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Updated May 22, 2026SSC CGLSyllabus 2026Tier 1 & Tier 2

SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus: Complete Guide for Tier 1 & Tier 2

Everything you need — full topic lists, exam pattern, marking scheme, and topic-wise weightage. 100% free. No signup needed.

📅 Published: April 24, 2026⏱ 12 min read👁 Based on official SSC notification
Notification
Out! 🟢
21 May 2026 — ssc.gov.in
Tier 1 Exam
Aug–Sep
2026 (Confirmed)
Vacancies
12,256
Notified 21 May 2026
Apply By
22 Jun
2026 (Fee: 23 Jun)
✅ Notification Update — 22 May 2026
The SSC CGL 2026 official notification has been released on 21 May 2026 at ssc.gov.in. 12,256 vacancies have been announced. Apply online by 22 June 2026 (fee payment by 23 June). Application correction window: 29 June – 1 July 2026. 🆕 Key 2026 change: Sectional timing introduced in both Tier 1 (15 min per section) and Tier 2.
📖 Table of Contents
  1. Exam Overview
  2. Eligibility Criteria
  3. Exam Pattern
  4. Tier 1 Syllabus
  5. Tier 2 Syllabus
  6. Topic-wise Weightage
  7. Best Books
  8. Preparation Strategy
  9. FAQs

What is SSC CGL? A Quick Overview

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of India's most competitive government recruitment examinations. Conducted annually by the SSC, it fills Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries, departments, and organizations.

If you are a graduate dreaming of a government career with a stable salary, good perks, and job security — SSC CGL is one of the best paths available. Vacancies are announced with the official notification each year and vary based on departmental requirements.

💡 Key Structure to Know
SSC CGL follows a two-tier computer-based examination only. There is no Tier 3 descriptive paper and no interview. Tier I is qualifying — its marks do not count toward final merit. Tier II determines your final rank — all five sections of Paper I (including Computer Knowledge) are scoring and contribute to merit. Only the DEST is qualifying within Tier II. Syllabus and pattern are based on the official SSC notification — always verify at ssc.gov.in.

Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

CriteriaRequirementNotes
Educational QualificationBachelor's degree (any stream)Final-year students can also apply
Age Limit18–32 years (general)SC/ST: +5 yrs | OBC: +3 yrs | PwD: +10 yrs
NationalityIndian citizenCertain OCI/PIO categories also eligible
Application Deadline22 June 2026Fee payment by 23 June 2026 · Correction window 29 Jun–1 Jul
✅ TaiyarHo Tip
Final-year graduation students can apply — you just need to complete your degree before the document verification stage. Don't skip this opportunity because your result isn't out yet.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern

SSC CGL 2026 follows a two-tier computer-based examination structure. Tier I is qualifying in nature — its marks are not counted in the final merit. Tier II is the main examination and determines your final selection and post allocation.

Stage 1
Tier 1
100 questions · 200 marks · 60 minutes
Qualifying only
→
15–20× vacancies shortlisted
Stage 2
Tier 2
Paper I (all) + Paper II (JSO only)
Decides final merit

Tier 1 Pattern

🆕 New in 2026: Each section has a strict 15-minute time limit. You cannot go back to a previous section once it ends.

SectionQuestionsMarksTimeNegative
General Intelligence & Reasoning255015 min–0.50/wrong
Quantitative Aptitude255015 min–0.50/wrong
English Language & Comprehension255015 min–0.50/wrong
General Awareness255015 min–0.50/wrong
Total10020060 min
📌 Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates must clear section-wise minimums in Tier 2 Paper I. Minimum qualifying marks: 30% for UR/EWS, 25% for OBC, 20% for SC/ST/PwD. Clearing each section individually is mandatory — a high overall score does not compensate for failing a section.

Tier 2 Pattern (Paper I — Compulsory for All)

Section / ModuleQuestionsMarksNegative
Section I — A: Mathematical Abilities3090–1/wrong
Section I — B: Reasoning & General Intelligence3090–1/wrong
Section II — A: English Language & Comprehension45135–1/wrong
Section II — B: General Awareness2575–1/wrong
Section III — Module I: Computer Knowledge2060–0.50/wrong
Section III — Module II: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)—Qualifying onlyNo penalty
Total Scored Marks150450–1 (Sec I & II) / –0.50 (Sec III)
⚠️ Critical Note
In Tier 2: Sections I and II carry –1 mark per wrong answer. Section III (Computer Knowledge) carries –0.50 per wrong answer. DEST has no negative marking. Computer Knowledge is scoring — its 60 marks count toward your final merit. Only DEST is qualifying and does not affect ranking. Total scored marks in Tier 2 Paper I = 450.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026

Tier 1 is your entry gate. You need to clear it to sit for Tier 2, but the marks don't count toward your final rank. The goal here is to clear the cut-off comfortably — don't over-invest time in Tier 1 at the cost of Tier 2 preparation.

1
General Intelligence & Reasoning
25 questions · 50 marks · Graduation level
High Scoring

Both verbal and non-verbal questions. Pattern recognition and logical thinking are the keys here — not formula memorization.

🔥 Analogies🔥 Series completion🔥 Coding–Decoding🔥 Blood relations🔥 Direction & distanceSyllogismClassificationMatrixVenn diagramsEmbedded figuresPaper foldingMirror & water imageStatement & conclusionsRanking & arrangement

🔥 Hot topics appear most frequently in previous year papers

2
Quantitative Aptitude
25 questions · 50 marks · Matriculation level
High Weightage

Questions are based on Class 10 Maths but at a competitive level. Speed and accuracy in calculation are essential. Learn shortcuts early.

🔥 Ratio & Proportion🔥 Percentages🔥 Profit & Loss🔥 Geometry & Mensuration🔥 TrigonometryNumber SystemsLCM & HCFTime & WorkSpeed, Distance & TimeSimple & Compound InterestAverageMixture & AlligationData Interpretation

🔥 Hot topics appear most frequently in previous year papers

3
English Language & Comprehension
25 questions · 50 marks · Graduation level
Differentiator

This section separates high scorers from average ones. Focus on grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading speed.

🔥 Reading Comprehension🔥 Fill in the Blanks (Cloze Test)🔥 Sentence Improvement🔥 Error DetectionSynonyms & AntonymsOne Word SubstitutionIdioms & PhrasesPara JumblesSpelling ErrorsActive/Passive VoiceDirect/Indirect Speech

🔥 Hot topics appear most frequently in previous year papers

4
General Awareness
25 questions · 50 marks · No defined level
Score Booster

Covers static GK, current affairs (last 6 months), and basic science. Can be scored quickly with consistent daily reading.

🔥 Current Affairs (last 6 months)🔥 Indian History & Culture🔥 Geography🔥 Polity & ConstitutionEconomics & BudgetScience (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)Important Days & EventsSports & AwardsBooks & AuthorsGovernment Schemes

🔥 Hot topics appear most frequently in previous year papers

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026

Tier 2 is where the real game is played. Your Tier 2 score (out of 450) determines your final rank and post allocation. Negative marking is –1 per wrong answer in Sections I & II, and –0.50 in Section III (Computer Knowledge) — accuracy matters far more here than in Tier 1.

Tier 2 — Section I: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions, 90 marks)

🔥 Algebra & Coordinate Geometry🔥 Mensuration (2D & 3D)🔥 Profit, Loss & Discount🔥 Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Graphs)Number systems & BODMASRatio, Proportion & MixtureSimple & Compound InterestTime, Work & DistanceTrigonometry & HeightsStatistics & Probability

Tier 2 — Section I: Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks)

Harder than Tier 1 — more complex puzzles, multi-step logical chains, and advanced non-verbal reasoning.

🔥 Seating Arrangement (linear & circular)🔥 Puzzles (floor, scheduling)🔥 Input-Output🔥 Syllogism (advanced)Coding-Decoding (new pattern)Blood RelationsDirection & DistanceVenn DiagramsAnalogy & ClassificationStatement & Conclusions

Tier 2 — Section II: English Language & Comprehension (45 questions, 135 marks)

The highest-marks section in Tier 2. RC passages are longer and vocabulary-based questions are trickier than in Tier 1.

🔥 Reading Comprehension (2-3 long passages)🔥 Cloze Test (fill-in-the-blanks paragraph)🔥 Para JumblesSynonyms & AntonymsSentence Improvement / CorrectionVocabulary in contextIdioms & phrasesError detection

Tier 2 — Section II: General Awareness (25 questions, 75 marks)

Slightly higher difficulty than Tier 1 GA. More analytical questions on economy, polity, and current affairs. Budget and government schemes feature heavily.

Tier 2 — Section III: Computer Knowledge (20 questions, 60 marks — Scoring)

🔥 Computer basics & history🔥 MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)🔥 Internet & networking basics🔥 Keyboard shortcutsOperating systemsCybersecurity basicsDatabase basics
📌 About DEST
The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) requires typing approximately 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It is compulsory for all but is only qualifying — it does not add to your marks. Practice daily typing to get your speed above 8,000 keystrokes/hour well before the exam.

Topic-wise Weightage (Based on Previous Year Papers)

The charts below show approximate topic weightage derived from analysis of previous years' Tier 2 papers. Prioritize accordingly.

Mathematical Abilities — Topic Frequency

Algebra & Geometry
~25%
Profit/Loss/Discount
~18%
Data Interpretation
~16%
Time, Speed & Work
~14%
Trigonometry
~12%
Other topics
~15%

English — Topic Frequency

Reading Comprehension
~30%
Fill in blanks / Cloze
~20%
Error detection
~15%
Para jumbles
~12%
Vocabulary
~10%
Grammar rules
~13%

Best Books for SSC CGL 2026 Preparation

SubjectRecommended BookWhy It Works
Quantitative AptitudeQuantitative Aptitude — R.S. Aggarwal✓ TrustedMost trusted. Covers all topics with shortcuts
Quantitative AptitudeMagical Book on Quicker Maths — M. Tyra✓ TrustedBest for time-saving calculation methods
ReasoningA Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning — R.S. AggarwalStandardCovers all reasoning types comprehensively
EnglishObjective General English — S.P. Bakshi✓ TrustedMost popular. Grammar + vocab + exercises
General AwarenessLucent's General KnowledgeStandardComprehensive static GK facts
Previous PapersSSC CGL Previous Year Papers — Kiran Publication✓ TrustedMust-have. Real exam feel + pattern analysis
✅ Golden Rule
Don't buy 5 books on the same subject. Pick one reliable source per subject and finish it completely before starting another. Consistency with a single source beats scattered reading of many.

Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL 2026

With Tier 1 scheduled for August–September 2026, here's how to use the time left effectively:

01
Master the syllabus, then the pattern
Download the official syllabus PDF. Mark topics you know vs topics you need to learn. Build your study plan around the gaps.
02
Treat every subject differently
Quant needs daily practice. English needs rule clarity. Reasoning needs pattern exposure. GA needs consistent revision. One approach does not fit all.
03
Prioritize Tier 2 from day one
Tier 1 is qualifying — don't over-prepare for it. Spend 60% of your time on Tier 2 syllabus topics right from the start.
04
Mock tests are non-negotiable
Take at least one full-length mock every week. Review your mistakes after every test. It's the only way to know where you actually stand.

Preparation Checklist

Complete OTR registration on ssc.gov.in before application deadline
Download and read the official SSC CGL 2026 notification PDF
Bookmark TaiyarHo's monthly current affairs for GA preparation
Solve last 5 years of SSC CGL previous year papers (at least once)
Practice DEST typing daily — aim for 8,000+ keystrokes/hour
Take one full mock test per week and review all mistakes
Revise formulas, shortcuts, and vocabulary every weekend

Frequently Asked Questions

QIs Tier 1 score counted in the final SSC CGL merit list?
No. Tier 1 is purely qualifying. Only your Tier 2 (Paper I) score determines your final rank and post allocation. However, you must clear the Tier 1 cut-off to appear for Tier 2.
QIs there a negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes, in both tiers. In Tier 1, it's –0.50 marks per wrong answer. In Tier 2, it's –1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I and II, and –0.50 per wrong answer for Section III (Computer Knowledge). DEST has no negative marking.
QCan I write SSC CGL in Hindi?
Most sections of Tier 1 and Tier 2 are bilingual (English and Hindi). The only exception is the English Language & Comprehension section, which must be answered in English only.
QIs there an SSC CGL interview?
No. SSC CGL has no interview since 2016. Selection is entirely based on your written exam performance in Tier 2. Some posts require a skill test (DEST/typing) which is qualifying in nature.
QWhat is the DEST test and who needs it?
DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) requires candidates to type approximately 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It is compulsory for all SSC CGL candidates but only qualifying — it does not affect your merit rank.
QWhat is a good score in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Total scored marks in Tier 2 Paper I are 450. Based on previous years' cut-off trends, scoring above 340–360 out of 450 puts you in a strong position for most posts. The exact cut-off varies by category, post, and competition level each year.

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This article is based on official SSC notifications and publicly available exam data. Last updated: May 22, 2026. Always refer to the official notification on ssc.gov.in for the latest information.