What is SSC CGL?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) 2026 is one of India's most competitive central government recruitment examinations. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, it recruits candidates for Group B and Group C posts across various ministries, departments, and organisations under the Government of India. With lakhs of aspirants appearing each year, SSC CGL 2026 demands rigorous preparation and a strong understanding of all four sections.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Age limit: 18–32 years (relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PH as per government norms). Nationality: Indian citizen.
Exam Pattern 2026
| Stage | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Tier I | Online CBT | 4 sections × 25 Q | 200 | 60 min |
| Tier II | Online CBT | 3 papers | 390 | 2h 15m (Paper I) |
Syllabus Overview
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Number Series, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Classification, Matrix, Word Formation.
- General Awareness: Static GK, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number System, Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, Speed-Time-Distance, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation.
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases.
Expected Cut-offs 2026
General: 140–160 (Tier I). OBC: 125–145. SC: 110–130. ST: 100–120. Cut-offs vary by post and state preference.
Preparation Tips
- Start with NCERT books for General Awareness and build up to advanced material.
- Practice at least 50 MCQs daily for Quant and Reasoning.
- Attempt 2 full-length mock tests per week, analyse mistakes thoroughly.
- Dedicate the last 15 minutes of each study session to current affairs revision.
- For English, read editorials and practise grammar rules daily.
Important Books & Resources
- Rakesh Yadav — Arithmetic for SSC CGL
- Kiran Prakashan — SSC CGL Previous Year Papers
- Lucent's — General Knowledge
- Wren & Martin — High School English Grammar
- R S Aggarwal — A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning
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