Candidates who are planning to prepare for the SSC CGL exam have to go through the latest SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern to increase their chances in this exam. A complete understanding of the SSC CGL Syllabus & exam pattern for Tier-I and Tier-II is important for effective preparation. Let’s understand the Syllabus for Tier I & II exams based on the latest pattern.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Syllabus & Pattern

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is one of the most prestigious government exams in India, recruiting candidates for Group B and Group C posts across various central government departments. The selection process is based on a Two-Tier exam system — Tier 1 (qualifying) and Tier 2 (final merit). If you're a graduate dreaming of a central government job, SSC CGL is one of the best career options. The competition is tough — but with a smart strategy with in-depth knowledge of the syllabus, it's absolutely achievable.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

Here's a clear breakdown of the SSC CGL 2026 exam structure:

TierType of ExamModePurpose
Tier – 1Objective (MCQ)Computer-Based (online)Qualifying – Shortlists Candidates for Tier 2
Tier – 2 (Paper 1)Objective (MCQ + Descriptive)Computer-Based (online)Final Merit – Compulsory for ALL posts
Tier – 2 (Paper 2)Objective (MCQ)Computer-Based (online)Only for JSO posts (Ministry of Statistics)

💡 Important: Tier 1 is only qualifying in nature. Your final rank and post allocation is decided based on the performance in Tier 2 exam. So while you need to clear Tier 1, your real focus should be on Tier 2.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026

  • SSC CGL 2026 Tier-1 exam consists of 4 sections- Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and Reasoning, English Language & General Awareness.
  • The Tier 1 consists of 4 sections, each with 25 questions, for a total of 100 questions and 200 marks.
  • The time duration for completing the Tier-1 Exam is 60 minutes & there is a 0.50 mark deduction for each incorrect answer.

Tier 1 Exam Pattern

SubjectsNo. of QuestionsMarks
Quantitative Aptitude2550
General Intelligence and Reasoning2550
General Awareness2550
English Comprehension2550

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

  1. Computation of whole numbers
  2. Decimals
  3. Fractions
  4. Relationships between numbers
  5. Profit and Loss
  6. Discount
  7. Partnership Business
  8. Mixture and Alligation
  9. Time and distance
  10. Time & Work
  11. Percentage
  12. Ratio & Proportion
  13. Square roots
  14. Averages
  15. Interest
  16. Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary surds
  17. Graphs of Linear Equations
  18. Triangle and its various kinds of centres
  19. Congruence and similarity of triangles
  20. Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles
  21. Triangle
  22. Quadrilaterals
  23. Regular Polygons
  24. Right Prism
  25. Right Circular Cone
  26. Right Circular Cylinder
  27. Sphere
  28. Heights and Distances
  29. Histogram
  30. Frequency polygon
  31. Bar diagram & Pie chart
  32. Hemispheres
  33. Rectangular Parallelepiped
  34. Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base
  35. Trigonometric ratio
  36. Degree and Radian Measures
  37. Standard Identities
  38. Complementary angles

General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus

  1. Analogies
  2. Similarities and differences
  3. Space visualization
  4. Spatial orientation
  5. Problem-solving
  6. Analysis
  7. Judgment
  8. Blood Relations
  9. Decision making
  10. Visual memory
  11. Discrimination
  12. Observation
  13. Relationship concepts
  14. Arithmetical reasoning
  15. Figural classification
  16. Arithmetic number series
  17. Non-verbal series
  18. Coding and decoding
  19. Statement conclusion
  20. Syllogistic reasoning

English Language  Syllabus

  1. Idioms and Phrases 
  2. One Word Substitution
  3. Sentence Correction
  4. Error Spotting
  5. Fill in the Blanks
  6. Spellings Correction
  7. Reading Comprehension
  8. Synonyms-Antonyms
  9. Active Passive
  10. Sentence Rearrangement
  11. Sentence Improvement
  12. Cloze test

General Awareness Syllabus

  1. India and its neighbouring countries, especially about History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
  2. Science
  3. Current Affairs
  4. Books and Authors
  5. Sports
  6. Important Schemes
  7. Important Days
  8. Portfolio
  9. People in the News
  10. Static GK

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SSC CGL Topic-wise Weightage

Below is the topic-wise weightage for SSC CGL Tier 1 2026, based on previous years' exams. The SSC syllabus is the same this year, so most questions will be drawn from these topics. Check the most important topics and their weightage below.

English Language Topic-wise Weightage 

TopicsExpected Questions
Fill in the Blanks2-3
Sentence Improvement2-3
Error Spotting2-3
Synonyms / Antonyms3-4
Idioms & Phrases1-2
One Word Substitution2-3
Cloze Test3-5
Reading Comprehension5-6
Active / Passive Voice1-2
Direct / Indirect Speech1-2

Reasoning Ability Topic-wise Weightage

TopicsNo. of Questions
Analogy2 to 4
Coding-Decoding3 to 4
Number Series/Alpha-Numeric Series2 to 3
Seating Arrangement2 to 3
Non-Verbal Reasoning1 to 2
Blood Relations1 to 2
Mathematical Operations1 to 2
Syllogism1 to 2
Direction Sense1 to 2
Venn Diagram1 to 2
Odd One Out1 to 2
Miscellaneous (e.g., word formation, dictionary sequence, counting figures)1 to 3

Quantitative Aptitude Topic-wise Weightage

TopicsNo. of Questions
Profit & Loss2 to 3
Time and Work1 to 2
Percentages1 to 2
Simple & Compound 1 to 2
Time, Speed & Distance1 to 2
Averages1 to 2
Ratio & Proportion 1 to 2
Algebra2 to 3
Geometry2 to 3
Mensuration1 to 2
Trigonometry1 to 2
Data Interpretation1 to 2
Number System1 to 2
Miscellaneous (e.g., simplification, surds, indices)1 to 2

General Awareness Topic-wise Weightage

TopicsNo. of Questions
Current Affairs5 to 7
History2 to 3
Geography2 to 3
Polity2 to 3
Economics1 to 2
General Science4 to 6
Static GK3 to 5
Miscellaneous (Computer Basics, Abbreviations)1 to 2 

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026

The Mains Exam will be conducted online, and it is an objective multiple-choice exam, except for Module II (Data Entry Speed Test) of Section III of Paper-I. The detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 syllabus and exam pattern are discussed below.

Paper I will be conducted in two sessions - Session I & Session II, on the same day and is compulsory for all candidates who qualify in Paper 1. Session I will include conducting Section I, Section II and Module I of Section III. Session II will include conducting Module II of Section III. Candidates must qualify in all sections of Paper I. 

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Exam Pattern
SectionsModuleSubjectNo. of QuestionsMarksDurationWeightage
Section IModule-IMathematical Abilities3060*3 = 1801 hour23%
Module-IIReasoning and General Intelligence3023%
Section IIModule-IEnglish Language and Comprehension4570*3 = 2101 hour35%
Module-IIGeneral Awareness2519%
Section IIIModule-IComputer Knowledge Test2020*3 = 6015 minutesQualifying
Module-IIData Entry Speed Test One Data Entry Task15 minutesQualifying
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 Exam Pattern
PaperSectionNo. of questionMaximum MarksDuration
Paper IIStatistics1002002 hours

Module I of Session I of Paper I (Mathematical Abilities):

The main focus of this section is to assess the candidate's knowledge of the appropriate use of numbers and number sense. Although the section is also asked in the Tier-1 Exam, the level and type of questions will be different and slightly more moderate than in the 1st stage. So candidates must buckle up their preparation with the topics listed below-

TopicsSub-topics
Number Systems
  1. Computation of Whole Number
  2. Decimal and Fractions
  3. Relationship between numbers
Fundamental arithmetical operations
  1. Percentages
  2. Ratio and Proportion
  3. Square roots
  4. Averages
  5. Interest (Simple and Compound)
  6. Profit and Loss
  7. Discount
  8. Partnership Business
  9. Mixture and Alligation
  10. Time and distance
  11. Time and work
Algebra
  1. Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds (simple problems)
  2. Graphs of Linear Equations
Geometry
  1. Similarity with elementary geometric figures and facts: Triangle and its various kinds of centres
  2. Congruence and similarity of triangles
  3. Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.
Mensuration
  1. Triangle
  2. Quadrilaterals
  3. Regular Polygons
  4. Circle
  5. Right Prism
  6. Right Circular Cone
  7. Right Circular Cylinder
  8. Sphere
  9. Hemispheres
  10. Rectangular Parallelepiped
  11. Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base.
Trigonometry
  1. Trigonometry
  2. Trigonometric ratios
  3. Complementary angles
  4. Height and distances (simple problems only)
  5. Standard Identities
Statistics and probability
  1. Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart
  2. Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode, standard deviation
  3. Calculation of simple probabilities

Module-II of Section-I of Paper-I (Reasoning and General Intelligence):

Questions of both verbal and non-verbal types. These will include questions on 

Module-II of Section-I of Paper-I (Reasoning and General Intelligence)
  1. Semantic Analogy
  2. Symbolic operations, Symbolic/ Number Analogy, Trends
  3. Figural Analogy
  4. Space Orientation
  5. Semantic Classification
  6. Venn Diagrams
  7. Symbolic/ Number
  8. Classification
  9. Drawing inferences
  10. Figural Classification
  11. Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
  12. Semantic Series
  13. Figural Patternfolding and completion
  14. Number Series
  15. Embedded figures
  16. Figural Series
  17. Critical Thinking
  18. Problem-Solving
  19. Emotional Intelligence
  20. Word Building
  21. Social Intelligence
  22. Coding and de-coding
  23. Numerical operations
  24. Other sub-topics, if any.

Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension):

Fluency in the English Language will be tested based on this section of the SSC CGL Tier-2 Syllabus. Basic knowledge of the English language in terms of the following topics is necessary to get good marks in this section of the Tier-2 Exam. The syllabus for reading comprehension is not specific and is added in the syllabus to check candidates' quick responses to the situations. 

Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension)
  1. Vocabulary
  2. English Grammar
  3. Sentence structure
  4. Spot the Error
  5. Fill in the Blanks,
  6. Synonyms/Homonyms
  7. Antonyms
  8. Spellings/ Detecting misspelt words
  9. Idioms & Phrases
  10. One word substitution
  11. Improvement of Sentences,
  12. Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
  13. Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
  14. Shuffling of Sentence parts
  15. Shuffling of Sentences in a passage,
  16. Cloze Passage
  17. Comprehension Passage — Three or more paragraphs (at least one literary/story-based, others current affairs/editorial-based)

Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I (General Awareness):

Questions are designed to test the candidates’ general awareness of the environment around them and its application to society. Questions are also designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of an educated person. The test will also include questions relating 

Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I (General Awareness)
  1. India and its neighbouring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, 
    Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
  2. Science
  3. Current Affairs
  4. Books and Authors
  5. Sports
  6. Important Schemes
  7. Important Days & Dates
  8. Portfolio
  9. People in News

Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency):

TopicsSub-Topics
Computer BasicsOrganization of a computer, CPU, Input/Output Devices, Memory, Backup Devices, Ports, Windows Explorer, Keyboard Shortcuts
SoftwareWindows OS basics, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint
Internet and e-mailsWeb Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking
networking and cyber securityNetworking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojan etc.) and preventive measures

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus- Paper 2 (Statistics)

For some candidates, this section might be tough & difficult to understand. The basic tip is to get the concept clear, and repetitive revision of the concepts would be beneficial to grab good marks in this section too. The SSC CGL Tier-2 Syllabus for Statistics is described as follows-

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus- Paper 2 (Statistics)
SubjectTopics
1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical DataPrimary and Secondary data, Methods of data collection; Tabulation of data; Graphs and charts; Frequency distributions; Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions.
2. Measures of Central Tendency Common measures of central tendency – mean median and mode; Partition values- quartiles, deciles, percentiles.
3. Measures of Dispersion- Common measures of Dispersionrange, quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation; Measures of relative dispersion.
4. Moments, Skewness and KurtosisDifferent types of moments and their relationship; the meaning of skewness and kurtosis; different measures of skewness and kurtosis.
5. Correlation and RegressionScatter 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).
6. Probability TheoryMeaning of probability; Different definitions of probability; Conditional probability; Compound probability; Independent events; Bayes‟ theorem.
7. Random Variable and Probability DistributionsRandom 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).
8. Sampling TheoryConcept 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.
9. Statistical InferencePoint 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.
10. Analysis of VarianceAnalysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data.
11. Time Series AnalysisComponents of time series, Determination of trend component by different methods, Measurement of seasonal variation by different methods.
12. Index NumbersMeaning 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.

Important Pointers

Tier-I exam is compulsory for all posts. Candidates will have to prepare for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams simultaneously

For SSC CGL Tier 2-

  • Paper I (Compulsory for all posts)
  • Paper II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

Penalty for wrong answers

  • Giving a wrong answer to a question will lead to a deduction of 0.5 marks in the Tier–I exam.
  • In Tier II, there will be a negative marking of 1 for each wrong answer in Paper I and Paper II.

SSC CGL Preparation Strategy & Tips

An effective study plan separates toppers from average scorers. Here's a structured approach grounded in what the syllabus demands:

PhaseFoucs AreaKey Activity
Months 1-2Concept BuildingCover all Tier 1 topics using NCERT-level books. 
Prepare formula sheets for Maths & Reasoning. 
Read a newspaper daily to stay updated on GK & Current Affairs.
Months 3Practice & Revision Solve 50+ questions per subject every day. 
Pinpoint weak areas and take chapter-wise tests. 
Begin covering Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities.
Months 4-5Mock Tests & Analysis TAttempt 3–4 full-length Tier 1 mock tests each week. 
Review error patterns and revise high-weightage topics such as Analogy, Profit & Loss, and Current Affairs.
Final 2 WeeksSpeed & Accuracy Stick to mocks and short-note revision only. 
Avoid picking up new topics. 
Prioritise time management across each section.

SSC CGL Syllabus PDF

You can download the official SSC CGL Syllabus PDF from the button given below or directly from the SSC official website at ssc.gov.in under the CGL notification section.

Click to Download SSC CGL Tier 1 & 2 Syllabus PDF

Note: This page is regularly updated by Career Power's expert SSC faculty team based on the latest official notifications from the Staff Selection Commission. Bookmark this for your preparation journey!

Related Links
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SSC CGL Previous Year Question PapersSSC CGL Cut Off [Previous Year]
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SSC CGL Selection Process 
FAQs

100 questions for 200 marks — 25 questions from each of the 4 sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. Total duration is 60 minutes.

SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus covers Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, English Language & Comprehension, and General Awareness. Tier 2 Paper I covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Tier 2 Paper II covers Statistics and is only for JSO post applicants.

As per the previous year's trend, 4-5 questions will be asked from Current Affairs.

Based on previous year trends, 5–7 questions come from Current Affairs in the General Awareness section of Tier 1. This makes it the single highest-scoring topic in GA.

Yes, In Tier-I, there will be a negative marking of 0.50 for each wrong answer and In Tier-II, there will be a negative marking of 1 for each wrong answer in Paper-II (English Language and Comprehension) and of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I, Paper-III and Paper-IV.

Yes. Tier 1 is only qualifying. Your final merit and post allocation are based entirely on your performance in Tier 2. However, you must clear Tier 1 to be eligible for Tier 2.

No. SSC CGL does not include an interview. Final selection is made purely on the basis of Tier 1 (qualifying) and Tier 2 (merit) marks, followed by document verification.

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