The SSC CGL 2026 selection process consists of two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 evaluates candidates on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, and English. The Tier 2 examination includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language, General Knowledge, and Computer Awareness.
A solid preparation strategy begins with a thorough understanding of the official SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 and Tier 2 syllabi, the updated marking scheme, and specific requirements for specialized posts, including Statistics for JSO and Finance & Economics for AAO candidates.
- The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 questions (200 marks), while Tier 2 features 200 questions (450 marks). Both stages carry a penalty for incorrect answers.
- Tier 1 serves as a qualifying stage, whereas your final selection depends entirely on your performance in Tier 2.
| SSC CGL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview | |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Types of Questions | Objective Type |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | Tier 1- 100 Tier 2- 150 |
| Total Marks | Tier 1- 200 Tier 2- 450 |
| Language | Bilingual — Hindi & English |
| Time Duration | Tier 1 – 1 hour |
| Negative Marking | Tier 1- 0.50 Tier 2- Section 1 & 2- 1 mark |
| Selection Process | Tier 1, Tier 2, and Document Verification |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Official website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Important Note – The SSC has implemented sectional timing for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Candidates are allotted 15 minutes per subject in Tier 1, with specific sectional timing also applied to Paper 1 of Tier 2. Detailed guidelines are provided throughout this article.
SSC CGL Selection Process 2026
The SSC CGL selection process involves two tiers of examination followed by document verification. There is no interview phase, meaning your final merit is determined solely by your score in Tier 2.
| Tiers | Names | Nature |
| Tier 1 | Tier 1 (Prelims) | Qualifying |
| Tier 2 | Tier 2 (Mains) | Merit-Based |
| Document Verification | Mandatory |
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
The Tier 1 exam comprises 100 questions divided across four subjects, totaling 200 marks. You have 60 minutes to complete the test, which includes 15-minute sectional timings. A penalty of 0.5 marks applies to each incorrect answer. We recommend starting with your strongest subjects to build confidence; detailed syllabi for all Tier 1 subjects are provided below.
| 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 |
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
- Analogies
- Similarities and differences
- Space visualization
- Spatial orientation
- Problem-solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Blood Relations
- Decision-making
- Visual memory
- Discrimination
- Observation
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Figural classification
- Arithmetic number series
- Non-verbal series
- Coding and decoding
- Statement conclusion
- Syllogistic reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- Computation of whole numbers
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Relationships between numbers
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership Business
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and distance
- Time & Work
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Interest
- Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary surds
- Graphs of Linear Equations
- 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
- Triangle
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular Polygons
- Right Prism
- Right Circular Cone
- Right Circular Cylinder
- Sphere
- Heights and Distances
- Histogram
- Frequency polygon
- Bar diagram & Pie chart
- Hemispheres
- Rectangular Parallelepiped
- Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base
- Trigonometric ratio
- Degree and Radian Measures
- Standard Identities
- Complementary angles
English Language Syllabus
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Correction
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Spellings Correction
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms-Antonyms
- Active Passive
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Sentence Improvement
- Cloze test
General Awareness Syllabus
- India and its neighbouring countries, especially about History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Important Schemes
- Important Days
- Portfolio
- People in the News
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Tier 2 is the decisive merit-ranking stage that determines your final post. Paper I is mandatory for all aspirants and is held in two sessions on the same day. Candidates must qualify for all sections of Paper I independently. Paper II (Statistics) is exclusively for those applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) position.
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 |
|
| Fundamental arithmetical operations |
|
| Algebra |
|
| Geometry |
|
| Mensuration | |
| Trigonometry |
|
| Statistics and probability |
|
Module 2 of Session-1 of Paper-1 (Reasoning and General Intelligence):
The examination includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning components, testing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
- 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 Patternfolding and 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 And 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 cybersecurity-Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, 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
Paper 2: Statistics Syllabus for JSO Posts
Paper II (Statistics) is mandatory only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) aspirants. This advanced section requires deep conceptual understanding and consistent practice. We suggest mastering foundational chapters before moving on to complex areas like sampling theory and statistical inference.
| Subjects | Topics |
| 1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data | Primary and secondary data, methods of data collection, tabulation of data, graphs and charts, frequency distributions, and diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions. |
| 2. Measures of Central Tendency | Common measures of central tendency – mean, median and mode; partition values – quartiles, deciles, percentiles. |
| 3. Measures of Dispersion – Common measures of Dispersion | range, quartile deviations, mean deviation and standard deviation: measures of relative dispersion. |
| 4. Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis | Different types of moments and their relationship; the meaning of skewness and kurtosis; and different measures of skewness and kurtosis. |
| 5. Correlation and Regression | Scatter diagram; simple correlation coefficient; simple regression lines; Spearman’s rank correlation; measures of association of attributes; multiple regression; multiple and partial correlation (for three variables only). |
| 6. Probability Theory | Meaning of probability, different definitions of probability, conditional probability, compound probability, independent events, and Bayes’ theorem. |
| 7. Random Variable and Probability Distributions | Random variable; probability functions; expectation and variance of a random variable; higher moments of a random variable; binomial, Poisson, normal and exponential distributions; joint distribution of two random variables (discrete). |
| 8. Sampling Theory | Concept of 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 and quota sampling); sampling distribution (statement only); sample size decisions. |
| 9. Statistical Inference | Point estimation and interval estimation; properties of a good estimator; methods of estimation (moments method, maximum likelihood method, and least squares method); testing of hypotheses; basic concept of testing; small sample and large sample tests; tests based on Z, t, chi-square and F statistics; and confidence intervals. |
| 10. Analysis of Variance | Analysis of one-way classified data and two-way classified data. |
| 11. Time Series Analysis | Components of time series, determination of trend component by different methods, and measurement of seasonal variation by different methods. |
| 12. Index Numbers | Meaning of index numbers, problems in their construction, types of index numbers, different formulae, base shifting and splicing of index numbers, cost of living index numbers, and uses of index numbers. |
Paper 3: General Studies (Finance and Economics) for AAO Posts
| Subjects | Topics |
| Part A: Finance and Accounts – (80 marks) | |
| Financial Accounting | Financial Accounting: Nature and scope, Limitations of Financial Accounting, Basic concepts and Conventions, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
| Basic concepts of accounting | 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) | |
| Comptroller & Auditor General of India | Constitutional provisions, Role and responsibility. |
| Finance Commission | Role and functions |
| Basic Concept of Economics and Introduction to Microeconomics | Definition, scope and nature of economics; methods of economic study; central problems of an economy; and production possibilities curve. |
| 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’s behaviour – Marshallian approach and indifference curve approach, meaning and determinants of supply, law of supply and elasticity of supply. |
| Theory of Production and cost | Meaning and factors of production; laws of production – the law of variable proportions and laws of returns to scale. |
| Forms of Market and price determination in different markets: | Various forms of markets – perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition and oligopoly – and price determination in these markets. |
| Indian Economy | Nature of the Indian Economy Role of different sectors – Role of Agriculture, Industry and Services – their problems and growth; National Income of India- Concepts of national income and different methods of measuring national income. Population: Its size, rate of growth and its implication on economic growth. Poverty and unemployment: Absolute and relative poverty, types, causes and incidence of unemployment. Infrastructure: energy, transportation, and communication. |
| Economic Reforms in India | Economic reforms since 1991: liberalisation, privatisation, globalisation and disinvestment. |
| Money and Banking | Monetary/Fiscal Policy – Role and functions of Reserve Bank of India; functions of commercial banks/RRBs/payment banks Budget and fiscal deficits and balance of payments. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 |
| Role of Information Technology in Governance. | |
SSC CGL Syllabus PDF Download (NEW)
You can access and download the official, updated SSC CGL 2026 syllabus PDF for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 below.
FAQs
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes, negative marking applies. In Tier 1, each incorrect response results in a 0.5-mark deduction. In Tier 2 (Section 1, Section 2, and Module 1 of Section 3), the penalty is 1 mark per incorrect answer.
Are Tier 1 marks counted in the final merit list?
No. Tier 1 scores are strictly qualifying and do not count toward your final merit list; however, passing Tier 1 is essential to qualify for the Tier 2 examination.
In what language is the SSC CGL exam conducted?
The examination is conducted in a bilingual format, available in both Hindi and English.
How many attempts for there for SSC CGL?
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts; candidates may appear for the exam as long as they meet the age eligibility requirements.
Is the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus the same for all posts?
While the Tier 1 syllabus remains uniform for all applicants, the Tier 2 syllabus varies depending on the specific post applied for.
Which sections of SSC CGL Tier 1 is scoring?
General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude are widely regarded as the most high-scoring segments of the exam.
What is the difference between Module 1 and Module 2 in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Module 1 tests Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence. Module 2 covers the English Language & Comprehension and General Awareness sections.
What English topics carry the most weight in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Key topics in the English section include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Tests, and Error Spotting or Sentence Correction.
Are current affairs part of the SSC CGL syllabus?
Yes, the General Awareness section features current affairs questions, typically focusing on events from the 6 to 12 months preceding the examination date.
How many questions are asked in SSC CGL Tier 1?
The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 questions for 200 marks, with a strict 60-minute time limit.
Which posts require the Statistics paper in Tier 2?
Only candidates targeting the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation are required to take the Statistics paper (Session 2) during Tier 2.
What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 syllabus for Finance & Economics?
This paper covers Finance & Accounts (Fundamental principles and accounting basics) and Economics & Governance (Demand/Supply, Indian Economy, RBI functions, and Budgeting).
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