SSC CGL Syllabus 2026: Updated Tier 1 & Tier 2 Exam Pattern PDF

SSC CGL Official Syllabus 2026

Since a significant portion of the syllabus overlaps between SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2, candidates should adopt an integrated study approach. Mastering core topics early with a structured preparation strategy significantly improves your efficiency and scoring potential across both stages.

SSC CGL Syllabus and Exam Pattern- Highlights

SSC CGL Exam Pattern

The streamlined SSC CGL examination process comprises two primary stages, consisting of:

1. Tier 1 (CBT)
2. Tier 2 (CBT + Skill/Typing Test)
3. Document Verification

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

The Tier 1 exam serves as a qualifying stage for Tier 2. SSC has introduced strict sectional timing to ensure candidates manage their time efficiently across all subjects. Review the key structural features below:

• Total Duration: 1 hour (15 Mins each section)
• Total Marks: 200
• Total Questions: 200
• Question Type: Objective type MCQ based
• There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.

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SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

SSC CGL Tier 2 requires a more advanced depth of knowledge, encompassing Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III. In addition to core subjects, candidates must sharpen their typing proficiency for the mandatory, qualifying Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), which now follows a strictly enforced sectional timing protocol.

• Total Marks: 450
• Duration: 2 Hours 30 Mins
• Total Questions: 150
• Question Type: Objective Type MCQs
• Negative Marking: 1 mark for each incorrect answer

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026

Below is the comprehensive, subject-wise syllabus for the SSC CGL Tier 1 examination.

Quantitative Aptitude

General Intelligence & Reasoning

English Language

• Spot the Error
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Spellings / Detecting Misspelt Words
• Idioms and Phrases
• One Word Substitution
• Sentence Improvement
• Active Voice and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Speech (Narration)
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts
• Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles)
• Cloze Test
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Word Usage
• Sentence Correction
• Verbal Ability Questions

General Awareness

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026

The Tier 2 exam requires Paper 1 for all positions, while Paper II (Statistics) and Paper III (General Studies - Finance and Economics) are mandatory for JSO and AAO posts, respectively. Success in the exam—which tests Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge—relies on maintaining a precise balance between speed and accuracy.

SSC CGL Mathematical Abilities

The topic-wise Quantitative Aptitude syllabus for both SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 is outlined below:

Number System & Arithmetic

• Whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
• Relationships between numbers
• Percentage
• Ratio and proportion
• Square roots
• Averages
• Simple and compound interest
• Profit, loss, and discount
• Partnership business
• Mixture and allegation
• Time and distance
• Time and work

Algebra

• Basic algebraic identities
• Elementary surds
• Graphs of linear equations

Geometry & Mensuration

• Triangles and their centres
• Congruence and similarity of triangles
• Quadrilaterals and polygons
• Circles (chords, tangents, angles, common tangents)
• 3D figures: Prism, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere Hemispheres, Parallelepiped, Pyramid

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric ratios
• Complementary angles
• Standard identities (e.g., sin²θ + cos²θ = 1)
• Heights and distances

Data Interpretation & Statistics

• Tables and graphs (Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Chart, Pie Chart)
• Mean, Median, Mode
• Standard Deviation
• Basic probability

General Intelligence and Reasoning

The General Intelligence and Reasoning section is common to both tiers. Candidates should prioritize conceptual clarity and consistent practice across all subtopics.

• Semantic analogy
• Number/symbolic analogy
• Figural analogy
• Semantic classification
• Number/symbolic classification
• Figural classification
• Semantic series
• Number series
• Figural series
• Letter and number coding-decoding
• Small & capital letter classification
• Symbolic operations
• Syllogism
• Statement and conclusion
• Drawing inferences
• Analytical reasoning
• Judgment and decision making
• Problem solving
• Arithmetical reasoning
• Numerical operations
• Trends and patterns
• Space visualisation and orientation
• Visual memory and observation
• Embedded figures
• Punched hole / paper folding & unfolding
• Figural completion and pattern folding
• Venn diagram-based questions
• Indexing
• Address, date, and city matching
• Classification of roll numbers/centre codes
• Word building
• Discrimination
• Relationship concepts
• Critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Social intelligence

English Language & Comprehension

To excel in the English Language section, candidates should supplement their study with consistent reading of English newspapers and editorials to improve comprehension and vocabulary.

• Passages based on literature and current affairs
• Inference and understanding-based questions
• Synonyms and antonyms
• One word substitution
• Idioms and phrases
• Homonyms
• Word usage
• Error spotting
• Sentence correction
• Fill in the blanks
• Spelling errors
• Sentence improvement
• Sentence rearrangement/reordering
• Active and passive voice
• Direct and indirect speech
• Passage-based fill-in-the-blanks

General Awareness

The CGL General Awareness syllabus encompasses Current Affairs, Static GK, and Science & Research to test a candidate's general knowledge of the world around them.

​Current Affairs

• National and international current events
• Important days and events
• People in news
• Recent government schemes

Static GK

• India and its neighbouring countries
• History and culture
• Geography
• Economic scene
• General policy

Science & Research

• Basic science awareness
• Scientific research and developments
• Environmental awareness and its application to society

Miscellaneous

• Books and authors
• Sports
• Important portfolios
• Daily observations and practical knowledge

Computer Knowledge and Proficiency

The Computer Knowledge section evaluates proficiency in basic computing, including Software, Internet usage, Email etiquette, Networking fundamentals, and Cyber Security awareness.

• CPU, I/O Devices
• Memory & Storage
• Backup Devices
• Ports
• Windows Explorer
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Web Browsing & Searching
• File Downloading/Uploading
• Email Account Management
• e-Banking Basics
• Network Devices & Protocols
• Information Security Threats (Viruses, Worms, Trojans, etc.)
• Prevention Measures

SSC CGL Tier 2 Typing Test Syllabus

​The typing evaluation in the SSC CGL is officially titled the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST). While mandatory for all, it is strictly qualifying in nature.

During the DEST, candidates must accurately type a passage of approximately 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Exemptions are only granted to OH-category PwBD candidates upon submission of a valid medical certificate from a Government Civil Surgeon.

Candidates eligible for a scribe are granted 5 minutes of extra time for the DEST. Visually impaired candidates who utilized a scribe during the written exam will also be provided with a passage reader.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper II Statistics Syllabus (For JSO Post Only)

Paper II focuses exclusively on Statistics for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) candidates. The syllabus covers the following advanced topics:

1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of Data

• Primary and Secondary data
• Methods of data collection
• Tabulation of data
• Graphs and charts
• Frequency distributions
• Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions

2. Measures of Central Tendency

• Mean, Median, Mode
• Quartiles, Deciles, Percentiles

3. Measures of Dispersion

• Range
• Quartile deviation
• Mean deviation
• Standard deviation
• Relative dispersion

4. Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis

• Types of moments
• Meaning of skewness and measures
• Meaning of kurtosis and measures

5. Correlation and Regression

• Scatter diagram
• Simple correlation coefficient
• Regression lines
• Spearman’s rank correlation
• Association of attributes
• Multiple regression
• Multiple and partial correlation (for 3 variables)

6. Probability Theory

• Meaning and definitions of probability
• Conditional probability
• Compound probability
• Independent events
• Bayes’ theorem

7. Random Variable and Probability Distributions

• Random variable
• Probability functions
• Expectation and variance
• Higher moments
• Binomial distribution
• Poisson distribution
• Normal distribution
• Exponential distribution
• Joint distribution of two discrete variables

8. Sampling Theory

• 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
• Quota sampling
• Sampling distribution (statement only)
• Sample size decisions

9. Statistical Inference

• Point estimation and interval estimation
• Properties of a good estimator
• Methods: Moments, Maximum likelihood, Least squares
• Hypothesis testing basics
• Small and large sample tests
• Z-test, t-test, Chi-square test, F-test
• Confidence intervals

10. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

• One-way classified data
• Two-way classified data

11. Time Series Analysis

• Components of time series
• Trend measurement methods
• Seasonal variation measurement methods

12. Index Numbers

• Meaning of index numbers
• Problems in construction
• Types of index numbers
• Different formulae
• Base shifting and splicing
• Cost of living index numbers
• Uses of index numbers

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper III General Studies: Finance & Economics (For AAO Post Only)

Paper III, part of the Tier 2 exam, is required only for candidates applying for the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) position.

Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 Marks)

• Nature and scope
• Limitations of Financial Accounting
• Basic concepts and Conventions
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• 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)

1. Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India

• Constitutional provisions
• Role and responsibilities

2. Finance Commission

• Role and functions

3. Basic Concepts of Economics and Microeconomics

• Definition of Economics
• Scope and nature of Economics
• Methods of economic study
• Central problems of an economy
• Production possibilities curve

4. 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 behaviour
• Marshallian approach
• Indifference curve approach
• Meaning and determinants of supply
• Law of supply
• Elasticity of supply

5. Theory of Production and Cost

• Meaning and factors of production
• Law of variable proportions
• Laws of returns to scale

6. Forms of Market and Price Determination

• Perfect competition
• Monopoly
• Monopolistic competition
• Oligopoly
• Price determination in different markets

7. Indian Economy

• Nature of the Indian economy
• Role of agriculture, industry, and services – problems and growth
• National Income – concepts and methods of measurement
• Population – size, growth rate, impact on economic growth
• Poverty and unemployment – types, causes, extent
• Infrastructure – energy, transportation, communication

8. Economic Reforms in India

• Economic reforms since 1991
• Liberalisation
• Privatisation
• Globalisation
• Disinvestment

9. Money and Banking

• Monetary and fiscal policy
• Role and functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Functions of commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRB), and Payment Banks
• Budget and fiscal deficits
• Balance of payments
• Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003

10. Role of Information Technology in Governance

• Use of IT in administration and governance

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SSC CGL Official Syllabus PDF

Candidates are encouraged to download the official syllabus issued by the SSC. Keep a printed copy with your study materials to track your progress effectively.

Download SSC CGL Official Syllabus PDF

Tier 1 Vs Tier 2 Syllabus- A Comparison

Topic-wise weightage in the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam?

While Tier 1 focuses on foundational testing, Tier 2 carries higher marks per question. Prepare for the 2026 examination by focusing on the new sectional timing, which demands both speed and disciplined time management across all sections.

Candidates who align their study plan with topic weightage and the specific timing constraints will gain a competitive edge and avoid common pitfalls related to time management during the actual exam.