If you are preparing for SSC CGL 2026, understanding the complete syllabus before anything else is not optional — it is essential. Most aspirants who fail this exam do not fail because they are not hardworking. They fail because they study the wrong things or do not know which topics carry the most weight.
This page covers the complete SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 for both Tier 1 and Tier 2, with subject-wise topic lists, module-wise Tier 2 breakdown, topic-wise weightage based on previous year papers, and a clear preparation strategy. Everything here follows the official SSC guidelines updated for the 2026 cycle.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Overview
The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Graduate Level exam every year to fill Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries and departments. If you clear this exam, you can get posted as an Inspector (Income Tax), Assistant Audit Officer, Sub-Inspector (CBI), Assistant Section Officer, Tax Assistant, and several other prestigious roles.
The selection happens in two stages:
| Stage | Name | Mode | Nature | Counts in Merit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Tier 1 | Computer Based Test | Qualifying | No |
| Stage 2 | Tier 2 | Computer Based Test | Final Selection | Yes |
The most important thing to understand is that Tier 1 marks are never added to your final score. Your rank and post allocation depends entirely on Tier 2. This should shape how you divide your time between both stages.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 is an objective, MCQ-based exam with four sections. All four sections must be completed in a single sitting of 60 minutes. There is no sectional time limit.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative marking in Tier 1 is 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty. Since Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, your goal should be to cross the cutoff comfortably. Focus on speed and accuracy rather than attempting every single question.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section tests logical thinking through both verbal and non-verbal questions. The difficulty in Tier 1 is moderate, but the variety of topics is wide.
- Analogies: Semantic, Symbolic, Number and Figural
- Series: Number Series, Letter Series, Figural Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism and Statement-Conclusion
- Mathematical Operations
- Order and Ranking
- Matrix and Word Formation
- Missing Numbers
- Mirror Images and Paper Folding
- Embedded Figures
- Odd One Out
- Space Visualization and Spatial Orientation
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence
| SSC CGL Application Fee | SSC CGL Shift Timing |
| SSC CGL Job Profile | SSC CGL Score Card |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Admit Card | SSC CGL Vacancy |
General Awareness
General Awareness is the highest-scoring section for well-prepared candidates because it requires zero calculation time. Questions come from both static GK and current events of the past 6 to 8 months before the exam.
- History: Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India and Freedom Struggle
- Geography: Physical Geography of India and World, Climate, Rivers, Natural Resources
- Indian Polity: Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Judiciary
- Indian Economy: Budgets, GDP, Five Year Plans, Banking basics
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology up to Class 10 level
- Computer Awareness: Basic hardware, software, internet
- Current Affairs: National and International events, Government schemes, Appointments
- Static GK: Important days, Awards, Books and Authors, Sports personalities, Major summits
Quantitative Aptitude
Mathematics in Tier 1 is based on Class 10 level concepts. The questions test both your conceptual clarity and calculation speed. A strong foundation in arithmetic and geometry will help you score well here.
- Number System: Whole numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Relationships between numbers
- Fundamental Arithmetic: Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages
- Interest: Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Commercial Arithmetic: Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, Elementary Surds, Graphs of Linear Equations
- Geometry: Triangles (all types and centres), Congruence and Similarity, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons
- Mensuration: Right Prism, Right Circular Cone and Cylinder, Sphere, Hemisphere, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Standard Identities, Complementary Angles, Heights and Distances
- Data Interpretation: Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart
English Comprehension
The English section tests grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension. If your fundamentals are strong, this section is one of the fastest to attempt in the entire paper.
- Reading Comprehension Passages
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement and Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
- Spelling Correction
SSC CGL Tier 1 Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic-wise weightage is based on analysis of SSC CGL previous year papers from 2018 to 2024. Use this data to prioritize your preparation and focus on the highest-scoring topics first.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Analogy | 3 to 4 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 to 4 |
| Series (Number, Letter, Figural) | 2 to 3 |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror, Paper Folding) | 2 to 3 |
| Odd One Out | 1 to 2 |
| Blood Relations | 1 to 2 |
| Direction Sense | 1 to 2 |
| Syllogism | 1 to 2 |
| Venn Diagram | 1 to 2 |
| Mathematical Operations | 1 to 2 |
| Miscellaneous | 2 to 4 |
Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Geometry | 2 to 3 |
| Algebra | 2 to 3 |
| Profit and Loss | 2 to 3 |
| Trigonometry | 1 to 2 |
| Mensuration | 1 to 2 |
| Time and Work | 1 to 2 |
| Time, Speed and Distance | 1 to 2 |
| Percentage | 1 to 2 |
| Simple and Compound Interest | 1 to 2 |
| Data Interpretation | 1 to 2 |
| Number System | 1 to 2 |
| Miscellaneous | 1 to 2 |
English Comprehension Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 5 to 6 |
| Cloze Test | 3 to 5 |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | 3 to 4 |
| Error Spotting | 2 to 3 |
| Sentence Improvement | 2 to 3 |
| One Word Substitution | 2 to 3 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2 to 3 |
| Idioms and Phrases | 1 to 2 |
| Active and Passive Voice | 1 to 2 |
General Awareness Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | 5 to 7 |
| General Science | 4 to 6 |
| Static GK | 3 to 5 |
| History | 2 to 3 |
| Geography | 2 to 3 |
| Polity | 2 to 3 |
| Economy | 1 to 2 |
| Computer Basics | 1 to 2 |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Tier 2 is where your actual rank is decided. It is more detailed and more demanding than Tier 1. The negative marking in Tier 2 Paper 1 is 1 mark per wrong answer, double of Tier 1, so accuracy is critical here.
| Paper | For Whom | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Compulsory for all candidates | Merit-based |
| Paper 2 (Statistics) | Only for JSO post applicants | Merit-based |
Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions on the same day:
| Session | Sections Covered |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | Section 1 (Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning), Section 2 (English and General Awareness), Section 3 Module 1 (Computer Knowledge) |
| Session 2 | Section 3 Module 2 (Data Entry Speed Test) — Qualifying only |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Section | Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Module 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Section 1 | Module 2 | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| Section 2 | Module 1 | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 hour |
| Section 2 | Module 2 | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | |
| Section 3 | Module 1 | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section 3 | Module 2 | Data Entry Speed Test | 1 Task | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Section 1 Module 1: Mathematical Abilities
The maths section in Tier 2 covers the same topics as Tier 1 but at a higher difficulty level. Questions require stronger concept clarity, multi-step calculations, and faster problem-solving ability.
| Topic Group | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Number System | Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals and Fractions, Relationships between Numbers |
| Fundamental Arithmetic | Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Distance, Time and Work |
| Algebra | Basic Algebraic Identities of School Algebra, Elementary Surds, Graphs of Linear Equations |
| Geometry | Triangle and its various kinds of centres, Congruence and Similarity of Triangles, Circle and its Chords and Tangents, Angles subtended by Chords, Common Tangents to two or more Circles, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons |
| Mensuration | Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Complementary Angles, Heights and Distances, Standard Identities |
| Statistics and Probability | Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart, Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Simple Probabilities |
Section 1 Module 2: Reasoning and General Intelligence
The reasoning section in Tier 2 includes more analytical, critical and puzzle-based questions compared to Tier 1.
- Semantic Analogy, Symbolic and Number Analogy, Figural Analogy
- Semantic Classification, Symbolic and Number Classification, Figural Classification
- Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series
- Venn Diagrams
- Punched Hole and Pattern Folding and Unfolding
- Figural Pattern Folding and Completion
- Embedded Figures
- Coding and Decoding
- Numerical Operations and Symbolic Operations
- Trends and Space Orientation
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Drawing Inferences
- Word Building
- Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence
Section 2 Module 1: English Language and Comprehension
The English section in Tier 2 is significantly more demanding than Tier 1. Passages are longer, grammar questions are more nuanced, and vocabulary questions require a stronger command of the language.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, One Word Substitution
- English Grammar: Sentence Structure, Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms and Phrases
- Spelling and Detecting Misspelt Words
- Improvement of Sentences
- Active and Passive Voice of Verbs
- Conversion into Direct and Indirect Narration
- Shuffling of Sentence Parts and Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
- Cloze Passage
- Comprehension Passage: Three or more paragraphs including at least one literary or story-based passage and others based on current affairs or editorials
Section 2 Module 2: General Awareness
The General Awareness module in Tier 2 follows the same topic structure as Tier 1 but questions are more detailed and concept-heavy.
- India and its neighbouring countries — History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene
- General Policy and Scientific Research
- Science and Technology
- Current Affairs — National and International
- Books and Authors
- Sports and Sports Personalities
- Important Government Schemes and Policies
- Important Days and Dates
- People in News
- Portfolio of Ministers
Section 3 Module 1: Computer Knowledge
The Computer Knowledge module carries 60 marks and can be high-scoring with focused preparation. Many candidates ignore it — do not make that mistake.
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Organisation of a Computer | Central Processing Unit (CPU), Input and Output Devices, Computer Memory, Memory Organisation, Backup Devices, PORTs |
| Operating System | Windows Explorer, Basic OS functions, File Management |
| Networking | Networking Devices and Protocols, Types of Networks (LAN, WAN, MAN) |
| Internet | Web Browsing and Searching, Downloading and Uploading, Managing Email Accounts, E-Banking |
| MS Office | MS Word — Document formatting and editing, MS Excel — Spreadsheets and formulas, MS PowerPoint — Presentation creation |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Commonly used shortcuts across Office applications |
| Cybersecurity | Basic concepts of data security and online safety |
Section 3 Module 2: Data Entry Speed Test
The DEST is a qualifying test and does not contribute to your merit score. Candidates must achieve 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes on a given passage. It is conducted for the Tax Assistant post. Practice typing regularly to clear this comfortably.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2: Statistics Syllabus (JSO Post Only)
Candidates who applied for the Junior Statistical Officer post in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation must appear for Paper 2. This paper has 100 questions for 200 marks, to be completed in 2 hours. Negative marking is 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data | Primary and Secondary Data, Methods of Data Collection, Tabulation, Graphs and Charts |
| Measures of Central Tendency | Mean, Median, Mode — Calculation and Interpretation for grouped and ungrouped data |
| Measures of Dispersion | Range, Quartile Deviation, Mean Deviation, Standard Deviation, Variance, Coefficient of Variation |
| Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis | Measures and interpretation, Pearson’s and Bowley’s coefficients |
| Correlation and Regression | Scatter Diagram, Karl Pearson’s Coefficient, Rank Correlation, Linear Regression, Regression Coefficients |
| Probability Theory | Random Experiment, Events, Classical and Statistical Probability, Conditional Probability, Bayes’ Theorem |
| Random Variable and Probability Distributions | Binomial Distribution, Poisson Distribution, Normal Distribution |
| Sampling Theory | Concepts of Population and Sample, Sampling Methods, Standard Error, Large Sample Tests |
| Statistical Inference | Estimation, Testing of Hypothesis, Chi-Square test, F-test, t-test |
| Analysis of Variance | One-way and Two-way ANOVA |
| Time Series Analysis | Components of Time Series, Methods of Measuring Trend |
| Index Numbers | Price Index, Quantity Index, Laspeyres, Paasche and Fisher Index Numbers, Consumer Price Index |
| Vital Statistics | Birth Rate, Death Rate, Fertility Rate, Mortality Rate, Life Tables |
Skill Tests After Tier 2
Certain posts require candidates to clear a skill test after Tier 2. These tests are qualifying in nature and do not add to your merit score.
| Test | Post | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Tax Assistant | 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA, SFIO, GSI | Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Slide Preparation proficiency |
How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2026
Understand the Weightage Before You Start
Use the topic-wise weightage tables in this article to build your study plan. Start with the highest-scoring topics in each section. In Reasoning, Analogy and Coding-Decoding together give you 6 to 8 questions. In English, Reading Comprehension and Cloze Test together account for almost half the section. Prioritizing these first gives you the best return on your study time.
Previous Year Papers Are Your Most Valuable Resource
The SSC CGL syllabus has been consistent for several years. Solving papers from 2018 to 2024 will show you exactly which question types repeat, what the actual difficulty level is, and which topics SSC prefers in each section. Solve at least 7 years of papers before your Tier 1 exam and at least 5 years before Tier 2.
Build a Mock Test Habit Early
Start with 2 full-length mock tests per week from the beginning of your preparation. Increase to 5 per week in the final 4 to 6 weeks before the exam. After every mock test, spend equal or more time analyzing your mistakes than you spent giving the test. This analysis habit separates toppers from average scorers.
Do Not Neglect Computer Knowledge in Tier 2
Many candidates ignore this module assuming it is easy. At 60 marks, it is one of the highest individual scoring components in Tier 2. Questions on MS Office functions, keyboard shortcuts and networking can be tricky without specific preparation. Devote at least 10 to 15 days of focused preparation to this module.
Keep Current Affairs Consistent Throughout
Do not try to revise 8 months of current affairs in the last 2 weeks. Spend 20 to 30 minutes daily on current affairs throughout your preparation. Maintain a monthly notes document. Focus especially on government schemes, sports results, science and technology news, and appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
What is the complete SSC CGL Syllabus 2026?
The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 covers four subjects in Tier 1 — General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 2 Paper 1 includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Paper 2 covers Statistics and is only for JSO post applicants.
Is the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus different from Tier 2?
The subjects are the same but the depth, difficulty and question types are different. Tier 1 tests basic Class 10 level concepts. Tier 2 goes deeper with multi-step problems, longer comprehension passages and more analytical questions. Tier 2 also includes a Computer Knowledge module not present in Tier 1.
Does Tier 1 score count in the SSC CGL final merit list?
No. Tier 1 is purely qualifying. Your final merit list rank and post allocation is decided entirely based on your Tier 2 score. You must clear the Tier 1 cutoff to appear in Tier 2, but those marks are never counted in the final selection.
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
In Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted per wrong answer. In Tier 2 Paper 1, 1 mark is deducted per wrong answer. In Tier 2 Paper 2 on Statistics, 0.50 marks are deducted per wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty in any stage.
What is DEST in SSC CGL Tier 2?
DEST stands for Data Entry Speed Test. It is a qualifying test in Session 2 of Tier 2 Paper 1. Candidates must type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes on a given passage. It tests typing speed and is required specifically for the Tax Assistant post. It does not add to your merit score.
Who needs to appear for SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2?
Only candidates who specifically applied for the Junior Statistical Officer post in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation need to appear for Paper 2, which covers Statistics. All other candidates only need to clear Paper 1.
How many marks is SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1?
Tier 2 Paper 1 has a total of 150 questions carrying 450 marks. This includes 30 questions each from Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning, 45 from English Language, 25 from General Awareness, and 20 from Computer Knowledge. The Computer Knowledge and DEST modules are qualifying in nature.
What is the SSC CGL Computer Knowledge syllabus for Tier 2?
The Computer Knowledge module covers organisation of a computer, CPU, input and output devices, memory types, operating systems, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet and email usage, networking basics (LAN, WAN, MAN), keyboard shortcuts, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
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