SSC CGL 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus

SSC CGL 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus

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SSC CGL 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus
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.
SSC CGL Tier 1
The Tier 1 exam consists of 4 subjects with 25 questions each, totalling 100 questions and 200 marks, to be solved in 60 minutes with 15-minute sectional timing. Each wrong answer deducts 0.5 marks. Focus on the easiest subjects first to build momentum- Reasoning and General Awareness are usually the quickest to score in.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
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
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
Subject Topic / Section Core Syllabus Topics
General Intelligence & Reasoning Verbal & Analytical Reasoning
  • Analogies
  • Similarities and differences
  • Problem-solving & Analysis
  • Judgment & Decision making
  • Discrimination & Observation
  • Relationship concepts & Blood Relations
  Spatial & Visual Reasoning
  • Space visualization
  • Spatial orientation
  • Visual memory
  • Figural classification
  • Non-verbal series
  Logical & Numerical Reasoning
  • Arithmetical reasoning
  • Arithmetic number series
  • Coding and decoding
  • Statement conclusion
  • Syllogistic reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude Arithmetic & Basic Numeracy
  • Computation of whole numbers
  • Decimals and Fractions
  • Relationships between numbers
  • Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Averages
  • Square roots, Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount
  Commercial Math & Word Problems
  • Partnership Business
  • Mixture and Alligation
  • Time and distance
  • Time & Work
  Algebra & Geometry
  • Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary surds
  • Graphs of Linear Equations
  • Triangles (kinds, centres, congruence, and similarity)
  • Circles (chords, tangents, angles subtended, common tangents)
  • Quadrilaterals & Regular Polygons
  Mensuration (2D & 3D)
  • Triangle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder
  • Sphere & Hemispheres
  • Rectangular Parallelepiped
  • Regular Right Pyramid (triangular or square base)
  Trigonometry & Data Interpretation
  • Trigonometric ratio, Standard Identities, Complementary angles
  • Degree and Radian Measures
  • Heights and Distances
  • Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar diagram & Pie chart
English Language Vocabulary
  • Idioms and Phrases
  • One Word Substitution
  • Spellings Correction
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  Grammar & Sentence Structure
  • Sentence Correction & Sentence Improvement
  • Error Spotting
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Active & Passive Voice
  Comprehension & Verbal Ability
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Cloze test
  • Sentence Rearrangement
General Awareness Core & Static GK
  • India and its neighbouring countries (History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research)
  • General Science
  • Static GK & Portfolio
  Current Affairs & General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs (National & International)
  • Books and Authors
  • Sports & People in the News
  • Important Schemes & Important Days
SSC CGL Tier 2
Tier 2 is the merit-determining stage — your performance here decides which post you get. Paper I is compulsory for all candidates and is conducted in two sessions on the same day. candidates to qualify all the Sections of Paper-I separately, Paper II (Statistics) is only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper
Section/Module
Subject
Questions
Marks
Duration
Paper 1
Section 1
Mathematical Abilities
30
180
30 minute
Reasoning & General Intelligence
30
30 minute
Section 2
English Language & Comprehension
45
210
40 minute
General Awareness
25
20 minute
Section 3
Computer Knowledge
20
60
15 minute
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.
Module 1 of Session 1 of Paper I (Mathematical Abilities)
Topics
Sub-topics
Number Systems
  • Computation of Whole Number
  • Decimal and Fractions
  • Relationship between numbers
Fundamental arithmetical operations
  • Percentages
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Square roots
  • Averages
  • Interest (Simple and Compound)
  • Profit and Loss
  • Discount
  • Partnership Business
  • Mixture and Alligation
  • Time and distance
  • Time and work
Algebra
  • Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds (simple problems)
  • Graphs of Linear Equations
Geometry
  • Similarity with elementary geometric figures and facts: Triangle and its various kinds of centres
  • Congruence and similarity of triangles
  • Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.
Mensuration
  • Triangle
  • Quadrilaterals
  • Regular Polygons
  • Circle
  • Right Prism
  • Right Circular Cone
  • Right Circular Cylinder
  • Sphere
  • Hemispheres
  • Rectangular Parallelepiped
  • Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base.
Trigonometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Trigonometric ratios
  • Complementary angles
  • Height and distances (simple problems only)
  • Standard Identities
Statistics and probability
  • Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart
  • Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode, standard deviation
  • Calculation of simple probabilities
Module 2 of Session-1 of Paper-1 (Reasoning & General Intelligence):
Questions of both verbal and non-verbal types. These will include questions on
  • 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 Pattern folding & 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 & 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 cyber security-Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojan 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
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