SSC CGL Examination Syllabus

The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India. It is held as a computer-based examination in two tiers.

View complete syllabus – subject-wise chapters and topics, preparation tips and practice links for SSC CGL.

SSC CGL Selection Process

1. Tier-I (Computer Based Examination) – Used to shortlist candidates, category-wise, for Tier-II. Separate cut-offs apply for JSO / Statistical Investigator posts, Assistant Audit / Accounts Officer posts and all other posts.
2. Tier-II Paper-I (all posts) – Every Tier-II candidate takes all four sections and must qualify each one. Sections I and II are scored for merit; Section-III (Computer Knowledge Test) and Section-IV (Data Entry Speed Test) are qualifying only, with higher standards for posts that prescribe computer proficiency or DEST. Candidates exempted from DEST do not take Section-IV.
3. Tier-II Paper-II or Paper-III (specific posts only) – Paper-II (Statistics) only for candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer / Statistical Investigator Grade-II; Paper-III (General Studies – Finance & Economics) only for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer. Their marks are added to Paper-I Sections I and II for those posts.
4. Final merit and allocation – Based on Tier-II only, together with the post preferences given in the online option form. Minimum qualifying marks: 30% (UR), 25% (OBC/EWS), 20% (others).
5. Document verification and post-specific standards – Documents are verified as notified. Posts with physical or medical standards (including physical efficiency tests) are tested by the user department after final selection.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern

Tier-I

Objective multiple-choice questions with a sectional timer for each subject. 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Quantitative Aptitude is set at 10th-standard level and the other parts at graduation level.

Tier-II Paper-I (all posts)

Each question carries 3 marks; 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III. The Data Entry Speed Test is a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes, held in Session-II on the same day.

Tier-II Paper-II and Paper-III (specific posts only)

Each question carries 2 marks; 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.

Subject-wise Syllabus (Summary)

Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematical Abilities

Tier-I & Tier-II: Called Quantitative Aptitude in Tier-I and Mathematical Abilities in Tier-II. It tests number sense, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data from tables and graphs.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Tier-I & Tier-II: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning in both tiers (General Intelligence in CHSL Tier-I; Reasoning and General Intelligence in Tier-II).

English Language & Comprehension

Tier-I & Tier-II: Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and comprehension (English Comprehension / English Language in Tier-I).

General Awareness

Tier-I & Tier-II: Awareness of the environment and its application to society, current events, and everyday science, with emphasis on India and its neighbouring countries.

Computer Knowledge Test

Tier-II (qualifying): A qualifying section of Tier-II, compulsory for all candidates.

Statistics (Paper-II)

Tier-II Paper-II (JSO / SI Gr-II): Only for candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.

General Studies – Finance & Economics (Paper-III)

Tier-II Paper-III (AAO / AAcO): Only for candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer. Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks); Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks).

Chapter-wise topics for every subject: View complete syllabus

Source: SSC Notice of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (21.05.2026). Exam pattern and selection process may vary by recruitment notification. Candidates should check the latest official notification.