SSC CGL Syllabus 2026-27: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Subject-wise

The SSC CGL syllabus covers four subjects: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Graduate Level exam to fill group B and group C posts in central government offices. For the 2026 cycle, the notification came out on 21 May 2026, and the Tier 1 computer-based test is scheduled between 30 September and 30 October 2026. First, this guide explains the exam stages. Then it lists the topics for each subject so you can plan your preparation.

SSC CGL Exam Stages

The exam has more than one stage. Tier 1 is a screening test, and Tier 2 is the main merit test. Depending on the post, there can also be a skill test, a typing test or a document check.

The age limit for most posts is 18 to 32 years, with relaxations for reserved categories. A graduation degree is the usual qualification. However, some posts ask for extra conditions, such as Mathematics in Class 12 for junior statistical officers. Always read the post-wise details in the notification.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

Tier 1 is a computer-based test. It has four sections of 25 questions each. Every question carries 2 marks, so each section is worth 50 marks.

Section	Questions	Marks
General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
English Comprehension	25	50

The total is 100 questions and 200 marks, and the time limit is 60 minutes. A wrong answer costs 0.50 marks. Therefore, avoid blind guessing in sections where you are weak.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus: Subject-wise Topics

General Intelligence and Reasoning

This section tests your ability to think clearly. It has verbal and non-verbal questions.

First, verbal reasoning covers analogy, classification, number and letter series, coding and decoding, and blood relations. Next, logic questions cover direction sense, ranking and order, syllogism, Venn diagrams and statement-based reasoning. Then come seating arrangements and simple puzzles. Finally, non-verbal reasoning covers mirror images, paper folding, embedded figures and figure counting.

Quantitative Aptitude

This section tests speed and accuracy in school-level mathematics. Most of it comes from Class 8 to Class 10 topics.

First, arithmetic covers number system, percentage, ratio and proportion, average, profit and loss, discount, simple and compound interest, and time and work. Next, time, speed and distance covers trains, boats and streams. Then algebra covers linear equations, identities and simple factorisation. After that, geometry covers triangles, circles, quadrilaterals and angles, while mensuration covers the area and volume of common shapes. Finally, trigonometry and data interpretation appear, so practise ratios, heights and distances, tables, bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs.

English Comprehension

This section tests grammar and vocabulary, along with reading skill.

First, reading comprehension gives passages with questions on the main idea and facts. Next, the cloze test leaves blanks in a passage, so it tests word choice. Then error spotting and sentence improvement test grammar rules such as tenses and subject-verb agreement. After that, vocabulary covers synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, and one-word substitution. Finally, sentence work covers active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, and sentence rearrangement.

General Awareness

This section tests static knowledge and current affairs.

First, history covers ancient, medieval and modern India, along with the freedom struggle. Next, geography covers India and the world, including climate, rivers and resources. Then polity covers the Constitution, rights, duties and the structure of government. After that, economy covers basic terms, the budget, banking and schemes. Meanwhile, general science covers physics, chemistry and biology up to the Class 10 level. Finally, current affairs cover awards, sports, appointments, summits and government schemes of the last six months or so.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Tier 2 has papers for different posts. Paper 1 is compulsory for all, whereas Paper 2 and Paper 3 are for specific posts.

First, Paper 1 Section I (180 marks) covers Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning with General Intelligence. Next, Section II (210 marks) covers English Language and Comprehension, along with General Awareness. Then Section III (60 marks) covers the Computer Knowledge Test and a data entry speed test. Meanwhile, Paper 2 (200 marks) is Statistics, so only candidates who apply for statistical investigator and similar posts need it. Similarly, Paper 3 (200 marks) is General Studies in Finance and Economics, and it is meant for the Assistant Accounts Officer post.

Marking, timing and qualifying rules can change from year to year. Therefore, check the exam notice before you finalise your plan.

Tier 2 Topics That Go Beyond Tier 1

The Tier 2 level is higher than Tier 1. Mathematical Abilities adds advanced algebra, coordinate geometry and more trigonometry. English moves to longer passages and sharper grammar questions. Meanwhile, the Computer section covers basics such as hardware, software, MS Office and the internet. If you need a quick start, revise our guides on computer shortcut keys and types of computer.

How to Prepare Using the SSC CGL Syllabus

Start by printing the syllabus and ticking the topics you already know. Next, build a weekly plan that gives two days to Quantitative Aptitude and one day to each of the other sections. Then take a sectional test every week. After that, review wrong answers and write down the reason for each mistake. Finally, take full mock tests in the last two months, because speed improves only with timed practice.

A Simple Priority Order

• First priority: Quantitative Aptitude and English, since they need regular practice.
• Second priority: reasoning, which improves with pattern recognition.
• Third priority: General Awareness, where short daily revision works best.

For habit-building tips, read how to stop procrastinating. For other targets, see the exam preparation section.

Common Mistakes with the SSC CGL Syllabus

• Aspirants spend all their time on General Awareness, so Maths and English suffer.
• Many ignore the Computer section of Tier 2 until it is too late.
• Some skip mock tests, although speed and accuracy need timed practice.
• Because the syllabus changes slightly, students often use old lists instead of the latest notice.

Turn the Syllabus into a Plan

The SSC CGL syllabus is wide, but most of it is school-level content. Map every topic to a source, practise in timed sets and revise errors every week. Then explore the SSC Preparation Notes category, or return to the The Note homepage.