SSC Exam Syllabus 2026 – Complete Tier 1 & Tier 2 Syllabus with Best Books
The SSC Exam Syllabus 2026 is officially published by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on its website ssc.gov.in. The most popular SSC exam, the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026, tests candidates across four core subjects in Tier 1 and an expanded set of subjects in Tier 2. With 12,256 vacancies announced for ССSC CGL 2026, understanding the complete syllabus is the foundation of a winning preparation strategy.
This page covers the complete SSC CGL 2026 syllabus — Tier 1 and Tier 2 — along with the best books recommended for each section.
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus – Quick Overview
|
Tier |
Stage |
Subjects |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
|
Tier 1 |
Qualifying (CBT) |
Reasoning, GK, Quant, English |
100 |
200 |
60 minutes |
|
Tier 2 Paper I |
Merit (CBT) |
Math & Reasoning, English, Computer |
150 + 45 |
390 + qualifying |
2 hrs 15 min + qualifying |
|
Tier 2 Paper II |
Only for JSO/SI |
Statistics |
100 |
200 |
2 hours |
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
Tier 1 consists of 100 MCQs for 200 marks in 60 minutes. It is qualifying in nature — Tier 1 scores are used only to shortlist candidates for Tier 2; final merit is based solely on Tier 2 marks.
Section-Wise Syllabus
|
Section |
Questions |
Marks |
Key Topics |
|
General Intelligence & Reasoning |
25 |
50 |
Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Puzzles, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Mirror Images, Paper Folding |
|
General Awareness |
25 |
50 |
History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs, Sports, Awards |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
25 |
50 |
Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work |
|
English Language & Comprehension |
25 |
50 |
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-Word Substitution |
Negative Marking in Tier 1: 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Tier 2 is the merit-determining stage. Final selection is based entirely on Tier 2 scores.
Paper I – Compulsory for All Posts
Paper I is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
Session I:
|
Section |
Module |
Questions |
Marks |
Negative Marking |
|
Section I |
Mathematical Abilities |
30 |
90 |
1 mark per wrong answer |
|
Section I |
Reasoning & General Intelligence |
30 |
90 |
1 mark per wrong answer |
|
Section II |
English Language & Comprehension |
45 |
135 |
1 mark per wrong answer |
|
Section II |
General Awareness |
25 |
75 |
1 mark per wrong answer |
|
Section III (Module I) |
Computer Knowledge Test |
20 |
Qualifying |
No negative marking |
Session II:
|
Module |
Type |
Nature |
|
Section III (Module II) – DEST |
Data Entry Speed Test |
Qualifying (mandatory for most posts) |
Paper II – Only for JSO / Statistical Investigator Grade-II
|
Subject |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
|
Statistics |
100 |
200 |
2 hours |
Statistics Topics: Collection, Classification & Presentation of Data; Measures of Central Tendency; Measures of Dispersion; Moments, Skewness & Kurtosis; Correlation & Regression; Probability; Random Variables; Sampling Methods; Analysis of Variance; Time Series Analysis; Index Numbers.
SSC CGL Tier 1 – Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
Analogies, Classifications, Series Completion, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance |
|
Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Figure Series, Mirror Images, Paper Cutting & Folding, Embedded Figures, Pattern Completion |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Statement-Conclusion, Seating Arrangement |
2. Quantitative Aptitude
|
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
Arithmetic |
Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Speed & Distance |
|
Algebra |
Linear & Quadratic Equations, Identities |
|
Geometry |
Lines, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals |
|
Trigonometry |
Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances |
|
Data Interpretation |
Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables, Line Graphs |
3. General Awareness
|
Topic |
Coverage |
|
History |
Ancient, Medieval, Modern India; Freedom Movement |
|
Polity |
Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Fundamental Rights |
|
Geography |
Physical, Indian, World Geography |
|
Economy |
Budget, Banking, RBI, GDP Concepts |
|
Science |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 10 level) |
|
Current Affairs |
Last 6–12 months of national/international events |
4. English Language & Comprehension
|
Topic |
Type |
|
Reading Comprehension |
Passage-based inference and fact questions |
|
Grammar |
Spotting errors, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks |
|
Vocabulary |
Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, one-word substitution |
|
Cloze Test |
Contextual word selection in a passage |
SSC Syllabus 2026 – Other Key Exams
|
Exam |
Qualification Required |
Key Subjects |
|
SSC CHSL |
Class 12 (10+2) |
Reasoning, GK, Quant, English |
|
SSC MTS |
Class 10 (Matric) |
Reasoning, GK, Numerical Aptitude, English |
|
SSC CPO |
Graduation |
Reasoning, GK, Quant, English + Physical Test |
|
SSC Stenographer |
Class 12 |
Reasoning, GK, English + Stenography Skill Test |
|
SSC JE |
Diploma/Degree (Engineering) |
Civil/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering subjects |
Download the official SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus PDF directly from ssc.gov.in for the most authoritative and updated topic list. Pair it with the books listed above and previous year question papers (PYQs) for a complete preparation strategy.
Maximize your SSC exam preparation with the right SSC Books for the 2025 Exam. Start your journey today!
