
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.
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:
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.
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.
Paper-I: Consists of four standard subjects.
Paper-II: This paper is exclusively focused on English, making the language critically important for this exam.
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.
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.
This is the only major SSC exam where candidates have an option between Hindi and English.
This examination consists of a single paper.
Here is a detailed syllabus for the SSC exams 2026:
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.
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
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.
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
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.