This page provides the official SSC CGL 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and updated selection procedure as per the latest structure issued by the Staff Selection Commission. The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 will be conducted in two main tiers, both in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
As per the revised 2026 structure:
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Tier 1 is qualifying in nature
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Tier 2 is merit-based and determines final selection
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DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is mandatory and qualifying
Download the official SSC CGL 2026 notification from ssc.gov.in once released (expected March 2026) and verify eligibility, syllabus, and post details carefully.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 (Latest Structure)
The SSC CGL 2026 examination will be conducted in two main tiers only:
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Tier 1 – Qualifying CBT
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Tier 2 – Merit-Based CBT + Skill Test (DEST)
The final selection will be based only on Tier 2 performance, subject to qualifying all mandatory modules.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026 (Qualifying)
Tier 1 is objective in nature and mandatory for all candidates.
| Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
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Time Duration: 60 Minutes (80 minutes for eligible candidates)
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Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer
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Nature: Qualifying only
Marks of Tier 1 will NOT be considered for final merit but minimum cut-off must be cleared.
Focus on clearing Tier 1 comfortably with safe accuracy instead of taking unnecessary risks. 
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026 (Qualifying)
Tier 1 is objective in nature and mandatory for all candidates.
| Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
-
Time Duration: 60 Minutes (80 minutes for eligible candidates)
-
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer
-
Nature: Qualifying only
Marks of Tier 1 will NOT be considered for final merit but minimum cut-off must be cleared.
Focus on clearing Tier 1 comfortably with safe accuracy instead of taking unnecessary risks.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Merit-Based)
Tier 2 is the most important stage and determines final merit and post allocation.
Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions on the same day, divided into multiple sections and modules.
Section I (1 Hour)
Module I – Mathematical Abilities
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30 Questions
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3 Marks per question
Module II – Reasoning & General Intelligence
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30 Questions
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3 Marks per question
Total: 60 Questions
Section II (1 Hour)
Module I – English Language & Comprehension
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45 Questions
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3 Marks per question
Module II – General Awareness
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25 Questions
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3 Marks per question
Total: 70 Questions
Section III
Module I – Computer Knowledge (Qualifying)
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20 Questions
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3 Marks each
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Duration: 15 Minutes
Module II – DEST (Data Entry Speed Test)
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Mandatory & Qualifying
Negative Marking (Tier 2)
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1 mark penalty (1/3rd) per wrong answer in most modules (as per final notification).
Since Tier 2 decides your final rank, prioritize advanced-level preparation for Maths, English, and Reasoning.
SSC CGL 2026 Detailed Syllabus
Below is the updated subject-wise syllabus aligned with the 2026 pattern.
Quantitative Aptitude (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
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Percentages
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Ratio & Proportion
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Interest
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Profit & Loss
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Algebra
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Geometry
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Trigonometry
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Mensuration
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Statistics
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Data Interpretation
Tier 2 questions will test higher-level analytical ability.
Practice DI and advanced algebra regularly for Tier 2 scoring advantage.
English Language
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Grammar
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Vocabulary
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Synonyms/Antonyms
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Sentence Structure
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Idioms & Phrases
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Error Detection
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Reading Comprehension
Tier 2 English carries heavy weightage (45 questions).
Strengthen comprehension and vocabulary daily to maximize Tier 2 score.
General Awareness
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History
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Geography
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Indian Polity
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Indian Constitution
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Science & Technology
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Current Affairs (Last 6–9 Months)
Revise static GK along with recent current affairs consistently.
Reasoning
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Analogies
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Coding-Decoding
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Blood Relations
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Syllogism
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Series Completion
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Venn Diagrams
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Logical Reasoning
Tier 2 reasoning focuses more on conceptual clarity than trick-based solving.
Solve previous year CGL Tier 2 reasoning papers for pattern understanding.
Computer Knowledge (Tier 2 – Qualifying)
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MS Word
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MS Excel
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MS PowerPoint
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Computer Hardware
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Software
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Networking
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Cyber Security
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CPU & Memory
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Internet Basics
Basic computer knowledge can be easily cleared with short-term focused revision.
DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) 2026
DEST is mandatory for all posts and qualifying in nature.
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Candidates must type at a prescribed speed on computer.
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Only qualifying, marks not added to merit.
Practice typing daily to avoid last-stage disqualification.
SSC CGL Selection Procedure 2026
The final selection process will be:
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Tier 1 (Qualifying)
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Tier 2 (Merit-Based)
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DEST (Qualifying)
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Document Verification (DV)
Key Point:
Final merit list will be prepared only on the basis of Tier 2 marks.
Your real competition begins in Tier 2 — prepare accordingly.
Important Highlights for SSC CGL 2026
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Tier 1: Qualifying only
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Tier 2: Decides final selection
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DEST: Mandatory & qualifying
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Notification Expected: March 2026
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Focus: Higher analytical skills in Tier 2
Bookmark ssc.gov.in and check regularly for SSC CGL 2026 notification, admit card, answer key, and result updates.
Click Here for Official Website: Click Here
If any candidates have queries regarding the examination, then drop the same here in the comment box below. Our expert team will assist you as soon as possible.