SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
SSC CGL recruits graduates for Group B and Group C posts like Assistant Audit Officer, Inspector, Sub Inspector, Accountant and UDC across central ministries. The exam runs in two computer-based tiers; Tier-I shortlists candidates for Tier-II, and final merit is based on Tier-II.
Selection Process
1Tier-I — Computer Based Test (shortlisting)
2Tier-II — Computer Based Test (merit)
3Document Verification
4Medical Examination
Exam Pattern & Detailed Syllabus
Tier-I (CBT) — Shortlisting Stage
📝 100 questions🎯 200 marks⏱️ 60 minutes (80 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates)➖ 0.50 mark deducted per wrong answer. No deduction for unattempted questions.
Mode: Computer Based, objective multiple-choice
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
General Intelligence & ReasoningAnalogies, coding-decoding, series completion, Venn diagrams, direction sense, blood relations, syllogism, statement-conclusion, non-verbal series, paper folding and cutting, embedded figures, mirror and water images.
General AwarenessStatic GK (history, geography, polity, economy, science), current affairs of the last 6-12 months, books and authors, awards, sports, important days, government schemes.
Quantitative AptitudeNumber system, percentage, ratio-proportion, average, SI-CI, profit-loss, time-speed-distance, time-work, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, data interpretation.
English ComprehensionReading comprehension, error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms-antonyms, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active-passive voice, direct-indirect speech.
Tier-I marks are used only for shortlisting to Tier-II; they do not count in the final merit. Questions are set in English, Hindi and the language opted in the application form, except the English section.
Tier-II (CBT) — Merit Stage
📝 Varies by section questions🎯 390 marks⏱️ Section-wise timers (see below)➖ 1 mark per wrong answer in Section-I and Section-II; 0.50 mark in Section-III.
Mode: Computer Based, objective multiple-choice, with sectional timers
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| Section-I, Module-I: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Section-I, Module-II: Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 (total Section-I 180) |
| Section-II, Module-I: English Language | 45 | 135 |
| Section-II, Module-II: General Awareness | 25 | 75 (total Section-II 210) |
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge + Data Entry | 20 + skill test | 60 |
Section-I, Module-I: Mathematical AbilitiesAdvanced quant: algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, data interpretation, probability, statistics basics.
Section-I, Module-II: Reasoning & General IntelligenceHigher-level reasoning: seating arrangement, puzzles, input-output, data sufficiency, statement-assumption.
Section-II, Module-I: English LanguageAdvanced comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, paragraph completion, cloze test.
Section-II, Module-II: General AwarenessCurrent affairs, economy, polity, science and technology, static GK.
Section-III: Computer Knowledge + Data EntryComputer basics, hardware-software, internet, MS Office, cyber security basics; followed by Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
Paper-I of Tier-II is compulsory for all posts. Paper-II applies only to Junior Statistical Officer / MEO posts. Qualifying all sections is mandatory as per the official notice.
📋 Source: Pattern as per the official SSC CGL 2026 notification published on ssc.gov.in. Always cross-check the latest notice before applying, as SSC revises details year to year. Official website: https://ssc.gov.in
Previous Year Papers — Year-wise
SSC uploads question papers along with the final answer key for each exam on ssc.gov.in. Papers are available through candidate login for a limited window after the final key is published.
| Year | Exam | Status |
|---|
| 2025 | Tier-I held Sep 2025 | Official source
Released with final answer key on ssc.gov.in (candidate login) |
| 2024 | Tier-I Sep 2024, Tier-II Jan 2025 | Official source
Released with final answer key on ssc.gov.in (candidate login) |
| 2023 | Tier-I Jul 2023, Tier-II Oct 2023 | Official source
Released with final answer key on ssc.gov.in (candidate login) |
| 2022 | Tier-I Dec 2022, Tier-II Mar 2023 | Official source
Released with final answer key on ssc.gov.in (candidate login) |
| 2021 | Tier-I Aug 2021, Tier-II Oct 2021 | Official source
Released with final answer key on ssc.gov.in (candidate login) |
| 2020 | Tier-I Aug 2021 (delayed), Tier-II Jan 2022 | Official source
Released with final answer key on ssc.gov.in (candidate login) |
Get papers from the official portal: https://ssc.gov.in. NaukriRoz never links unverified Telegram / Drive / blog PDFs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?A: Yes. Tier-I deducts 0.50 mark per wrong answer. In Tier-II, Section-I and Section-II deduct 1 mark per wrong answer, while Section-III deducts 0.50 mark.
Q: Do Tier-I marks count in the final merit?A: No. Tier-I is only a shortlisting stage. Final selection is based on Tier-II marks, followed by document verification.
Q: What is the DEST in SSC CGL?A: The Data Entry Speed Test is part of Tier-II Section-III. It tests typing/data-entry speed and is qualifying in nature for posts like Tax Assistant.