SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 The Complete Pattern Explained Easily
The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 includes Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Statistics, and Finance and Economics. The Staff Selection Commission conducts the examination in two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Tier 1 contains 100 questions for 200 marks with a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject. Tier 2 determines the final merit and includes Paper I for all candidates, while Paper II and Paper III apply only to specific posts. Candidates should download the SSC CGL Syllabus PDF, identify high-weightage topics, and practise according to the official sectional time limits.
The SSC CGL 2026 notification confirms that Tier 1 is scheduled for August–September 2026, while Tier 2 is tentatively scheduled for December 2026.
The following table summarizes the SSC CGL syllabus and examination structure.
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Examination name | Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Posts | Group B and Group C posts |
| Examination mode | Computer-Based Examination |
| Selection stages | Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
| Tier 1 subjects | Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English |
| Tier 1 questions | 100 |
| Tier 1 marks | 200 |
| Tier 1 duration | 60 minutes |
| Tier 1 sectional timing | 15 minutes per subject |
| Tier 2 Paper I | Compulsory for all candidates |
| Tier 2 Paper II | JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade II |
| Tier 2 Paper III | Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer |
| Question type | Objective multiple-choice questions, except DEST |
| Examination language | Hindi and English, except the English section |
| Official website | Staff Selection Commission @ssc.gov.in |
The SSC CGL syllabus should be studied with the exam pattern because the number of questions, negative marking, sectional timing, and qualifying requirements directly influence preparation. The source content has been reorganized to provide direct answers, complete topic coverage, and a people-first reading experience. Google also recommends comprehensive, trustworthy content that helps users complete their intended task without searching again.
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 defines the number of questions, maximum marks, negative marking, sectional timing, and qualifying conditions for Tier 1 and Tier 2.
SSC CGL Tier 1 is a computer-based examination containing four subjects. Each subject has 25 questions carrying 50 marks.
Candidates receive 15 minutes for each subject, and a section closes automatically after its allotted time. The total duration is 60 minutes. SSC deducts 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer.
| 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 |
Candidates should practise with an SSC CGL mock test that follows the 15-minute sectional timing because unused time from one section cannot be shifted to another section.
SSC CGL Tier 2 includes three papers:
Paper I is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session I lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, while Session II contains the 15-minute Data Entry Speed Test.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Section I, Part A | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section I, Part B | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section II, Part A | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| Section II, Part B | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section IV | Data Entry Speed Test | One data-entry task | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Tier 2 Paper I contains 150 objective questions carrying 450 marks, along with a qualifying Data Entry Speed Test.
However, the Computer Knowledge Test is qualifying in nature. For most posts, the merit score is calculated mainly from Section I and Section II, which together carry 390 marks, subject to qualifying for the Computer Knowledge Test and DEST.
The official 2026 structure introduces fixed subject-wise timing:
The official notice confirms that Section I lasts one hour, Section II lasts one hour, and the Computer Knowledge Test lasts 15 minutes. DEST is conducted separately in Session II.
| Paper or Section | Negative Marking |
| Paper I: Sections I, II and III | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Paper II: Statistics | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
| Paper III: Finance and Economics | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
| DEST | No negative marking; qualifying skill test |
Also Read: SSC CGL Salary 2026, Grade Pay, In Hand Salary, Job Profile and Career Growth
The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 assesses mathematical ability, language proficiency, logical reasoning, general knowledge, computer proficiency, statistics, finance, and economics.
Tier 1 tests foundational aptitude, while Tier 2 evaluates the same core subjects at a broader and more advanced level.
The SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning syllabus includes verbal, non-verbal, analytical, spatial, and logical reasoning.
Important topics include:
The official syllabus specifies that this section contains both verbal and non-verbal questions and tests observation, analysis, judgment, visual memory, and decision-making.
The SSC CGL General Awareness syllabus tests knowledge of current events, India and its neighbouring countries, everyday science, and the application of general knowledge to society.
Candidates should prepare:
For current affairs, candidates should prioritize important events from the months preceding the examination instead of memorizing unrelated daily updates.
The SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude syllabus covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and data interpretation.
The SSC CGL English Comprehension syllabus tests grammar, vocabulary, sentence formation, and reading ability.
Important topics include:
The Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities syllabus includes:
Compared with Tier 1, Tier 2 adds statistics and probability and requires faster calculation under fixed sectional timing.
The Tier 2 Reasoning and General Intelligence syllabus covers:
The Tier 2 English Language and Comprehension syllabus includes:
Tier 2 contains 45 English questions for 135 marks, making English the highest-question subject in Paper I.
The Tier 2 General Awareness syllabus covers:
The Computer Knowledge Test checks basic computer proficiency. It is mandatory for all posts but qualifying in nature.
Prepare the following topics:
Some posts require a higher qualifying standard in the Computer Knowledge Test.
The Data Entry Speed Test, or DEST, evaluates a candidate’s typing speed and accuracy.
Candidates must complete a data-entry task equivalent to approximately 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. DEST is compulsory for most candidates and is qualifying in nature.
Read about: SSC CGL Cut Off Trends – Comprehensive Category-Wise Safe Score Blueprints
Paper II is conducted for candidates shortlisted for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade II.
The Statistics syllabus includes:
Paper II contains 100 questions for 200 marks and has a duration of two hours.
Paper III applies to candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts.
Paper III contains 100 questions for 200 marks and has a duration of two hours.
Start with percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, time and work, and time and distance. After completing arithmetic, cover algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and statistics.
Practise each topic under a timer because both Tier 1 and Tier 2 now use fixed sectional timings.
Revise grammar rules and solve questions on error detection, sentence improvement, vocabulary, cloze tests, and comprehension.
Since Tier 2 gives 40 minutes for 45 English questions, candidates should target both speed and accuracy.
Reasoning performance improves through repeated exposure to analogies, series, coding-decoding, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, and non-verbal questions.
Maintain a record of questions that take more than one minute and practise similar patterns separately.
Divide General Awareness into:
Use short revision notes and question-based practice instead of relying only on lengthy current affairs material.
Computer Knowledge carries 60 marks and must be qualified separately. Study computer fundamentals, MS Office, networking, internet use, and cybersecurity before attempting topic-wise tests.
Candidates can download the SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 PDF from the official notification released by the Staff Selection Commission.
The official PDF contains:
Download SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 PDF – Official Notification
The official 2026 notification was released on May 21, 2026, and applications remain open until June 22, 2026.
Follow these steps:
| Study Material | Access |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 Mock Test | Attempt Now |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Previous-Year Papers | Download PDF |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Previous-Year Papers | Download PDF |
| SSC CGL Topic-Wise Tests | Start Practice |
| SSC CGL Sectional Test | Attempt Now |
| SSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | Start Quiz |
Regularly attempting an SSC CGL mock test helps candidates measure accuracy, adapt to the official sectional timer, identify weak topics, and improve question-selection strategy.
Join our exclusive Telegram group for expert guidance, personalized tips, and real-time solutions to boost your SSC exam prep. [Click here to join now!]
| Other Blogs of SSC CGL | |
| SSC CGL Notification | SSC CGL Syllabus |
| SSC CGL Study Plan | SSC CGL Exam Pattern |
| SSC CGL Cut Off | SSC CGL Preparation Strategy |
| SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers | |
The SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus includes General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 2 additionally includes Computer Knowledge, DEST, Statistics, and Finance and Economics for applicable posts.
The SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus covers Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each subject contains 25 questions for 50 marks.
The SSC CGL Tier 2 syllabus includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and DEST. Statistics and Finance and Economics are included for specific posts.
Candidates can download the SSC CGL Syllabus PDF from the official SSC CGL 2026 notification available on the Staff Selection Commission website.
Yes. SSC CGL Tier 1 has a 15-minute sectional timer for each of the four subjects. The total examination duration is 60 minutes.
Yes. Tier 2 Paper I provides 30 minutes each for Mathematics and Reasoning, 40 minutes for English, 20 minutes for General Awareness, and 15 minutes each for Computer Knowledge and DEST.
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