The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different Ministries, Departments, and Government Organizations. Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL Exam 2026 should understand the latest syllabus and exam pattern to plan their preparation effectively.
This article provides the complete SSC CGL Syllabus 2026, Tier 1 & Tier 2 Exam Pattern, subject-wise syllabus, preparation tips, and FAQs.
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 & Tier 2 |
| Tier 1 Nature | Qualifying |
| Tier 2 Nature | Merit Based |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 is compulsory for all candidates. The examination consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 200 marks. The duration of the examination is 60 minutes.
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 is conducted in multiple sections. Paper I is compulsory for all candidates, while Paper II is only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
Paper I Includes
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning & General Intelligence
- English Language & Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge Test
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) (Qualifying)
Negative Marking
- Section I & Section II: 1 mark deduction for every wrong answer.
- DEST is qualifying in nature.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Topics include:
- Analogies
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Number Series
- Alphabet Series
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Embedded Figures
- Mirror Images
- Paper Folding
- Paper Cutting
- Venn Diagram
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Statement & Conclusion
- Logical Reasoning
General Awareness
Topics include:
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Ancient, Medieval & Modern History
- Geography of India & World
- Indian Constitution
- Indian Economy
- General Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Scientific Research
- Important Days
- Books & Authors
- Awards & Honours
- Sports
- Art & Culture
- Environment
Quantitative Aptitude
Important Topics:
- Number System
- Simplification
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Average
- Profit & Loss
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Time & Work
- Pipes & Cistern
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Partnership
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
- Statistics
English Comprehension
Topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Spellings
- Vocabulary
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Module I – Mathematical Abilities
Topics include:
- Number System
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
- Probability
- Data Interpretation
- Time & Work
- Time & Distance
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss
- Average
Module II – Reasoning & General Intelligence
Topics include:
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Emotional Intelligence
- Coding-Decoding
- Statement & Assumption
- Statement & Conclusion
- Figure Classification
- Matrix
- Puzzle
- Syllogism
English Language & Comprehension
Topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
General Awareness
Topics include:
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Geography
- Economy
- Polity
- Science
- Environment
- Awards
- Books & Authors
- Government Schemes
- Important Events
Computer Knowledge Test
Topics include:
- Basics of Computers
- Computer Hardware
- Software
- Operating System
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- Internet
- Networking
- Cyber Security
- Memory Devices
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
- Qualifying Test
- Typing Speed: 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
Mathematics
Focus on:
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Average
- Time & Work
- Profit & Loss
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Interpretation
English
Practice:
- Grammar Rules
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
Reasoning
Practice daily:
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Puzzle
- Syllogism
- Number Series
- Direction Sense
General Awareness
Prepare:
- Current Affairs (Last 6–8 Months)
- Static GK
- History
- Geography
- Economy
- Constitution
- Science
How to Use the SSC CGL Syllabus PDF
Candidates should use the syllabus as a preparation checklist.
- Download the latest SSC CGL Syllabus PDF.
- Print a copy for easy reference.
- Mark completed topics.
- Practice Previous Year Papers chapter-wise.
- Revise regularly.
SSC CGL Preparation Tips 2026
- Understand the complete syllabus before starting preparation.
- Build strong concepts in Mathematics and English.
- Practice Previous Year Question Papers regularly.
- Attempt mock tests every week.
- Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
- Revise important formulas and grammar rules daily.
- Stay updated with current affairs from the last 6–8 months.
- Improve speed and accuracy through regular practice.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Q1. What subjects are included in the SSC CGL Syllabus 2026?
The SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus includes General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 2 additionally includes Computer Knowledge, advanced Mathematics, and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
Q2. Is there negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes.
- Tier 1: 0.50 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Tier 2 (Paper I): 1 mark deducted for every incorrect answer in applicable sections.
Q3. Where can I download the SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Candidates can download the official SSC CGL Syllabus PDF from the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) official website.
Q4. Is Tier 2 more difficult than Tier 1?
Yes. Tier 2 is more advanced and includes detailed Mathematics, Computer Knowledge, Statistics, Probability, and higher-level reasoning questions.
Q5. How should beginners prepare for SSC CGL 2026?
Beginners should first complete the syllabus, strengthen their basics, solve previous year question papers, attempt regular mock tests, and revise consistently to improve speed and accuracy.