SSC CGL 2026: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Free Mock Test
The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities in India. Every year lakhs of aspirants appear for it to secure posts in various ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India. If you are planning to crack SSC CGL 2026, this guide covers everything you need — the exam pattern, detailed syllabus, marking scheme, and a free mock test you can attempt right now.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers. Tier 1 is a qualifying and screening stage, while Tier 2 decides your final selection.
Tier 1 has four sections with 25 questions each, for a total of 100 questions and 200 marks. The time allotted is 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning — 25 questions, 50 marks
- General Awareness — 25 questions, 50 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude — 25 questions, 50 marks
- English Comprehension — 25 questions, 50 marks
Tier 2 is more detailed and includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and a Data Entry Speed Test. The negative marking in Tier 2 is 1 mark for MCQ sections.
SSC CGL Syllabus at a Glance
Knowing the syllabus well is half the battle. Here is a quick section-wise breakdown.
General Intelligence & Reasoning covers analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, syllogism, and non-verbal reasoning.
Quantitative Aptitude covers number systems, percentage, ratio and proportion, time and work, time speed and distance, profit and loss, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and data interpretation.
English Comprehension covers reading comprehension, synonyms and antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms and phrases, spotting errors, fill in the blanks and sentence improvement.
General Awareness covers history, geography, polity, economics, general science and current affairs of national and international importance.
How to Prepare Smartly
The candidates who clear SSC CGL are rarely the ones who study the most hours — they are the ones who practise the right way. Three things matter most:
- Solve previous year questions to understand the real difficulty level.
- Attempt full-length mock tests on the actual exam interface so exam day feels familiar.
- Revise General Awareness and vocabulary daily, since these are high-scoring and time-saving.
At Selection Lab, our mock tests are built on the exact same TCS-pattern screen you will face in the real exam — with the question palette, section tabs, timer and negative marking. You can also switch every question between Hindi and English.
Attempt a Free SSC CGL Mock Test
The best way to know where you stand is to take a full mock test under real conditions. Attempt your first one free — no payment required.
Final Words
SSC CGL 2026 is a golden opportunity, but competition is tough. Start early, practise on the real interface, and track your progress with honest analysis. For daily updates, free lessons and doubt-solving, join our community.
All the best for your preparation — your selection is our mission.