SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 — Tier 1, 2 & 3
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is a multi-tier exam. Tier 1 is objective and qualifying for Tier 2. Tier 2 has paper-wise posts; Tier 3 is a descriptive skill test for selected posts. Syllabus below reflects the standard pattern — always confirm in the latest SSC notification.
Exam pattern
Tier 1: 100 MCQs, 200 marks, 60 min. Tier 2: Paper-wise (Quant, English, Statistics, General Studies). Tier 3: Descriptive (essay/letter) where applicable.
Tier 1 — General Intelligence & Reasoning
50 questions · 100 marks · 60 min (combined paper)
- Analogies
- Similarities & differences
- Space visualization
- Problem solving
- Judgment
- Decision making
- Visual memory
- Discrimination
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Series
- Coding-decoding
- Statement conclusion
Tier 1 — General Awareness
25 questions · 50 marks
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic scene
- General policy
- Scientific research
- Current events of national & international importance
Tier 1 — Quantitative Aptitude
25 questions · 50 marks
- Number systems
- Percentages
- Ratio & proportion
- Square roots
- Averages
- Interest
- Profit & loss
- Discount
- Time & distance
- Time & work
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data interpretation
Tier 1 — English Comprehension
25 questions · 50 marks
- Reading comprehension
- Fill in the blanks
- Error spotting
- Synonyms & antonyms
- Idioms & phrases
- One-word substitution
- Sentence improvement
- Active/passive voice
Preparation tips
- Finish NCERT history, polity, and geography basics before heavy current affairs.
- Tier 1 speed matters — practice 25+ mocks with negative marking discipline.
- Post-wise Tier 2 paper selection: check which papers apply to your preferred post.
FAQs
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 marks added to final merit?
Yes, normalized Tier 1 marks are counted along with Tier 2 (and Tier 3 where applicable) in final merit as per the notification.