SSC CGL Syllabus 2026: Complete Subject-Wise Guide for Tier 1 and Tier 2

What is SSC CGL?

SSC CGL, or Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level, is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations in India. Understanding the SSC CGL syllabus is the first step towards cracking this exam. It is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different Ministries, Departments, and Organisations of the Government of India. Every year, lakhs of graduates appear for this exam, and having a clear grip on the SSC CGL syllabus can give you a significant edge over the competition.

The SSC CGL syllabus opens doors to reputed positions such as Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Sub-Inspector in CBI, Junior Statistical Officer, and many more. A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university to be eligible. Knowing the SSC CGL syllabus in detail helps candidates plan their preparation more effectively from day one. To download the full syllabus PDF, click on the download button below.

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SSC CGL Exam Pattern

Before diving deep into the SSC CGL syllabus, it is important to understand the exam pattern, as it shapes how the syllabus is distributed across different stages.

The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers:

Tier 1 – Computer Based Examination

Tier 1 is an objective type, multiple choice exam. It consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks in total, and the time duration is 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer. The four sections covered in the SSC CGL syllabus for Tier 1 are General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, each carrying 50 marks with 25 questions.

Tier 2 – Computer Based Examination

Tier 2 is a more advanced stage of the SSC CGL syllabus and tests deeper knowledge. It consists of three papers. Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts and includes Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence. Paper 2 is for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer posts. Paper 3 is for candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer or Assistant Accounts Officer posts.

SSC CGL Syllabus – Tier 1

General Intelligence and Reasoning

This section of the SSC CGL syllabus tests your logical and analytical thinking. Topics include Analogies, Symbolic and Number Series, Figural Classification, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogistic Reasoning, Venn Diagrams, Statement and Conclusion, and Non-Verbal Reasoning such as Mirror Images and Paper Folding.

General Awareness

The General Awareness section of the SSC CGL syllabus covers current affairs and static general knowledge. Topics include History of India, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Geography, Science and Technology, Environmental Studies, Awards and Honours, Sports, and Important Government Schemes. Staying updated with news from the past six months is essential to cover this part of the SSC CGL syllabus thoroughly.

Quantitative Aptitude

This section of the SSC CGL syllabus tests numerical ability and data interpretation. Topics include Number Systems, Simplification, Fractions and Decimals, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation including Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, and Tables.

English Comprehension

The English section of the SSC CGL syllabus evaluates command over the English language. Topics include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Spelling Errors, Synonyms and Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Sentence Correction, Active and Passive Voice, and Direct and Indirect Speech.

Read More: Download CGL Book List!

SSC CGL Syllabus – Tier 2

The Tier 2 SSC CGL syllabus is more detailed and post-specific. Here is a breakdown of each paper:

Paper 1 – Mathematical Abilities This part of the SSC CGL syllabus includes Number System, Fundamental Arithmetic Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics, and Data Interpretation.

Paper 1 – Reasoning and General Intelligence As per the SSC CGL syllabus, this section covers Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Semantic and Figural Analogies, Coding and Decoding, Numerical Operations, and Critical Thinking.

Paper 1 – English Language and Comprehension This section of the SSC CGL syllabus includes Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Shuffling of Sentences, Comprehension Passages, and Cloze Passage.

Paper 1 – General Awareness This section of the SSC CGL syllabus is similar to Tier 1 General Awareness but may require more in-depth knowledge of current affairs, science, history, and Indian polity.

Paper 1 – Computer Knowledge The computer knowledge portion of the SSC CGL syllabus includes Computer Basics, Memory and Storage, Input and Output Devices, Operating Systems, Internet and Networking Basics, MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and basic Cyber Security concepts.

Paper 2 – Statistics (For JSO Post) This part of the SSC CGL syllabus covers Collection and Representation of Data, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Random Variables, Probability Theory, Sampling Theory, and Index Numbers.

Paper 3 – General Studies: Finance and Economics (For AAO Post) The finance and economics section of the SSC CGL syllabus covers Financial Accounting, Basic Concepts of Economics, Theory of Supply and Demand, Indian Economic System, Budget and Fiscal Policy, Capital Market, Money Market, and Finance Commission.

Important Topics from the SSC CGL Syllabus to Focus On

When studying the SSC CGL syllabus, some high-weightage topics deserve extra attention. These include Trigonometry and Geometry in Quantitative Aptitude, Sentence Improvement and Error Detection in English, Current Affairs of the past year in General Awareness, and Analogies and Series in Reasoning. Candidates who master these topics from the SSC CGL syllabus tend to score significantly higher in the exam.

Now that you have a thorough understanding of the complete SSC CGL Syllabus for both Tier 1 and Tier 2, the smartest next step is to begin your structured preparation by enrolling with the best SSC CGL coaching in West Bengal for expert-led classes, topic-wise guidance, and regular mock tests to crack this prestigious exam with confidence.

Preparation Tips Based on the SSC CGL Syllabus

Start by thoroughly reading the official notification and the complete SSC CGL syllabus. Make a realistic study schedule based on the SSC CGL syllabus and allocate time to each section according to its weightage. Practice previous year question papers that are aligned with the SSC CGL syllabus regularly. Attempt mock tests to build speed and accuracy. Revise General Awareness topics daily as they form a crucial part of the SSC CGL syllabus. Focus on weak areas without neglecting strong ones.

With consistent preparation and a clear understanding of the SSC CGL syllabus, cracking this exam is absolutely achievable. Start early, stay consistent, and trust the process!

FAQs

1. How many stages are there in the SSC CGL exam?
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers — Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is the screening stage, while Tier 2 tests deeper, post-specific knowledge.

2. How many questions are there in SSC CGL Tier 1, and what is the duration?
Tier 1 consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks in total, with a time duration of 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.

3. Is there negative marking in the SSC CGL exam?
Yes, in Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

4. What is the eligibility criteria for SSC CGL?
A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university to be eligible for SSC CGL.

5. What subjects are covered in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Tier 1 covers four sections — General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension — each carrying 50 marks with 25 questions.

6. How many papers are there in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Tier 2 consists of three papers. Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts, Paper 2 is for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer posts, and Paper 3 is for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts.

7. What topics are covered in SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1?
Paper 1 covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.

8. What posts can I get through SSC CGL?
SSC CGL recruits for Group B and Group C posts such as Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Sub-Inspector in CBI, and Junior Statistical Officer.

9. Which topics should I focus on the most for SSC CGL?
High-weightage topics include Trigonometry and Geometry in Quantitative Aptitude, Sentence Improvement and Error Detection in English, Current Affairs from the past year in General Awareness, and Analogies and Series in Reasoning.

10. How can I download the SSC CGL Syllabus PDF?
You can download the full syllabus PDF by clicking the download button provided in the blog.

11. How should I prepare for the General Awareness section?
Along with static topics like History, Polity, Economy, Geography, and Science and Technology, you should regularly revise current affairs from the past six months.

12. I’m a first-time aspirant — how should I start my preparation?
Start by reading the official notification and complete syllabus, create a realistic study schedule, practice previous year question papers, and take regular mock tests to build speed and accuracy.