SSC CGL Syllabus: Check Latest Pattern & Topics

SSC CGL Syllabus

The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 follows the latest two-tier Computer-Based Test (CBT) pattern introduced by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Tier 1 serves as a qualifying stage to shortlist candidates for Tier 2, while Tier 2 is the scoring/merit-determining stage.

The syllabus covers Quantitative Aptitude/Mathematical Abilities, General Intelligence & Reasoning, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge (qualifying), Data Entry Speed Test (DEST, qualifying), and post-specific papers like Statistics (for JSO) and Finance & Economics (for AAO). The pattern aligns with the official SSC scheme (as per the latest notifications and reliable sources like ssc.gov.in, careerpower.in, and pw.live). No major changes are indicated for 2026 compared to recent years.

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SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

Tier 1 Exam Pattern (Qualifying)

Tier 1 is objective (MCQ), 60 minutes duration, with negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer.

Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Scoring)

Tier 2 is compulsory Paper 1 for all posts (divided into sessions/modules), with additional papers for specific posts. Negative marking applies (typically 1 mark in certain modules as per SSC).

Paper 1 (Compulsory for All Posts) – Conducted in two sessions on the same day.

• Paper 2: Statistics – 100 questions, 200 marks (for Junior Statistical Officer - JSO posts only).

• Paper 3: General Studies (Finance & Economics) – For Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts (details in official notification).

DEST is qualifying and mandatory for most posts (exemptions for certain PwBD candidates).

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus (Subject-wise)

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Verbal and non-verbal questions on:

• Analogies, Similarities & Differences

• Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation

• Problem-Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making

• Blood Relations, Direction Sense

• Coding-Decoding, Number/Alphabet Series

• Syllogism, Statement-Conclusion

• Venn Diagrams, Non-Verbal Series (Mirror/Water Images, Embedded Figures)

• Classification, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles (basic)

General Awareness

Current + Static GK:

• Current Affairs (National & International)

• History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern India)

• Indian Polity & Constitution

• Geography (India & World), Environment & Ecology

• Economy, Budget, Basic Finance

• General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to 10+2)

• Static GK: Important Days, Books & Authors, Sports, Awards, Schemes, Organizations

Quantitative Aptitude

Arithmetic & Basic Advanced Maths (10+2 level):

• Number System, Decimals, Fractions, Simplification

• Percentage, Profit & Loss, Discount, Interest (SI/CI)

• Ratio & Proportion, Average, Mixture & Alligation

• Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Pipes & Cisterns

• Algebra (Basic Identities, Linear Equations)

• Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals)

• Mensuration (2D/3D: Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, etc.)

• Trigonometry (Ratios, Heights & Distances)

• Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)

English Comprehension

Basic to intermediate English:

• Reading Comprehension

• Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement/Correction

• Fill in the Blanks, Cloze Test

• Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-Word Substitution

• Active-Passive Voice, Direct-Indirect Speech

• Para Jumbles, Spelling Errors

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus

Mathematical Abilities (Paper 1, Section I, Module I)

Deeper application of Tier 1 Quant:

• Number Systems, Percentages, Ratio, Interest, Profit & Loss

• Algebra (Identities, Surds, Graphs of Equations)

• Geometry (Triangles congruence/similarity, Circles, Polygons)

• Mensuration (Prism, Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, Pyramid)

• Trigonometry (Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances)

• Statistics & Probability (Mean, Median, Mode, Graphs, Basic Probability)

Reasoning & General Intelligence (Paper 1, Section I, Module II)

Advanced reasoning:

• Semantic/Symbolic/Figural Analogy & Classification

• Series (Semantic, Number, Figural)

• Space Orientation, Venn Diagrams, Drawing Inferences

• Puzzles, Critical Thinking, Emotional/Social Intelligence

• Coding-Decoding (advanced), Embedded Figures, Pattern Folding

English Language & Comprehension (Paper 1, Section II, Module I)

Higher-level English:

• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word, Idioms)

• Grammar (Tenses, Voice, Narration, Error Spotting)

• Reading Comprehension (Inference-based)

• Sentence Structure, Cloze Passage, Para Jumbles

• Active/Passive, Direct/Indirect

General Awareness (Paper 1, Section II, Module II)

Deeper current + analytical:

• Economy (Growth, Inflation, Policies)

• Government Schemes, Polity (Articles, Bodies)

• Science & Tech, Environment, Important Reports/Indices

• Current Affairs, Static GK (expanded)

Computer Knowledge (Paper 1, Section III, Module I – Qualifying)

• Computer Basics (Hardware, Software, OS)

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & Shortcuts

• Internet, Email, Networking, Cyber Security (Viruses, Phishing)

Data Entry Speed Test (DEST – Qualifying)

• Typing speed/accuracy test (2000 key depressions in 15 mins) for relevant posts.

• For Paper 2 (Statistics) and Paper 3 (Finance & Economics), refer to the official SSC notification for specialized topics.

SSC CGL Preparation Tips

• Prioritize Quant and English (high weightage in Tier 2).

• Practice daily timed mocks and previous year papers.

• Stay updated with current affairs (last 12-18 months).

• Revise static GK and schemes regularly.

• Analyze errors and focus on speed/accuracy.