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SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Complete Tier I and Tier II syllabus for SSC CGL 2026. Know exactly what to study for your dream central government job.
Exam Overview
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Structure
Tier I (Preliminary)
Computer-based objective exam with 4 sections. 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes. Qualifying in nature.
Tier II (Mains)
3 papers: Paper 1 (Compulsory), Paper 2 (Junior Statistical Officer), Paper 3 (Assistant Audit Officer). Merit-based.
Tier III (Descriptive)
Pen and paper mode. Essay, Letter, Application writing in English/Hindi. 100 marks, 60 minutes.
Tier IV (Skill Test)
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) or Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) for specific posts only.
Negative Marking
0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Tier I. 1 mark deducted in Tier II for wrong answers.
Posts Offered
Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, Excise, CSS), Sub-Inspector (CBI, NIA), Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant.
SSC CGL Tier I Syllabus (60 Minutes, 200 Marks)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | Easy-Moderate |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | Moderate |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | Easy-Moderate |
| Total | 100 | 200 | - |
A. General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
- Analogies (Semantic, Symbolic, Number)
- Classification (Semantic, Symbolic, Number)
- Series (Number, Letter, Word, Figure)
- Coding-Decoding (Letter, Number, Word)
- Direction & Distance
- Blood Relations
- Ranking & Ordering
- Syllogism & Venn Diagrams
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Calendar & Clock
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (Figure Series, Mirror Image, Paper Folding)
- Critical Thinking (Statement-Conclusion, Assumption)
B. General Awareness (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
- History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History, World History
- Geography: Indian Geography, World Geography, Physical Geography
- Polity: Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj
- Economics: Budget, Five Year Plans, Banking, Poverty, Unemployment
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environment, Scientific Research
- Current Affairs: National & International Events (last 6-12 months)
- Static GK: Important Books & Authors, Awards, Sports, Important Days
C. Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
- Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Partnership, Pipes & Cisterns
- Algebra: Identities, Linear Equations, Graphs of Linear Equations
- Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Congruence & Similarity
- Mensuration: 2D & 3D figures, Area, Volume, Surface Area
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, Identities, Height & Distance
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Histograms
- Number System: Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Relationship between numbers
D. English Comprehension (25 Questions, 50 Marks)
- Reading Comprehension
- Fill in the Blanks
- Spot the Error
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles)
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Spelling Correction
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Cloze Test
SSC CGL Tier II Syllabus
Paper 1: Compulsory for All Posts (2 hours 30 minutes, 300 marks)
| Module | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Module II | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| Module III | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| Module IV | General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Module V | Computer Knowledge Module | 20 | 60 |
Paper 2: Statistics (For JSO Posts) - 2 hours, 200 marks
- Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data
- Measures of Central Tendency
- Measures of Dispersion
- Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis
- Correlation and Regression
- Probability Theory
- Random Variable and Probability Distributions
- Sampling Theory
- Statistical Inference
- Analysis of Variance
- Time Series Analysis
- Index Numbers
Paper 3: General Studies (Finance & Economics) - For AAO Posts - 2 hours, 200 marks
- Financial Accounting
- Basic Concepts of Economics and Introduction to Micro Economics
- Theory of Demand and Supply
- Theory of Production and Cost
- Forms of Market and Price Determination
- Indian Economy
- Economic Reforms in India
- Money and Banking
- Role of Information Technology in Governance
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📞 Call 9804490328 to EnrollFrequently Asked Questions
Q1. Has the SSC CGL 2026 syllabus changed?
The SSC CGL syllabus remains consistent with minor modifications. Tier II now has separate modules and includes a Computer Knowledge test. Always refer to the latest official notification for any changes.
Q2. What is the best strategy to cover the entire SSC CGL syllabus?
Complete Quant and Reasoning first as they are most scoring. Then focus on English grammar and vocabulary. Cover GA through daily current affairs and NCERT books for static topics. Practice mock tests throughout.
Q3. How many months are needed to prepare for SSC CGL?
6-12 months of dedicated preparation is ideal. Working professionals may need 12 months. Students can manage with 6-8 months if they study 6-8 hours daily.
Q4. Is NCERT enough for SSC CGL General Awareness?
NCERT books (Class 6-10) provide a good foundation for History, Geography, Polity, and Science. However, for Current Affairs, you need daily newspaper reading and monthly current affairs magazines.
Q5. Which post is best in SSC CGL?
Assistant Section Officer (CSS) in Delhi is considered the most prestigious. Inspector (Income Tax & Excise) offers good power and posting options. Sub-Inspector (CBI) is preferred by those interested in investigation work.
Last updated: June 1, 2026. For SSC CGL coaching and doubt clearing, contact Shortcut Maths, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032. Call +91-9804490328.