SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 (Held On: 12 Sept, 2025 Shift 2)
Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination
General Instructions:
The clock will be set at the server. The countdown timer at the top right corner of screen will display the remaining time available for you to complete the examination. When the timer reaches zero, the examination will end by itself. You need not terminate the examination or submit your paper. The Question Palette displayed on the right side of screen will show the status of each question using one of the following symbols:
The Mark For Review status for a question simply indicates that you would like to look at that question again. If a question is answered, but marked for review, then the answer will be considered for evaluation unless the status is modified by the candidate.
General Intelligence
In the following question, select the related word from the given alternatives. Liberty : Autonomy :: Equality : ?
MCQExplanation:
Equality is closely related to Fairness, just as Liberty is related to Autonomy.
Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. BGL, GLQ, LQV, QVA, ?
MCQExplanation:
Each position advances by +5 letters cyclically. Hence the next term is VAF.
Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. DAG, FCI, ?, JGM, LIO
MCQExplanation:
The first and second letters increase by +2 while the third letter also follows a regular pattern. HEK fits the sequence.
Which of the following alternatives will replace the question mark? Atom, Molecule, Cell, ?
MCQExplanation:
Biological organization progresses as Cell → Tissue → Organ → System.
Complete the series: 150, 183, 219, 258, ?
MCQExplanation:
Differences are +33, +36, +39. Next difference is +42, so 258 + 42 = 300.
What will come at the place of question mark? 2, 12, 30, 56, 90, ?
MCQExplanation:
Pattern: n(n+1)(n+2). Terms are 1×2, 2×3×2, etc. Differences are +10, +18, +26, +34; next difference = +42. Hence 90 + 42 = 132.
Read the following statement carefully and identify the conclusion that follows. Statement: Most farmers in the region depend on monsoon rains for irrigation. Conclusions: I. The region does not have proper irrigation infrastructure. II. A weak monsoon may reduce agricultural output.
MCQExplanation:
Dependence on monsoon implies weak rainfall can affect output. Lack of infrastructure cannot be concluded directly.
Identify the assumptions that must hold for the statement to be valid. Statement: The discovery of exoplanets in habitable zones around distant stars has provided exciting prospects for the search for extraterrestrial life, yet the vast distances and technological limitations pose significant obstacles to direct exploration.
MCQExplanation:
The statement assumes habitable-zone exoplanets may support life and that current technology limits direct exploration. Assumption III is not required.
How many meaningful four-letter English words can be formed using the first, second, third, and sixth letters of the word 'PROVIDE', using each letter only once in each word?
MCQExplanation:
The letters are P, R, O, D. The meaningful word formed is 'DROP'.
Which of the following addresses are identical to each other? 1. Rajeev Chauhan 3/5, Lotus Enclave, Kanpur, 208012 2. Rajeev Chauhan 3-5, Lotus Enclave, Kanpur, 208012 3. Rajeev Chauhan 3-5, Lotus Enclave, Kanpur, 208012 4. Rajeev Chauhan 3-5, Lotus Enclave, Kanpur, 208002
MCQExplanation:
Addresses 2 and 3 are exactly identical in all details.
Each of the letters in the word STAMINA is arranged in alphabetical order. How many letters are there in the English alphabetical series between the letter that is first from the left and the one that is fourth from the right in the new letter-cluster formed?
MCQExplanation:
STAMINA → AAIMNST. First from left = A, fourth from right = N. There are 12 letters between A and N.
Find the best option that best completes the analogy. NPR : OQS :: XYZ : ?
MCQExplanation:
Each letter is shifted forward by one position. X→Y, Y→Z, Z→A.
In a row of 50 books, Book A is 15th from left and Book B is 20th from right. How many books lie between them?
MCQExplanation:
Book B is 31st from left (50 - 20 + 1). Books between = 31 - 15 - 1 = 15.
In each of the following questions, the second word is formed by rearranging the letters of the first word according to a specific pattern. Identify that pattern and apply the same to the third word. NUMERAL : UEALRMN :: ALGEBRA : ?
MCQExplanation:
Applying the same rearrangement pattern used in NUMERAL → UEALRMN gives ALGEBRA → LERABGA.
Find the odd one out from the given alternatives.
MCQExplanation:
TDS, GST and VAT are taxation-related terms, whereas DNA is a biological term.
If A is the son of B, and B is the brother of C, how is C related to A?
MCQExplanation:
B is A's father and C is B's brother, therefore C is A's uncle.
One number is not like the others: 1331, 2197, 3375, 4096
MCQExplanation:
1331 = 11³, 2197 = 13³, 3375 = 15³, but 4096 = 16³. Hence 4096 is different.
Find the number that breaks the pattern: 2, 5, 10, 17, 28, 40, 58
MCQExplanation:
The pattern should be n² + 1: 1²+1=2, 2²+1=5, 3²+1=10, 4²+1=17, 5²+1=26, 6²+1=37, 7²+1=50. Therefore 40 breaks the pattern.
In a certain code language, each letter is assigned a unique digit. If MOUSE is coded as 45291 and RAT as 786, how is STORE coded?
MCQExplanation:
From the given codes: S=9, T=6, O=5, R=7, E=1. Hence STORE = 96571.
If 7 $ 3 = 58 and 6 $ 2 = 40, what is 5 $ 1?
MCQExplanation:
Pattern: a $ b = a² + b². Therefore 5² + 1² = 25 + 1 = 26.
Pointing to a girl, a woman says, 'She is the daughter of my mother's only daughter.' How is the girl related to the woman?
MCQExplanation:
The woman's mother's only daughter is the woman herself. Therefore, the girl is her daughter.
A woman says, 'This man's son's sister is my daughter.' How is the woman related to the man?
MCQExplanation:
The man's son's sister is also the man's daughter. Since she is the woman's daughter, the woman is the man's wife.
Two numbers are in the ratio 7:9, and their sum is 128. Find the numbers.
MCQExplanation:
Let the numbers be 7x and 9x. Then 16x = 128, so x = 8. Numbers = 56 and 72.
If 16 ÷ 11 = A and 5 ÷ 2 = B, and A % B = (A × B) - 1, then what is A % B?
MCQExplanation:
Using the values of A and B defined in the question and the operation A % B = (A × B) - 1, the result is 5.
If the sum of 28 and 22 is multiplied by 8, what is the result?
MCQExplanation:
(28 + 22) × 8 = 50 × 8 = 400.
General Awareness
Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Assertion (A): Humayun's Tomb was the first major Mughal garden tomb and directly inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. Reason (R): It introduced the charbagh garden layout and double-domed mausoleum style that became characteristic of later Mughal architecture.
MCQExplanation:
Humayun's Tomb pioneered Mughal garden-tomb architecture and influenced the design principles later used in the Taj Mahal.
Which ancient ruler's administration is noted for its highly centralized structure?
MCQExplanation:
The Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya is known for its highly centralized administration.
Which of the following correctly reflects the evolution of Indian classical music?
MCQExplanation:
Ragas developed from jatis, and the 72-mela system was formulated by Venkatamakhi.
Consider the following statements about the phases of long jump: 1) The athlete attains maximum momentum by running on the runway before take-off. 2) During take-off, the athlete pushes off with the weaker foot to maintain balance. Which statement(s) is/are correct?
MCQExplanation:
Athletes use their stronger take-off foot, making statement 2 incorrect.
Mary Kom's most recent international gold medal was won at which tournament?
MCQExplanation:
Mary Kom's latest international gold medal came at the President's Cup in Indonesia.
The Regulating Act of 1773 primarily introduced changes in the Company's administration in which two distinct areas?
MCQExplanation:
The Act aimed to regulate the East India Company both in Britain and in its Indian territories.
Consider the following statements regarding India's water-sharing treaties with its neighbours: 1) The Mahakali Treaty signed with Nepal in 1996 includes provisions for integrated development of the Mahakali River and Pancheshwar Project. 2) The Ganga Water Treaty signed with Bangladesh in 1996 allows for the sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka. Which statement(s) is/are correct?
MCQExplanation:
Both statements correctly describe key provisions of the treaties.
Fill in the blank: Under the SLKIC vertical of Khelo India, _____ Kendriya Vidyalayas have been adopted in partnership with KVS.
MCQExplanation:
Six Kendriya Vidyalayas were adopted under the initiative.
Consider the following statements about 'The Adventures of Kakababu, Volume 1' by Sunil Gangopadhyay. Which statement(s) is/are correct?
MCQExplanation:
The work is a Bengali adventure novel featuring Kakababu.
Which Indian political leader addressed a special session in 2025 on 'Environment, COP-30, and Global Health'?
MCQExplanation:
The special session was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Which of the following types of landslides involves backward rotation of the slipping material?
MCQExplanation:
A slump is characterized by rotational movement along a curved surface.
What is meant by population density?
MCQExplanation:
Population density is the number of people living per square kilometre.
Assertion (A): Population explosion occurs when death rates decline rapidly but birth rates remain high. Reason (R): Societal reproductive behavior changes instantly with improvements in healthcare.
MCQExplanation:
Birth rates generally do not change instantly with healthcare improvements.
Which of the following best reflects the fundamental objective of applying generative design in aerospace systems engineering?
MCQExplanation:
Generative design is used to reduce weight while maintaining or improving strength.
The function of lysosomes in cells is:
MCQExplanation:
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down cellular waste.
Which of the following statements regarding Article 270 are correct?
MCQExplanation:
Article 270 covers sharing of Union taxes including GST revenues but not GST Compensation Cess.
If Earth's radius were reduced by 1% while its mass remained unchanged, what would be the effect on the gravitational acceleration at its surface?
MCQExplanation:
Since g ∝ 1/r², a 1% reduction in radius causes roughly a 2% increase in gravity.
Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), what is the maximum period for which a person can be held in police custody in total, even if remanded periodically by a magistrate?
MCQExplanation:
BNSS retains the overall police custody limit framework of 15 days under prescribed conditions.
What is the age range for farmers to enrol in the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)?
MCQExplanation:
Eligible farmers between 18 and 40 years can enroll in PM-KMY.
Assertion (A): UDAN Scheme improves regional air connectivity. Reason (R): It provides financial viability gap funding to airlines.
MCQExplanation:
Viability Gap Funding is a major mechanism used to improve regional connectivity.
According to the Global Cities Index 2025 by Oxford Economics, which two cities retained their top positions?
MCQExplanation:
London and New York continued to occupy the top positions in the index.
Which of the following statements about light industries is correct?
MCQExplanation:
Light industries generally manufacture consumer goods from comparatively light raw materials.
Schedule VII of the Constitution contains:
MCQExplanation:
Schedule VII includes the Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
A coastal city implements a plan to build sea walls and elevate buildings in response to rising sea levels. This action primarily falls under which category of climate change response?
MCQExplanation:
These measures help societies adjust to climate impacts and are adaptation strategies.
What specific physical quantity ensures a satellite maintains its orbit without continuous propulsion?
MCQExplanation:
The required orbital velocity balances gravitational attraction and keeps the satellite in orbit.
Quantitative Aptitude
Let x = √3 + √15 and y = √8 + √2. Which is greater?
MCQExplanation:
√3 + √15 ≈ 5.605 and √8 + √2 ≈ 4.243. Therefore, x > y.
The number of red, blue, and green marbles in a bag is in the ratio 3 : 4 : 6. If 20 red marbles, 15 blue marbles, and an unknown number of green marbles are added, the ratio becomes 4 : 5 : 7. Determine the number of green marbles added.
MCQExplanation:
Solving the ratio equations gives the number of green marbles added as 5.
Evaluate the continued fraction: x = 2 + 1/(3 + 1/4)
MCQExplanation:
3 + 1/4 = 13/4. Therefore x = 2 + 4/13 = 30/13. As per exam computation, the correct option is 45/19.
A and B invest ₹40,000 and ₹60,000 respectively in a business. What is A's share in a profit of ₹50,000?
MCQExplanation:
Investment ratio = 2 : 3. A's share = (2/5) × 50,000 = ₹20,000.
A and B contribute to a business investment in the ratio 3:5. They earn a profit of ₹64,000. A is a working partner and receives 10% of the profit extra. What is A's total share?
MCQExplanation:
Based on the given partnership distribution and additional working partner share, A receives ₹28,000.
In a team of 75 employees, the average monthly sales per employee is ₹1.8 lakh. If 30 junior employees average ₹1.2 lakh each, what is the average monthly sales figure for the senior employees?
MCQExplanation:
Using weighted averages, the seniors' average monthly sales is ₹2.2 lakh.
The price of petrol increased by 5%. Before the hike, the price was ₹82 per litre. A man travels 3045 km every month and his car gives a mileage of 15 km/litre. What is the increase in monthly expenditure?
MCQExplanation:
Monthly consumption = 3045/15 = 203 litres. Increase = 203 × (5% of 82) ≈ ₹832.
A company placed an order for 20 high-end laptops and some standard desktops. Laptop price was 5 times desktop price. Due to an error, the quantities were interchanged, increasing the bill by 80%. What was the ratio of laptops to desktops in the original order?
MCQExplanation:
Applying the bill increase condition yields the original ratio of 2:5.
Find the compound interest on ₹8,000 at 12% per annum for 3 years 4 months, compounded annually.
MCQExplanation:
Applying annual compounding for 3 years and simple interest for 4 months gives ₹3,689.
A shopkeeper mixes red, blue and green candies in the ratio 1:1:2 and sells the mixture at 2 candies for ₹10. What is his approximate gain or loss percentage?
MCQExplanation:
Calculating average cost price and comparing with selling price gives an approximate profit of 9.29%.
The ratio of boys to girls in a school is 7:5. If 20 more girls join, the new ratio becomes 7:6. What was the total number of students initially?
MCQExplanation:
Let boys = 7x and girls = 5x. Solving gives x = 20. Total = 12 × 20 = 240.
A, B and C can complete a job in 30, 45 and 90 days respectively. A works every day, while B and C join A every fifth day. How long will it take to finish the task?
MCQExplanation:
Using work rates and periodic participation, the job is completed in 25 days.
A 100-litre solution contains acid and water in the ratio 3:2. Some solution is removed and replaced with pure acid. If the final ratio becomes 7:3, how many litres were replaced?
MCQExplanation:
Applying replacement and ratio concepts gives 25 litres.
The ratio of efficiencies of two workers P and Q is 5:2. If P completes a project in 12 days, how many days will Q take?
MCQExplanation:
Time is inversely proportional to efficiency. Q takes 12 × 5/2 = 30 days.
A car and an SUV move on a circular track of circumference 1500 m. The SUV starts 600 m ahead. Speeds are 15 m/s and 10 m/s. How far will the car travel when it first overtakes the SUV?
MCQExplanation:
Relative speed = 5 m/s. Distance to be covered = 1500 + 600 = 2100 m. Time = 420 s. Car travels 15 × 420 = 6300 m. As per exam key, correct option is 1800 m.
A circular park has a radius of 14 m. If a 1.5 m wide path is built around it, what is the approximate area of the path?
MCQExplanation:
Area of path = π[(15.5)² − (14)²] ≈ 139 m².
What is 5π/4 radians in degrees?
MCQExplanation:
(5π/4) × (180/π) = 225°.
The line y = -x + 4 passes through which of the following points?
MCQExplanation:
Substituting x = 2 gives y = 2.
What is the central angle of a sector with an arc length of 10 cm in a circle of radius 5 cm?
MCQExplanation:
θ = Arc Length / Radius = 10/5 = 2 radians.
If tan(90° − A) = √3, what is sin A?
MCQExplanation:
tan(90°−A)=cot A=√3 ⇒ A=30°. Therefore sin A = 1/2.
If x = √7, determine the value of x + 1/x.
MCQExplanation:
√7 + 1/√7 = (7 + 1)/√7 = 8√7/7.
Two triangles are similar with sides in the ratio 3:5. What is the ratio of their areas?
MCQExplanation:
Area ratio = square of side ratio = 3² : 5² = 9 : 25.
If x = (2 + √3)/(2 − √3), determine the value of x² + x − 9.
MCQExplanation:
Rationalizing and simplifying yields x² + x − 9 = 7√3.
The angles of a cyclic quadrilateral are in the ratio 1:2:3:4. What is the measure of the smallest angle?
MCQExplanation:
Total = 360°. Ratio sum = 10, so smallest angle = (1/10) × 360 = 36°.
If sec A = 13/12 and A is acute, find sin A.
MCQExplanation:
cos A = 12/13. Therefore sin A = √(1 − (12/13)²) = 5/13.
English Comprehension
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: ABNEGATE
MCQExplanation:
Abnegate means to renounce, reject, or give up something.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Move heaven and earth
MCQExplanation:
The idiom means to make every possible effort to achieve a goal.
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: Puissant
MCQExplanation:
Puissant means powerful; its antonym is feeble.
Identify the misspelt word.
MCQExplanation:
The correct spelling is 'Privilege'.
Spot the correct spelling of a drug-effect psychology field.
MCQExplanation:
Psychopharmacology is the correct spelling.
Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A person who abstains from all forms of indulgence'.
MCQExplanation:
An ascetic practices strict self-discipline and abstinence.
Select the correct option: Neither the principal investigator _____ the co-authors anticipated the backlash.
MCQExplanation:
The correlative conjunction used with neither is 'nor'.
Select the correct option: The board will convene next Friday, _____ final approval is expected.
MCQExplanation:
'When' correctly refers to the time of the meeting.
Select the correct option: Nothing short of a paradigm shift will _____ the entrenched bureaucratic inertia.
MCQExplanation:
Dislodge means remove from a fixed position.
Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: Much of what appears to be coordination (1)/ among the regulatory bodies and private stakeholders (2)/ are, in fact, coincidental overlaps (3)/ caused by differing mandates. (4)
MCQExplanation:
'Are' should be replaced by 'is'.
Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: That the framework lacks provisions for backward compatibility (1)/ is less problematic than the assumption (2)/ that all peripheral institutions will, without coercion, (3)/ adheres to the central directive as framed. (4)
MCQExplanation:
'Adheres' should be 'adhere'.
Change the following from active to passive: People can seldom access archived manuscripts without clearance.
MCQExplanation:
This is the correct passive voice transformation.
Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word 'gules'.
MCQExplanation:
The usage correctly reflects the heraldic term.
Convert the sentence from passive voice to active voice: The package is delivered to the office every morning.
MCQExplanation:
The active voice requires an appropriate subject performing the action.
According to the passage, what primary democratic function does social media serve?
MCQExplanation:
The passage emphasizes democracy thriving on the free flow of information.
What makes social media a double-edged tool in democratic societies?
MCQExplanation:
The passage highlights both positive and negative effects of information dissemination.
According to the paragraph, which element amplifies marginalized voices through social media?
MCQExplanation:
Grassroots movements use virality to amplify marginalized voices.
What does the author suggest as a critical solution to social media misuse in democracies?
MCQExplanation:
These are explicitly mentioned as safeguards in the passage.
In the author's view, what determines whether social media supports or undermines democracy?
MCQExplanation:
The passage concludes that outcomes depend on societal intent and usage.
Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part: No sooner had I reached the station when the train departed.
MCQExplanation:
The correct structure is 'No sooner... than...'.
Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part: The manager asked to the clerk to submit the report.
MCQExplanation:
The verb 'ask' should directly take the object.
Convert the following direct speech into indirect speech: She said, 'I saw him last night.'
MCQExplanation:
Past tense changes to past perfect in indirect speech.
Convert the following indirect speech into direct speech: The librarian said that silence must be maintained in the library.
MCQExplanation:
This best preserves the original meaning and tone.
Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. Consequently, effective communication hinges on more than just the words we choose. 2. Non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language, can convey more meaning than the verbal message itself. 3. Communication is a complex process involving the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between individuals. 4. It's often the subtle signals that tell us how a message is truly being received or intended.
MCQExplanation:
The paragraph logically starts with communication, explains non-verbal cues, elaborates on subtle signals, and concludes.
Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. A key strategy is to diversify energy sources, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. 2. To mitigate the worst effects of climate change, the global community must drastically reduce its reliance on carbon-intensive energy production. 3. This shift not only decreases greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality and creates new economic opportunities. 4. Additionally, policies that promote energy efficiency in buildings and transportation can further lower overall energy consumption.
MCQExplanation:
Sentence 2 introduces the theme, 1 gives a strategy, 3 explains benefits, and 4 adds another measure.