SSC CGL 2026 (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) is one of India's most competitive government job exams with lakhs of applicants every year. Understanding the complete syllabus is the first and most important step in your preparation.
SSC CGL now has two tiers: - Tier I: Computer Based Test (CBT) — 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes - Tier II: Computer Based Test — Paper I (compulsory) + Paper II (for specific posts)
Negative marking applies: -0.50 per wrong answer in Tier I, -1 per wrong answer in Tier II.
This section tests logical thinking and problem-solving ability. Important topics:
Analogies — Semantic, Symbolic, Numeric and Figural Analogies Classification — Semantic, Symbolic, Numeric and Figural Classification Series — Semantic, Number, Symbolic and Figural Series Coding and Decoding — Letter/Word/Number Coding Problem Solving — Statement and Conclusion, Syllogism Blood Relations — Direct and coded relations Direction and Distance — Basic to complex path problems Venn Diagrams — Set theory applications Matrix — Row and column completion Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning
High Weightage Topics: Analogies (3-4 questions), Series (3-4 questions), Coding-Decoding (2-3 questions), Blood Relations (2 questions)
This is the most scoring section if prepared well. Topics:
Current Affairs (last 6 months) — 8-10 questions guaranteed History — Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, Freedom Struggle Indian Polity — Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, State Government Geography — Indian and World Geography, Climate, Resources Economics — Basic economic concepts, Government schemes, Budgets Science — Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 9-10 level) Miscellaneous — Sports, Awards, Books & Authors, Important Days
High Weightage Topics: Current Affairs (8-10), History (3-4), Science (3-4), Polity (2-3)
This section requires regular practice. Topics with weightage:
Number System — HCF, LCM, Divisibility (2-3 questions) Percentage & Ratio — Direct and indirect (2-3 questions) Profit, Loss & Discount — Simple and compound (2-3 questions) Simple & Compound Interest — Formulae based (2 questions) Time, Speed & Distance — Trains, Boats & Streams (2-3 questions) Time & Work — Pipes & Cisterns (2 questions) Geometry — Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals (3-4 questions) Mensuration — Area, Volume (2-3 questions) Trigonometry — Heights & Distances (2-3 questions) Algebra — Equations, Polynomials (2-3 questions) Data Interpretation — Tables, Bar charts, Pie charts (3-5 questions)
Strong grammar foundation is essential. Topics:
Reading Comprehension — 5 questions from a passage Cloze Test — Fill in the blanks in a passage Error Spotting — Grammatical errors in sentences Sentence Improvement — Choose better alternative Para Jumbles — Arrange sentences in order Synonyms & Antonyms — Vocabulary based Idioms & Phrases — Meaning and usage One Word Substitution — Replace phrases with single words Spelling Correction — Common misspellings
Paper I consists of three modules:
Module I — Mathematical Abilities (30 questions, 90 marks) Same topics as Tier I Quant but at higher difficulty level
Module II — Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks) Advanced reasoning, analytical ability
Module III — English Language & Comprehension (45 questions, 135 marks) Higher level comprehension, grammar, vocabulary
Month 1-2: Build foundation - Complete NCERT basics for Maths and English - Start current affairs reading daily
Month 3-4: Topic-wise practice - Practice 50 questions per day per section - Focus weak areas identified in mock tests
Month 5-6: Mock tests and revision - Attempt 2 full mock tests per week - Analyse errors after every test - Revise current affairs monthly compilations
Important Books for SSC CGL 2026 - Quantitative Aptitude: RS Aggarwal - Reasoning: RS Aggarwal / MK Pandey - English: Wren & Martin Grammar, Word Power Made Easy - General Knowledge: Lucent's GK, Monthly current affairs magazine
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