If you look at the official SSC CGL Maths syllabus, it lists about 25 chapters. It does not tell you which chapter is important and which is a waste of time.

A common mistake beginners make is treating every chapter equally. They spend 2 weeks on “Partnership” (which asks 0-1 questions) and the same 2 weeks on “Geometry” (which asks 3-4 questions).

To clear SSC CGL, you don’t need to be a Mathematician; you need to be a Strategist.

Since TCS took over the exam, the balance between Arithmetic and Advanced Maths has shifted. The questions are no longer “Hard”; they are “Calculative.”

Today, I am decoding the Hidden Weightage of the Maths section so you know exactly where to invest your study hours.

The Big Split: Arithmetic vs. Advanced

In Tier-1 (Pre), there are 25 Questions. The split is almost exactly 50-50.

• Arithmetic: 12-13 Questions

• Advanced Maths: 12-13 Questions

The Trap: While the number of questions is equal, the time taken is different. Advanced Maths questions (Algebra/Trigonometry) often have “Value Putting” tricks that solve them in 10 seconds. Arithmetic questions (CI/SI) now have difficult data (e.g., Rate = 13.5%) that requires heavy calculation.

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Chapter-Wise Weightage (The “Sniper” List)

Based on the analysis of CGL 2023 and 2024 Tier-1 papers, here is the breakdown. Prioritize the High Weightage topics first.

1. Advanced Maths (The “Score Booster”)

This is where you save time. If you know the theorem, the answer comes in 20 seconds.

Priority	Chapter	Weightage (Qs)	The TCS Twist
High	Geometry	3-4	Circles (Chords/Tangents) is the favorite topic. Triangles (Similarity) is second.
High	Algebra	3-4	$x + 1/x$ pattern is mandatory. Formula-based cubes ($a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc$).
High	Trigonometry	2-3	Height & Distance (1 Q) + Value Putting (1-2 Qs).
High	Mensuration	2	3D Formulas (Sphere/Cone volume). Direct calculation.
Medium	Number System	1-2	Divisibility Rules (7, 11, 13, 72, 88).

2. Arithmetic (The “Time Eater”)

This is where you lose time. TCS has increased the calculation level here.

Priority	Chapter	Weightage (Qs)	The TCS Twist
High	Profit & Loss	2-3	Dishonest Shopkeeper & Discount schemes (Buy 2 Get 1 Free).
High	Data Interpretation	4	Usually one table/chart with 4 questions. Requires average/ratio skills.
Medium	Percentage	1	Basis of all arithmetic.
Medium	Ratio & Average	2	“Replacement” questions in Average are common.
Medium	Time & Work	1-2	“Alternate Days” work pattern.
Low	Partnership/Boats	0-1	Rarely asked in Tier-1.

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The “Calculation” Shift (Real Experience)

In 2017, SSC used to ask: “Find 10% interest on ₹1000.”

In 2024, TCS asks: “Find 13.8% interest on ₹12,450 for 2 years 73 days.”

This is why students fail. They know the formula ($PRT/100$), but they cannot multiply $12450 \times 13.8 \times 2.2$ quickly.

The Fix:

• Stop using the Calculator on your phone.

• Memorize “Fraction Values” (e.g., $1/8 = 12.5\%$, $1/7 = 14.28\%$).

• Spend 15 minutes daily on “Unit Digit” and “Digital Sum” methods. These help you skip the full calculation.

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How to Sequence Your Study (The Roadmap)

Do not start with Number System. It is vast and boring. Follow this order to maximize confidence:

1. Phase 1: The Foundation (Days 1-10)

   • Percentage -> Ratio -> Average.

   • Why: These 3 chapters control the entire Arithmetic section and Data Interpretation.

2. Phase 2: The Confidence Builder (Days 11-25)

   • Algebra -> Trigonometry.

   • Why: These are formula-based. Once you learn the identity, you get the answer correct. This boosts morale.

3. Phase 3: The Heavyweights (Days 26-45)

   • Geometry -> Mensuration -> Profit Loss.

   • Why: Geometry takes time to visualize. Do it slowly.

4. Phase 4: The Leftovers

   • Time Speed Distance, Time & Work, Number System.

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Conclusion: Don’t Be a Perfectionist

You do not need to solve every hard Geometry question.

Remember the 80/20 Rule: 80% of the questions come from easy, repeated concepts (Previous Year Questions). Only 20% are new and tough.

Your Goal: Master the 80% (Repeated Questions) first.

If you are weak in Maths, focus heavily on Arithmetic + Algebra. You can clear the cutoff even if you skip Geometry initially.

Struggling to memorize formulas? Read our guide on the Vertical Fold Note-Making Method.