SSC CGL 2026 Complete Syllabus (Tier-I & Tier-II) — Official Breakdown
The SSC CGL 2026 notification is officially out, and if you're starting your preparation now, the single most important thing you can do is understand exactly what's being tested — not from rumors or outdated PDFs floating around, but straight from the official scheme of examination.
Here's the complete, accurate syllabus for both Tier-I and Tier-II, broken down clearly.
Important Dates You Need to Know
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application window | 21 May 2026 – 22 June 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | 23 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Application correction window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Tier-I exam (tentative) | August–September 2026 |
| Tier-II exam (tentative) | December 2026 |
Keep these dates in mind while building your study timeline — you have a solid runway if you start now.
Tier-I: Scheme of Examination
Tier-I is a single computer-based test with 4 sections, 100 questions total, 200 marks, to be completed in 1 hour.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| B | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| C | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| D | English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Key rules:
- Negative marking: 0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer
- Questions are bilingual (English & Hindi), except the English Comprehension section
- Each section has its own sectional timer of 15 minutes (so you can't spend all your time on one section)
Tier-I Syllabus, Section by Section
A. General Intelligence & Reasoning Covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning: semantic and figural analogies, classification, series (number/figural), coding-decoding, problem solving, Venn diagrams, space visualization, punched hole/pattern folding, embedded figures, critical thinking, and even emotional and social intelligence.
B. General Awareness Tests your awareness of current events, and everyday scientific knowledge an educated person is expected to have, with particular focus on India and neighboring countries — History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, and General Policy & Scientific Research.
C. Quantitative Aptitude Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio & proportion, averages, interest, profit & loss, time & work, basic algebra, geometry (triangles, circles, polygons), mensuration (prisms, cones, cylinders, spheres), trigonometry, and statistics basics (histograms, bar diagrams, pie charts).
D. English Comprehension Tests your ability to understand correct English along with basic comprehension and writing ability.
One detail worth noting: Sections A, B, and D are set at a level matching graduation, while Section C (Quantitative Aptitude) is set at a 10th-standard level — useful to know if you're worried about the math section feeling too advanced.
Tier-II: Scheme of Examination
Tier-II is more elaborate, with multiple papers depending on the post you're targeting.
Paper-I (Compulsory for everyone)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I A | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60 | 1 hr (shared) |
| Section-I B | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 60 | 1 hr (shared) |
| Section-II A | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 70 | 1 hr (shared) |
| Section-II B | General Awareness | 25 | 70 | 1 hr (shared) |
| Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 min |
| Section-IV | Data Entry Speed Test | 1 task | — | 15 min |
Paper-I runs across two sessions (2 hours 15 minutes + 15 minutes) and is mandatory for all posts.
Paper-II (Statistics) — only for specific posts
For candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts: 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours.
Paper-III (General Studies – Finance & Economics) — only for specific posts
For candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts: 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours.
Tier-II Syllabus, Section by Section
Mathematical Abilities: Number systems, fundamental arithmetic operations, basic algebra and surds, geometry (triangles, circles, tangents), mensuration, trigonometry, and statistics & probability (including mean, median, mode, standard deviation).
Reasoning & General Intelligence: Same broad reasoning categories as Tier-I, but at a more advanced application level.
English Language & Comprehension: Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms, spotting errors, fill in the blanks, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, sentence shuffling, cloze passages, and comprehension passages. For comprehension specifically: at least one passage will be based on a story or book, and two passages will cover current affairs based on a report or editorial.
General Awareness: Same scope as Tier-I — current events plus India-focused History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, and scientific research.
Computer Knowledge/Proficiency: Computer basics (CPU, I/O devices, memory), software (Windows, MS Office), internet & email usage, and basics of networking & cyber security (threats like hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, and preventive measures).
What This Means for Your Preparation
If you're just starting out, here's the practical takeaway:
- English Comprehension and General Awareness in Tier-I are sections where consistent daily reading habits pay off more than last-minute cramming — start now.
- Quantitative Aptitude is set at 10th-standard level — don't let it intimidate you; it's about practice and speed, not advanced math.
- Negative marking matters — at 0.50 per wrong answer, guessing randomly can actually hurt your score. Build accuracy alongside speed.
- If you're aiming for a specific post category (like JSO or AAO), check now whether Paper-II or Paper-III applies to you, since their syllabus is significantly different from the general Paper-I.
We'll be breaking down each section in detail over the coming days — including previous-year question pattern analysis to show you exactly what gets repeated and what to prioritize.
Syllabus details sourced directly from the official SSC CGL 2026 Notice of Examination.
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