The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will soon release any updates regarding the exam pattern or syllabus, along with the official notification for the SSC CGL 2026 exam. Candidates who are preparing for the exam should familiarise themselves with the latest SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern, which is gathered from the relible sources to enhance their chances of success. A clear understanding of the syllabus and exam structure is essential for effective preparation.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
The SSC CGL Exam is a two-tier recruitment process. Both exams (Tier-I and Tier-II) will be conducted online in an objective multiple-choice format, except for certain sections in Tier-II. Below is an overview of the exam structure:
| Tier | Type | Mode |
| Tier-I | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Tier-II | Paper-I: Compulsory for all posts | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Paper-II: For Junior Statistical Officer | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Paper-III: For Assistant Audit Officer | Computer-Based (Online) |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 For Tier 1
The Tier-I Exam will be qualifying in nature. The exam consists of 4 sections, each with 25 questions. The total time duration for the exam is 60 minutes, with a negative marking of 0.50 for each incorrect answer.
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Time |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 mins |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 1 hour |
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 For Tier 1
SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Tier 1
This section tests your ability to perform arithmetic operations and understand basic number concepts. The key topics include:
| SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026 for Tier 1 |
- Computation of whole numbers
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Relationships between numbers
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership Business
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and distance
- Time & Work
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Interest
- Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary surds
- Graphs of Linear Equations
- Triangle and its various kinds of centres
- Congruence and similarity of triangles
- Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles
- Triangle
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular Polygons
- Right Prism
- Right Circular Cone
- Right Circular Cylinder
- Sphere
- Heights and Distances
- Histogram
- Frequency polygon
- Bar diagram & Pie chart
- Hemispheres
- Rectangular Parallelepiped
- Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base
- Trigonometric ratio
- Degree and Radian Measures
- Standard Identities
- Complementary angles
|
SSC CGL 2024 General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus Tier 1
This section evaluates your mental sharpness. The key topics include:
| SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus Tier 1 |
- Analogies
- Similarities and differences
- Space visualization
- Spatial orientation
- Problem-solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Blood Relations
- Decision making
- Visual memory
- Discrimination
- Observation
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Figural classification
- Arithmetic number series
- Non-verbal series
- Coding and decoding
- Statement conclusion
- Syllogistic reasoning
|
SSC CGL English Language Syllabus for Tier 1
This section tests your English proficiency. The topics are:
| SSC CGL English Syllabus 2026 for Tier 1 |
- Idioms and Phrases
- One word Substitution
- Sentence Correction
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Spellings Correction
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms-Antonyms
- Active Passive
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Sentence Improvement
- Cloze test
|
SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus Tier 1
This section tests your knowledge of the world around you. The main topics are:
| General Awareness Syllabus |
- India and its Neighbouring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Important Schemes
- Important Days
- Portfolio
- People in News
- Static GK
|
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 For Tier 2
The Tier-II Exam is conducted for candidates who qualify in Tier-I. It includes multiple papers depending on the job roles applied for.
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Exam Pattern |
| Sections | Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Weightage |
| Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60*3 = 180 | 23% |
| Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 23% |
| Section II | Module-I | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 70*3 = 210 | 35% |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 19% |
| Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 20*3 = 60 | Qualifying |
| Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test | One Data Entry Task | Qualifying |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 & 3 Exam Pattern |
| Paper | Section | No. of question | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for Mathematical Abilities
Get the Full details of the SSC CGL Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities Syllabus from the table given below:
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for Mathematical Abilities |
| Subject | Topics |
| Number Systems | - Computation of Whole Number
- Decimal and Fractions
- Relationship between numbers
|
| Fundamental arithmetical operations | - Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Interest (Simple and Compound)
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership Business
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and distance
- Time and work
|
| Algebra | - Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds (simple problems)
- Graphs of Linear Equations
|
| Geometry | - Similarity with elementary geometric figures and facts: Triangle and its various kinds of centres
- Congruence and similarity of triangles
- Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.
|
| Mensuration | - Right Prism
- Triangle
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular Polygons
- Circle
- Right Circular Cone
- Right Circular Cylinder
- Sphere
- Hemispheres
- Rectangular Parallelepiped
- Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base.
|
| Trigonometry | - Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios
- Complementary angles
- Height and distances (simple problems only)
- Standard Identities
|
| Statistics and probability | - Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart
- Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode, standard deviation
- Calculation of simple probabilities
|
SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus Tier 2
The details of SSC CGL Tier 2 General Intelligence Syllabus from the table given below:
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for General Intelligence |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | - Semantic Analogy
- Symbolic operations, Symbolic/ Number Analogy, Trends
- Figural Analogy
- Space Orientation
- Semantic Classification
- Venn Diagrams
- Symbolic/ Number
- Classification
- Drawing inferences
- Figural Classification
- Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
- Semantic Series
- Figural Pattern Folding and completion
- Number Series
- Embedded figures
- Figural Series
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Emotional Intelligence
- Word Building
- Social Intelligence
- Coding and decoding
- Numerical operations
- Other subtopics, if any.
|
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for English Language
The details of SSC CGL Tier 2 English Syllabus from the table given below.
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for English Language |
| English Language And Comprehension | - Vocabulary
- One word substitution
- Sentence structure
- Shuffling of Sentences in a passage,
- Fill in the Blanks,
- Synonyms/Homonyms
- Shuffling of Sentence parts
- Spellings/ Detecting misspelt words
- Idioms & Phrases
- Improvement of Sentences,
- Antonyms
- Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
- Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
- Spot the Error
- English Grammar
- Cloze Passage
|
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for General Awareness
The SSC CGL Tier 2 General Awareness Syllabus from the table given below.
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for General Awareness |
| General Awareness | - Portfolio
- India and its neighbouring countries, especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Important Schemes
- Important Days & Dates
- People in News
|
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for Computer
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Computer Syllabus is as follows:
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus for Computer |
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Computer Basics | - Organization of a computer
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Input/Output devices
- Computer memory
- Memory organization
- Backup devices
- PORTs
- Windows Explorer
- Keyboard shortcuts
|
| Software | - Windows Operating System
- Basics of Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint)
|
| Working with Internet and E-mails | - Web Browsing & Searching
- Downloading & Uploading
- Managing an E-mail Account
- e-Banking
|
| Basics of Networking and Cyber Security | - Networking devices and protocols
- Network and information security threats (hacking, virus, worms, Trojan, etc.)
- Preventive measures
|
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026 for Paper II
Candidates are advised to go through the detailed syllabus of the SSC CGL Tier II Syllabus for Paper II from the table:-
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Statistics Syllabus (Paper II) |
| Subjects | Topics |
| Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data | Primary and Secondary data, Tabulation of data; Frequency distributions; Graphs and charts; Methods of data collection; Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions. |
| Measures of Central Tendency | Common measures of central tendency – mean median and mode; Partition values- quartiles, deciles, percentiles. |
| Measures of Dispersion- Common measures of Dispersion | range, quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation; Measures of relative dispersion. |
| Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis | Different types of moments and their relationship; the meaning of skewness and kurtosis; different measures of skewness and kurtosis. |
| Correlation and Regression | Scatter diagram; simple correlation coefficient; simple regression lines; Spearman‟s rank correlation; Measures of association of attributes; Multiple regression; Multiple and partial correlation (For three variables only). |
| Probability Theory | Meaning of probability; Different definitions of probability; Conditional probability; Compound probability; Independent events; Bayes‟ theorem. |
| Random Variable and Probability Distributions | Random variable; Probability functions; Expectation and Variance of a random variable; Higher moments of a random variable; Binomial, Poisson, Normal and Exponential distributions; Joint distribution of two random variable (discrete). |
| Sampling Theory | Concept of population and sample; Parameter and statistic, Sampling and non-sampling errors; Probability and nonprobability sampling techniques (simple random sampling, stratified sampling, multistage sampling, multiphase sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, purposive sampling, convenience sampling and quota sampling); Sampling distribution (statement only); Sample size decisions. |
| Statistical Inference | Point estimation and interval estimation, Properties of a good estimator, Methods of estimation (Moments method, Maximum likelihood method, Least squares method), Testing of hypothesis, Basic concept of testing, Small sample and large sample tests, Tests based on Z, t, Chi-square and F statistic, Confidence intervals. |
| Analysis of Variance | Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data. |
| Time Series Analysis | Components of time series, Determination of trend components by different methods, Measurement of seasonal variation by different methods. |
| Index Numbers | Meaning of Index Numbers, Problems in the construction of index numbers, Types of index number, Different formulae, Base shifting and splicing of index numbers, Cost of living Index Numbers, Uses of Index Numbers. |
Best Books to Cover SSC CGL Syllabus
list of best books for SSC CGL preparation, categorised by sections:
General Intelligence & Reasoning Books
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A.K. Gupta
- Testbook’s SSC CGL Reasoning SmartBook
General Awareness Books
- Lucent’s General Knowledge (Highly recommended for static GK)
- General Knowledge 2024 by Manohar Pandey (Arihant)
- General Studies by Disha Experts
- NCERT Books (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, Polity, and Science basics
- Daily Newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs
Quantitative Aptitude Books
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra
- SSC Mathematics Chapter-wise Solved Papers by Kiran Publications
- Arithmetic for Competitive Exams by Neetu Singh (Paramount)
English Language Books
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
- Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh
- SSC English Chapter-wise Solved Papers by Kiran Publications
Practice Test Books
- Kiran’s SSC CGL Tier I & Tier II Solved Papers
- Arihant’s SSC CGL Tier I Mock Test Papers
- Testbook’s SSC CGL SmartBook for overall practice
- Previous Year Papers by Disha Publications
Tips for Selection
- Reasoning: Start with R.S. Aggarwal for strong fundamentals.
- Quantitative Aptitude: M. Tyra is great for shortcuts and speed techniques.
- English: S.P. Bakshi and Norman Lewis for grammar and vocabulary improvement.
- General Awareness: Lucent’s GK is concise for static topics, while newspapers help with current affairs.
FAQs
- What are the main subjects included in the SSC CGL syllabus?
The SSC CGL syllabus is divided into four tiers: - Tier 1 (Preliminary Exam): General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
- Tier 2 (Mains Exam): Paper 1 (Quantitative Abilities), Paper 2 (English Language and Comprehension), and Paper 3 (General Studies – Finance and Economics for specific posts).
- Tier 3: Descriptive paper (Essay, Precis, Application, or Letter writing).
- Tier 4: Skill Test (Data Entry Speed Test or Computer Proficiency Test, depending on the post).
- Is there negative marking in the SSC CGL exam?
Yes, there is negative marking: - In Tier 1 and Tier 2, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in most sections (0.25 for English Language in Tier 2).
- Tier 3 and Tier 4 are evaluated descriptively or practically, so no negative marking applies.
- What is the difficulty level of the SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude section?
The difficulty level of Quantitative Aptitude ranges from moderate to high. Topics include Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Time, Work, etc.), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, and Data Interpretation. Questions require speed and accuracy. - Is the SSC CGL syllabus the same for all posts?
The syllabus for Tier 1, Tier 3, and Tier 4 is common for all posts. However, in Tier 2, Paper 3 (General Studies – Finance and Economics) is specifically for candidates applying for the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts. - What is the role of General Awareness in SSC CGL?
General Awareness tests the candidate’s knowledge of current events and static GK. Key topics include History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Current Affairs. This section is important as it helps save time for other sections during the exam.