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The SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus is the foundation of any serious preparation plan. The Staff Selection Commission defines the syllabus through the official notification, and candidates must cover every topic listed to maximise their score in the qualifying round. This page provides the complete, official topic-wise syllabus for all four sections of the Tier 1 examination, along with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and topic-wise weightage based on previous year question papers.
For tracking your preparation, use the SSC CGL Syllabus Tracker on Aspirant Mitraa. To test your topic-wise knowledge, access the SSC CGL Tier 1 Test Series, which includes dedicated topic-wise and subject-wise practice tests along with full mock exams.
Before studying the syllabus, understanding the exam structure helps in prioritising topics correctly.
| Section Number of Questions Maximum Marks Time | |||
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | -- |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | -- |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | -- |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 50 | -- |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
Key features of the Tier 1 exam pattern:
It is important to understand that Tier 1 acts as a screening round. Candidates who score at or above the category-wise cutoff advance to Tier 2. The final selection is made solely on the basis of Tier 2 performance. However, the Tier 1 cutoff has historically been competitive, especially for posts like JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade II. Candidates should target a score well above the cutoff, not just the minimum qualifying marks.
For cutoff trends across years and categories, visit the SSC CGL Cutoff page.
This section tests logical thinking, pattern recognition, and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning ability. It is considered one of the more scoring sections because many question types follow predictable patterns.
| Topic Type | |
| Analogies | Semantic, Symbolic, Number-based |
| Similarities and Differences | Verbal and Figure |
| Space Visualisation | Non-verbal |
| Spatial Orientation | Non-verbal |
| Problem Solving | Verbal |
| Judgement | Verbal |
| Decision Making | Verbal |
| Visual Memory | Non-verbal |
| Discrimination and Observation | Mixed |
| Relationship Concepts | Verbal |
| Arithmetical Reasoning | Numeric |
| Verbal and Figure Classification | Verbal and Non-verbal |
| Arithmetic Number Series | Numeric |
| Non-verbal Series | Non-verbal |
| Coding and Decoding | Verbal |
| Statement and Conclusion | Verbal |
| Syllogistic Reasoning | Verbal |
| Semantic Series | Verbal |
| Number Series | Numeric |
| Figural Series | Non-verbal |
| Figural Classification | Non-verbal |
| Figural Analogy | Non-verbal |
| Paper Folding and Cutting | Non-verbal |
| Embedded Figures | Non-verbal |
| Mirror Images | Non-verbal |
| Water Images | Non-verbal |
| Blood Relations | Verbal |
| Direction and Distance | Verbal |
| Seating Arrangement | Verbal |
| Critical Thinking | Verbal |
Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Series (both numeric and figural), Blood Relations, and Direction Sense appear most frequently. Non-verbal topics such as Mirror Images, Paper Folding, and Embedded Figures collectively account for 4 to 6 questions in most shifts.
General Awareness is the section where current affairs preparation makes the most difference. This section covers a broad range of subjects. Candidates cannot predict specific questions in advance, which makes this section both an opportunity and a challenge.
| Sub-area Topics Covered | |
| History | Ancient Indian history, Medieval history, Modern Indian history, Freedom struggle, Post-independence events |
| Geography | Indian physical geography, World geography, Rivers, Climate, Soils, Natural vegetation, Agriculture |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, Fundamental rights, Directive principles, Parliament, Judiciary, Local governance |
| Economics | National income, Budget concepts, Five-year plans, Banking system, Inflation, GDP, Monetary policy |
| Physics | Laws of motion, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Basic nuclear physics |
| Chemistry | Periodic table, Chemical reactions, Acids, Bases and Salts, Important compounds, Environmental chemistry |
| Biology | Cell biology, Human body systems, Diseases, Plant biology, Genetics basics |
| Computer Science | Basic computer concepts, Hardware, Software, Internet basics, Operating systems |
| Current Affairs | Last 6-8 months of national and international events |
| Static GK | Important days, Awards and honours, Sports achievements, Books and authors, Capitals and currencies |
| Science and Technology | Space missions (ISRO), Defence technology, National schemes |
General Awareness has no shortcut. Candidates must build static knowledge through standard reference books and supplement it with consistent current affairs revision. Focus particularly on events from the six to eight months preceding the exam date. Subjects like Indian Polity, History, and Economics tend to yield more predictable questions than current affairs.
Quantitative Aptitude tests numerical ability, speed of calculation, and problem-solving. This section has a well-defined syllabus and consistent topic distribution across years.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Number System | Integers, Fractions, Decimals, LCM, HCF, Divisibility rules |
| Percentage | Base concept, Change, Comparison |
| Ratio and Proportion | Simple ratio, Compound ratio, Proportion |
| Average | Simple average, Weighted average |
| Profit, Loss and Discount | Basic profit/loss, Successive discount, Marked price |
| Simple and Compound Interest | SI, CI, Half-yearly and quarterly compounding |
| Time and Work | Work efficiency, Pipes and cisterns |
| Time, Speed and Distance | Relative speed, Trains, Boats and streams |
| Mixture and Alligation | Simple mixing, Multiple ingredients |
| Algebra | Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Polynomials, Algebraic identities |
| Geometry | Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Angles |
| Mensuration | Area and perimeter of 2D figures, Volume and surface area of 3D figures |
| Trigonometry | Ratios, Identities, Heights and distances |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar graphs, Pie charts, Line graphs |
| Statistics | Mean, Median, Mode |
Data Interpretation, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry together account for approximately 40 to 50 percent of the Quantitative Aptitude questions in most exam shifts. Arithmetic topics like Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, and Speed-Distance-Time collectively contribute another 30 to 35 percent.
The English section tests language proficiency, grammar knowledge, and reading comprehension. It is one of the highest-scoring sections for candidates with strong language fundamentals.
| Topic Description | |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage-based questions on main idea, inference, vocabulary in context |
| Fill in the Blanks | Grammar-based and vocabulary-based blanks |
| Spotting Errors | Identify grammatical errors in sentences |
| Sentence Improvement | Choose the grammatically correct or better phrasing |
| Cloze Test | Fill blanks in a connected passage |
| Synonyms | Meaning-based word matching |
| Antonyms | Opposite meaning identification |
| One-word Substitution | Replace a phrase with a single word |
| Idioms and Phrases | Meaning and usage of common idioms |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Arrange jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph |
| Direct and Indirect Speech | Conversion between direct and reported speech |
| Active and Passive Voice | Transformation of sentences |
| Spelling Correction | Identify correctly or incorrectly spelled words |
| Word Substitution | Select contextually appropriate words |
Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Error Spotting, Synonyms, and Antonyms are almost always present in every exam shift. Each of these typically accounts for 2 to 4 questions.
Not all topics carry equal weight. The table below categorises topics by importance for Tier 1 preparation.
| Priority Level Section Topics | ||
| High | Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit/Loss, SI/CI, Time-Work, Speed-Distance), Algebra, Geometry, DI |
| High | Reasoning | Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Number Series, Blood Relations, Directions |
| High | English | Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms |
| High | General Awareness | Current affairs (6-8 months), Indian Polity, History, Geography |
| Medium | Quantitative Aptitude | Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics |
| Medium | Reasoning | Non-verbal topics, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism |
| Medium | English | Cloze Test, One-word Substitution, Idioms |
| Medium | General Awareness | Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Economics |
| Lower | Quantitative Aptitude | Number System fundamentals |
| Lower | Reasoning | Critical Thinking, Decision Making |
Step 1: Map the syllabus. Download or print the full syllabus. Use the SSC CGL Syllabus Tracker to mark which topics have been covered and which need more time.
Step 2: Start with concept building. Understand fundamentals before practising shortcuts. Rushing into tricks without clear concepts leads to errors under exam conditions.
Step 3: Practise topic-wise. After completing a topic, test your knowledge immediately. The SSC CGL Tier 1 Test Series on Aspirant Mitraa provides dedicated topic-wise tests for each subject, so candidates can test one concept at a time before moving forward.
Step 4: Attempt subject-wise tests. Once all topics in a section are covered, take a full subject-wise test to assess overall readiness.
Step 5: Shift to full mock tests. In the final weeks before the exam, attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions. Analyse every mistake and revise the relevant topic.
Step 6: Cross-reference with PYQs. Compare the official syllabus with questions from previous years. This reveals which topics appear repeatedly and deserve more attention. Access past papers from the SSC CGL PYQ page.
Many candidates ask how the Tier 1 and Tier 2 syllabuses differ. The table below offers a clear comparison.
| Aspect Tier 1 Tier 2 | ||
| Total Marks | 200 | 450 (Paper I) |
| Questions | 100 | 150+ (Paper I) |
| Nature | Qualifying | Merit-based |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Sections | 4 (same subjects) | 5 sections including Computer Knowledge |
| Post-specific Paper | No | Yes (JSO gets Statistics paper) |
| DEST | No | Yes (qualifying) |
Has the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus changed in 2026? No major structural change has been announced. The four-section format and topic list remain the same as the 2025 cycle. Always verify with the official notification once it is released.
Is there a syllabus for General Awareness that I can predict? Static GK topics (history, geography, polity, economics, science) can be studied in advance. Current affairs, however, depend on the exam date and require updates in the months leading up to the test.
How many questions come from each topic? SSC does not specify a fixed number per topic. Based on PYQ analysis, the distribution shifts slightly across exam years. Topic-wise weightage tables on this page are based on historical trends, not official statements.
Where can I download the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus PDF? The official syllabus PDF is released along with the notification at ssc.gov.in. Once released for 2026, a link will be added to this page.
All syllabus information is sourced from official SSC notifications and the Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in. This page is updated when new official documents are published.
Stay updated with the latest news and notifications about SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise Topics, Exam Pattern and Weightage and other exams.
ExamUpdateAspirantMitraa
20 May 2026
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20 May 2026
