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:
| Tier | Type of Exam | Mode | Purpose |
| Tier – 1 | Objective (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
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- 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
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
- 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
English Language Syllabus
- 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
General Awareness Syllabus
- India and its neighbouring countries, especially about History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Important Schemes
- Important Days
- Portfolio
- People in the News
- 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
| Topics | Expected Questions |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2-3 |
| Sentence Improvement | 2-3 |
| Error Spotting | 2-3 |
| Synonyms / Antonyms | 3-4 |
| Idioms & Phrases | 1-2 |
| One Word Substitution | 2-3 |
| Cloze Test | 3-5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 5-6 |
| Active / Passive Voice | 1-2 |
| Direct / Indirect Speech | 1-2 |
Reasoning Ability Topic-wise Weightage
| Topics | No. of Questions |
| Analogy | 2 to 4 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 to 4 |
| Number Series/Alpha-Numeric Series | 2 to 3 |
| Seating Arrangement | 2 to 3 |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | 1 to 2 |
| Blood Relations | 1 to 2 |
| Mathematical Operations | 1 to 2 |
| Syllogism | 1 to 2 |
| Direction Sense | 1 to 2 |
| Venn Diagram | 1 to 2 |
| Odd One Out | 1 to 2 |
| Miscellaneous (e.g., word formation, dictionary sequence, counting figures) | 1 to 3 |
Quantitative Aptitude Topic-wise Weightage
| Topics | No. of Questions |
| Profit & Loss | 2 to 3 |
| Time and Work | 1 to 2 |
| Percentages | 1 to 2 |
| Simple & Compound | 1 to 2 |
| Time, Speed & Distance | 1 to 2 |
| Averages | 1 to 2 |
| Ratio & Proportion | 1 to 2 |
| Algebra | 2 to 3 |
| Geometry | 2 to 3 |
| Mensuration | 1 to 2 |
| Trigonometry | 1 to 2 |
| Data Interpretation | 1 to 2 |
| Number System | 1 to 2 |
| Miscellaneous (e.g., simplification, surds, indices) | 1 to 2 |
General Awareness Topic-wise Weightage
| Topics | No. of Questions |
| Current Affairs | 5 to 7 |
| History | 2 to 3 |
| Geography | 2 to 3 |
| Polity | 2 to 3 |
| Economics | 1 to 2 |
| General Science | 4 to 6 |
| Static GK | 3 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 | ||||||
| Sections | Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Weightage |
| Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60*3 = 180 | 1 hour | 23% |
| Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 23% | |||
| Section II | Module-I | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 70*3 = 210 | 1 hour | 35% |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 19% | |||
| Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 20*3 = 60 | 15 minutes | Qualifying |
| Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test | One Data Entry Task | 15 minutes | Qualifying | ||
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 Exam Pattern | ||||||
| Paper | Section | No. of question | Maximum Marks | Duration | ||
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 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-
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Number Systems |
|
| Fundamental arithmetical operations |
|
| Algebra |
|
| Geometry |
|
| Mensuration | |
| Trigonometry |
|
| Statistics and probability |
|
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) |
|
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) |
|
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) |
|
Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency):
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Computer Basics | Organization of a computer, CPU, Input/Output Devices, Memory, Backup Devices, Ports, Windows Explorer, Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Software | Windows OS basics, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint |
| Internet and e-mails | Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking |
| networking and cyber security | Networking 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) | |
| Subject | Topics |
| 1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data | Primary 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 Dispersion | range, quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation; Measures of relative dispersion. |
| 4. Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis | Different types of moments and their relationship; the meaning of skewness and kurtosis; different measures of skewness and kurtosis. |
| 5. 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). |
| 6. Probability Theory | Meaning of probability; Different definitions of probability; Conditional probability; Compound probability; Independent events; Bayes‟ theorem. |
| 7. 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). |
| 8. 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. |
| 9. 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. |
| 10. Analysis of Variance | Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data. |
| 11. Time Series Analysis | Components of time series, Determination of trend component by different methods, Measurement of seasonal variation by different methods. |
| 12. 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. |
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:
| Phase | Foucs Area | Key Activity |
| Months 1-2 | Concept Building | Cover 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 3 | Practice & Revision | Solve 50+ questions per subject every day. Pinpoint weak areas and take chapter-wise tests. Begin covering Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities. |
| Months 4-5 | Mock Tests & Analysis T | Attempt 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 Weeks | Speed & 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!
