SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 – Complete Tier 1 and Tier 2 Syllabus

The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to various Group B and Group C positions in central government departments and organisations. The examination is conducted in two main stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2.

For effective preparation, candidates should understand both the examination pattern and the subject-wise syllabus. The following syllabus provides a structured overview of the topics covered in SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Structure

Stage Purpose Mode Tier 1 Screening examination Computer Based Examination Tier 2 Main examination and merit determination Computer Based Examination SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

Tier 1 consists of four sections. Each section contains 25 questions, giving a total of 100 questions for 200 marks. The 2026 examination pattern introduces a separate time limit for each section, so candidates cannot freely move between sections after the allotted time expires.

Subject Questions Marks Time General Intelligence and Reasoning 25 50 15 minutes General Awareness 25 50 15 minutes Quantitative Aptitude 25 50 15 minutes English Comprehension 25 50 15 minutes Total 100 200 60 minutes Each correct answer carries two marks. A deduction of 0.50 marks is applicable for every incorrect answer in Tier 1. Candidates eligible for a scribe receive additional time as prescribed by SSC.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus

1. General Intelligence and Reasoning

This section evaluates logical thinking, analytical ability, pattern recognition and problem-solving skills.

Verbal Reasoning

• Analogy
• Classification
• Similarities and differences
• Coding and decoding
• Number and alphabet series
• Arithmetical reasoning
• Blood relations
• Direction and distance
• Ranking and ordering
• Venn diagrams
• Syllogism
• Statement and conclusion
• Logical sequence of words
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Analytical reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Figure classification
• Non-verbal series
• Pattern completion
• Embedded figures
• Mirror images
• Water images
• Paper folding and cutting
• Figure formation
• Visual memory
• Space visualization
• Spatial orientation
• Odd figure identification

2. General Awareness

The General Awareness section tests a candidate's understanding of important national and international developments along with basic knowledge of history, geography, polity, economics and science.

History

• Ancient Indian history
• Medieval Indian history
• Modern Indian history
• Indian freedom movement
• Important historical events
• Major dynasties and rulers

Geography

• Physical geography
• Indian geography
• World geography
• Rivers, mountains and plateaus
• Climate and natural vegetation
• Soils and agricultural regions
• Mineral and energy resources
• Important geographical locations

Indian Polity

• Indian Constitution
• Fundamental Rights and Duties
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Parliament
• President and Vice President
• Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
• Supreme Court and High Courts
• Constitutional and statutory bodies
• Centre-State relations
• Local government

Economy

• Basic concepts of economics
• Indian economy
• National income
• Banking and financial system
• Inflation
• Government budget
• Fiscal and monetary policy
• Economic reforms
• Important government economic programmes

General Science

• Physics fundamentals
• Chemistry basics
• Biology and human body
• Scientific discoveries
• Environment and ecology
• Space and technology

Current Affairs and Static GK

• National and international current events
• Important government schemes
• Sports and tournaments
• Awards and honours
• Books and authors
• Important days
• Important personalities
• Countries, capitals and currencies
• Important organisations and institutions

3. Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and basic data interpretation.

Arithmetic

• Number system
• Whole numbers
• Decimals and fractions
• Relationship between numbers
• Percentage
• Ratio and proportion
• Average
• Square roots
• Simple interest
• Compound interest
• Profit and loss
• Discount
• Partnership
• Mixture and alligation
• Time and work
• Time, speed and distance

Algebra

• Basic algebraic identities
• Linear equations
• Algebraic expressions
• Graphs of simple equations

Geometry

• Basic geometric figures
• Lines and angles
• Triangles
• Congruence and similarity
• Different centres of a triangle
• Circles
• Chords and tangents
• Angles related to circles

Mensuration

• Triangle
• Quadrilateral
• Regular polygon
• Circle
• Prism
• Cylinder
• Cone
• Sphere
• Hemisphere
• Rectangular parallelepiped
• Regular pyramid

Trigonometry

• Basic trigonometric ratios
• Standard trigonometric identities
• Complementary angles
• Heights and distances
• Basic trigonometric applications

Data Interpretation

• Tables
• Bar graphs
• Pie charts
• Frequency-related graphs
• Basic statistical interpretation

4. English Comprehension

The English section evaluates vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction and reading comprehension.

Vocabulary

• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Homonyms
• One-word substitutions
• Idioms and phrases
• Commonly confused words

Grammar

• Spotting errors
• Sentence correction
• Sentence improvement
• Sentence structure
• Fill in the blanks
• Parts of speech
• Subject-verb agreement
• Tenses
• Articles and prepositions

Comprehension and Verbal Ability

• Reading comprehension
• Cloze test
• Para jumbles
• Sentence completion
• Sentence arrangement
• Spelling and word usage

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Tier 2 is the main stage of the SSC CGL examination. Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates who qualify for Tier 2. Paper 2 is intended for candidates shortlisted for statistical posts, while Paper 3 is for candidates shortlisted for the relevant finance and accounts posts.

Paper 1

Section Module Subject Questions Marks Section I Module I Mathematical Abilities 30 90 Section I Module II Reasoning and General Intelligence 30 90 Section II Module I English Language and Comprehension 45 135 Section II Module II General Awareness 25 75 Section III Module I Computer Knowledge Test 20 60 Section III Module II Data Entry Speed Test One task Qualifying Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions. The first session covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and the Computer Knowledge Test. The second session contains the Data Entry Speed Test.

Paper 2 – Statistics

Paper 2 is applicable to candidates shortlisted for the relevant statistical posts such as Junior Statistical Officer.

Subject Questions Marks Duration Statistics 100 200 2 hours Paper 3 – General Studies: Finance and Economics

Paper 3 covers finance, accounting, economics and related areas for candidates shortlisted for the applicable posts.

Subject Questions Marks Duration General Studies – Finance and Economics 100 200 2 hours SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus

1. Mathematical Abilities

• Number system
• Whole numbers
• Decimals and fractions
• Percentage
• Ratio and proportion
• Average
• Simple and compound interest
• Profit and loss
• Discount
• Partnership
• Mixture and alligation
• Time and work
• Time, speed and distance
• Algebraic identities
• Elementary surds
• Linear equations and graphs
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Trigonometry
• Tables and graphs
• Measures of central tendency
• Measures of dispersion
• Probability and probability distributions
• Time series
• Index numbers

2. Reasoning and General Intelligence

• Analogy
• Classification
• Syllogism
• Coded equations
• Blood relations
• Direction sense
• Arithmetic reasoning
• Venn diagrams
• Alphabet-based reasoning
• Visual reasoning
• Paper folding and unfolding
• Series
• Pattern recognition
• Logical deduction
• Problem solving

3. English Language and Comprehension

• Spotting errors
• Fill in the blanks
• Synonyms and antonyms
• Homonyms
• Idioms and phrases
• One-word substitution
• Sentence improvement
• Active and passive voice
• Direct and indirect speech
• Sentence completion
• Para jumbles
• Reading comprehension
• Cloze test
• Spelling correction
• Misspelled words
• Sentence formation

4. General Awareness

• History
• Culture
• Indian and world geography
• Indian polity
• Indian economy
• General science
• Scientific research
• Current affairs
• Sports
• Important government schemes
• Awards and honours
• Books and authors
• Important days
• People in news
• Static General Knowledge

5. Computer Knowledge

The Computer Knowledge Test checks basic understanding of computers, operating systems, office applications, internet services and cybersecurity.

Computer Fundamentals

• Computer organisation
• Central Processing Unit
• Input and output devices
• Computer memory
• Memory organisation
• Storage and backup devices
• Ports and peripheral devices
• Basic software concepts
• Keyboard shortcuts

Operating System and Office Applications

• Windows operating system
• File and folder management
• Windows Explorer
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint

Internet and Email

• Web browsing
• Internet searching
• Downloading and uploading
• Email management
• Basic e-banking concepts

Networking and Cybersecurity

• Basic networking concepts
• Networking devices
• Communication protocols
• Information security
• Computer viruses
• Worms and Trojan horses
• Common cyber threats
• Basic preventive security measures

6. Data Entry Speed Test

The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is a qualifying component of Tier 2 Paper 1. Candidates are required to demonstrate the prescribed level of data-entry proficiency within the time provided by SSC.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 – Statistics Syllabus

Collection and Presentation of Data

• Primary and secondary data
• Methods of data collection
• Classification of data
• Tabulation
• Diagrammatic presentation
• Graphical representation

Measures of Central Tendency

• Arithmetic mean
• Median
• Mode

Measures of Dispersion

• Range
• Quartiles
• Mean deviation
• Standard deviation
• Variance

Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis

• Moments
• Skewness
• Kurtosis
• Properties and interpretation

Correlation and Regression

• Scatter diagrams
• Pearson correlation coefficient
• Spearman rank correlation
• Regression equations
• Basic regression analysis

Probability Theory

• Basic probability concepts
• Conditional probability
• Bayes' theorem
• Random variables
• Probability distributions
• Binomial distribution
• Poisson distribution
• Normal distribution

Sampling Theory

• Population and sample
• Random sampling
• Sampling distributions
• Estimation of population parameters
• Sampling theorems

Time Series

• Components of time series
• Trend analysis
• Seasonal variations
• Time series interpretation

Index Numbers

• Price index numbers
• Quantity index numbers
• Tests of adequacy
• Wholesale Price Index
• Consumer Price Index

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 3 – Finance and Economics Syllabus

Finance and Accounts

• Fundamental accounting concepts
• Financial accounting
• Accounting principles
• Accounting equation
• Journal
• Ledger
• Trial balance
• Profit and loss account
• Balance sheet
• Basic auditing concepts
• Nature and scope of auditing
• Internal control systems
• Verification and vouching

Basic Economics and Microeconomics

• Meaning and scope of economics
• Methods of economic analysis
• Central economic problems
• Production possibility curve
• Demand and supply
• Determinants of demand
• Law of demand
• Elasticity of demand
• Consumer behaviour
• Indifference curve approach
• Determinants of supply
• Elasticity of supply

Theory of Production and Cost

• Factors of production
• Laws of production
• Law of variable proportions
• Returns to scale
• Production cost concepts

Market Structure and Price Determination

• Types of markets
• Market competition
• Price determination
• Pricing under different market structures

Indian Economy

• Characteristics of the Indian economy
• Role of agriculture
• Industrial sector
• Services sector
• Public sector
• Private sector
• National income
• Methods of measuring national income

Economic Reforms

• Economic reforms after 1991
• Liberalisation
• Privatisation
• Globalisation
• Disinvestment
• Banking sector reforms
• Financial sector reforms

Money and Banking

• Money and its functions
• Banking system
• Role and functions of the Reserve Bank of India
• Commercial banks
• Monetary policy
• Inflation
• Deflation

Budget and Fiscal Policy

• Role of government in the economy
• Fiscal policy
• Sources of government revenue
• Government expenditure
• Central Budget
• Fiscal deficit and related concepts

Balance of Payments and International Economy

• Balance of payments
• Balance of trade
• Foreign exchange market
• Exchange rates
• International financial institutions
• International Monetary Fund
• World Bank
• World Trade Organization

Important SSC CGL 2026 Preparation Points

• Complete the Tier 1 syllabus systematically instead of focusing only on frequently asked chapters.
• Practise questions under a strict time limit because Tier 1 has separate sectional timers in the 2026 pattern.
• Build a strong foundation in arithmetic, reasoning, grammar and general awareness.
• Read current affairs regularly and revise important facts at frequent intervals.
• Use previous-year questions to understand the style and difficulty of SSC CGL questions.
• Begin Tier 2 preparation alongside Tier 1 preparation rather than waiting for the Tier 1 result.
• Practise computer-based mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Pay particular attention to the Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test because both are qualifying components of Tier 2 Paper 1.

Conclusion

The SSC CGL syllabus covers four major areas in Tier 1: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. Tier 2 expands the preparation requirements by adding advanced mathematical abilities, computer knowledge, data-entry skills and, for specific posts, Statistics or Finance and Economics.

A structured preparation plan should combine concept building, topic-wise practice, previous-year questions, revision and full-length mock tests. Candidates should also verify the latest SSC notification before the examination because the Commission may modify the examination scheme, syllabus or qualifying requirements.

Note: This syllabus is an independently written study guide based on the SSC CGL 2026 examination structure and publicly available syllabus information. Candidates should treat the latest notification issued by the Staff Selection Commission as the final authority.