SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 Explained – Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Paper Pattern, Topic-wise Weightage & Complete Preparation Guide

The SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) examination is the most sought-after graduate-level government recruitment exam in India — offering Group B and Group C posts across dozens of central government departments including Income Tax, CBI, Customs, MEA, CAG, CGST, and more.

Two things separate candidates who clear SSC CGL from those who don’t: understanding the exact syllabus and understanding the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2.

Tier 1 is a qualifying round — your Tier 1 marks do NOT go into the final merit list. Tier 2 is where your selection rank is actually decided. Candidates who don’t know this often over-invest in Tier 1 preparation and under-prepare for Tier 2 — exactly the wrong strategy.

This guide covers the complete SSC CGL syllabus for both tiers, the exam pattern with marks and timing, topic-wise weightage based on previous year analysis, post-specific papers, and a section-by-section preparation strategy.

SSC CGL 2026 – Exam Structure Overview

SSC CGL 2026 has a two-tier structure:

The earlier Tier 3 (Descriptive) and Tier 4 (Skill Test) have been restructured — the Skill Test (Computer Knowledge + DEST) is now integrated into Tier 2 Paper I as a qualifying module, and there is no separate Tier 3 descriptive paper for most posts.

SSC CGL Tier 1 – Exam Pattern 2026

Tier 1 is a Computer Based Examination (CBE) with four sections of equal weight:

• Negative marking: 0.50 marks (half mark) per wrong answer.​

• All sections are attempted in the same 60-minute window — there are no section-wise time limits.​

• Medium: English and Hindi (bilingual for GK, Reasoning, and Maths; English section tested in English only).​

• Tier 1 is qualifying only — shortlists candidates at roughly 20 times the number of vacancies for Tier 2.

Tier 1 Syllabus – Section by Section

Section 1: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions, 50 Marks)

This is the most consistently high-scoring section for well-prepared candidates — with practice, it can be completed in 15–18 minutes.

Complete topic list:

• Analogies (verbal and non-verbal)

• Similarities and differences

• Space visualisation and spatial orientation

• Problem-solving and analysis

• Blood Relations

• Judgment and decision making

• Visual memory and observation

• Relationship concepts

• Arithmetical reasoning

• Figural classification

• Arithmetic number series

• Non-verbal series (pattern completion, mirror image, embedded figures)

• Coding and decoding

• Statement and conclusion

• Syllogistic reasoning

• Direction sense

• Venn diagrams

• Mathematical operations

• Odd one out

• Word formation and dictionary sequence

• Counting of figures

Topic-wise weightage (previous year analysis):

Section 2: General Awareness (25 Questions, 50 Marks)

The most unpredictable section — questions can come from anywhere across history, geography, polity, science, economics, current affairs, and static GK.

Topic-wise weightage:

Preparation strategy for GK: Current Affairs from the last 6–8 months before the exam carries the highest weightage (5–7 questions). Static GK from SSC-standard GK books covers the rest. Do not attempt to study “everything” — focus on previous year question patterns to identify what SSC actually asks.​

Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions, 50 Marks)

Maths is the section that most candidates fear and where the most preparation time is invested. The key insight: SSC CGL Tier 1 Maths is Class 10–12 level — not engineering level.

Complete topic list:

• Number System (factors, multiples, HCF, LCM, divisibility)

• Percentage

• Ratio and Proportion

• Average

• Simple Interest and Compound Interest

• Profit and Loss

• Time and Work

• Time, Speed and Distance (Boats & Streams, Trains)

• Algebra (identities, linear equations, quadratic equations, surds and indices)

• Geometry (triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons)

• Mensuration 2D and 3D (area, perimeter, volume, surface area)

• Trigonometry (standard values, height and distance)

• Data Interpretation (bar graphs, pie charts, tables, line graphs)

• Statistics (mean, median, mode — basic)

Topic-wise weightage:

Section 4: English Language & Comprehension (25 Questions, 50 Marks)

English is tested at graduation level. The focus is on vocabulary depth, grammar correctness, and reading comprehension.

Complete topic list:

• Idioms and Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Sentence Correction (grammatically correct sentence identification)

• Error Spotting (finding grammatical error in underlined parts)

• Fill in the Blanks (appropriate word from options)

• Spelling Correction (identifying misspelled word)

• Reading Comprehension (short passage with 5 questions)

• Synonyms and Antonyms

• Active and Passive Voice

• Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles)

• Sentence Improvement

• Cloze Test (paragraph with blanks)

• Direct and Indirect Speech

SSC CGL Tier 2 – Exam Pattern 2026

Tier 2 is where selection rank is determined. Paper I is compulsory for all candidates. Papers II and III are only for specific posts.

Tier 2 Paper I (Compulsory for All) – Full Structure

Paper I is conducted in two sessions on the same day and has three sections with six modules total:

Session I (2 Hours – Scored):

Session II (30 Minutes – Qualifying):

Key rules for Paper I:

• Negative marking: 1 mark per wrong answer (higher penalty than Tier 1).​

• All 4 scored modules in Session I must be qualified — there is a minimum cut-off per module.​

• Computer Knowledge Test (Module I of Section III): Qualifying — minimum 20% (12/60 marks needed).​

• DEST (Data Entry Speed Test): Qualifying — 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Applicable for DEO/LDC-type posts.

Tier 2 Syllabus – Section by Section

Section I, Module I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Questions, 90 Marks)

Tier 2 Maths is significantly more difficult than Tier 1. Questions involve multi-step calculations and a higher proportion of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Complete topic list:

• Number Systems (divisibility rules, unit digits, remainders)

• Fundamental Arithmetic Operations (BODMAS, simplification)

• Percentage, Profit and Loss, Discount

• Ratio and Proportion, Partnership

• Average, Mixture and Alligation

• Simple Interest and Compound Interest

• Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns

• Time, Speed and Distance (Trains, Boats, Races)

• Algebra (identities, linear equations, quadratic equations, polynomials, surds and indices)

• Geometry (congruence, similarity, circles — arc, chord, tangent, secant, cyclic quadrilateral)

• Mensuration (2D: area and perimeter of all shapes; 3D: volume and surface area of cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone, sphere, hemisphere)

• Trigonometry (standard values, identities, complementary angles, height and distance)

• Statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation, histogram, frequency polygon)

• Data Interpretation (tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs — comparative data)

The Algebra + Geometry + Trigonometry + Mensuration cluster carries approximately 40–45% of all Tier 2 Maths questions — this is the highest-priority cluster for Tier 2 Maths preparation.​

Section I, Module II: Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 Questions, 90 Marks)

Tier 2 Reasoning covers the same topic areas as Tier 1 but at greater depth:

• Verbal reasoning (analogy, classification, series)

• Coding-decoding (complex multi-code patterns)

• Logical reasoning (Venn diagrams, syllogisms, statement-assumption)

• Non-verbal reasoning (pattern completion, paper folding, figure matrix)

• Critical thinking questions (cause-effect, assertion-reason)

• Data sufficiency

• Word and number arrangement

Section II, Module I: English Language & Comprehension (45 Questions, 135 Marks)

English carries the highest marks (135) in Paper I — making it the single most important section for merit ranking in Tier 2.

Tier 2 English is more advanced than Tier 1:

• Reading Comprehension: Longer passages (300–500 words), 5–7 questions per passage, 3 passages typically — tests inference, vocabulary in context, and tone identification.

• Cloze Test: 25-word passage with blanks — requires vocabulary depth.

• Error Spotting: Complex sentence structures with subtle grammatical errors.

• Sentence Improvement: Identify the grammatically and contextually best revision.

• Para Jumbles: 5–6 sentence reordering for logical flow.

• Synonyms / Antonyms: Advanced vocabulary (not just common words).

• Idioms and Phrases: Standard idioms tested in context.

• Active / Passive Voice: Complex tense structures.

• Direct / Indirect Speech.

• One Word Substitution.

• Fill in the Blanks (double blanks in some questions).

Section II, Module II: General Awareness (25 Questions, 75 Marks)

The Tier 2 GA section covers the same topic areas as Tier 1 but questions are deeper and more specific:

• Current Affairs (last 6–8 months before exam — news events, government schemes, international summits, sports championships)

• History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern — freedom movement)

• Geography (physical, economic, and political geography of India and World)

• Indian Polity and Constitution (articles, schedules, amendments, landmark judgements)

• Economics (GDP, inflation, RBI policy, budget, Five Year Plans, economic terminology)

• General Science (Physics concepts, Chemistry — periodic table basics, Biology — human body, diseases)

• Static GK (important days, books and authors, national symbols, first persons in India)

Section III, Module I: Computer Knowledge Test (20 Questions, 60 Marks – Qualifying)

This module tests basic computer literacy — only 20% qualifying marks required:

• Basics of Computers: Input/output devices, storage types, CPU, memory (RAM vs ROM).

• Operating System: Windows basics, file management.

• MS Office: Word processing, spreadsheet basics, presentation concepts.

• Internet: Browsers, search engines, email, basic networking concepts (LAN, WAN, IP).

• Abbreviations: CPU, RAM, ROM, USB, HTML, HTTP, URL, OS, BIOS.

• Cybersecurity basics: Virus, firewall, antivirus.

Tier 2 Paper II: Statistics (100 Questions, 200 Marks)

Paper II is only for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts in the Ministry of Statistics (MoSPI).

Duration: 2 hours.​

Topic-wise breakdown:

• Collection and Representation of Data (frequency tables, graphs, charts)

• Measures of Central Tendency (mean, median, mode — ungrouped and grouped data)

• Measures of Dispersion (range, quartile deviation, mean deviation, standard deviation)

• Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis

• Correlation and Regression (Karl Pearson, Spearman)

• Probability Theory (basic definitions, classical probability, conditional probability)

• Random Variables and Probability Distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal)

• Sampling Theory (random sampling, stratified sampling, systematic sampling)

• Statistical Inference (point estimation, interval estimation, hypothesis testing — Z test, T test, Chi-square test)

• Analysis of Variance (one-way and two-way ANOVA)

• Time Series Analysis (components, trend analysis)

• Index Numbers (Laspeyre’s, Paasche’s, Fisher’s)

Preparation note: Paper II is degree-level Statistics. Candidates for JSO posts need a firm grip on probability distributions and statistical inference — not just basic mean/median/mode.​

Tier 2 Paper III: General Studies (Finance & Economics) – 100 Questions, 200 Marks

Paper III is only for candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer posts in CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India).

Duration: 2 hours. Split into two parts:​

Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks)

• Fundamental principles and basic concepts of Accounting.

• Financial Accounting — theory and practice.

• Basic concepts of government budgeting and government accounts.

• Comptroller and Auditor General of India — constitutional provisions and role.

• Finance Commission — functions and role.

• Public expenditure management — Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.

Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks)

• Indian Economy: Growth, development, planning — Five Year Plans, NITI Aayog.

• Macro indicators: GDP, GNP, NNP, inflation, monetary policy, fiscal policy.

• Economic liberalisation (1991 reforms) and its effects.

• Money and banking: RBI, commercial banks, NBFCs, monetary instruments.

• Indian financial market: Capital market, money market, SEBI.

• Government schemes and programmes (PM-KISAN, PLI, Make in India, etc.)

• Social sector issues: Poverty, unemployment, human development indicators.

• Basic concepts of governance and right to information (RTI).

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 – Key Differences at a Glance

Post-wise Paper Requirements for Tier 2

Not every SSC CGL post requires Papers II and III. Here is which paper you need based on your post preference:

12-Month Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL 2026

Months 1–3: Foundation Building

• Complete NCERT Class 9–12 Maths (focus on Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration).​

• Build English vocabulary with 10 new words daily from a standard GRE/SSC word list.

• Begin Current Affairs: read one newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) daily or follow a monthly Current Affairs magazine.

• Practice 20 Reasoning questions daily.

Months 4–6: Syllabus Completion

• Solve all Tier 1 and Tier 2 Maths topics from a standard SSC CGL book (Rakesh Yadav or R.S. Aggarwal).​

• Complete English grammar — error spotting, active/passive, direct/indirect speech.

• Build Static GK from a standard SSC GK book.

• Attempt 2 Tier 1 section-wise tests per week.

Months 7–9: Practice and Speed Building

• Solve 10 previous year Tier 1 papers (2015–2025) — complete papers, timed.

• Solve 5 previous year Tier 2 Paper I papers.

• Target: Tier 1 Maths in under 15 minutes, Reasoning in under 15 minutes, English in under 12 minutes, GK in under 8 minutes.​

• Identify and intensively revise your 3 weakest topics.

Months 10–12: Mock Tests and Revision

• 3 full-length Tier 1 mock tests per week.

• 2 full-length Tier 2 Paper I mock tests per week.

• Review every wrong answer — understand the concept, not just the correct option.

• Final month: Revise formulas, static GK, and current affairs only — no new topics.​

SSC CGL 2026 Official Notification – What to Expect

The SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected around June–July 2026 on the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in).

Key expectations based on previous cycles:

• Tier 1 exam: Likely September–October 2026.

• Tier 2 exam: Likely January–February 2027.

• Posts: Expected to include Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, CBI SI, MEA ASO, Tax Assistant, Statistical Investigator, and Audit/Accounts Officer.

• Number of vacancies: Typically 10,000–15,000 posts across all categories.

Candidates currently in the preparation phase have 4–5 months before the expected notification date — sufficient time to complete the syllabus and build mock test speed.

FAQs

Q. Does SSC CGL Tier 1 marks count in the final merit list?
No. Tier 1 is only qualifying — it shortlists candidates for Tier 2 at roughly 20 times the vacancies. Only Tier 2 marks determine your final rank and post allotment.

Q. What is the negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Tier 1: 0.50 marks (half mark) per wrong answer. Tier 2 Paper I: 1.00 mark (full mark) per wrong answer — the higher penalty in Tier 2 makes wrong attempts more costly.

Q. Which section carries the most marks in Tier 2 Paper I?
English Language & Comprehension — with 45 questions worth 135 marks, it carries 35% of all scored marks in Paper I. It is the single highest-weightage section.​

Q. Do I need to attempt Papers II and III if I want a non-statistical post?
No. Paper II (Statistics) is only for JSO posts. Paper III (Finance & Economics) is only for AAO/Audit Officer posts. All other posts require Paper I only.

Q. Is DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) compulsory for all SSC CGL candidates?
DEST is applicable for posts requiring data entry skills (DEO, LDC, Tax Assistant type posts). It is qualifying in nature — the minimum speed is 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Candidates for non-typing posts are exempt.

Q. What is the Computer Knowledge Test cut-off in Tier 2?
The Computer Knowledge Test (Module I of Section III) requires only 20% qualifying marks (12 out of 60 marks) — it is designed as a basic literacy check, not a scoring module.​

Q. Which are the highest-paying posts available through SSC CGL?
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) in CAG, Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector of Central Excise, and Assistant Section Officer in MEA are among the highest-paying and most sought-after posts — classified in Pay Level 8 (₹47,600–₹1,51,100 pay matrix).