SSC CGL Exams 2026: Exam Pattern & Detailed Syllabus | TargetPDF
1. Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries and departments. The SSC CGL 2026 exam follows a two‑tier structure: Tier 1 (qualifying) and Tier 2 (final selection based on marks). Both stages are computer‑based tests (CBT).
2. Exam Pattern
Tier 1 (Qualifying)
| Section |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning |
25 |
50 |
1 Hour |
| General Awareness |
25 |
50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
25 |
50 |
| English Comprehension |
25 |
50 |
| Total |
100 |
200 |
1 Hour |
Tier 2 (Final Selection)
| Paper |
Subject |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| Paper I |
Quantitative Abilities |
100 |
200 |
2 Hours |
| Paper II |
English Language & Comprehension |
200 |
200 |
2 Hours |
| Paper III |
Statistics (for specific posts) |
100 |
200 |
2 Hours |
| Paper IV |
General Studies (Finance & Economics) |
100 |
200 |
2 Hours |
Note: Tier 1 is qualifying in nature. Final merit is based on Tier 2 scores. Negative marking applies (0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer).
3. Detailed Syllabus
Tier 1
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Coding‑Decoding, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Puzzles.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, General Science.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation, Number Systems.
- English Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Vocabulary, Sentence Improvement.
Tier 2
- Quantitative Abilities: Advanced DI, Mensuration, Probability, Time & Work, Speed & Distance.
- English Language & Comprehension: Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction.
- Statistics: Probability, Sampling, Correlation, Regression, Time Series Analysis.
- General Studies (Finance & Economics): Micro & Macro Economics, Indian Economy, Financial Institutions, Budgeting, Fiscal Policy.
4. Preparation Tips
- Strengthen basics in Quantitative Aptitude and English grammar.
- Read newspapers daily for General Awareness and comprehension practice.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Tier 2 subjects, as final selection depends on Tier 2 performance.
In summary: The SSC CGL 2026 exam requires thorough preparation across reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude, and English, with Tier 2 being the decisive stage for final selection.