SSC CGL Syllabus 2026: Complete Tier 1 & Tier 2 Syllabus, Exam Pattern and Subjects

If you are preparing for the SSC CGL 2026 examination, the first thing you should do is understand the syllabus properly. SSC CGL is not an exam where simply solving random questions every day is enough. The competition is high, and knowing exactly what SSC can ask gives you a much better direction for preparation.

The Staff Selection Commission has released the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 notification for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in Central Government departments and organisations. According to the official notification, Tier-I is tentatively scheduled for August–September 2026, while Tier-II is tentatively scheduled for December 2026.

This guide covers the complete SSC CGL syllabus 2026, including Tier-I and Tier-II subjects, important topics, marks, questions and the special papers applicable to certain posts.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL examination is conducted in two main stages: Tier-I and Tier-II.

Tier-I is a computer-based objective examination consisting of four sections:

• General Intelligence and Reasoning – 25 questions, 50 marks

• General Awareness – 25 questions, 50 marks

• Quantitative Aptitude – 25 questions, 50 marks

• English Comprehension – 25 questions, 50 marks

Download Syllabus pdf link. SSC CGL

Therefore, Tier-I contains 100 questions for 200 marks. The total time is 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.

For candidates preparing seriously, this sectional timing is important. It means that knowing the answer is not enough; you also need to become comfortable solving questions within a fixed time.

SSC CGL Tier-I Syllabus 2026

1. General Intelligence and Reasoning

The SSC CGL Reasoning syllabus includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The official syllabus covers topics such as:

• Analogy

• Semantic Analogy

• Symbolic/Number Analogy

• Figural Analogy

• Classification

• Semantic Classification

• Symbolic/Number Classification

• Figural Classification

• Series

• Semantic Series

• Number Series

• Figural Series

• Coding and Decoding

• Word Building

• Numerical Operations

• Symbolic Operations

• Problem Solving

• Space Orientation

• Space Visualization

• Venn Diagrams

• Drawing Inferences

• Punched Hole/Pattern Folding and Unfolding

• Figural Pattern Folding and Completion

• Embedded Figures

• Relationship Concepts

• Visual Memory

• Observation

• Decision Making

• Critical Thinking

• Emotional Intelligence

• Social Intelligence

Questions may also involve statement-based reasoning, arithmetical reasoning and syllogistic reasoning. The official syllabus specifically mentions verbal as well as non-verbal question types.

For preparation, candidates should not restrict themselves to only familiar reasoning chapters. SSC can change the appearance and difficulty of a question while testing the same underlying concept.

2. General Awareness

General Awareness is one of the broadest sections in the SSC CGL syllabus. It tests awareness of the environment around the candidate as well as knowledge of current events and everyday scientific observations.

The official syllabus particularly mentions:

• Current Affairs

• History

• Culture

• Geography

• Economic Scene

• General Policy

• Scientific Research

• India and neighbouring countries

• Everyday scientific aspects

• General awareness of society and environment

This means SSC CGL General Awareness preparation should not be limited to current affairs alone. Static GK remains important, particularly Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Culture and General Science.

A practical preparation strategy is to combine static GK with current affairs instead of studying both completely separately.

3. Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude is generally considered one of the most important scoring sections of SSC CGL. The Tier-I syllabus includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data-related topics.

Important topics include:

• Whole Numbers

• Decimals and Fractions

• Relationship between Numbers

• Percentage

• Ratio and Proportion

• Square Roots

• Average

• Interest

• Profit and Loss

• Discount

• Partnership

• Mixture and Alligation

• Time and Distance

• Time and Work

• Algebraic Identities

• Elementary Surds

• Graphs of Linear Equations

• Triangle

• Congruence and Similarity

• Circles

• Chords and Tangents

• Quadrilaterals

• Regular Polygons

• Prism

• Cone

• Cylinder

• Sphere

• Hemisphere

• Rectangular Parallelepiped

• Regular Right Pyramid

• Trigonometric Ratios

• Degree and Radian Measures

• Standard Trigonometric Identities

• Complementary Angles

• Heights and Distances

• Histogram

• Frequency Polygon

• Bar Diagram

• Pie Chart

The official notification states that Tier-I Quantitative Aptitude is designed to test the candidate's ability to use numbers appropriately and understand number relationships.

An important point is that the official notice places Quantitative Aptitude at the 10th-standard level, while General Intelligence, General Awareness and English Comprehension are aligned with the graduation-level qualification requirement.

4. English Comprehension

English is another section where consistent practice can make a significant difference.

The Tier-I syllabus focuses on the candidate's ability to understand correct English, basic comprehension and writing ability.

For Tier-II, the English syllabus becomes more detailed and includes:

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Sentence Structure

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Correct Usage

• Spot the Error

• Fill in the Blanks

• Homonyms

• Spellings

• Idioms and Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Improvement of Sentences

• Active and Passive Voice

• Direct and Indirect Narration

• Shuffling of Sentence Parts

• Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage

• Cloze Passage

• Comprehension Passage

The official syllabus also specifies comprehension passages, including passages based on books or stories and passages based on current affairs, reports or editorials.

For SSC CGL preparation, vocabulary should therefore be built alongside grammar and reading comprehension rather than treating each topic as completely separate.

Why You Should Study Tier-I and Tier-II Together

One common mistake is to prepare only for Tier-I and start thinking about Tier-II after the first examination. A better approach is to understand the complete SSC CGL syllabus from the beginning.

Many subjects overlap between the two stages. For example, Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning form Section-I of Tier-II Paper-I, while English and General Awareness form Section-II. Therefore, concepts developed during Tier-I preparation can continue to help during Tier-II.

The main difference is that Tier-II introduces additional components, including the Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test, while specific candidates may also have to take Statistics or General Studies (Finance and Economics) papers.

SSC CGL Tier-II Exam Pattern 2026

Tier-II Paper-I is compulsory for all posts. It contains four sections:

Section-I

• Mathematical Abilities – 30 questions

• Reasoning and General Intelligence – 30 questions

• Total – 60 questions, 180 marks

Section-II

• English Language and Comprehension – 45 questions

• General Awareness – 25 questions

• Total – 70 questions, 210 marks

Section-III

• Computer Knowledge Test – 20 questions, 60 marks

Section-IV

• Data Entry Speed Test – one data entry task

The first three sections are conducted in Session-I, while the Data Entry Speed Test is conducted in Session-II. The official notification states that candidates must qualify all sections of Paper-I separately.

SSC CGL Tier-II Syllabus 2026

Tier-II is the stage that candidates should keep in mind from the beginning of their SSC CGL preparation. While Tier-I helps shortlist candidates, the final selection is based on performance in Tier-II, subject to the applicable requirements and qualifying components. The 2026 notification also makes it clear that candidates must qualify the required sections of Paper-I.

Mathematical Abilities in SSC CGL Tier-II

The Mathematical Abilities module carries 30 questions for 90 marks. Its syllabus broadly covers the same core mathematical areas candidates encounter in Tier-I, but the Tier-II level demands better speed and accuracy.

Important areas include:

• Number Systems

• Fundamental arithmetical operations

• Percentage

• Ratio and Proportion

• Square Roots

• Averages

• Interest

• Profit and Loss

• Discount

• Partnership Business

• Mixture and Alligation

• Time and Distance

• Time and Work

• Algebra

• Basic algebraic identities

• Elementary surds

• Graphs of linear equations

• Geometry

• Mensuration

• Trigonometry

• Heights and Distances

• Data interpretation and statistical charts

The biggest mistake students make here is spending too much time collecting formulas and too little time solving questions. For SSC CGL, mathematics improves through repeated practice. Once a concept is understood, solving different varieties of questions is much more useful than repeatedly reading the same theory.

Reasoning and General Intelligence

Tier-II includes 30 questions for 90 marks from Reasoning and General Intelligence.

The syllabus includes areas such as:

• Analogy

• Classification

• Series

• Coding-Decoding

• Venn Diagrams

• Space Orientation

• Space Visualization

• Problem Solving

• Decision Making

• Visual Memory

• Observation

• Relationship Concepts

• Numerical and Symbolic Operations

• Figural Classification

• Figural Series

• Embedded Figures

• Pattern Folding and Unfolding

• Drawing Inferences

• Critical Thinking

• Emotional Intelligence

• Social Intelligence

The official syllabus covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

A good approach is to identify your weak question types rather than simply completing a fixed number of reasoning questions every day. If coding-decoding is already strong, there is little benefit in spending most of your study session on it. Your time is better spent improving chapters where accuracy is still inconsistent.

English Language and Comprehension

English Language and Comprehension is the largest module in Tier-II Paper-I, with 45 questions for 135 marks.

The important topics are:

• Vocabulary

• English Grammar

• Sentence Structure

• Spot the Error

• Fill in the Blanks

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Homonyms

• Spellings

• Idioms and Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Improvement of Sentences

• Active and Passive Voice

• Direct and Indirect Speech

• Shuffling of Sentence Parts

• Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage

• Cloze Test

• Reading Comprehension

The official syllabus specifically includes comprehension passages and questions designed to test understanding of the passage.

For English preparation, don't study vocabulary as a completely isolated subject. When solving previous-year questions, note unfamiliar words, idioms and phrases in one place. Over time, this creates a much more useful revision resource than memorising huge word lists without context.

General Awareness in Tier-II

General Awareness contains 25 questions for 75 marks in Tier-II Paper-I.

The syllabus covers:

• Current Affairs

• History

• Culture

• Geography

• Economic Scene

• General Policy

• Scientific Research

• India and neighbouring countries

• General scientific awareness

• Everyday observations related to science

The official notification describes General Awareness as testing knowledge of the environment around the candidate and its application to society.

For this section, preparation should have two parts: static General Knowledge and current affairs.

Indian Polity, Modern History, Geography, Economy and General Science deserve consistent revision. Current affairs should be studied selectively, with greater attention to major national and international events, government schemes, appointments, awards, sports, science and technology and important economic developments.

Computer Knowledge Test

The Computer Knowledge Test is part of Tier-II Paper-I and contains 20 questions for 60 marks. It is qualifying in nature, but candidates should not ignore it simply because it is qualifying. The official notification also provides for higher qualifying standards for certain posts where computer proficiency is prescribed.

Important areas include:

Computer Basics

• Characteristics of computers

• Computer organisation

• CPU

• Input and output devices

• Memory

• Storage devices

• Computer generations

• Personal computers

Operating System

• Windows basics

• File and folder management

• Operating system functions

• Basic system operations

MS Office

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Basic functions and features

• Formatting

• Common shortcuts

• Spreadsheet concepts

Internet and Email

• Internet basics

• Web browsers

• Search engines

• Email

• Uploading and downloading

• Basic networking concepts

Computer Security

• Viruses

• Malware

• Cybersecurity basics

• Safe browsing

• Password security

• Common online threats

Candidates should focus particularly on practical computer terminology and frequently tested concepts rather than studying advanced computer science unnecessarily.

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Data Entry Speed Test

The Data Entry Speed Test, or DEST, is included in Tier-II Paper-I as Section-IV. It is a qualifying component. The official examination scheme provides for a data-entry task in this section.

This is why typing practice should not be postponed until the final week. Even a short daily practice session can gradually improve speed and accuracy.

The aim should not simply be to type very fast. Accuracy matters equally. Developing the habit of typing without constantly looking at the keyboard can also make practice more effective.

SSC CGL Tier-II Paper-II: Statistics

Paper-II is not compulsory for every SSC CGL candidate. It is applicable to candidates shortlisted for the relevant Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts.

Paper-II consists of Statistics, with 100 questions carrying 200 marks.

The official syllabus includes topics such as:

• Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data

• Measures of Central Tendency

• Measures of Dispersion

• Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis

• Correlation and Regression

• Probability Theory

• Random Variables and Probability Distributions

• Sampling Theory

• Statistical Inference

• Analysis of Variance

• Time Series Analysis

• Index Numbers

The Statistics syllabus goes considerably deeper than the basic data interpretation encountered in Tier-I. For example, the official notification includes probability distributions, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, time-series components and index-number concepts.

Candidates applying for statistical posts should therefore prepare this paper separately instead of assuming that their Tier-I preparation will be sufficient.

SSC CGL Tier-II Paper-III: General Studies – Finance and Economics

Paper-III applies to candidates shortlisted for the relevant Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer posts.

The paper is divided into Finance and Accounts and Economics and Governance. The official 2026 syllabus provides a detailed list of topics for this paper.

Finance and Accounts

Important areas include:

• Fundamental principles and basic concepts of accounting

• Financial accounting

• Basic concepts of accounting

• Self-balancing ledger

• Journal

• Books of original entry

• Bank reconciliation statement

• Trial balance

• Rectification of errors

• Manufacturing account

• Trading account

• Profit and loss account

• Balance sheet

• Capital and revenue expenditure

• Depreciation

• Valuation of inventory

• Non-profit organisation accounts

• Receipts and payments account

• Income and expenditure account

Economics and Governance

Important areas include:

• Basic concepts of economics

• Microeconomics

• Theory of demand

• Theory of supply

• Production and factors of production

• Forms of market

• National income

• Measurement of national income

• Economic growth

• Economic development

• Monetary policy

• Fiscal policy

• Banking

• Role of banks

• Public finance

• Budget

• Balance of payments

• International trade

• Economic reforms

• Indian economy

• Governance and related economic concepts

The detailed Finance and Economics syllabus should be checked directly against the current SSC notification when preparing for these specialised posts because this paper is relevant only to the applicable candidates.

SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus at a Glance

For quick revision, the major structure can be remembered like this:

Paper-II and Paper-III are applicable only to candidates shortlisted for the corresponding posts. The official SSC scheme confirms the Tier-II structure and post-specific papers.

How to Prepare SSC CGL Syllabus 2026

Knowing the syllabus is only the first step. The real advantage comes from turning the syllabus into a study plan.

Start by dividing the syllabus into three categories:

Strong topics: revise them regularly and maintain accuracy.

Average topics: practise them frequently until the solving method becomes automatic.

Weak topics: give them focused study time and solve questions immediately after learning the concept.

For Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, practice should be regular. For English, combine grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. For General Awareness, use short revision cycles because forgetting is a bigger problem than understanding.

Previous-year questions should be a central part of preparation. They show how SSC actually frames questions and help you identify which topics repeatedly appear in the examination.

Don't Prepare Every Topic With the Same Priority

The syllabus is extensive, but that does not mean every topic deserves exactly the same amount of time.

A smarter approach is:

1. Understand the complete syllabus.

2. Analyse previous-year questions.

3. Identify frequently tested topics.

4. Build concepts in weak areas.

5. Practise topic-wise questions.

6. Move to mixed practice.

7. Start timed sectional practice.

8. Revise mistakes regularly.

This approach prevents a common problem among SSC CGL aspirants: spending weeks reading theory but getting very little actual question-solving practice.

SSC CGL Syllabus PDF and Official Updates

Candidates should always give preference to the official SSC notification when checking the latest syllabus, examination scheme, dates, eligibility conditions or changes. Coaching websites can be useful for preparation, but the Commission's notification should remain the final reference.

The SSC CGL 2026 notification contains the detailed examination scheme and syllabus, including the specialised Statistics and Finance & Economics papers.

Final Words

The SSC CGL syllabus 2026 may look lengthy at first, but it becomes much easier once it is divided subject by subject. Tier-I requires balanced preparation across Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English, while Tier-II demands stronger accuracy, speed and additional preparation for Computer Knowledge and DEST.

If you are targeting SSC CGL 2026 seriously, don't wait until the notification dates or Tier-I examination are close before looking at Tier-II. Start with the complete syllabus, use previous-year questions to understand the real level of the examination, and keep revision and timed practice alongside your regular study.

The goal should not be to simply finish the SSC CGL syllabus. The real goal is to reach a stage where you can recognise the question type quickly, choose the correct method and solve it accurately within the available time.

That is what ultimately turns syllabus completion into examination readiness.