Table of Contents
The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 covers five core subjects: Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. The selection process consists of two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2, with a common syllabus for all Group B and C posts, plus specialist papers for JSO (Statistics) and AAO (Finance & Economics) candidates in Tier 2.
The official SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 has been discussed here in detail, for candidates who are preparing for the Combined Graduate Level Exam 2026. Check out the subject-wise latest syllabus, Exam Pattern, DEST typing test requirements, topic-wise weightage, and download syllabus PDF here.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
Since syllabus for SSC Tier 1 and Tier 2 is almost same, candidates can prepare for both stages simultaneously. A well-planned preparation strategy that covers the entire syllabus from the outset can help improve performance in both tiers.
Latest Updates:
- Sectional timing introduced in Tier 1; 15 minutes per section; you cannot move time between sections
- Total vacancies: 12,256 posts across Group B and C
- AAO vacancies have been announced this cycle; so, Paper III (Finance & Economics) will be conducted this year.
- Statistical Investigator eligibility expanded to include AI, Data Science, CS, and IT graduates
SSC CGL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 – Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
| Total Questions |
|
| Total Marks |
|
| Questions Type | MCQ-based |
| Exam Medium | Hindi and English |
| Negative Marking |
|
SSC CGL Notification 2026 Out – Click to Check
What is the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026?
As we know there are three stages in SSC CGL Examination process and it consists of:
- Tier 1 (CBT)
- Tier 2 (CBT + Skill/Typing Test)
- Document Verification
Check out the overview of the exam pattern in the table below:
| Particulars | Tier 1 Exam Pattern | Tier 2 Exam Pattern |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
|
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying |
Merit-Based
|
| Total Questions | 100 |
135 (Paper-I) + Skill Test/Typing Test
|
| Total Marks | 200 | 405 (Paper-I) |
| Duration | 60 Minutes |
2 Hours 15 Minutes + Skill Test
|
| Subjects Covered | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension |
Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, DEST/Typing Test
|
| Negative Marking | 0.50 Mark per wrong answer |
1 Mark (Sections I & II), 0.50 Mark (Computer Knowledge)
|
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Moderate to Difficult
|
What is SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern and Syllabus?
The Tier 1 is the first stage of the CGL exam and it is qualifying in nature and total marks allotted is 200.
- The exam is divided into four sections. Each section has 25 questions for 50 marks and now carries its own 15-minute sectional timer.
- 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.
|
Section
|
No. of Questions
|
Marks
|
Duration |
|
English Comprehension
|
25
|
25×2 = 50 | 15 Mins |
|
General Awareness
|
25
|
25×2 = 50 | 15 Mins |
|
General Intelligence & Reasoning
|
25
|
25×2 = 50 | 15 Mins |
|
Quantitative Aptitude
|
25
|
25×2 = 50 | 15 Mins |
|
Total
|
100
|
200
|
1 hour
|
Subject-wise SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus
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
- Partnership
- 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
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Spellings / Detecting Misspelt Words
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement
- Active Voice and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech (Narration)
- Shuffling of Sentence Parts
- Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles)
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Word Usage
- Sentence Correction
- Verbal Ability Questions
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 Exam Pattern 2026
The Tier 2 pattern consists of Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III. 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.
|
Tier 2 Paper I Exam Pattern (Compulsory for All Posts)
|
|||||
|
Sessions
|
Section
|
Subject
|
No. of Questions
|
Marks
|
Duration
|
|
I (2 Hour 15 Mins)
|
Section I
|
A: Mathematical Abilities
|
30
|
30×3=90 | 30 Mins |
|
B: Reasoning and General Intelligence
|
30
|
30×3=90 | 30 Mins | ||
|
Section II
|
A: English Language & Comprehension
|
45
|
45×3=135
|
40 Mins | |
|
B: General Awareness
|
25
|
25×3=75
|
20 Mins | ||
|
Section III
|
Computer Knowledge Test
|
20
|
20×3=60
|
15 Minutes
|
|
| II
|
Section IV
|
Data Entry Speed Test
|
1 Task
|
–
|
15 Minutes
|
|
Total
|
150 |
450
|
2 Hours 30 Mins
|
||
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper II Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-II is conducted only for candidates who have applied for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
|
Paper II
|
Subject
|
No. of Questions
|
Maximum Marks
|
Duration
|
|
For JSO Only
|
Statistics
|
100
|
100×2=200 |
2 Hours (2 hours and 40 minutes for the candidates eligible)
|
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper III Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-3 is conducted only for candidates shortlisted for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) after Tier-I.
|
Paper III
|
Subject
|
No. of Questions
|
Maximum Marks
|
Duration
|
|
For AAO only
|
General Studies (Finance and Economics) |
100
|
100×2=200 |
2 Hours (2 hours and 40 minutes for the candidates eligible)
|
Subject-wise SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
The Tier 2 Exam consists of a compulsory Paper 1 for all posts and Paper II and Paper III for JSO and AAO posts respectively. It covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Data Entry Speed Test. Candidates should focus on both accuracy and speed while preparing for the Tier 2 examination.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities Syllabus
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
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
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
English Language & Comprehension Syllabus
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
General Awareness Syllabus
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
Computer Knowledge and Proficiency Syllabus
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
SSC CGL Tier 2 Typing Speed Test Syllabus
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.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper II 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
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper III General Studies: Finance & Economics (For AAO Post Only)
Paper III is included in the Tier 2 examination and applies only to candidates who have applied for the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) post.
Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 Marks)
• 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 (120 Marks)
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 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.
What is the topic-wise weightage in SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam?
| English Language Topics |
|
| Topic | Expected Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 5 to 8 |
| Cloze Test | 3 to 5 |
| Error Spotting | 3 to 4 |
| Sentence Improvement | 2 to 3 |
| Synonyms / Antonyms | 2 to 3 |
| One Word Substitution | 2 to 3 |
| Idioms & Phrases | 2 to 3 |
| Sentence Rearrangement | 1 to 2 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 1 to 2 |
| Active / Passive Voice | 1 to 2 |
| General Awareness Syllabus | |
| Topics |
No. of Questions
|
| Current Affairs (National and International) | 5 to 7 |
| History of India and World | 2 to 3 |
| Geography of India and World | 2 to 3 |
| Polity and Constitution | 2 to 3 |
| Economics | 1 to 2 |
| General Science | 4 to 6 |
| Static GK | 3 to 5 |
| Miscellaneous (Computer Basics, Abbreviations, etc.) | 1 to 2 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus | |
| Topics | Questions |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus | |
| Topics |
No. of Questions
|
| 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 (Simplification, Surds, Indices) | 1 to 2 |
| Profit & Loss | 2 to 3 |
| Time and Work | 1 to 2 |
| Percentages | 1 to 2 |
| Simple & Compound Interest | 1 to 2 |
| Time, Speed & Distance | 1 to 2 |
| Averages | 1 to 2 |
The above topic-wise weightage is for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Paper I has higher marks per question than Tier 1.
Prepare for SSC CGL 2026 using the official SSC syllabus and exam pattern, especially the new sectional timing in Tier 1. Earlier, the exam tested mostly speed. Now it also tests discipline, since you must finish each section within its own 15-minute limit.
Candidates who plan their study around the real weightage of topics and this new timing format, instead of just following generic topic lists, will adjust to the exam faster and avoid losing easy marks due to poor time management.
| Related Links | |
| SSC CGL Salary | SSC CGL Syllabus |
| SSC CGL Selection Process | SSC CGL Preparation Tips |
| SSC CGL Online Coaching | SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria |
| SSC CGL Cut-Off | SSC CGL Mock Test |










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