SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Posts, Salary & Preparation Guide
SSC Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) is one of the most prestigious government examinations in India conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in Central Government Ministries, Departments, Organizations, Constitutional Bodies, and Tribunals. For SSC CGL 2026, approximately 12,256 vacancies have been announced.
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Levels | Tier 1 & Tier 2 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Vacancies | Approx. 12,256 |
| Application Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | August–September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 |
Source: SSC CGL 2026 Official Notification.
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is conducted annually to recruit graduates into prestigious government departments such as:
- Income Tax Department
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | August–September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | December 2026 |
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institution.
For certain posts:
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Candidate must have:
- 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12
OR
- Statistics as a subject in Graduation.
Statistical Investigator Grade-II
Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Demography
- Population Studies
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Related fields
SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit
Different posts have different age limits:
| Age Group | Posts |
|---|---|
| 18–27 Years | Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant |
| 18–30 Years | Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer |
| 20–30 Years | Assistant Section Officer, CBI SI |
| 18–32 Years | Junior Statistical Officer |
Age calculated as on 01 August 2026.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The SSC CGL Selection Process consists of:
Tier 1
- Qualifying in nature
- Computer Based Test
Tier 2
- Merit determining stage
- Computer Based Test
Final selection is based primarily on Tier 2 performance and post preferences.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Exam Duration
- 60 Minutes
- 15 Minutes allotted for each section through sectional timing
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section tests logical and analytical ability.
Verbal Reasoning
- Analogies
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Series Completion
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Ranking
- Syllogism
- Statement & Conclusion
- Decision Making
Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Mirror Images
- Embedded Figures
- Figure Classification
- Pattern Completion
- Paper Folding
- Cube and Dice
- Venn Diagrams
Logical Reasoning
- Logical Sequences
- Problem Solving
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
2. General Awareness Syllabus
Questions are designed to test awareness of current events and everyday observations.
History
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Freedom Movement
Geography
- Physical Geography
- Indian Geography
- World Geography
Polity
- Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Parliament
- President
- Judiciary
Economics
- Basic Economics
- Banking
- Budget
- Inflation
- Taxation
Science
Physics
- Motion
- Force
- Energy
- Heat
- Light
Chemistry
- Elements
- Acids & Bases
- Chemical Reactions
Biology
- Human Body
- Nutrition
- Diseases
- Genetics
Current Affairs
- National News
- International News
- Sports
- Awards
- Government Schemes
- Appointments
- Science & Technology
Static GK
- Books & Authors
- Important Days
- Monuments
- Rivers
- National Parks
3. Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Arithmetic
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Ratio and Proportion
- Partnership
- Average
- Time and Work
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Boats and Streams
- Mixture and Alligation
Algebra
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Identities
- Simplification
Geometry
- Lines and Angles
- Triangles
- Circles
- Quadrilaterals
Mensuration
- Area
- Perimeter
- Surface Area
- Volume
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Heights and Distances
- Identities
Data Interpretation
- Pie Charts
- Line Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Tables
4. English Comprehension Syllabus
Grammar
- Parts of Speech
- Tenses
- Voice
- Narration
- Subject-Verb Agreement
Vocabulary
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
Reading Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
Other Topics
- Spelling Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
SSC CGL 2026 Negative Marking
| Tier | Negative Marking |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer |
Candidates should avoid random guessing.
SSC CGL 2026 Salary Structure
Highest Salary Posts
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
- Pay Level 8
- ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100
Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO)
- Pay Level 8
- ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100
Popular SSC CGL Posts
| Post | Pay Level |
|---|---|
| Income Tax Inspector | Level 7 |
| Assistant Section Officer | Level 7 |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Level 7 |
| CBI Sub Inspector | Level 7 |
| Examiner | Level 7 |
| Preventive Officer | Level 7 |
| Auditor | Level 5 |
| Accountant | Level 5 |
| Tax Assistant | Level 4 |
Best Books for SSC CGL Tier 1
Quantitative Aptitude
- R.S. Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude
- Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
English
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Plinth to Paramount
General Awareness
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- NCERT History, Geography, Polity
- Daily Current Affairs
SSC CGL Tier 1 Preparation Strategy
Daily Study Plan
Quantitative Aptitude
- 2 Hours
English
- 1.5 Hours
Reasoning
- 1.5 Hours
General Awareness
- 2 Hours
Mock Tests
- 1 Hour
Total: 8 Hours Daily
SSC CGL Tier 1 Last 60 Days Strategy
First 30 Days
- Complete entire syllabus
- Solve chapter-wise questions
Next 20 Days
- Previous Year Papers
- Full-length mocks
Last 10 Days
- Revision only
- Formula revision
- Current affairs revision
SSC CGL 2026 FAQs
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 qualifying?
Yes. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature and used for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2.
How many questions are asked in Tier 1?
100 questions carrying 200 marks.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the minimum qualification?
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
Approximately 12,256 vacancies.
What is the highest salary post in SSC CGL?
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) with Pay Level-8.
