Last updated: July 12, 2026 · Based on SSC CGL 2026 official notification released 21 May 2026
⚡ Key Update 2026: SSC CGL 2026 has 12,256 vacancies. Tier 1 CBT is scheduled for August–September 2026. Sectional timing (15 min per section) introduced in Tier 1. Tier 1 is qualifying only — final merit is based entirely on Tier 2 performance.
📊 SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 — Screening Stage Qualifying
Computer Based Test (CBT) · Aug–Sep 2026
Total Questions100 (25 per section)
Total Marks200 marks
Duration60 minutes
Sectional Time15 min per section
Marks per Question2 marks
Negative Marking-0.5 per wrong answer
Merit Counted?❌ No — qualifying only
Tier 2 — Merit Stage Merit Based
Computer Based Test (CBT) · Post Tier 1
Total Questions200 questions
Total Marks450 marks
Paper ICompulsory for all posts
Paper IIStatistics (JSO posts only)
Paper IIIFinance & Economics (AAO)
Negative Marking-1 per wrong answer
Merit Counted?✅ Yes — decides your post
💡 Strategy Tip: Since Tier 1 marks don't count in the final merit list, your goal in Tier 1 is simply to clear the cutoff with accuracy. Don't spend Tier 1 time on risky guesses. Save your competitive performance for Tier 2.
📚 Tier 1 — All 4 Subjects Syllabus
🧠
General Intelligence & Reasoning
25 Questions · 50 Marks
Analogies
Coding & Decoding
Number Series
Venn Diagrams
Syllogism
Similarities & Differences
Space Visualization
Problem Solving
Arithmetic Reasoning
Figure Classification
Visual Memory
Decision Making
Non-Verbal Series
Embedded Figures
Paper Folding & Unfolding
Statement & Conclusion
Critical Thinking
Emotional Intelligence
Social Intelligence
Drawing Inferences
🌐
General Awareness (GK / GS)
25 Questions · 50 Marks
The GK section tests both Static GK and Current Affairs. This is the section GK Capsule is built for. See subject-wise breakdown below.
History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
Indian Polity & Constitution
Indian Geography
General Science
Indian Economy
Current Affairs (Last 6 months)
Art & Culture
Environment & Ecology
Awards & Honours
Government Schemes
Sports
Important Days & Dates
Books & Authors
India & Neighbouring Countries
Scientific Research
🔢
25 Questions · 50 Marks
Percentage
Ratio & Proportion
Time & Work
Time & Distance
Profit & Loss
Simple & Compound Interest
Trigonometry
Data Interpretation
Number Systems
Averages
Discount
Square Roots
Algebra (Identities)
Linear Equations
Geometry (Triangle, Circle)
Mensuration
Mixture & Alligation
Histogram & Pie Chart
Partnership
🔤
English Language & Comprehension
25 Questions · 50 Marks
Reading Comprehension
Spot the Error
Fill in the Blanks
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
One Word Substitution
Spelling Errors
Sentence Improvement
Active / Passive Voice
Direct / Indirect Narration
Sentence Rearrangement
Cloze Test
🎯 GK Section — Subject-Wise Breakdown
The General Awareness section (25 questions, 50 marks) is the most time-efficient section in SSC CGL — you either know the answer or you don't. No calculation needed. Here's what each topic contributes:
| Topic |
Avg Questions |
Priority |
Best Strategy |
| History | 4–5 | 🔴 High | Focus on Modern History, Freedom Struggle, Social Reforms |
| Polity | 3–4 | 🔴 High | Articles, Parliament, Constitutional bodies |
| Geography | 3–4 | 🔴 High | Rivers, soils, national parks, physical divisions |
| Science | 4–5 | 🔴 High | Biology (vitamins, diseases), Physics laws, Chemistry basics |
| Economy | 2–3 | 🟡 Medium | GDP, RBI, government schemes, budget terms |
| Current Affairs | 2–3 | 🟡 Medium | Last 6 months — appointments, awards, schemes, sports |
| Art & Culture | 1–2 | 🟡 Medium | Classical dances, folk dances, UNESCO sites, GI tags |
| Environment | 1–2 | 🟢 Low | National parks, biosphere reserves, conventions |
⚡ Practice GK Topic-Wise Free
GK Capsule has separate practice pages for each GK topic in the SSC CGL syllabus — with PYQs, sample questions, explanations, and FAQs:
📜
SSC CGL History
Modern, Ancient, Medieval PYQs
⚖️
SSC CGL Polity
Constitution, Articles, Parliament
🌍
SSC CGL Geography
Rivers, soils, national parks
🔬
SSC CGL Science
Physics, Chemistry, Biology PYQs
📰
SSC Current Affairs
Appointments, awards, schemes
🎨
SSC Art & Culture
Dances, UNESCO, GI tags
📅
SSC CA 2026
100 expected questions 2026
⚡
Full Practice Quiz
Filter by SSC CGL + any topic
📋 Tier 2 Syllabus — Paper I (All Posts)
Important: Tier 2 Paper I is compulsory for ALL SSC CGL posts. Your final merit and post allocation depends entirely on your Tier 2 Paper I performance.
| Section |
Modules |
Questions |
Marks |
| Section 1 |
Module I: Mathematical Abilities
Module II: Reasoning & General Intelligence |
30+30 = 60 |
180 |
| Section 2 |
Module I: English Language
Module II: General Awareness |
45+25 = 70 |
210 |
| Section 3 |
Module I: Computer Knowledge (Qualifying)
Module II: DEST / Typing Test |
20 + DEST |
60 (qualifying) |
💻
Computer Knowledge (Tier 2 — Qualifying)
20 Questions · Qualifying
Computer Basics (Hardware & Software)
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Internet & Email basics
Keyboard shortcuts
Operating Systems (Windows)
Networking basics
Cyber security basics
Memory types (RAM, ROM, HDD)
Input/Output devices
Database basics
📊 Tier 2 — Paper II & III (Post-Specific)
Paper II — Statistics
For JSO (Junior Statistical Officer) posts only
Collection of Statistical Data—
Measures of Central Tendency—
Dispersion, Skewness, Kurtosis—
Correlation & Regression—
Probability Theory—
Sampling Theory—
Analysis of Variance—
Time Series & Index Numbers—
Paper III — Finance & Economics
For AAO (Assistant Audit Officer) posts only
Financial Accounting basics—
Bills of Exchange—
Micro & Macro Economics—
National Income concepts—
Money & Banking—
Fiscal Policy & Budget—
Economic Reforms (LPG, GST)—
Role of RBI—
🧠 GK Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL 2026
1
Cover Static GK first (4–6 weeks)
History, Polity, Geography, and Science together account for 15–18 questions per paper. Use NCERT Class 6–12 books once, then switch entirely to PYQ practice on GK Capsule. Static GK rarely changes — once learned, it stays forever.
2
Practice PYQs daily — topic-wise (ongoing)
10 questions every morning on GK Capsule. Select SSC CGL as your exam, then pick one topic per day. History Monday, Polity Tuesday, Geography Wednesday, Science Thursday, Economy Friday. Rotate weekly.
3
Cover Current Affairs (last 6 months, 2–3 weeks before exam)
Don't start Current Affairs too early. 6 weeks before your exam, cover the last 6 months. Focus only on: Appointments, Awards, Government Schemes, Sports, and International Summits. Practice on GK Capsule's Current Affairs filter.
4
Final week revision
Revise your weak topics identified in your GK Capsule accuracy stats. Do 20 questions per day — no new topics. Focus on speed and retention. Sleep well the night before.
Practice SSC CGL GK Free — Topic-Wise
GK Capsule covers 100% of the SSC CGL General Awareness syllabus. Select SSC CGL + any topic and practice the most repeated PYQs with instant explanations.
Start Free Practice ⚡
Official PDF ↗
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC CGL 2026 syllabus for Tier 1?
SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 has four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions), General Awareness (25 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions), and English Comprehension (25 questions). Total 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes with 15-minute sectional timing. Negative marking is 0.5 marks per wrong answer. Tier 1 is qualifying only — marks are not counted in the final merit list.
Which GK topics are most important for SSC CGL 2026?
The most important GK topics for SSC CGL 2026 are History (4–5 questions, especially Modern History), Science (4–5 questions, Biology dominates), Polity (3–4 questions, focus on Articles and Parliament), and Geography (3–4 questions, rivers, soils, national parks). Practice all these topic-wise for free at GK Capsule.
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 marks counted in the final merit list?
No. SSC CGL Tier 1 is qualifying in nature. You must clear the Tier 1 cutoff to qualify for Tier 2, but Tier 1 marks are not added to the final merit list. Final selection and post allocation is based entirely on Tier 2 performance.
What is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam date?
The SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 computer-based exam is scheduled between August and September 2026. The official notification was released on 21 May 2026 with 12,256 vacancies for various Group B and C posts across central government departments.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL 2026 has 12,256 vacancies announced for various Group B and Group C posts across central government departments, ministries, and offices. The notification was released on 21 May 2026 on the official SSC website ssc.gov.in.
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
In SSC CGL Tier 1, negative marking is 0.5 marks per wrong answer. In SSC CGL Tier 2 (Section 1, Section 2, and Module 1 of Section 3), negative marking is 1 mark per wrong answer. Computer Knowledge in Tier 2 is qualifying and has its own marking scheme.
How to prepare General Awareness for SSC CGL 2026?
The best strategy: (1) Cover Static GK using NCERT books — History, Polity, Geography, Science, (2) Practice 10 PYQ questions daily topic-wise at GK Capsule using the SSC CGL filter, (3) Cover last 6 months Current Affairs 6 weeks before exam, (4) Focus only on high-yield Current Affairs categories — appointments, awards, schemes, sports. GK section has 25 questions for 50 marks — one of the fastest sections to improve.
Where to download the SSC CGL 2026 official syllabus PDF?
The official SSC CGL 2026 syllabus PDF can be downloaded from ssc.gov.in → Candidates → Syllabus section. The syllabus was released with the official CGL 2026 notification on 21 May 2026. This page provides the complete subject-wise syllabus based on the official notification.
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