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SSC Exams Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 By Bhragu Sir

SSC syllabus and exam pattern is essential for 2026 aspirants. SSC CGL and CHSL follow two-tier formats with negative marking. SSC MTS and CGL Tier-I are qualifying, while Tier-II decides merit. English is the most important subject in most SSC exams. Reasoning includes Machine Input as a high-priority topic. GK requires 12-14 months of current affairs, and SSC Stenographer exam has no maths section.
authorImageSoumya Tiwari9 Jan, 2026
SSC Exams Syllabus and Exam Pattern

SSC Exams Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 By Bhragu Sir is an essential for all competitive exam aspirants. Candidates preparing for SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, Stenographer, SSC GD, and Selection Post must clearly understand what to study and how the exam is conducted. A proper knowledge of the syllabus helps in planning study time, while awareness of the exam pattern improves question selection and time management. 

SSC Exams Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

For candidates aiming for SSC examinations in 2026, a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam patterns is extremely important. SSC exams follow multi-tier or session-based formats depending on the post. Most exams test four core areas: English Language, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude. Some exams include additional subjects like Computer Knowledge or Skill Tests. Each exam has a different marking scheme, but the basic preparation approach remains almost the same. A general overview of the patterns for major SSC examinations:

1. SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level)

  • Tier-I:

  • Consists of four sections with 25 questions each.

  • Each question is worth 2 marks.

  • There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks.

  • This tier is qualifying in nature.

  • Tier-II:

  • Subjects are nearly identical to Tier-I, with the addition of Computer Knowledge.

  • Contains sections with 30 questions each, with every question worth 3 marks.

  • The final merit is based on four subjects, with English carrying the highest weightage.

  • The Data Entry Skill Test is also qualifying in nature.

  • The total merit is calculated out of 390 marks.

2. SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)

  • The pattern is largely similar to CGL.

  • Tier-I: 25 questions per section.

  • Tier-II: The primary difference from CGL is that the final merit is calculated out of 360 marks. Computer Knowledge questions are fewer compared to CGL.

3. SSC CPO (Central Police Organization)

  • Paper-I: Consists of four standard subjects.

  • Paper-II: This paper is exclusively focused on English, making the language critically important for this exam.

4. SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)

  • The selection process has two sessions.

  • Session-I is qualifying in nature.

  • Session-II determines the final merit and consists of General Awareness and English. Selection is impossible without clearing Session-II, making these two subjects vital.

5. SSC Stenographer

  • This exam does not include Mathematics.

  • The written test includes General Awareness, Reasoning, and English, with English again playing a significant role.

  • This is followed by a Skill Test.

6. SSC GD (General Duty)

  • This is the only major SSC exam where candidates have an option between Hindi and English.

7. Selection Post

  • This examination consists of a single paper.

Detailed Syllabus for SSC Exams 2026

Here is a detailed syllabus for the SSC exams 2026:

1. English Language

Based on recent trends, especially in the Selection Post exam, candidates should prepare for Homonyms in addition to the standard syllabus.

  • Vocabulary:

  • Antonyms & Synonyms

  • Homonyms

  • One Word Substitution

  • Idioms & Phrases

  • Spelling Correction (both direct word-based and sentence-based questions)

  • Fill in the Blanks (based on both grammar and vocabulary)

  • Grammar:

  • Spotting Errors

  • Sentence Improvement

  • Core Topics: Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb, Conjunction, Articles, Preposition, Tense, Question Tag.

  • Verbal Ability:

  • Active & Passive Voice

  • Direct & Indirect Speech (Narration)

  • Reading Comprehension:

  • Para Jumbles (P.Q.R.S)

  • Cloze Test

  • Unseen Passage: It is crucial to prepare for unseen passages right from the beginning, as they have started appearing in Tier-I.

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning

  • Analogies (Semantic, Symbolic, Figural)

  • Classification (Semantic, Symbolic, Number, Figural)

  • Series (Semantic, Number, Figural)

  • Problem Solving & Analysis

  • Coding and Decoding

  • Machine Input: Pay special attention to this topic. It has been a major game-changer in recent exams.

  • Blood Relations

  • Syllogistic Reasoning / Statement & Conclusion

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Spatial Visualization & Orientation

  • Critical Thinking

  • Word Building

  • Address Matching / Date & City Matching

  • Emotional, Social, and Symbolic Intelligence

3. General Knowledge & General Studies (GK/GS)

This section integrates both static GK and current affairs.

  • Current Affairs:

  • It is mandatory to cover 12 to 14 months of current affairs leading up to the exam.

  • Focus Areas: Sports, Important Schemes, Important Days, Portfolios, People in News, International treaties/MOUs signed by India.

  • Static GK & Core Subjects:

  • History: Ancient (Harappan Civilization, Vedic Culture), etc.

  • Geography: India and its neighboring countries, famous seaports, rivers, important places, cities on river banks.

  • Polity & Economy: Budgets, etc.

  • Science: Biology and other fundamental sciences.

4. Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematics)

The syllabus covers both Arithmetic and Advanced Mathematics.

  • Arithmetic:

  • Number System (Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions)

  • Fundamental Arithmetical Operations

  • Percentage

  • Ratio and Proportion

  • Square Roots

  • Averages

  • Interest (Simple & Compound)

  • Profit and Loss

  • Discount

  • Partnership Business

  • Mixture and Alligation

  • Time and Distance

  • Time and Work

  • Advanced Mathematics:

  • Algebra

  • Geometry

  • Mensuration

  • Trigonometry

  • Statistics

5. General Hindi (for SSC GD)

  • Prefixes and Suffixes (उपसर्ग, प्रत्यय)

  • Synonyms and Antonyms (पर्यायवाची, विलोम शब्द)

  • Sandhi and Samas (संधि विच्छेद, सामासिक पदों की रचना, समास विग्रह)

  • Idioms and Phrases (मुहावरे)

  • One-word substitution (वाक्यांश के लिए एक सार्थक शब्द)

  • Nouns, Verbs, Voice (संज्ञा, क्रिया, वाच्य)

  • Vocabulary (अनेकार्थक शब्द)

  • Translation of English sentences/technical terms to Hindi.

PW provides SSC exam content, including SSC Exam Blogs, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching for preparation.

SSC Exams Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is the negative marking for SSC CGL Tier-I?

A1: For SSC CGL Tier-I, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.

Q2: Which subjects determine the final merit in SSC CGL Tier-II, and which one has the highest weightage?

A2: The final merit in SSC CGL Tier-II is based on four subjects, with English carrying the highest weightage.

Q3: What is a significant difference in the SSC CHSL Tier-II pattern compared to CGL?

A3: The primary difference is that the final merit for SSC CHSL Tier-II is calculated out of 360 marks, compared to 390 for CGL.

Q4: Which SSC exam does not include Mathematics in its written test?

A4: The SSC Stenographer exam does not include Mathematics in its written test. It focuses on General Awareness, Reasoning, and English.
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