Use standard textbooks and practice with previous year questions. Create a structured study plan covering all subjects systematically.