SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 PDF, Exam Pattern For Tier 1, Tier 2, DEST Details

To successfully crack SSC CGL 2026, candidates should have a clear understanding of the latest syllabus and exam pattern for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 as prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission. This section provides a detailed subject-wise breakdown of topics, including Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.

It also covers the Tier 2 syllabus, DEST typing test requirements, and post-specific papers for JSO and AAO posts. Additionally, the SSC CGL syllabus PDF can be downloaded from the end of the page for quick reference.

SSC CGL Syllabus 2026

The marking scheme for Tier 1 and Tier 2 differs, with negative marking of 0.50 marks in Tier 1 and 1 mark in Tier 2 for each wrong answer. Therefore, candidates should carefully plan their attempts during the exam. Tier 2 requires more detailed and advanced preparation compared to Tier 1, along with good typing speed as it is assessed in the DEST test. A complete overview of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam pattern and other related details is given in the table below.

SSC CGL Selection Process

There are 3 stages in the SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination:

1. Tier 1 (CBT)
2. Tier 2 (CBT + Skill Test)
3. Document Verification

SSC CGL Official Syllabus 2026 PDF

Candidates can download the official Syllabus here, which was released by SSC along with the official notification. Download the syllabus and take a printout of it, and keep it with your study books/notes.

Download SSC CGL Syllabus PDF

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

Important notes:

• There will be sectional timing for Tier 1
• Tier 1 is the first stage of SSC CGL 2026 and consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 200 marks.
• The exam is divided into four sections. Each section has 25 questions for 50 marks.
• You will get 60 minutes to complete the entire paper. Candidates who need a scribe will be given 1 hour 20 minutes.
• There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer. So be careful while guessing.

SSC CGL Mock Test 2026 – Attempt now!

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Important Notes:

• The Tier 2 Exam consists of 2 Papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.
• Paper 1 is compulsory for all, but Paper 2 is only for the Post JSO, Statistical Officer or AAO posts.
• Paper 1 consists of an MCQ-type test as well as the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026

The subject-wise Syllabus for SSC CGL Tier 1 is discussed here.

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

• Whole numbers, Decimals, and fractions
• Percentage
• Ratio & Proportion
• Averages
• Profit and Loss, Discount, Interest
• Partnershi
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time & Work
• Square/Cube Roots
• Elementary Surds
• Arithmetic Number Series
• Graphs of Linear Equations
• Triangle and its centres
• Quadrilaterals
• Regular Polygons
• Circle (chords, tangents, angles, common tangents)
• Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder
• Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid
• Heights and Distances
• Trigonometric Ratio, Degree and Radian Measures, Standard Identities, Complementary Angles
• Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart

General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus

• Analogies
• Space Visualisation
• Problem-solving, Analysis,
• Decision Making
• Visual Memory
• Blood Relations
• Arithmetical Reasoning
• Figural Classification
• Non-verbal Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Statement Conclusion
• Syllogism
• Number Series

English Language Syllabus

• Idioms and Phrases
• One Word Substitution
• Sentence Correction
• Sentence Improvement
• Error Spotting
• Fill in the Blanks
• Spelling Correction
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Active and Passive Voice
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Cloze Test
• Reading Comprehension

General Awareness Syllabus

• India and its neighbouring countries
• Science & Technology
• Current Affairs
• Books and Authors
• Sports
• Important Schemes
• Important Days
• People in the News
• Portfolio
• Static GK
• History and Culture
• Geography
• Polity
• Economy

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus

Now, let’s go through the module-wise Tier 2 syllabus that candidates need to prepare along with Tier 1. It is a common misconception that Tier 2 preparation can be started only after Tier 1, but this approach may create gaps in preparation. Since there is limited time between both stages, it is advisable to prepare for Tier 2 alongside Tier 1 to ensure better understanding and performance.

Section 1 Module 1 (Mathematics)

The topic-wise syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude under SSC CGL is provided below, covering both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations.

Number System & Arithmetic

• Whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
• Relationships between numbers
• Percentage
• Ratio and proportion
• Square roots
• Averages
• Simple and compound interest
• Profit, loss, and discount
• Partnership business
• Mixture and allegation
• Time and distance
• Time and work

Algebra

• Basic algebraic identities
• Elementary surds
• Graphs of linear equations

Geometry & Mensuration

• Triangles and their centres
• Congruence and similarity of triangles
• Quadrilaterals and polygons
• Circles (chords, tangents, angles, common tangents)
• 3D figures: Prism, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere Hemispheres, Parallelepiped, Pyramid

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric ratios
• Complementary angles
• Standard identities (e.g., sin²θ + cos²θ = 1)
• Heights and distances

Data Interpretation & Statistics

• Tables and graphs (Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Chart, Pie Chart)
• Mean, Median, Mode
• Standard Deviation
• Basic probability

Section 1 Module 2 (General Intelligence and Reasoning)

This section comprises of questions from General intelligence and reasoning for both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Candidates need to prepare each topic thoroughly and practice as much as they can:

• Semantic analogy
• Number/symbolic analogy
• Figural analogy
• Semantic classification
• Number/symbolic classification
• Figural classification
• Semantic series
• Number series
• Figural series
• Letter and number coding-decoding
• Small & capital letter classification
• Symbolic operations
• Syllogism
• Statement and conclusion
• Drawing inferences
• Analytical reasoning
• Judgment and decision making
• Problem solving
• Arithmetical reasoning
• Numerical operations
• Trends and patterns
• Space visualisation and orientation
• Visual memory and observation
• Embedded figures
• Punched hole / paper folding & unfolding
• Figural completion and pattern folding
• Venn diagram-based questions
• Indexing
• Address, date, and city matching
• Classification of roll numbers/centre codes
• Word building
• Discrimination
• Relationship concepts
• Critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Social intelligence

Section 2 Module 1 (English Language & Comprehension)

The English language syllabus for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam consists of the following topics. A useful tip for candidate is to read English newspaper, editorials, watch english series to enhance this part:

• Passages based on literature and current affairs
• Inference and understanding-based questions
• Synonyms and antonyms
• One word substitution
• Idioms and phrases
• Homonyms
• Word usage
• Error spotting
• Sentence correction
• Fill in the blanks
• Spelling errors
• Sentence improvement
• Sentence rearrangement/reordering
• Active and passive voice
• Direct and indirect speech
• Passage-based fill-in-the-blanks

Section 2 Module 2 (General Awareness)

This CGL GA Syllabus comprises of Current Affairs, Static GK, Science, and other fields of our daily life:

​Current Affairs

• National and international current events
• Important days and events
• People in news
• Recent government schemes

Static GK

• India and its neighbouring countries
• History and culture
• Geography
• Economic scene
• General policy

Science & Research

• Basic science awareness
• Scientific research and developments
• Environmental awareness and its application to society

Miscellaneous

• Books and authors
• Sports
• Important portfolios
• Daily observations and practical knowledge

Section 3 Module 1 (Computer Knowledge and Proficiency)

The Computer knowledge section includes the basics of computers, Software, Internet & Email Usage, and Networking & Cyber Security. Sub Topics to be covered under this part are given below.

• CPU, I/O Devices
• Memory & Storage
• Backup Devices
• Ports
• Windows Explorer
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Web Browsing & Searching
• File Downloading/Uploading
• Email Account Management
• e-Banking Basics
• Network Devices & Protocols
• Information Security Threats (Viruses, Worms, Trojan, etc.)
• Prevention Measures

Check Number of Attempts Allowed in SSC CGL Exam

Paper 2 Statistics Syllabus (For JSO Post Only)

Paper 1 focuses on Statistics and is applicable only to candidates who have applied for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. Such candidates are required to attempt this paper in addition to Paper 1. The syllabus for this section includes the following topics:

1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of 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

• Mean, Median, Mode
• Quartiles, Deciles, Percentiles

3. Measures of Dispersion

• Range
• Quartile deviation
• Mean deviation
• Standard deviation
• Relative dispersion

4. Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis

• Types of moments
• Meaning of skewness and measures
• Meaning of kurtosis and measures

5. Correlation and Regression

• Scatter diagram
• Simple correlation coefficient
• Regression lines
• Spearman’s rank correlation
• Association of attributes
• Multiple regression
• Multiple and partial correlation (for 3 variables)

6. Probability Theory

• Meaning and definitions of probability
• Conditional probability
• Compound probability
• Independent events
• Bayes’ theorem

7. Random Variable and Probability Distributions

• Random variable
• Probability functions
• Expectation and variance
• Higher moments
• Binomial distribution
• Poisson distribution
• Normal distribution
• Exponential distribution
• Joint distribution of two discrete variables

8. Sampling Theory

• 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
• Quota sampling
• Sampling distribution (statement only)
• Sample size decisions

9. Statistical Inference

• Point estimation and interval estimation
• Properties of a good estimator
• Methods: Moments, Maximum likelihood, Least squares
• Hypothesis testing basics
• Small and large sample tests
• Z-test, t-test, Chi-square test, F-test
• Confidence intervals

10. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

• One-way classified data
• Two-way classified data

11. Time Series Analysis

• Components of time series
• Trend measurement methods
• Seasonal variation measurement methods

12. Index Numbers

• Meaning of index numbers
• Problems in construction
• Types of index numbers
• Different formulae
• Base shifting and splicing
• Cost of living index numbers
• Uses of index numbers

Paper 3 General Studies: Finance & Economics (For AAO Post Only)

Paper 3 is included in the Tier 2 examination and is applicable only to candidates who have applied for the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) post. However, since no vacancies have been announced for this post this year by SSC, Paper 3 will not be conducted as part of the Tier 2 exam this time.

Part A: Finance and Accounts

• Nature and scope
• Limitations of Financial Accounting
• Basic concepts and Conventions
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• 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
• Self Balancing Ledgers

Part B: Economics and Governance

1. Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India

• Constitutional provisions
• Role and responsibilities

2. Finance Commission

• Role and functions

3. Basic Concepts of Economics and Micro Economics

• Definition of Economics
• Scope and nature of Economics
• Methods of economic study
• Central problems of an economy
• Production possibilities curve

4. 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 behaviour
• Marshallian approach
• Indifference curve approach
• Meaning and determinants of supply
• Law of supply
• Elasticity of supply

5. Theory of Production and Cost

• Meaning and factors of production
• Law of variable proportions
• Laws of returns to scale

6. Forms of Market and Price Determination

• Perfect competition
• Monopoly
• Monopolistic competition
• Oligopoly
• Price determination in different markets

7. Indian Economy

• Nature of the Indian economy
• Role of agriculture, industry, and services – problems and growth
• National Income – concepts and methods of measurement
• Population – size, growth rate, impact on economic growth
• Poverty and unemployment – types, causes, extent
• Infrastructure – energy, transportation, communication

8. Economic Reforms in India

• Economic reforms since 1991
• Liberalisation
• Privatisation
• Globalisation
• Disinvestment

9. Money and Banking

• Monetary and fiscal policy
• Role and functions of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Functions of commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRB), Payment Banks
• Budget and fiscal deficits
• Balance of payments
• Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003

10. Role of Information Technology in Governance

• Use of IT in administration and governance

​SSC CGL Online Coaching

SSC CGL Syllabus: Topic-wise Weightage

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus: Section 3 Module 2 (Typing Speed Test)

​In the SSC CGL exam, the typing test is officially called the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST). DEST is mandatory for all candidates, but it is qualifying in nature.

In this test, candidates are required to type a passage of about 2000 key depressions within 15 minutes. The test checks your typing speed and accuracy. PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates belonging to the OH category can get exemption from DEST only if they submit a medical certificate from a Government Civil Surgeon stating that they are permanently unfit for typing.

Candidates who are eligible for a scribe will be given 5 minutes of extra time in the DEST. Visually handicapped candidates who used a scribe in the written exam will also be provided a passage reader during the typing test.