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SSC CGL: Tier-I and Tier-II pattern, syllabus topics and a tracker

SSC CGL is the Combined Graduate Level Examination of the Staff Selection Commission for Group B and Group C posts. Tier-I has four subjects of 25 questions each in one hour, and Tier-II adds Paper-I for all posts, with Paper-II for statistics posts and Paper-III for audit and accounts posts.

AspirantGoal teamLast reviewed 23 October 202621 min read

AspirantGoal is an independent app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Staff Selection Commission or any exam authority. This page repeats what the exam body’s own documents print, as checked on 23 October 2026. The exam body’s current notice is the authority, so read it before you plan around any figure.

SSC CGL in brief

Recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in different Ministries, Departments and Organizations of the Government of India and various Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies and Tribunals.

Tier-I

Item What the document says Where
Mode Computer Based Examination, conducted in two tiers: Tier-I and Tier-II [1] para 13.1, p. 24
Question types Objective type, multiple choice questions [1] para 13.8.1, p. 25
Language or medium Questions set in English and Hindi, except English Comprehension [1] para 13.8.1, p. 25
Subjects or sections A. General Intelligence and Reasoning, B. General Awareness, C. Quantitative Aptitude, D. English Comprehension [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 25
Questions and marks 25 questions and 50 maximum marks for each of the four subjects [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 25
Duration 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 25
Duration if eligible for a scribe 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a sectional timer of 15+5=20 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 25; scribe eligibility in paras 7.1 to 7.3, pp. 11 to 12
Negative marking 0.50 marks for each wrong answer [1] para 13.8.2, p. 25
Question level General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness and English Comprehension: level commensurate with the essential qualification, graduation. Quantitative Aptitude: 10th standard level. [1] para 13.10.5, p. 31, read with the lettered subjects in para 13.8, p. 25

Tier-II, Paper-I (compulsory for all posts)

Item What the document says Where
Applies to posts Paper-I is compulsory for all the posts [1] para 13.9.2, p. 27
Papers in Tier-II Paper-I, Paper-II and Paper-III are held in separate shifts or days [1] para 13.9.1, p. 27
Sections Four sections: Section-I, Section-II, Section-III Computer Knowledge Test, Section-IV Data Entry Speed Test [1] paras 13.9.4 to 13.9.4.4, pp. 27 to 28
Sessions Session-I: Sections I, II and III, 2 hours and 15 minutes. Session-II: Section-IV, 15 minutes. Both on the same day. [1] paras 13.9.5 to 13.9.5.6, p. 28
Section timing Section-I and Section-II last one hour each and close automatically on completion of one hour [1] paras 13.9.5.2 and 13.9.5.3, p. 28
Question types Objective type, multiple choice questions, except Section-IV [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Language or medium English and Hindi, except the English Language and Comprehension part in Section-II [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Section-III [1] para 13.9.8, p. 29
Qualifying status Mandatory to qualify all the Sections of Paper-I separately [1] para 13.9.6, p. 28; also para 16.5, p. 42

Tier-II, Paper-I, Section-I

Item What the document says Where
Subjects or sections A: Mathematical Abilities. B: Reasoning and General Intelligence. [1] para 13.9.4.1, p. 27
Questions and marks A: 30 questions. B: 30 questions. Total = 60 questions, maximum marks 60*3 = 180. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 25
Duration 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 30 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 25
Duration if eligible for a scribe 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a sectional timer of 30+10=40 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 25
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.8, p. 29
Question level Part A, Mathematical Abilities, is of Matriculation Level [1] para 13.11.8, p. 36

Tier-II, Paper-I, Section-II

Item What the document says Where
Subjects or sections A: English Language and Comprehension. B: General Awareness. [1] paras 13.9.4.2 to 13.9.4.2.2, pp. 27 to 28
Questions and marks A: 45 questions. B: 25 questions. Total = 70 questions, maximum marks 70*3 = 210. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 26
Duration 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 40 minutes for English Language and Comprehension and 20 minutes for General Awareness [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 26
Duration if eligible for a scribe 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a sectional timer of 40+15=55 minutes for English Language and Comprehension and 20+5=25 minutes for General Awareness [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 26
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.8, p. 29
Question level Part A, English Language and Comprehension, is of 10+2 Level [1] para 13.11.8, p. 36

Tier-II, Paper-I, Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test

Item What the document says Where
Questions and marks 20 questions, maximum marks 20*3 = 60 [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 26
Duration 15 minutes [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 26; para 13.9.5.4, p. 28
Duration if eligible for a scribe 20 minutes [1] para 13.9, scheme table, pp. 26 to 27
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.8, p. 29
Qualifying status Mandatory for all posts but qualifying in nature [1] para 13.9.9 a, p. 29
Higher standards Higher qualifying standards of both this test and DEST are set for posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed [1] para 13.9.9 b, p. 29
Computer Proficiency posts, part 1 Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA and AFHQ; Assistant in Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs [1] para 13.9.9 b, p. 29
Computer Proficiency posts, part 2 Assistant (GSI) in the Ministry of Mines; Assistant in Indian Meteorological Department (Ministry of Earth Sciences) [1] para 13.9.9 b, p. 29
Computer Proficiency posts, part 3 Inspector (CGST and Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer), Inspector (Examiner) and Executive Assistant in CBIC [1] para 13.9.9 b, p. 29
Computer Proficiency posts, part 4 Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant in Department of Post, etc. [1] para 13.9.9 b, p. 29

Tier-II, Paper-I, Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

Item What the document says Where
Session Session-II, on the same day, for a duration of 15 minutes [1] paras 13.9.5.6 and 13.9.10.1, pp. 28 to 29
Task One data entry task. The scheme table shows a dash under maximum marks. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Passage and duration A passage of about 2000 key depressions for a duration of 15 minutes [1] para 13.9.10.2, p. 29
Question types Not objective type: Section-IV is excepted from multiple choice questions [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Duration if eligible for a scribe 20 minutes, with additional compensatory time of 5 minutes [1] scheme table, pp. 26 to 27; para 13.9.10.7, p. 30
Instructions and evaluation Detailed instructions come from the Regional Offices of the Commission. Information on evaluation is on the Commission’s website under For Candidates. [1] para 13.9.10.2, p. 29
Qualifying status Mandatory for all the posts, qualifying in nature [1] para 13.9.10.3, p. 29
Exemption Only PwBD-OH candidates with an Annexure-XIV certificate can be exempted. Not for Computer Proficiency or DEST posts, except Tax Assistant in CBDT. [1] para 13.9.10.6, p. 30
Higher standards Higher DEST standards for Tax Assistant in CBIC and CBDT, UDC/SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics, etc., and for posts at para 13.9.9 [1] para 13.9.10.4, p. 29

Tier-II, Paper-II: Statistics

Item What the document says Where
Applies to posts Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation [1] para 13.9.3, p. 27
Applies to posts Statistical Investigator Grade-II in the office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (M/o Home Affairs) [1] para 13.9.3, p. 27
Who appears Only candidates who have applied for these posts and are shortlisted in Tier-I [1] para 13.9.3, p. 27
Questions and marks 100 questions, maximum marks 100*2 = 200 [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Duration 2 hours [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Duration if eligible for a scribe 2 hours and 40 minutes [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Negative marking 0.50 marks for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.8, p. 29
Question types Objective type, multiple choice questions [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Language or medium English and Hindi [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Question level Graduation Level [1] para 13.11.8, p. 36

Tier-II, Paper-III: General Studies (Finance and Economics)

Item What the document says Where
Applies to posts Candidates shortlisted in Tier-I for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer [1] para 13.9.3, p. 27
Parts Part A: Finance and Accounts, 80 marks. Part B: Economics and Governance, 120 marks. [1] paras 13.11.7.1 and 13.11.7.2, pp. 34 to 35
Questions and marks 100 questions, maximum marks 100*2 = 200 [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Duration 2 hours [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Duration if eligible for a scribe 2 hours and 40 minutes [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 27
Negative marking 0.50 marks for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.8, p. 29
Question types Objective type, multiple choice questions [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Language or medium English and Hindi [1] para 13.9.7, p. 28
Question level Graduation Level [1] para 13.11.8, p. 36

Selection and merit list

Item What the document says Where
Role of Tier-I Candidates are shortlisted category-wise on Tier-I marks to appear in Tier-II [1] para 16.3, p. 41
Appearing in Tier-II Tier-II is held for all candidates qualified in Tier-I. All appear in all four sections of Paper-I, except those exempted from DEST. [1] para 16.4, p. 42; DEST exemption in para 13.9.10.6, p. 30
Normalization Marks are normalized if the examination is held in multiple shifts, and normalized scores are used to determine final merit [1] para 13.2, p. 24
Merit list basis Merit list is prepared on the overall performance of candidates in Tier-II only [1] para 16.10, p. 42
Merit marks, Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II Aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Paper-I and Paper-II, subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV of Paper-I [1] para 16.11.1, p. 43
Merit marks, Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer Aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Paper-I and Paper-III, subject to qualifying Section-III (both modules) of Paper-I, wording as printed [1] para 16.11.2, p. 43
Merit marks, posts where DEST is prescribed Aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Paper-I, subject to qualifying Section-III at normal standards and DEST at higher standards [1] para 16.12, p. 43
Merit marks, posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed Aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Paper-I, subject to qualifying Section-III and DEST at higher standards [1] para 16.13, p. 43
Merit marks, all other posts Aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Paper-I only, subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV [1] para 16.14, p. 43
Final selection In each category, on overall performance in Tier-II and the preference of posts exercised by the candidate [1] para 16.15, p. 43

Document Verification (DV)

Item What the document says Where
Conducted by The User Departments/Organizations, after declaration of the final result [1] para 15.1, p. 38
What candidates bring Two recent passport size colour photographs and one original Photo ID Proof, as listed at para 14.7 [1] para 15.10, p. 40
Documents asked for Photocopies and original documents indicated in para 14.7, which lists Photo-ID proofs, as and when asked by the concerned authority [1] para 15.4, p. 39; para 14.7, p. 37
Documents to submit Copies of the documents listed at para 15.11, including Matriculation/ Secondary Certificate and Educational Qualification Certificate [1] para 15.11, pp. 40 to 41

Qualifying rules

  • It is mandatory to qualify all the Sections of Paper-I separately [1] paras 13.9.6 and 16.5, pp. 28 and 42
  • Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test, is mandatory for all posts and qualifying in nature [1] paras 13.9.9 a and 16.6, pp. 29 and 42
  • Section-IV, the Data Entry Speed Test, is mandatory for all posts and qualifying in nature, with the exemption in para 13.9.10.6 [1] paras 13.9.10.3, 13.9.10.6 and 16.6, pp. 29, 30 and 42
  • Section-III: a separate higher cut-off, as decided by the Commission, is fixed for posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed [1] para 16.6, p. 42
  • Section-IV: a separate higher standard or cut-off, as decided by the Commission, is fixed for posts where either Computer Proficiency or DEST is prescribed [1] para 16.6, p. 42

Syllabus, as the Staff Selection Commission prints it

The notice calls both syllabi indicative. Tier-I English Comprehension is one sentence with no topic list, and General Awareness is written as sentences, so its units are the phrases printed there. History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene and General Policy and Scientific Research are printed as areas of questions relating to India and its neighbouring countries.

Tier-I

General Intelligence and Reasoning

  1. Semantic Analogy
  2. Symbolic/Number Analogy
  3. Figural Analogy
  4. Semantic Classification
  5. Symbolic/Number Classification
  6. Figural Classification
  7. Semantic Series
  8. Number Series
  9. Figural Series
  10. Problem Solving
  11. Word Building
  12. Coding & de-coding
  13. Numerical Operations
  14. Symbolic Operations
  15. Trends
  16. Space Orientation
  17. Space Visualization
  18. Venn Diagrams
  19. Drawing inferences
  20. Punched hole/ pattern-folding & un-folding
  21. Figural Pattern-folding and completion
  22. Indexing
  23. Address matching
  24. Date & city matching
  25. Classification of centre codes/roll numbers
  26. Small & Capital letters/numbers coding, decoding and classification
  27. Embedded Figures
  28. Critical thinking
  29. Emotional Intelligence
  30. Social Intelligence

General Awareness

  1. General awareness of the environment around him and its application to society
  2. Current events
  3. Every day observations and experience in their scientific aspect
  4. History
  5. Culture
  6. Geography
  7. Economic Scene
  8. General Policy & Scientific Research

Quantitative Aptitude

  1. Computation of whole numbers, decimals, fractions and relationships between numbers
  2. Percentage
  3. Ratio & Proportion
  4. Square roots
  5. Averages
  6. Interest
  7. Profit and Loss
  8. Discount
  9. Partnership Business
  10. Mixture and Alligation
  11. Time and distance
  12. Time & Work
  13. Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra & Elementary surds
  14. Graphs of Linear Equations
  15. Triangle and its various kinds of centres
  16. Congruence and similarity of triangles
  17. Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles
  18. Triangle
  19. Quadrilaterals
  20. Regular Polygons
  21. Circle
  22. Right Prism
  23. Right Circular Cone
  24. Right Circular Cylinder
  25. Sphere
  26. Hemispheres
  27. Rectangular Parallelepiped
  28. Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base
  29. Trigonometric ratio
  30. Degree and Radian Measures
  31. Standard Identities
  32. Complementary angles
  33. Heights and Distances
  34. Histogram
  35. Frequency polygon
  36. Bar diagram & Pie chart

English Comprehension

The document prints no unit list for English Comprehension: para 13.10.4, p. 31 [1]

Tier-II Paper-I

Section-I Part A: Mathematical Abilities

  1. Number Systems
  2. Fundamental arithmetical operations
  3. Algebra
  4. Geometry
  5. Mensuration
  6. Trigonometry
  7. Statistics and probability

Section-I Part B: Reasoning and General Intelligence

  1. Semantic Analogy
  2. Symbolic operations
  3. Symbolic/ Number Analogy
  4. Trends
  5. Figural Analogy
  6. Space Orientation
  7. Semantic Classification
  8. Venn Diagrams
  9. Symbolic/ Number Classification
  10. Drawing inferences
  11. Figural Classification
  12. Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
  13. Semantic Series
  14. Figural Pattern-folding and completion
  15. Number Series
  16. Embedded figures
  17. Figural Series
  18. Critical Thinking
  19. Problem Solving
  20. Emotional Intelligence
  21. Word Building
  22. Social Intelligence
  23. Coding and de-coding
  24. Numerical operations

Section-II Part A: English Language and Comprehension

  1. Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their correct usage
  2. Spot the Error
  3. Fill in the Blanks
  4. Synonyms/ Homonyms
  5. Antonyms
  6. Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words
  7. Idioms & Phrases
  8. One word substitution
  9. Improvement of Sentences
  10. Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
  11. Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
  12. Shuffling of Sentence parts
  13. Shuffling of Sentences in a passage
  14. Cloze Passage
  15. Comprehension Passage

Section-II Part B: General Awareness

  1. General awareness of the environment around them and its application to society
  2. Current events
  3. Everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect
  4. History
  5. Culture
  6. Geography
  7. Economic Scene
  8. General policy and scientific research

Section-III: Computer Knowledge/Proficiency

  1. Computer Basics
  2. Software
  3. Working with Internet and e-mails
  4. Basics of networking and cyber security

Tier-II Paper-II

Statistics

  1. Collection, Classification and Presentation of Statistical Data
  2. Measures of Central Tendency
  3. Measures of Dispersion
  4. Moments, Skewness and Kurtosis
  5. Correlation and Regression
  6. Probability Theory
  7. Random Variable and Probability Distributions
  8. Sampling Theory
  9. Statistical Inference
  10. Analysis of Variance
  11. Time Series Analysis
  12. Index Numbers

Tier-II Paper-III

Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks)

  1. Financial Accounting
  2. Basic concepts of accounting

Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks)

  1. Comptroller & Auditor General of India
  2. Finance Commission
  3. Basic Concept of Economics and introduction to Micro Economics
  4. Theory of Demand and Supply
  5. Theory of Production and cost
  6. Forms of Market and price determination in different markets
  7. Nature of the Indian Economy Role of different sectors
  8. National Income of India
  9. Population
  10. Poverty and unemployment
  11. Infrastructure
  12. Economic Reforms in India
  13. Monetary/ Fiscal policy
  14. Budget and Fiscal deficits and Balance of payments
  15. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003
  16. Role of Information Technology in Governance

A free tracker for these 162 units

Download the SSC CGL tracker as a CSV file. It has one row for each unit above, in the same columns as the printable syllabus tracker: minutes studied and the date you finish the first pass sit in separate columns, so a long session cannot pass for a finished unit. Add a row with Round 2 when you go through a stage again. It is free and needs no sign-up.

How AspirantGoal handles SSC CGL

AspirantGoal ships a syllabus template for SSC CGL, checked against app version 1.0.0 on 22 October 2026. It is an editable study aid built from published exam information, so compare it with the units above and edit what differs. You can also set the exam up as a goal of your own, which plans, times and tracks the same way.

Questions

How many tiers does SSC CGL 2026 have?

Two tiers, Tier-I and Tier-II, both computer based. Candidates are shortlisted on Tier-I marks to appear in Tier-II. The merit list is prepared on the overall performance in Tier-II only. [1] paras 13.1, 16.3 and 16.10, pp. 24, 41 and 42

How long is Tier-I, and are there sectional time limits?

Tier-I has four subjects of 25 questions and 50 marks each. The time allowed is 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject. [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 25

Is there negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?

Yes. Tier-I: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Tier-II Paper-I, Sections I to III: 1 mark for each wrong answer. Paper-II and Paper-III: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. [1] paras 13.8.2 and 13.9.8, pp. 25 and 29

Which Tier-II papers apply to which posts?

Paper-I is compulsory for all posts. Paper-II, Statistics, is for candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II. Paper-III, General Studies (Finance and Economics), is for candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer. [1] paras 13.9.2 and 13.9.3, p. 27

Which Tier-II tests are only qualifying?

Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test, and Section-IV, the Data Entry Speed Test, of Paper-I are qualifying in nature. Merit is based on Section-I and Section-II of Paper-I, plus Paper-II or Paper-III for the posts that need them. [1] paras 13.9.9, 13.9.10.3, 16.6 and 16.11 to 16.14, pp. 29, 42 and 43

What is the Data Entry Speed Test in CGL 2026?

It is Section-IV of Tier-II Paper-I, held in Session-II for 15 minutes on a passage of about 2000 key depressions. It is mandatory for all posts but qualifying in nature, with higher standards for some posts. PwBD-OH candidates with a certificate can be exempted, except for some posts. [1] paras 13.9.10.1 to 13.9.10.4, p. 29; para 13.9.10.6, p. 30

Which CGL posts have higher computer or DEST standards?

Where Computer Proficiency is prescribed, both the Computer Knowledge Test and DEST have higher qualifying standards, for example Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA and AFHQ, Inspector (Preventive Officer) and Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant. DEST alone has higher standards for Tax Assistant in CBIC and CBDT and UDC/SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics. [1] paras 13.9.9 b and 13.9.10.4, p. 29; para 16.12, p. 43

Who conducts Document Verification, and when?

The User Departments or Organizations conduct Document Verification after the final result is declared. Candidates bring photocopies and originals of the documents indicated in para 14.7, which lists Photo-ID proofs, as and when asked, and submit copies of the documents listed at para 15.11. [1] paras 15.1 and 15.4, pp. 38 and 39; para 15.11, pp. 40 to 41; para 14.7, p. 37

What does Tier-I English Comprehension cover?

The notice says it tests the candidate’s ability to understand correct English, basic comprehension and writing ability, etc. No topic list is printed for Tier-I English. Tier-II lists topics such as Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks and Cloze Passage. [1] paras 13.10.4 and 13.11.3.1, pp. 31 and 32

What this page leaves out

Dates, fees, age limits, attempts, eligibility and cut-offs change every cycle, so this page does not repeat them. Read them in the current notice.

Notes on the documents:

  • SSC’s static scheme page for CGL (CGL.pdf) carries no cycle or date and differs from the 2026 notice: it has no Paper-III and shows the Data Entry Speed Test as part of Section-III. This page follows the 2026 notice.
  • The notice prints 25 questions and 50 maximum marks for each Tier-I subject and no Tier-I total. Marks per question are not stated in words. The Tier-II table prints sums such as 603 = 180 and 1002 = 200.
  • The Data Entry Speed Test has a dash under maximum marks in the scheme table. The notice calls it qualifying in nature and gives its error limits in para 16.2.
  • The 2026 notice has no separate Computer Proficiency Test stage. Computer Proficiency appears only as a post requirement that brings higher qualifying standards for the Computer Knowledge Test and the Data Entry Speed Test, and the notice gives no figures for them.
  • Para 16.11.2 refers to Section-III (both modules) of Paper-I, while the 2026 scheme has Section-III as the Computer Knowledge Test and the Data Entry Speed Test as Section-IV. The notice does not say what both modules refers to.

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