A complete SSC CGL 2026 syllabus guide covering Tier 1 and Tier 2 pattern, sections, marking scheme, eligibility, key dates, and pay levels for top posts.
The SSC CGL syllabus 2026 is built around two computer-based stages: Tier 1, a common screening test for all candidates, and Tier 2, the merit-deciding stage. The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) through its official website (ssc.gov.in) to recruit graduates into Group B and Group C posts across ministries and departments. For the 2026 cycle there are 12,256 vacancies on offer, which makes this one of the biggest graduate-level recruitment drives of the year.
Before diving into topics, fix the timeline in your head. The notification was released on 21 May 2026, the application window closed on 25 June 2026, Tier 1 is tentatively scheduled for August to September 2026, and Tier 2 is tentatively expected in December 2026. That gives you a clear runway to plan section-wise study.
Tier 1 is a computer-based test of 100 questions carrying 200 marks, to be solved in 60 minutes. It is split into four sections of 25 questions each, and every question carries 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer, so accuracy matters as much as speed.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Here is what each Tier 1 section actually tests:
Tier 2 is where the real selection happens, and the 2026 pattern is module-based. Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts and is organised into modules rather than flat sections:
Tier 2 MCQs carry a negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer, which is heavier than Tier 1, so guessing is riskier at this stage. Mathematical Abilities in Tier 2 goes deeper than Tier 1 arithmetic, while the English module expects stronger comprehension and grammar command. The Computer Knowledge module and DEST test practical office readiness rather than heavy theory.
Think of Tier 1 as a filter and Tier 2 as the decider. Tier 1 marks help you qualify, but your final rank and post are driven overwhelmingly by Tier 2 performance. This is why toppers treat Tier 1 as a speed-and-accuracy checkpoint and pour their deeper conceptual effort into Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities and English. The good news is that the syllabus overlaps heavily across both tiers, so a strong foundation in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English carries forward. What changes at Tier 2 is the depth of questions, the higher negative marking, and the added Computer Knowledge and typing components.
To apply for SSC CGL 2026 you need a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The age band is broadly 18 to 32 years depending on the post, though most posts fall in the 18 to 30 range. Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government rules. A few posts, such as Junior Statistical Officer, carry specific subject or marks requirements, so always confirm eligibility for your target post from the official notification.
SSC CGL posts are placed across Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8 under the 7th CPC. Basic pay ranges from about Rs 25,500 to Rs 47,600, and the approximate in-hand salary ranges from around Rs 40,000 to Rs 81,000 or more, depending on the post and the city classification. In-hand pay is influenced by House Rent Allowance (HRA), which is 27 percent, 18 percent, or 9 percent for X, Y, and Z cities respectively, and by Dearness Allowance (DA) at roughly 58 percent.
| Post | Pay Level |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer | Level 8 |
| Assistant Section Officer | Level 7 |
| Inspector (Income Tax / CGST) | Level 7 |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI / NIA) | Level 7 |
| Junior Statistical Officer | Level 6 |
| Tax Assistant | Level 4 |
The Assistant Audit Officer post sits at the top of the ladder at Pay Level 8, which is why it is the most sought-after role, followed closely by Assistant Section Officer and the Inspector posts in Income Tax and CGST. Sub-Inspector roles in the CBI and NIA appeal to candidates who want field and investigative work, while Junior Statistical Officer suits those with a strong numbers background. Because the same exam feeds so many different departments, your preference order in the application can meaningfully change the job you end up in, so it pays to research each post's role, transfer policy, and growth path before finalising choices.
Start by mastering the four Tier 1 sections, since Tier 1 is your gateway. Give Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning the largest share of practice, keep General Awareness updated with daily current affairs, and read regularly to sharpen English Comprehension. Once Tier 1 basics are solid, layer in the deeper Mathematical Abilities and English modules that Tier 2 demands, and get comfortable with typing for the Data Entry Speed Test.
The most reliable way to convert study into marks is timed practice under exam conditions. Build your plan topic by topic, then validate each area with full-length SSC CGL mock tests on Quiz4Exam to track accuracy, manage the negative marking, and walk into both tiers with confidence.
Always confirm the latest dates, vacancies and pattern on the official website before applying.
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 is a computer-based test of 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes. It has four sections of 25 questions each, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, with every question worth 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 for each wrong answer.
The SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on 21 May 2026 and the application window closed on 25 June 2026. Tier 1 is tentatively scheduled for August to September 2026, while Tier 2 is tentatively expected in December 2026. Always confirm exact dates from the official SSC website.
You need a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university to apply for SSC CGL 2026. The age limit is broadly 18 to 32 years depending on the post, though most posts fall in the 18 to 30 range. Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
SSC CGL posts span Pay Level 4 to Level 8 under the 7th CPC, with basic pay from about Rs 25,500 to Rs 47,600. The approximate in-hand salary ranges from around Rs 40,000 to Rs 81,000 or more, depending on the post and city, after adding HRA and DA.
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Yes. In Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. In Tier 2 MCQs, the penalty is heavier at 1 mark per wrong answer. Because of this, accuracy and smart question selection matter as much as speed in both tiers.
