SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 at a Glance
The SSC CGL 2026 syllabus has two computer-based stages. Tier 1 has four sections (Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English), 25 questions each, 200 marks in 60 minutes, and it only shortlists you. Tier 2 Paper I (Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and a Data Entry Speed Test) decides the final merit; Paper II (Statistics) and Paper III (Finance and Economics) are only for JSO/Statistical Investigator and AAO candidates.
Key takeaway: Everything on this page is taken from the official SSC notice for the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 (published on ssc.gov.in on 21 May 2026, Para 13 and Para 16). Tier 1 is qualifying; your rank comes from Tier 2 Section I + Section II of Paper I (390 marks), plus Paper II or Paper III for the JSO and AAO posts.
The Tier 1 exam is running from 30 September to 30 October 2026, and the notice puts Tier 2 tentatively in December 2026. If you are already through Tier 1, scroll down to the Tier 2 pattern and the Computer Knowledge Test syllabus.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 (Tier 1)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Sectional time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| B. General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| C. Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| D. English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
- Marks: 2 per correct answer; 0.50 deducted for each wrong answer.
- Sectional timer: 15 minutes per section. You cannot carry spare time into the next section.
- Scribe-eligible candidates get 80 minutes (20 minutes per section).
- Language: questions in English and Hindi, except English Comprehension.
- Level: Reasoning, GA and English are graduation level; Quantitative Aptitude is 10th standard level (Para 13.10.5).
- Nature: Tier 1 is for shortlisting. Separate cut-offs are made for JSO/Statistical Investigator, for AAO, and for all other posts (Para 16.3).
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026 (Subject-wise Topics)
SSC CGL Reasoning Syllabus (General Intelligence)
Both verbal and non-verbal questions. The official topic list:
- Analogy: semantic, symbolic/number and figural analogy
- Classification (odd one out): semantic, symbolic/number and figural
- Series: semantic, number and figural series
- Coding-decoding, small and capital letter/number coding, decoding and classification
- Numerical and symbolic operations (mathematical operations)
- Venn diagrams, drawing inferences, statement-conclusion, syllogistic reasoning
- Space orientation and space visualisation, embedded figures
- Punched hole / paper folding and unfolding, figural pattern folding and completion
- Indexing, address matching, date and city matching, classification of centre codes/roll numbers
- Problem solving, word building, trends, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and social intelligence
Topics the notice does not name but that sit inside "problem solving" and "relationship concepts" in real papers: blood relations, direction sense, order and ranking, seating arrangement and dice.
SSC CGL General Awareness Syllabus
The notice gives no topic list, only scope: awareness of the environment around you and its use in society, current events, everyday science "as may be expected of any educated person", and questions on India and its neighbouring countries, especially History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy and Scientific Research. In practice this means:
| Area | What to cover |
|---|---|
| History | Ancient, medieval and modern India; freedom struggle |
| Culture | Dances, music, festivals, monuments, UNESCO sites |
| Geography | Physical, Indian rivers and dams, climate, national parks |
| Polity | Constitution, articles, amendments, schedules |
| Economy | National income, inflation, budget, RBI policy, five-year plans |
| Science | Physics, chemistry, biology at Class 10 level |
| Current affairs | Last 6-8 months: awards, sports, schemes, appointments |
| Static GK | Books and authors, important days, firsts |
SSC CGL Maths Syllabus (Quantitative Aptitude)
| Area | Official topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers, percentage, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work |
| Algebra | Basic identities of school algebra, elementary surds, graphs of linear equations |
| Geometry | Triangle and its centres, congruence and similarity, circle: chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords, common tangents |
| Mensuration | Triangle, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, circle, right prism, cone, cylinder, sphere, hemisphere, cuboid, regular right pyramid (triangular or square base) |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, degree and radian measure, standard identities, complementary angles, heights and distances |
| Data interpretation | Histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram, pie chart |
SSC CGL English Syllabus
The Tier 1 notice says only "candidates' ability to understand correct English, basic comprehension and writing ability". Use the detailed Tier 2 English list below for Tier 1 too: spot the error, fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, spellings, idioms, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, voice, narration, para jumbles, cloze test and reading comprehension.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper I, II and III)
Paper I is compulsory for every post. It runs on one day in two sessions.
| Paper I section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | A. Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour for the whole section |
| B. Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | ||
| Section II | A. English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| B. General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes | |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section IV (Session II) | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 1 task | qualifying | 15 minutes |
- Session I (2 hours 15 minutes) = Sections I, II and III back to back. Session II (15 minutes) = DEST.
- Marks: 3 per correct answer; 1 mark deducted per wrong answer in Sections I, II and III.
- Sections I and II carry 180 + 210 = 390 merit marks. CKT (60 marks) and DEST are qualifying only, but you must clear every section of Paper I.
- Level: Mathematical Abilities is Matriculation level; English is 10+2 level.
| Paper | For which posts | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper II: Statistics | JSO (MoSPI) and Statistical Investigator Gr. II (RGI) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | 0.50 |
| Paper III: General Studies (Finance and Economics) | Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | 0.50 |
Scribe-eligible candidates get extra time: Section I 80 minutes, Section II 80 minutes (55 + 25), CKT and DEST 20 minutes each, and 2 hours 40 minutes for Paper II or III.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026 (Paper I Topics)
Mathematical Abilities (Section I, Module A)
Number systems; percentages, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work; algebraic identities, elementary surds, graphs of linear equations; triangle centres, congruence and similarity, circles, chords and tangents; mensuration of 2D and 3D figures; trigonometric ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances, standard identities; statistics and probability: histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram, pie chart, mean, median, mode, standard deviation and simple probability.
Statistics and probability is the main addition over Tier 1 maths.
Reasoning and General Intelligence (Section I, Module B)
Same families as Tier 1: semantic/number/figural analogy, classification and series, symbolic operations, trends, space orientation, Venn diagrams, drawing inferences, punched hole and pattern folding, embedded figures, critical thinking, problem solving, emotional and social intelligence, word building, coding-decoding and numerical operations.
English Language and Comprehension (Section II, Module A)
Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their usage; spot the error; fill in the blanks; synonyms/homonyms; antonyms; spellings and misspelt words; idioms and phrases; one-word substitution; improvement of sentences; active/passive voice; direct/indirect narration; shuffling of sentence parts; shuffling of sentences in a passage; cloze passage; comprehension. Comprehension has three or more passages: at least one simple passage based on a book or story, and two on current affairs based on a report or editorial.
General Awareness (Section II, Module B)
Same scope as Tier 1: current events, everyday science, and India and its neighbours (history, culture, geography, economy, general policy, scientific research).
Computer Knowledge Test Syllabus (Section III)
| Part | Topics |
|---|---|
| Computer basics | Organisation of a computer, CPU, input/output devices, memory and memory organisation, backup devices, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts |
| Software | Windows OS; MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint basics |
| Internet and e-mail | Browsing and searching, downloading and uploading, managing an e-mail account, e-banking |
| Networking and cyber security | Networking devices and protocols; threats such as hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, and how to prevent them |
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST, Section IV)
A passage of about 2,000 key depressions typed in 15 minutes. It is qualifying, but higher standards apply for posts that prescribe DEST (Tax Assistant in CBIC and CBDT, UDC/SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics) and for posts that need computer proficiency (ASO in CSS, MEA and AFHQ, Inspector posts in CBIC, Postal/Sorting Assistant, and others in Para 13.9.9). PwBD-OH candidates can claim exemption with the prescribed certificate, except for those posts (Tax Assistant in CBDT still allows it).
Try a timed 15-minute DEST passage on our SSC CGL typing test to check your speed and error percentage before Tier 2.
CKT details and cut-offs: SSC CGL Computer Knowledge Test 2026.
SSC CGL Paper II and Paper III Syllabus
Paper II (Statistics): collection, classification and presentation of data; mean, median, mode, quartiles, deciles, percentiles; range, quartile deviation, mean deviation, standard deviation; moments, skewness and kurtosis; correlation and regression (including Spearman's rank correlation, multiple and partial correlation for three variables); probability (conditional, compound, Bayes' theorem); random variables and Binomial, Poisson, Normal and Exponential distributions; sampling theory; statistical inference (estimation, Z, t, chi-square and F tests); analysis of variance; time series; index numbers.
Paper III (General Studies: Finance and Economics):
| Part | Marks | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| A. Finance and Accounts | 80 | Financial accounting concepts and GAAP; single and double entry, journal, ledger, trial balance, bank reconciliation, rectification of errors, final accounts, capital vs revenue expenditure, depreciation, inventory valuation, non-profit accounts, bills of exchange, self-balancing ledgers |
| B. Economics and Governance | 120 | CAG (constitutional provisions, role), Finance Commission; micro-economics basics, demand and supply, elasticity, production and cost, market forms; Indian economy (sectors, national income, population, poverty and unemployment, infrastructure); reforms since 1991; RBI, commercial banks, RRBs, payments banks; budget, fiscal deficit, balance of payments, FRBM Act 2003; IT in governance |
SSC CGL Qualifying Marks and Merit Rules 2026
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks (Tier 1; Tier 2 Paper I Sections I, II, III; Paper II; Paper III) | Maximum errors allowed in DEST |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 30% | 20% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% | 30% |
- Qualifying marks are the minimum; actual cut-offs are usually much higher.
- Final merit = Tier 2 only (Para 16.10). For most posts it is Section I + Section II of Paper I. JSO/SI add Paper II; AAO add Paper III.
- Scores from multi-shift exams are normalised (SSC notice of 2 June 2025).
- There is no re-evaluation of scores at any stage.
How to Use the SSC CGL Syllabus for Preparation
- Start with the overlap. Tier 1 and Tier 2 share Maths, Reasoning, English and GA, so one round of preparation covers most of both. Add statistics and probability, CKT and typing before Tier 2.
- Respect the 15-minute timers. In Tier 1 you get 36 seconds a question. Practise each section separately on a timer before full mocks.
- Weigh English heavily for Tier 2. English carries 135 of the 390 merit marks (45 questions), more than Maths (90) or GA (75).
- Mind the negative marks. At +3/−1 in Tier 2, a guess helps only if you can rule out at least one option.
- Do not ignore DEST and CKT. They add no marks, but failing either removes you from the merit list, and many popular posts need the higher standard.
SSC CGL Syllabus Practice Questions (Pattern Check)
Q1. How many questions are there in SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1, and how long is each section? Answer: 100 questions; 15 minutes per section (60 minutes in total).
Q2. What is the negative marking in Tier 1 and in Tier 2 Paper I? Answer: 0.50 per wrong answer in Tier 1; 1 mark per wrong answer in Tier 2 Paper I (Sections I to III). Papers II and III also deduct 0.50.
Q3. How many marks does English carry in Tier 2 Paper I? Answer: 45 questions × 3 = 135 marks.
Q4. Which Tier 2 sections are qualifying only? Answer: Section III (Computer Knowledge Test) and Section IV (DEST).
Q5 (Reasoning, Tier 1 type). Find the next term: 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, ? Answer: 127. Each term is (previous × 2) + 1: 63 × 2 + 1 = 127.
Q6 (Maths, Tier 1 type). The compound interest on a sum at 10% per annum for 2 years, compounded annually, is ₹2,100. Find the sum. Answer: ₹10,000. CI for 2 years at 10% = 21% of the principal, so P = 2,100 ÷ 0.21 = ₹10,000.
Q7 (English, Tier 1 type). One word for "a person who cannot be corrected or reformed": Answer: Incorrigible.
Q8 (GA, also Paper III). Which Article of the Constitution provides for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India? Answer: Article 148.
Q9. For which posts is Paper III compulsory? Answer: Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer.
Q10. About how many key depressions are there in the DEST passage? Answer: About 2,000, in 15 minutes.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Is the SSC CGL 2026 syllabus the same for Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Mostly. Both cover Maths, Reasoning, English and GA. Tier 2 adds statistics and simple probability in maths, a Computer Knowledge Test, the Data Entry Speed Test, and Paper II/III for JSO and AAO posts.
Are SSC CGL Tier 1 marks counted in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 only shortlists candidates for Tier 2. The final merit list is prepared on Tier 2 marks only.
What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern 2026?
Paper I has Section I (Maths 30 + Reasoning 30, 180 marks, 1 hour), Section II (English 45 + GA 25, 210 marks, 1 hour), Section III (CKT, 20 questions, 15 minutes) and Section IV (DEST, 15 minutes). Each question carries 3 marks with 1 mark negative.
What level is the SSC CGL maths syllabus?
Tier 1 Quantitative Aptitude and Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities are both 10th-standard (Matriculation) level, as stated in the notice.
Is typing compulsory in SSC CGL?
Yes. The DEST is part of Tier 2 Paper I for every post and is qualifying. Only PwBD-OH candidates with the prescribed certificate can be exempted, and not for posts that prescribe DEST or computer proficiency (except Tax Assistant in CBDT).
Where can I download the official SSC CGL syllabus 2026 PDF?
It is inside the official notice of examination on ssc.gov.in (Para 13.10 for Tier 1 and 13.11 for Tier 2). Our SSC CGL 2026 job page links the notice and later updates.
What are the minimum qualifying marks in SSC CGL?
30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for all other categories, in Tier 1 and in each scored section and paper of Tier 2.
Practice Next
- Full mocks: SSC CGL Full Length Mock Test 01, SSC CGL Full Length Mock Test 12 and the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 paper, 12 September Shift 1.
- Sectionals: Reasoning Sectional 01, Quant Sectional 01, English Sectional 01, GA Sectional 01, Statistics Mock Test 01.
- Topic notes, Maths: percentage tricks, profit and loss, time and work, geometry formulas, mensuration formulas, trigonometry formulas, statistics formulas.
- Topic notes, Reasoning and English: coding-decoding, analogy, Venn diagrams, one-word substitution, idioms asked in SSC CGL, active and passive voice.
- General Awareness: static GK for SSC CGL (topic-wise hub).
- Job update: SSC CGL 2026 notification and vacancies. Browse all study notes.