The SSC CGL 2026 syllabus comprises two main stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The Tier 1 examination covers Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language. The Tier 2 examination includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
Before commencing your preparation, it is essential to thoroughly review the latest SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern, which outline the complete course requirements. This article serves as your ultimate guide to the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 and Tier 2 syllabuses, detailing each subject, the updated exam structure, the marking scheme, specialized statistics papers for JSO posts, and finance and economics papers for AAO posts.
- The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks, while Tier 2 comprises 200 questions carrying 450 marks. Negative marking is applicable across both stages.
- The Tier 1 exam is qualifying in nature, and the final merit list is prepared strictly based on the candidate's performance in Tier 2.
| SSC CGL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview | |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Types of Questions | Objective Type |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | Tier 1: 100 Tier 2: 150 |
| Total Marks | Tier 1: 200 Tier 2: 450 |
| Language | Bilingual — Hindi & English |
| Time Duration | Tier 1: 1 hour |
| Negative Marking | Tier 1: 0.50 Tier 2: Section 1 & 2: 1 mark |
| Selection Process | Tier 1, Tier 2, and Document Verification |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Official website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Important – The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) implements sectional timing for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. In Tier 1, a dedicated duration is assigned, and Tier 2 features strict sectional timings within Paper 1. Complete details are elaborated further in this article.
SSC CGL Selection Process 2026
The SSC CGL selection process involves two tiers of written examinations followed by document verification. There is no interview round; your final selection is determined solely by the scores secured in Tier 2.
| Tiers | Names | Nature |
| Tier 1 | Tier 1 (Prelims) | Qualifying |
| Tier 2 | Tier 2 (Mains) | Merit-Based |
| Document Verification | Mandatory | |
Are SSC Tier 1 marks added to final merit list?
No, the SSC CGL Tier 1 is strictly qualifying, and its scores are not factored into the final merit list.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
The Tier 1 exam comprises 4 subjects with 25 questions each, totaling 100 questions for 200 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes with sectional timing. Each incorrect answer attracts a penalty of 0.5 marks. Prioritize mastering high-scoring sections first to build confidence. The detailed Tier 1 syllabus for Reasoning, Quant, English, and General Awareness is outlined below.
| Subjects | Questions/Marks | Timing |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25/50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25/50 | 15 minutes |
| English Language | 25/50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25/50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100/200 | 60 minutes |
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Yes, a penalty of 0.5 marks is deducted for every incorrect response.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
| Topics | Details |
| Classification | Finding the odd one out (semantic, symbolic, or number) |
| Analogy | Semantic, symbolic/number, and figural similarities |
| Series | Alphabet, word, and arithmetic number series |
| Syllogism & Statements | Statement-conclusion, assumptions, and logical inference |
| Venn Diagrams & Operations | Set theory logic, word building, and numerical operations |
| Coding-Decoding | Letter coding, number coding, and decoding logic |
| Blood Relations & Directions | Family tree problems and direction sense tests |
| Space Visualization | Space orientation, folding, and pattern completion |
| Non-Verbal Series | Figural classification and completion of geometric patterns |
| Visual Figures | Embedded figures, mirror images, and figure counting |
| Paper Manipulation | Punched holes, paper folding, and unfolding |
| Critical Thinking | Problem-solving, judgment, and analysis |
| Matching & Indexing | Address matching, date/city matching, and roll-number classification |
| Intelligence Concepts | Emotional and social intelligence questions |
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
| Topics | Details |
| Data Interpretations | Histograms, Frequency Polygons, Bar Diagram, Pie Charts |
| Statistics | Mean, Median, Mode, and Standard Deviation |
| Number Systems: | Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions & Relationship between Numbers |
| Commercial Maths | Simple & compound interest, Profit and Loss, discount, and partnership business. |
| Advanced Arithmetic | Mixture, Alligations, Time & Distance, Time & work |
| Fundamental Arithmetic | Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Percentages |
| Algebra | Basic algebraic identities of school algebra & elementary surds, Graphs of linear equations |
| Geometry | Triangles and their centres, congruence and similarity of triangles, circle chords, and tangents |
| Mensuration | Triangle, quadrilateral, regular polygon, circle, right prism, right circular cone, cylinder, sphere, hemisphere, rectangular parallelepiped, and regular right pyramid. |
| Trigonometry: | Trigonometric ratios, complementary angles, standard identities, and heights & distances. |
English Language Syllabus
| Topics | Details |
| Reading and Comprehension | Reading comprehension passages, cloze tests, sentence rearrangement, and parajumbles |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms-Antonyms, Spelling Correction, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases |
| Spotting Errors and Grammar | Error spotting, Sentence correction, Sentence improvement, Fill in the blanks, Active and passive voice, Direct and indirect speech |
General Awareness Syllabus
| Topics | Details |
| Static GK | Important Days, Books and Authors, National Organisations, Festivals and Dance Forms |
| Current Affairs | National & International Events, Sports, Awards, Appointments and recent government scheme, India and its neighbouring countries |
| Indian Polity | The Constitution of India, fundamental rights, parliament, judiciary, and key governance structures. |
| Economics | Basic Economic Concepts, Budgeting, Five-Year palns, Poverty, Unemployment, and Monetary Policies |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (10th grade level) covering everyday life applications. |
| Geography | Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world, including rivers, climate, and soils. |
| History | Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, focusing heavily on the Indian freedom movement and social reforms. |
India and its neighbouring countries, with a primary focus on History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
General Science
Sports and Games
Important Government Schemes
Ministerial Portfolios
Notable Personalities in the News
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Tier 2 is the decisive merit-ranking stage—your performance here dictates your final post allocation. Paper I is mandatory for all candidates and is administered across multiple sessions on a single day. Candidates must clear all sections of Paper I independently, while Paper II (Statistics) is exclusively for candidates opting for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) cadre.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Section/Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Section 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 180 | 30 minutes |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 30 minutes | |||
| Section 2 | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 210 | 40 minutes | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 20 minutes | |||
| Section 3 | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes | |
| Section 4 | Data Entry Speed / Typing Test | — | 30 (qualifying) | 15-minute | |
| Paper II | — | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-III | — | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Key Details for SSC CGL Tier 2-
- Paper-I is compulsory for all the posts.
- Paper-II will be for only those candidates who have applied and shortlisted for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO).
- Paper-III will be for only those candidates who are shortlisted in Tier-I for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer.
Q- What is the qualifying speed for DEST?
For the SSC CGL examination, the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) benchmark is set at 8,000 key depressions per hour. Candidates are required to type approximately 2,000 key depressions within 15 minutes, which equates to roughly 26 to 27 words per minute (WPM).
Module 1 of Session 1 of Paper I (Mathematical Abilities)
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Number Systems |
|
| Fundamental arithmetical operations |
|
| Algebra |
|
| Geometry |
|
| Mensuration | |
| Trigonometry |
|
| Statistics and probability |
|
Module 2 of Session-1 of Paper-1 (Reasoning and General Intelligence):
Questions encompass both verbal and non-verbal reasoning types, testing analytical and logical capabilities.
- Semantic Analogy
- Symbolic operations, symbolic/number analogy, Trends
- Figural Analogy
- Space Orientation
- Semantic Classification
- Venn Diagrams
- Symbolic/Number
- Classification
- Drawing inferences
- Figural Classification
- Punched hole/pattern-folding & unfolding
- Semantic Series
- Figural Patternfolding and completion
- Number Series
- Embedded figures
- Figural Series
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Emotional Intelligence
- Word Building
- Social Intelligence
- Coding and decoding
- Numerical operations
- Other sub-topics, if any.
Module 1 of Session 2 of Paper 2 (English Language And Comprehension):
- Vocabulary
- English Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms/Homonyms
- Antonyms
- Spellings/Detecting misspelt words
- Idioms & Phrases
- One-word substitution
- Improvement of Sentences
- Active/Passive Voice of Verbs
- Conversion into direct/indirect narration
- Shuffling of sentence parts
- Shuffling of sentences in a passage
- Cloze Passage
- Comprehension Passage: Three or more paragraphs (at least one literary/story-based, others current affairs/editorial-based)
Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency)
- Computer Basics: Organisation 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 cybersecurity: Networking devices and protocols, network and information security threats (like hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.) and preventive measures
Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I (General Awareness)
- India and its neighbouring countries, especially in history, culture, geography, economic scene, general policy & scientific research
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Important Schemes
- Important Days & Dates
- Portfolio
- People in News
Paper 2: Statistics Syllabus for JSO Posts
Paper II (Statistics) is tailored exclusively for aspirants applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO). This advanced paper demands conceptual clarity and consistent revision. Ensure you grasp foundational chapters thoroughly before tackling complex topics such as sampling theory and statistical inference.
| Subjects | 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, and 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; and 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, and 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 variables (discrete). |
| 8. Sampling Theory | Concept of population and sample; parameter and statistic; sampling and non-sampling errors; probability and non-probability 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, and least squares method); testing of hypotheses; basic concept of testing; small sample and large sample tests; tests based on Z, t, chi-square and F statistics; and 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, and measurement of seasonal variation by different methods. |
| 12. Index Numbers | Meaning of index numbers, problems in their construction, types of index numbers, different formulae, base shifting and splicing of index numbers, cost of living index numbers, and uses of index numbers. |
Paper 3: General Studies (Finance and Economics) for AAO Posts
| Subjects | Topics |
| Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks) | |
| Financial Accounting | Financial Accounting: Nature and scope, limitations of financial accounting, basic concepts and Conventions, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
| Basic concepts of accounting | Basic concepts of accounting: single and double entry, books of original Entry, bank reconciliation, Journal, ledgers, trial balance, rectification of errors, manufacturing, trading, profit & loss Appropriation Accounts, Balance Sheet Distinction between capital and revenue expenditure, depreciation accounting, valuation of inventories, non-profit organisations’ accounts, receipts and payments and income & expenditure accounts, bills of exchange, and self-balancing ledgers. |
| Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks) | |
| Comptroller & Auditor General of India | Constitutional provisions, role and responsibility. |
| Finance Commission | Role and functions |
| Basic Concept of Economics and Introduction to Microeconomics | Definition, scope and nature of economics; methods of economic study; central problems of an economy; and production possibilities curve. |
| Theory of Demand and Supply | Meaning and determinants of demand, law of demand and elasticity of demand, price, income and cross-elasticity; theory of consumer’s behaviour – Marshallian approach and indifference curve approach, meaning and determinants of supply, law of supply and elasticity of supply. |
| Theory of Production and Cost | This section covers the meaning and factors of production, as well as the laws of production, including the law of variable proportions and the laws of returns to scale. |
| Forms of market and price determination in different markets: | Various forms of markets – perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition and oligopoly – and price determination in these markets. |
| Indian Economy | Nature of the Indian Economy: Role of different sectors – agriculture, industry and services – their problems and growth. National Income of India- Concepts of national income and the different methods of measuring it. Population: Its size, rate of growth and its implications for economic growth. Poverty and unemployment: Absolute and relative poverty, types, causes and incidence of unemployment. Infrastructure: energy, transportation, and communication. |
| Economic Reforms in India | Economic reforms since 1991: liberalisation, privatisation, globalisation and disinvestment. |
| Money and Banking | Monetary/Fiscal Policy – Role and Functions of the Reserve Bank of India: functions of commercial banks/ RRBs/payment banks Budget and fiscal deficits and balance of payments. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 |
| Role of Information Technology in Governance. | |
SSC CGL Syllabus PDF Download (NEW)
The official syllabus PDF for the SSC CGL 2026 exam incorporates comprehensive outlines for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. Download the latest updated SSC CGL syllabus PDF to streamline your preparation.
FAQs
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. In Tier 1, each incorrect answer incurs a deduction of 0.5 marks. In Tier 2 (Section 1, Section 2, and Module 1 of Section 3), the negative marking is revised to 1 mark per incorrect answer.
Are Tier 1 marks counted in the final merit list?
No. Tier 1 scores are strictly qualifying in nature and are excluded from the final merit calculation. However, successfully clearing the Tier 1 cut-off is compulsory to qualify for Tier 2.
In what language is the SSC CGL exam conducted?
The examination is fully bilingual, available in both English and Hindi mediums.
How many attempts for there for SSC CGL?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the SSC CGL exam, provided candidates remain within the prescribed upper age limit.
Is the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus the same for all posts?
While the Tier 1 syllabus remains uniform for all posts, the Tier 2 syllabus varies depending on the specific post applied for.
Which sections of SSC CGL Tier 1 is scoring?
General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude are widely regarded as the most high-scoring and decisive sections.
What is the difference between Module 1 and Module 2 in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Module 1 covers Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence, while Module 2 encompasses English Language & Comprehension and General Awareness.
What English topics carry the most weight in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Core English topics include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Tests, and Error Spotting/Sentence Correction.
Are current affairs part of the SSC CGL syllabus?
Yes, the General Awareness section features questions on Current Events, typically spanning national and international updates from the past 6 to 12 months preceding the exam date.
How many questions are asked in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Tier 1 consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks, governed by a strict 60-minute time limit.
Which posts require the Statistics paper in Tier 2?
Only candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) position under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation are required to appear for the Statistics paper (Session 2) during Tier 2.
What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 syllabus for Finance & Economics?
It covers two core domains: Finance & Accounts (Fundamental Principles, Financial Accounting basics) and Economics & Governance (Demand & Supply dynamics, Indian Economy, Finance Commission roles, RBI functions, and Budgeting basics).
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