The SSC CGL syllabus 2026 is divided into Tier-I and Tier-II. Candidates should prepare according to the latest Staff Selection Commission notification because the examination scheme, sectional timing, qualifying requirements, and post-specific papers can affect the preparation plan.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 Overview
| Stage | Main components | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-I | General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension | Screening and shortlisting for Tier-II |
| Tier-II Paper-I | Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Test, and Data Entry Speed Test | Mandatory for candidates qualified for Tier-II |
| Tier-II Paper-II | Statistics | For candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts |
| Tier-II Paper-III | General Studies: Finance and Economics | For candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts |
SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Pattern
Tier-I is an objective computer-based examination. It contains 100 multiple-choice questions carrying 200 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Sectional time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
- Questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions.
- Questions are available in English and Hindi, except the English Comprehension section.
- There is a penalty of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
- Eligible scribe candidates receive compensatory time according to the applicable SSC rules.
SSC CGL Tier-I Subject-wise Syllabus
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section examines verbal, non-verbal, analytical, logical, spatial, and decision-making abilities.
- Analogies, similarities, and differences
- Semantic, symbolic, number, and figural classification
- Number series, figural series, and non-verbal series
- Coding and decoding
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Statement conclusion and syllogistic reasoning
- Venn diagrams and drawing inferences
- Space visualization and spatial orientation
- Visual memory, observation, and discrimination
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Word building and numerical operations
- Embedded figures
- Pattern folding, unfolding, and completion
- Address, date, city, and centre-code matching
- Emotional intelligence and social intelligence
2. General Awareness
General Awareness evaluates knowledge of the environment, current events, everyday observations, and subjects expected from an educated candidate.
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India
- Indian culture
- Geography of India and neighbouring countries
- Economic scene
- General policy and Indian polity
- Scientific research
- Everyday science and general knowledge
3. Quantitative Aptitude
This section tests numerical ability and the appropriate application of mathematical concepts.
- Whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
- Relationships between numbers
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Square roots and averages
- Simple and compound interest
- Profit, loss, and discount
- Partnership business
- Mixture and alligation
- Time and distance
- Time and work
- Basic algebraic identities and elementary surds
- Graphs of linear equations
- Triangles and their centres
- Congruence and similarity of triangles
- Circles, chords, tangents, and related angles
- Quadrilaterals and regular polygons
- Prism, cone, cylinder, sphere, and hemisphere
- Pyramids and rectangular parallelepipeds
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Degree and radian measures
- Complementary angles
- Heights and distances
- Histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram, and pie chart
Start your preparation with the SSC CGL Percentage guide and Profit and Loss guide .
4. English Comprehension
English Comprehension tests the candidate's understanding of correct English, basic comprehension, and writing ability. A practical preparation plan should cover:
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Vocabulary and word usage
- Reading comprehension
- Error identification and correction
- Sentence improvement
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Active and passive voice
- Direct and indirect speech
- Fill in the blanks and cloze tests
- Para jumbles and sentence arrangement
SSC CGL Tier-II Syllabus
Tier-II contains Paper-I for candidates qualified for this stage. Paper-II and Paper-III apply only to candidates shortlisted for the specified posts.
Mathematical Abilities
- Number systems
- Percentages, ratio, averages, and square roots
- Simple and compound interest
- Profit and loss, discount, and partnership
- Mixture and alligation
- Time, work, and distance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
Reasoning and General Intelligence
- Semantic and symbolic analogy
- Classification and series
- Venn diagrams
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Coding and decoding
- Numerical and logical operations
- Pattern folding and embedded figures
- Social and emotional intelligence
English Language and Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Spotting errors
- Fill in the blanks
- Spellings and mis-spelt words
- Idioms and phrases
- One-word substitution
- Sentence improvement
- Voice and narration
- Sentence rearrangement
- Cloze passage and comprehension passage
General Awareness
This module covers current events, history, culture, geography, economic matters, general policy, scientific research, and general awareness relevant to India and neighbouring countries.
Computer Knowledge Test
- Computer basics and organisation
- Central processing unit and input-output devices
- Memory organisation and backup devices
- Windows operating system
- Microsoft Office basics
- Internet, email, networking, and cyber security fundamentals
Data Entry Speed Test
The Data Entry Speed Test forms Section-IV of Tier-II Paper-I. Candidates should practise accurate keyboard data entry under timed conditions. Qualification standards and exemptions are governed by the official notification and the post concerned.
Paper-II: Statistics
Paper-II is relevant to candidates shortlisted for statistical posts. It broadly includes collection and presentation of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation and regression, probability, probability distributions, sampling theory, statistical inference, analysis of variance, time series, and index numbers.
Paper-III: General Studies—Finance and Economics
Paper-III is relevant to candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts. It includes fundamental principles of finance, accounting, economics, governance, and related topics prescribed in the official syllabus.
How to Prepare the SSC CGL Syllabus
- Understand the complete syllabus: Separate Tier-I and Tier-II topics before preparing a timetable.
- Begin with core arithmetic: Percentage, ratio, averages, profit and loss, interest, time and work, and time and distance support many other quantitative topics.
- Practise all four Tier-I subjects: The sectional timer means that ignoring one subject can damage the overall attempt.
- Maintain an error notebook: Record incorrect concepts, formulas, vocabulary, and recurring reasoning mistakes.
- Use timed practice: Gradually move from topic-wise practice to sectional and full mock tests.
- Review official updates: SSC can issue changes or corrigenda, so check the official website regularly.
Official Source and Important Note
This page is an exam-preparation summary. The official SSC notification remains the controlling document. Candidates should verify post-specific papers, qualifying requirements, exemptions, and later changes directly from the Staff Selection Commission.