SSC CGL Syllabus 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination remains the most popular gateway for graduates to enter the Indian bureaucracy. With the 2026 notification around the corner, candidates are searching for the most updated syllabus, especially the changes in Tier 2 and the impact of normalization on final cut-offs.
In this guide, we provide an in-depth breakdown of the SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus, chapter-wise weightage for both tiers, post-specific physical requirements, and the latest salary structure under the 7th Pay Commission (updated for 2026).
SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 |
| Grade Pay | ₹2400 to ₹4800 |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (Qualifying) & Tier 2 (Merit) |
| Negative Marking | 0.50 (Tier 1) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL Eligibility & Age Limit (As of Aug 2026)
1. Educational Qualification
- Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer: Bachelor’s degree. (Desirable: CA/CMA/MBA Finance).
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s degree with 60% in Maths at 12th level OR Statistics as a subject in Graduation.
- All Other Posts: Any Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
2. Age Limit & Relaxations
- Lower Age Limit: 18 Years.
- Upper Age Limit: 27 to 32 Years (varies by post).
- Relaxation: SC/ST (5 Years), OBC (3 Years), PwD (10 Years).
Stage 1: SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus & Chapter-Wise Weightage
Tier 1 is a qualifying exam. You must clear the cut-off to reach Tier 2, but these marks aren’t added to the final merit.
Section A: Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions | 50 Marks)
| Topic | Weightage | Priority |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 5–7 Questions | Very High |
| Algebra & Trigonometry | 4–6 Questions | High |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | 3–5 Questions | High |
| Profit, Loss & Discount | 2–3 Questions | Moderate |
| Arithmetic (Time, Speed, Percentage) | 5–7 Questions | High |
Section B: English Comprehension (25 Questions | 50 Marks)
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, One-word substitution (8-10 Qs).
- Grammar: Error spotting, Sentence improvement, Active/Passive (7-9 Qs).
- Reading: Cloze Test or Reading Comprehension (5 Qs).
Section C: Reasoning & General Intelligence (25 Questions | 50 Marks)
- Focus Areas: Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Matrix, Analogy, and Paper Folding/Mirror Images.
Section D: General Awareness (25 Questions | 50 Marks)
- Current Affairs: Focus on the last 9 months of news (5-7 Qs).
- Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, and Economics (10-12 Qs).
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (4-6 Qs).
Stage 2: SSC CGL Tier 2 Detailed Exam Pattern
The merit list is prepared solely on Tier 2 scores. Tier 2 is conducted in a single day for most candidates.
Paper 1 (Compulsory for All Posts)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Section I | Maths + Reasoning | 30 + 30 | 180 | 1 Hour |
| Section II | English + Gen. Awareness | 45 + 25 | 210 | 1 Hour |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 Mins |
| Module II | Data Entry (DEST) | 2000 Key Dep. | Qualifying | 15 Mins |
Pro Tip: In Tier 2, Advanced Maths (Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry) accounts for nearly 50% of the Mathematics module. Don’t ignore Statistics and Probability, as they carry 2-4 questions now.
Physical Standards for Specific Posts (Must Read)
Before selecting post preferences, ensure you meet the physical criteria for these roles:
1. Inspector (Central Excise, Preventive Officer, Examiner)
- Male: Height 157.5 cm | Chest 81 cm (expanded) | Walking 1600m in 15 mins.
- Female: Height 152 cm | Weight 48 kg | Walking 1km in 20 mins.
2. Sub-Inspector in CBI / NIA
- Height: Men (165 cm) | Women (150 cm). (Relaxable for Hill people/Tribals).
- Vision: Distant Vision 6/6 in one and 6/9 in the other eye.
Normalization Process & Safe Score Strategy
Since SSC CGL Tier 1 is held in multiple shifts, the marks are normalized using a specific formula that considers the difficulty level of each shift.
- Impact: If your shift is hard, your score might increase by 10-20 marks. If easy, it may stay the same or decrease slightly.
- Safe Target Score 2026:
- UR: 155+ (Normalized)
- OBC/EWS: 148+
- SC/ST: 125+
SSC CGL Salary Structure 2026 (Updated with 58% DA)
As of 2026, with the Dearness Allowance (DA) estimated at 58% and HRA at 27% (X cities), the in-hand salary has significantly increased.
| Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand Salary (X City) | In-Hand Salary (Z City) |
| Level 7 (ASO/IT Inspector) | ₹44,900 | ₹82,000 – ₹85,000 | ₹72,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Level 6 (Div. Accountant) | ₹35,400 | ₹66,000 – ₹69,000 | ₹58,000 – ₹61,000 |
| Level 5 (Auditor) | ₹29,200 | ₹55,000 – ₹58,000 | ₹48,000 – ₹51,000 |
| Level 4 (Tax Assistant) | ₹25,500 | ₹49,000 – ₹52,000 | ₹42,000 – ₹45,000 |
Job Profiles & Career Growth
- Income Tax Inspector (ITI): High social status, decent work-life balance, and field/desk work mix.
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO in CSS): Always posted in Delhi (Ministries). Excellent for those wanting a stable life without transfers.
- Sub-Inspector (CBI): High prestige but rigorous work hours. Requires physical and mental toughness.
- Divisional Accountant (CAG): One of the best work-life balance posts.
Document Checklist for Document Verification (DV)
Candidates should keep these documents ready in original and photocopy:
- Matriculation/Secondary Certificate (Proof of Age).
- Degree/Graduation Certificate from a recognized University.
- Caste/Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) – Must be in the prescribed Central format.
- Identity Proof (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN).
- Discharge Certificate (for Ex-servicemen).
Important Links
| Action | Link |
| Download SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
| Check Official Exam Calendar 2026 | Click Here |
| Apply Online Link | Official Website |