Preparing for SSC CGL 2026 starts with understanding exactly what the exam expects from you. The SSC CGL syllabus is divided into Tier-1 and Tier-2, with each stage testing different skills and knowledge levels. Tier-1 focuses on basic aptitude, reasoning, English, and general awareness, while Tier-2 evaluates deeper subject understanding and post-related skills.
This guide explains the latest SSC CGL Syllabus 2026, including the Tier-1 subjects, the Tier-2 papers, and the current exam pattern, so you can prepare in a clear and organised way.
What is the SSC CGL Exam?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. It is a national-level competitive exam conducted to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in central government departments and ministries.
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Start Your SSC JourneyPosts Recruited Through SSC CGL
- Assistant Section Officer
- Income Tax Inspector
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Tax Assistant
- Sub-Inspector (CBI, NIA, etc.)
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
The SSC CGL exam pattern 2026 defines the structure, marking scheme, and stage-wise selection process for Tier-1 and Tier-2 examinations.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration: 60 Minutes
Negative Marking: 0.5 mark per wrong answer
Type: Objective (MCQ)
Tier-2 Exam Structure
The SSC CGL Tier-2 exam is the most important stage of the selection process. Your Tier-2 performance mainly decides your final rank and post allocation.
While Tier-1 works as a screening test, Tier-2 focuses on deeper subject knowledge and qualifying skill tests required for final selection. It also includes qualifying tests like computer knowledge and data entry, which are mandatory to clear.
| Session | Section | Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Session I |
Section I |
Module I |
Mathematical Abilities |
30 |
90 |
1 Hour |
|
|
|
Module II |
Reasoning & General Intelligence |
30 |
90 |
(Total) |
|
|
Section II |
Module I |
English Language & Comprehension |
45 |
135 |
1 Hour |
|
|
|
Module II |
General Awareness |
25 |
75 |
(Total) |
|
|
Section III |
Module I |
Computer Knowledge Module (Qualifying) |
20 |
60 |
15 Mins |
|
Session II |
Section III |
Module II |
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) |
1 Task |
Qualifying |
15 Mins |
Paper I is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session I contains Sections I, II, and the Computer Module of Section III. Session II includes the DEST. Negative Marking in Tier-2 Paper-I is 1 mark for every wrong answer.
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Start Your SSC JourneySSC CGL Tier-1 Syllabus 2026 (Subject-Wise)
The SSC CGL Tier-1 syllabus focuses on fundamental aptitude, reasoning ability, language proficiency, and general awareness.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The SSC CGL quantitative aptitude syllabus focuses on numerical ability, mathematical concepts, and problem-solving skills.
| Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Number System | Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, square roots |
| Arithmetic | Ratio & proportion, percentage, averages |
| Commercial Maths | Profit & loss, discount, interest |
| Work & Motion | Time & work, time–speed–distance |
| Algebra | Basic algebraic identities, surds, and linear equations |
| Geometry | Triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons, angles, chords, tangents |
| Mensuration | 2D figures, 3D figures (prism, cone, cylinder, sphere, pyramid, parallelepiped) |
| Trigonometry | Basic trigonometric ratios |
| Data Interpretation | Bar diagram, pie chart, histogram, frequency polygon |
| Graphs | Graphs of linear equations |
| Heights & Distances | Applications of trigonometry |
General Intelligence & Reasoning
The SSC CGL reasoning syllabus measures logical thinking, analytical ability, and pattern recognition.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | Analogies, similarities & differences, coding–decoding |
| Analytical Reasoning | Problem solving, decision making, judgment |
| Logical Reasoning | Syllogism, statement & conclusion, discrimination |
| Numerical Reasoning | Arithmetic number series |
| Visual Reasoning | Figural classification, non-verbal series |
| Spatial Ability | Space visualization, spatial orientation |
| Memory | Visual memory |
| Relationship Tests | Blood relations, relationship concepts |
English Language & Comprehension
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Active/passive voice, sentence correction, sentence improvement |
| Usage | Error spotting, fill in the blanks |
| Structure | Sentence rearrangement |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, idioms & phrases |
| Verbal Ability | One-word substitution |
| Comprehension | Reading comprehension passages |
| Practice Formats | Cloze test |
| Language Accuracy | Spelling correction |
General Awareness
The SSC CGL general awareness syllabus covers static knowledge and current affairs across multiple domains.
| Domain | Topics |
|---|---|
| History | Indian history |
| Geography | Physical & Indian geography |
| Polity | Indian Constitution, governance |
| Economy | Indian economy |
| Science | General science, scientific research |
| Culture | Indian culture |
| Current Affairs | National & international |
| Static GK | Important facts |
| Miscellaneous | Books & authors, sports, awards, people in the news, schemes, important days |
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Start Your SSC JourneySSC CGL Tier-2 Syllabus 2026 (Paper-Wise)
The SSC CGL Tier-2 syllabus includes compulsory and post-specific papers. Paper-I is mandatory for all candidates, while Paper-II and Paper-III apply only to specific posts.
Paper-I (Compulsory for All Candidates)
| Subject Area | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | Advanced arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, Statistics & Probability |
| Reasoning | Analytical, logical, verbal, non-verbal |
| English | Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary |
| General Awareness | Static GK + current affairs |
| Computer Knowledge | Computer basics, OS, MS Office, internet, networking, shortcuts |
| DEST | Data Entry Speed Test (Qualifying) |
Paper-II – Statistics (JSO Only)
The SSC CGL statistics syllabus applies to Junior Statistical Officer posts only.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Data Handling | Collection, classification, tabulation |
| Statistical Measures | Mean, median, mode, dispersion |
| Analysis Tools | Correlation, regression |
| Probability | Probability theory, distributions |
| Applied Statistics | Index numbers, sampling |
| Time Data | Time series analysis |
Paper-III – Finance & Economics (Specific Posts)
The SSC CGL finance and economics syllabus applies to finance and audit-related posts.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Economics | Microeconomics, macroeconomics |
| Indian Economy | Economic structure, policies |
| Finance | Financial management |
| Accounting | Accounting principles |
| Public Finance | Budgeting, fiscal policy |
| Monetary System | Monetary policy |
FAQ's
Yes. Tier-2 is compulsory for all candidates, and the final merit is prepared based on Tier-2 performance.
English has the highest individual subject weightage, but final merit is calculated based on total Tier-2 Paper-I marks.
SSC CGL is competitive but not extremely difficult. The level is moderate, but high competition and negative marking make it challenging. With structured coaching and regular mock practice from institutes like Xylem, candidates can significantly improve speed, accuracy, and overall performance.
In Tier-1, there are 4 subjects:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- English Language & Comprehension
- General Awareness
In Tier-2 Paper-I, there are 5 subjects:
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning
- English
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
There is also a qualifying Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
As per the latest available structure, there are no major structural changes in Tier-1 and Tier-2.
No, the full Statistics Paper (Paper-II) is only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts. However, basic concepts of Statistics and Probability are now a compulsory part of the ‘Mathematical Abilities’ module in Tier-2 for all posts. Every candidate must prepare these topics for the main merit paper.
Yes, it is qualifying only. These 60 marks are NOT added to the final merit score of 390.