Last Updated on: 16 Jan 2026, 08:39 AM

A Deep Dive into the SSC CGL Prelims (Tier 1) Exam Syllabus 2026

The ultimate guide to the SSC CGL Prelims Syllabus 2026. Get a detailed, topic-by-topic breakdown for Reasoning, GK, Maths, and English to kickstart your preparation.

SSC CGL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 (Tier 1): (Download PDF)

Your first step to a prestigious government career starts here. Understand the structure, marking scheme, and subject-wise breakdown to build a winning strategy.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is the gateway to some of the most sought-after Group 'B' and 'C' posts in the Indian government. It’s a dream for millions, but a dream that requires a solid plan. And any solid plan begins with a thorough understanding of the battlefield – the exam pattern.

The Tier 1 exam, or the Prelims, is your first hurdle. It’s a high-speed, high-stakes test designed to filter candidates for the next stage. Think of it as a sprint where speed, accuracy, and smart strategy are your best allies. Let's break down exactly what you'll be facing.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern: The Blueprint

The Prelims exam is a single, computer-based test (CBT) that lasts for exactly one hour. Your mission is to tackle 100 questions spread across four distinct subjects. Here’s the structure at a glance:

The Numbers Game: Understanding the Marking Scheme

Every mark counts, and in the CGL Prelims, every mistake costs. Understanding the marking scheme is non-negotiable for a serious aspirant.

• ✔
  Correct Answer: You get a handsome +2 marks for every question you answer correctly.
• ✘
  Incorrect Answer: Be cautious! For every wrong answer, 0.50 marks will be deducted. This is a crucial factor that can make or break your score.
• ➖
  Unattempted Question: If you're unsure, it’s often wise to skip. There is **no penalty** for leaving a question unanswered.

Strategic Tip: The negative marking means that wild guessing is a bad strategy. It's better to attempt 75 questions with high accuracy than 95 questions with many errors. Focus on your strengths!

Dissecting the Syllabus: A Subject-by-Subject Deep Dive

Knowing the subjects isn't enough. You need to know what's *inside* each subject. Here’s a detailed look at the key topics you must master.

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This is the puzzle room of the exam. It's designed to test your logical and analytical prowess. It’s often the highest-scoring section for well-prepared candidates.

• Analogies & Classification: Identifying relationships between pairs of words, numbers, or figures. The key is to find the underlying logic.
• Series (Verbal & Non-Verbal): Whether it's numbers, alphabets, or a sequence of images, your job is to predict what comes next. Look for patterns like addition, subtraction, squares, cubes, or rotations.
• Coding-Decoding: A classic topic where letters are coded into different letters or numbers. Cracking the pattern is like being a detective.
• Blood Relations & Direction Sense: These are real-world logic problems. Drawing a simple family tree or a direction map is the best way to solve them without confusion.
• Syllogism & Venn Diagrams: "All cats are dogs." These questions test your deductive reasoning. Venn diagrams are your best tool to visualize the statements and arrive at a valid conclusion.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: This is a major component. It includes:
  • Paper Folding & Cutting: Visualizing how a piece of paper will look after being folded, punched, and unfolded.
  • Mirror & Water Images: Understanding the reflection of an object or word.
  • Embedded Figures: Finding a simple shape hidden within a more complex one.

2. General Awareness

The most dynamic and unpredictable section. A vast ocean of knowledge, it tests how aware you are of the world around you and your country's heritage.

• Current Affairs: This is the backbone. Focus on major national and international news, government schemes, awards, sports events, and important appointments from the last 6-8 months.
• History: Primarily Indian History. Focus on the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan & Gupta Empires, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and especially the Indian Freedom Struggle (1857-1947).
• Polity: The Indian Constitution is the bible here. Know the important Articles, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Amendments, and the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament.
• Geography: Focus on Indian geography – rivers, mountains, climate, and national parks. A basic understanding of world geography (continents, oceans) is also helpful.
• Economics: Basic concepts like GDP, inflation, and the national budget are crucial. Knowledge of major economic policies and Five-Year Plans is a plus.
• General Science: Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology up to the 10th-grade level. Questions are usually based on everyday phenomena (e.g., why the sky is blue) and basic biological facts.

3. Quantitative Aptitude

This section is a pure test of your speed and accuracy. It's not about knowing complex theorems; it's about applying basic formulas quickly and correctly. Practice is the only mantra here.

• Arithmetic: This forms the bulk of the section.
  • Percentage, Profit & Loss, Discount: The foundation of commercial math. Master these, and you've won half the battle.
  • Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance: Classic word problems that appear in every exam. Learn the shortcut formulas.
  • Ratio & Proportion, Average: Essential concepts that are used across many other topics.
  • Simple & Compound Interest: Formula-based questions that are easy marks if you've practiced well.
• Advanced Maths: Don't be scared by the name. The questions are based on standard formulas.
  • Algebra: Basic identities and linear equations.
  • Geometry: Properties of circles, triangles, and quadrilaterals.
  • Mensuration: Formulas for area and volume of 2D and 3D shapes.
  • Trigonometry: Basic ratios, identities, and height & distance problems.
• Data Interpretation: You'll be given a pie chart, bar graph, or table and asked to answer questions based on it. This tests your ability to read and interpret data quickly.

4. English Comprehension

This section is not just about grammar rules; it's about your overall understanding of the English language. A daily reading habit can be your secret weapon here.

• Vocabulary: The heart of the English section.
  • Synonyms & Antonyms: Knowing the meaning of words is crucial.
  • One-Word Substitution: Replacing a long phrase with a single, precise word.
  • Idioms & Phrases: Understanding the figurative meaning of common expressions.
• Grammar: The rules of the game.
  • Spot the Error & Sentence Improvement: These directly test your knowledge of grammatical rules (tenses, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, etc.).
  • Fill in the Blanks: Tests both vocabulary and grammar.
• Reading Comprehension & Cloze Test: These test your ability to understand context. The Cloze Test is a fill-in-the-blanks passage that requires a good grasp of vocabulary and grammar.
• Sentence Structure: Active/Passive Voice and Direct/Indirect Speech are rule-based topics that guarantee marks if you know the conversion rules.

How to Tackle This Syllabus: A Winning Strategy

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. Here’s a simple, three-step strategy:

1. Analyze & Prioritize: Go through the syllabus and identify your strong and weak areas. Give more time to topics that have a higher weightage or that you find difficult.
2. Build Your Foundation: Spend the initial months clearing your concepts. Don't jump straight to shortcuts. Understand the "why" behind every formula and rule.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Once your concepts are clear, it's all about practice. Solve previous year papers and take as many mock tests as you can. This is where you'll build the speed and accuracy needed to clear the Tier 1 cut-off.

SSC CGL Syllabus PDF Download Now

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Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main subjects in the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus?

The four main subjects are General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

Is the syllabus for Tier 1 and Tier 2 the same?

The core subjects like Quantitative Aptitude and English are similar, but the difficulty level and depth of topics increase significantly in Tier 2. Tier 1 has a broader General Awareness and Reasoning section.

How much time is needed to cover the entire SSC CGL Prelims syllabus?

For a dedicated aspirant, it typically takes 6 to 8 months to thoroughly cover the entire syllabus and practice sufficiently with mock tests

Which subject is the most scoring in Tier 1?

General Intelligence & Reasoning is often considered the most scoring section as the questions are logical and less dependent on memorization, allowing for high accuracy with good practice.

Do I need to study advanced mathematics for Prelims?

Yes, the Quantitative Aptitude section includes topics from advanced mathematics like Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Mensuration, in addition to Arithmetic.

How important is Current Affairs in the General Awareness section?

Current Affairs is extremely important. A significant portion of the General Awareness questions are based on national and international events from the last 6 to 12 months.

Is there non-verbal reasoning in the syllabus?

Yes, non-verbal reasoning is a key part of the General Intelligence & Reasoning section. It includes topics like figure series, paper folding, mirror images, and embedded figures.

What is the level of English tested in Tier 1?

The English Comprehension section tests your language skills up to the 12th standard level, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and reading ability.

Should I focus more on Arithmetic or Advanced Maths?

Both are equally important for the Prelims. The SSC maintains a balanced distribution of questions from both Arithmetic and Advanced Mathematics, so neglecting either one can be risky.

Where can I find the official SSC CGL syllabus?

The official syllabus is released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in the official notification for the CGL examination, which is published on their website, ssc.nic.in.