SSC CGL Syllabus 2026: Tier 1 vs Tier 2, Topics, Weightage + PDF

SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 (Tier 1 & Tier 2)

Tier 1: Reasoning, Maths, English, General Awareness
Tier 2: Paper 1 (All candidates), Paper 2 (Statistics for JSO)
Mode: Online (CBT)

Full subject-wise syllabus and topic breakdown below

The SSC CGL syllabus is the same four subjects at both tiers — but that statement hides the most important detail. Tier 2 tests the same topics at a deeper level, with harder questions, stricter negative marking, and a section time lock that changes how you need to prepare. Reading a topic list is not enough. This guide gives you the complete syllabus for both tiers, the depth difference between them, and the topic-wise weightage that tells you where to spend your preparation time.Also Read — SSC CGL 2026 Complete GuideSSC CGL 2026 Notification, Exam Dates, Vacancy, Salary & Full Prep StrategyEverything about SSC CGL 2026 in one place — dates, selection process, salary and preparation plan.

SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 — Overview

Direct Answer

The SSC CGL syllabus covers four core subjects — Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness — in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is the qualifying exam. Tier 2 Paper 1 tests the same subjects at a deeper level and determines your final rank. Paper 2 (Statistics) is only for JSO candidates.

Tier	Subjects	Nature	Questions	Marks
Tier 1	Reasoning, GA, Maths, English	Qualifying only	100	200
Tier 2 — Paper 1	Maths, Reasoning, English, GA, Computer Knowledge, DEST	Merit-determining	150 + 1 task	390 (scoring) + qualifying
Tier 2 — Paper 2	Statistics	Merit-determining (JSO only)	100	200

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026 — Subject Wise

Tier 1 covers four subjects with 25 questions each. The difficulty level is moderate — it tests breadth of knowledge, not depth. Your goal here is to clear the cutoff. Below is the complete topic list for each subject.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Topic	Expected Questions (Tier 1)
Analogy (Verbal & Non-Verbal)	2–3
Classification	2
Series (Number & Figural)	2–3
Coding & Decoding	2–3
Blood Relations	1–2
Direction Sense	1
Venn Diagrams	1
Syllogism	1
Paper Folding / Cutting / Embedded Figures	1–2
Statement–Conclusion	1
Matrix / Missing Number	1–2
Order & Ranking / Miscellaneous	2–3

Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)

Topic	Expected Questions (Tier 1)
Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Polygons)	3–4
Algebra (Identities, Surds, Linear Equations)	2–3
Mensuration (2D & 3D)	2–3
Trigonometry & Heights–Distances	2
Time, Speed & Distance	2
Percentage, Profit & Loss, Discount	2
Ratio, Proportion & Partnership	2
Simple & Compound Interest	1–2
Time & Work	1–2
Average, Number System	1–2
Data Interpretation	2
Mixture & Alligation	1

English Comprehension

Topic	Expected Questions (Tier 1)
Reading Comprehension	4–5
Cloze Test	4–5
Error Spotting	2
Fill in the Blanks	2
Synonyms & Antonyms	2
One Word Substitution	2
Idioms & Phrases	1–2
Sentence Improvement / Rearrangement	2
Active / Passive, Direct / Indirect Speech	1–2
Spelling Correction	1–2

General Awareness

Topic	Expected Questions (Tier 1)
Current Affairs (Last 6–8 months)	5–7
General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)	4–5
Polity & Constitution	3–4
History (Indian & World)	3–4
Geography (Indian & World)	2–3
Economics & Economy	2–3
Static GK (Awards, Books, Sports, Schemes)	2–3

Official SSC CGL Syllabus PDF
The official syllabus is released with the SSC notification. It contains the exact topic list for both tiers. Always verify your preparation using the official PDF — coaching sources may include extra topics.

Official Resource SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 PDF Direct download from SSC official notification

Source: ssc.gov.in • Latest 2026 syllabus

Download PDF

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 — What Actually Changes in the Same Subjects

This is the comparison no competitor article makes clearly. The subjects are the same — but Tier 2 tests them differently. Understanding this gap is what should drive your preparation strategy after Tier 1.

Subject	Tier 1 Depth	Tier 2 Depth
Mathematics	Basic application — direct formula use, straightforward problems	Multi-step problems, higher geometry, DI sets, probability added
English	Vocabulary, basic grammar, short RC passages	Longer RC passages, para-jumbles, advanced grammar, editorial-style cloze
Reasoning	Standard questions — analogy, series, coding	Higher-order puzzles, seating arrangements, decision making, data arrangements
General Awareness	Mix of static GK and recent current affairs	Same topics — but Tier 2 GA questions are more application-based, less recall
Negative Marking	−0.50 per wrong answer	−1.00 per wrong answer (Sections I & II)
Time pressure	No section lock — 60 minutes total	1 hour locked per section — cannot transfer time

Don’t Prepare for Tier 2 Like Tier 1 Many aspirants who clear Tier 1 comfortably underperform in Tier 2 because they continue using the same practice material. Tier 2 requires deeper conceptual understanding, not just faster recall. Switch to Tier 2-specific practice sets from Day 1 of your preparation — not after Tier 1 results.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026 — Paper 1 (All Posts)

Paper 1 is divided into three sections. Sections I and II carry marks toward your final merit. Section III (Computer Knowledge + DEST) is qualifying. Each section has a locked time window — you cannot carry over unused time.

Section I — Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning (1 hour)

Subject	Topics	Questions	Marks
Mathematical Abilities	Number Systems, Arithmetic (%, SI/CI, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work, Distance), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability, Data Interpretation	30	90
Reasoning & General Intelligence	Semantic & Figural Analogy, Classification, Series, Venn Diagrams, Coding–Decoding, Puzzles, Embedded Figures, Pattern Folding, Critical Thinking, Emotional & Social Intelligence	30	90

Section II — English & General Awareness (1 hour)

Subject	Topics	Questions	Marks
English Language & Comprehension	Reading Comprehension (3+ passages — one narrative, others editorial/news), Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms & Antonyms, One-Word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases, Active/Passive, Direct/Indirect Speech, Spelling, Para Jumbles	45	135
General Awareness	Current Affairs (Last 6–8 months), Polity, History, Geography, Economics, General Science, Static GK	25	75

Section III — Computer Knowledge & DEST (30 min, qualifying)

Module	Topics	Questions / Task	Nature
Computer Knowledge Test	Computer basics, CPU, input/output devices, memory, Windows Explorer, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet & Email, Networking basics, Cybersecurity threats & prevention, Keyboard shortcuts	20 MCQs	Qualifying (60 marks)
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)	Typing task — 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Maximum error allowance: UR 20% \| OBC/EWS 25% \| Others 30%	1 task	Qualifying (no marks)

DEST Is Not Just About Speed The DEST requires 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes — that is roughly 133 keystrokes per minute. But accuracy matters equally. If your error rate exceeds the allowed limit for your category, you are disqualified from DEST regardless of speed. Practice typing on a keyboard daily — not a phone.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026 — Paper 2 (Statistics — JSO Only)

If you applied for Junior Statistical Officer or Statistical Investigator Grade-II, you appear for Paper 2 in addition to Paper 1. This is a standalone statistics exam — not related to Tier 1 content.

Topic	Expected Weightage
Probability Theory & Random Variables	15–18 questions
Statistical Inference (Estimation & Testing)	15–18 questions
Correlation & Regression	12–15 questions
Probability Distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal)	12–15 questions
Sampling Theory & Techniques	8–10 questions
Index Numbers & Time Series	10–12 questions
Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion	8–10 questions
Data Collection, Classification & Presentation	8–10 questions
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)	5–8 questions

Topic-Wise Weightage Disclaimer: SSC does not officially publish topic-wise weightage. The expected question counts above are based on analysis of previous year papers. Use these as preparation guidance — not as a guaranteed exam distribution.

Where to Focus — Section-Wise Priority for Tier 2

Based on marks distribution and the tiebreaker rule (Section I is used first when candidates score equal marks), here is how to prioritise your preparation time:

Priority	Section	Marks	Weightage	Why It Matters
1st	English Language & Comprehension	135	35%	Highest marks in the exam — biggest rank gap between candidates
2nd	Mathematical Abilities	90	23%	Primary tiebreaker — breaks rank ties before any other section
3rd	Reasoning & General Intelligence	90	23%	Shares Section I window with Maths — time management is critical
4th	General Awareness	75	19%	Highest return for time invested — static GK + current affairs
Qualifying	Computer Knowledge	60	Pass/Fail	Basic computer literacy — do not over-invest; just qualify

See the Full Exam PatternSSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 — Questions, Marks, Time and What Changed in the New FormatSyllabus tells you what to study. The exam pattern tells you how it will be tested — section time locks, negative marking rules and weightage in one place.Understand How Your Rank Gets BuiltSSC CGL Selection Process 2026 — Tiebreaker Rules, DV Requirements & What Decides Your PostKnowing the syllabus is step one. Knowing how SSC uses your score to assign the post you want — that’s step two.

Accuracy & Update Policy All syllabus details are sourced from the official SSC CGL 2026 notification on ssc.gov.in. Topic-wise weightage figures are based on analysis of previous year papers and are not officially published by SSC. Paper 3 (Finance & Economics) removal is confirmed from the 2025-26 cycle onwards.