Ssc Cgl Papers 2026
Last Updated: March 2026
SSC CGL 2026: Complete Exam Guide, Previous Papers & Preparation Strategy
📋 Table of Contents
- Exam Overview
- Eligibility Criteria
- Exam Pattern
- Syllabus
- Quantitative Aptitude Questions
- Reasoning Questions
- General Knowledge Questions
- English Language Questions
- Previous Year Cutoff
- Preparation Strategy
- Recommended Books
- FAQ
Exam Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most prestigious government job exams in India. Conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), this exam recruits candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Posts Offered | Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, Assistant, etc. |
| Selection Stages | Tier-I, Tier-II, Tier-III, Tier-IV |
| Exam Mode | Online (Tier-I & II), Offline (Tier-III), Skill Test (Tier-IV) |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university or equivalent
- Specific posts may require additional qualifications (check official notification)
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (varies by post)
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwD (General): 10 years
- PwD (OBC): 13 years
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee who came before January 1, 1962
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries
Exam Pattern
Tier-I (Preliminary Examination)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| 2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| 4 | English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer
Tier-II (Mains Examination)
Paper-I: Quantitative Abilities
- Questions: 100 | Marks: 200 | Duration: 2 hours
Paper-II: English Language & Comprehension
- Questions: 200 | Marks: 200 | Duration: 2 hours
Paper-III: Statistics (For Statistical Investigator)
- Questions: 100 | Marks: 200 | Duration: 2 hours
Paper-IV: General Studies (Finance & Economics)
- Questions: 100 | Marks: 200 | Duration: 2 hours
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for Paper-II, 0.50 for others
Tier-III (Descriptive Paper)
- Format: Pen and Paper mode
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 1 hour
- Content: Essay, Precis, Letter, Application writing
Tier-IV (Skill Test/Document Verification)
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) for specific posts
Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies, Similarities and Differences
- Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation
- Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment
- Decision Making, Visual Memory
- Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning, Figural Classification
- Arithmetic Number Series, Non-Verbal Series
- Coding and Decoding, Statement Conclusion
- Syllogistic Reasoning
General Awareness
- Current Events (National & International)
- History - India & World
- Geography - India & World
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Scientific Research
- Awards and Honors
- Books and Authors
- Important Days
- Sports
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Systems, Computation of Whole Numbers
- Decimals, Fractions, Relationship between Numbers
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots
- Averages, Interest (Simple & Compound)
- Profit and Loss, Discount
- Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation
- Time & Distance, Time & Work
- Basic Algebraic Identities
- Geometry: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Circle
- Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circle, Prism, Pyramid
- Trigonometry, Heights and Distances
- Data Interpretation
English Comprehension
- Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms, Antonyms, Spellings
- Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement, Active/Passive Voice
- Direct/Indirect Speech
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test, Para Jumbles
Quantitative Aptitude Questions
Question 1
If the ratio of the ages of A and B is 5:7 and the sum of their ages is 72 years, what will be the ratio of their ages after 8 years?
Solution: Let A's age = 5x and B's age = 7x Sum = 5x + 7x = 12x = 72 x = 6 A's age = 30, B's age = 42 After 8 years: A = 38, B = 50 Ratio = 38:50 = 19:25
Shortcut: Add 8 to both parts of ratio conceptually: (5x+8):(7x+8) When x=6: 38:50 = 19:25
Question 2
A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above the cost price and allows a discount of 15%. What is his gain percentage?
Solution: Let CP = ₹100 Marked Price = ₹140 Discount = 15% of 140 = ₹21 Selling Price = 140 - 21 = ₹119 Profit = 119 - 100 = ₹19 Profit % = 19%
Shortcut Formula: If M.P. = (100+x)% of CP and discount = y% Profit % = x - y - (x×y)/100 = 40 - 15 - (40×15)/100 = 25 - 6 = 19%
Question 3
A train 250m long crosses a platform 150m long in 20 seconds. What is the speed of the train in km/hr?
Solution: Total distance = 250 + 150 = 400m Time = 20 seconds Speed = 400/20 = 20 m/s Speed in km/hr = 20 × (18/5) = 72 km/hr
Question 4
The average of 11 numbers is 50. If the average of the first 6 numbers is 45 and the average of the last 6 numbers is 55, find the 6th number.
Solution: Sum of 11 numbers = 11 × 50 = 550 Sum of first 6 = 6 × 45 = 270 Sum of last 6 = 6 × 55 = 330 6th number = (270 + 330) - 550 = 50
Question 5
A can complete a work in 20 days and B can complete the same work in 30 days. If they work together, in how many days will the work be completed?
Solution: A's 1 day work = 1/20 B's 1 day work = 1/30 (A+B)'s 1 day work = 1/20 + 1/30 = 5/60 = 1/12 Time taken = 12 days
Shortcut: LCM method LCM of 20, 30 = 60 (total work) A's efficiency = 3 units/day B's efficiency = 2 units/day Combined = 5 units/day Time = 60/5 = 12 days
Question 6
The compound interest on ₹8000 at 10% per annum for 2 years is:
Solution: Amount = P(1 + r/100)^n = 8000(1.1)² = 8000 × 1.21 = ₹9680 CI = 9680 - 8000 = ₹1680
Shortcut: For 2 years, CI = P × (r²/10000 + 2r/100) = 8000 × (100/10000 + 20/100) = 8000 × 0.21 = ₹1680
Question 7
If x + 1/x = 5, find the value of x² + 1/x².
Solution: Squaring both sides: (x + 1/x)² = 25 x² + 2 + 1/x² = 25 x² + 1/x² = 23
Question 8
A and B invest ₹12000 and ₹18000 respectively in a business. After 6 months, C joins with ₹24000. If the total profit is ₹56000 after 1 year, what is B's share?
Solution: Ratio of investments: A : B : C = (12000 × 12) : (18000 × 12) : (24000 × 6) = 144000 : 216000 : 144000 = 2 : 3 : 2 B's share = (3/7) × 56000 = ₹24000
Question 9
A circular park has a circumference of 176m. A 7m wide road runs around it. Find the area of the road.
Solution: Inner circumference = 2πr = 176 r = 176 × 7/44 = 28m Outer radius R = 28 + 7 = 35m Area of road = π(R² - r²) = (22/7)(1225 - 784) = (22/7) × 441 = 1386 m²
Question 10
From the top of a 60m high tower, the angles of depression of the top and bottom of a building are 30° and 60° respectively. Find the height of the building.
Solution: Let building height = h, distance between them = d tan 60° = 60/d → d = 60/√3 = 20√3 m tan 30° = (60-h)/d → 1/√3 = (60-h)/(20√3) 60 - h = 20 h = 40m
Question 11
If sin θ + cos θ = √2, find sin θ · cos θ.
Solution: Squaring both sides: (sin θ + cos θ)² = 2 sin² θ + cos² θ + 2 sin θ cos θ = 2 1 + 2 sin θ cos θ = 2 sin θ cos θ = 1/2
Question 12
A mixture contains milk and water in the ratio 5:2. If 14 liters of water is added, the ratio becomes 5:4. Find the original quantity of milk.
Solution: Let milk = 5x, water = 2x After adding 14L water: 5x : (2x + 14) = 5 : 4 5x/(2x+14) = 5/4 20x = 10x + 70 x = 7 Milk = 5 × 7 = 35 liters
Question 13
The HCF of two numbers is 12 and their LCM is 360. If one number is 72, find the other number.
Solution: Product of two numbers = HCF × LCM 72 × x = 12 × 360 x = (12 × 360)/72 = 60
Question 14
A sum of money doubles itself in 8 years at simple interest. In how many years will it triple itself?
Solution: If sum doubles in 8 years, SI = P Rate = (SI × 100)/(P × T) = (P × 100)/(P × 8) = 12.5% For sum to triple, SI = 2P Time = (2P × 100)/(P × 12.5) = 16 years
Shortcut: If money doubles in 8 years, it triples in 16 years (2 × 8)
Question 15
The average weight of 15 persons increases by 3 kg when a person weighing 60 kg is replaced by a new person. Find the weight of the new person.
Solution: Increase in total weight = 15 × 3 = 45 kg Weight of new person = 60 + 45 = 105 kg
Reasoning Questions
Question 1
Complete the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
Solution: Pattern: n(n+1) 1×2=2, 2×3=6, 3×4=12, 4×5=20, 5×6=30, 6×7=42
Question 2
Find the odd one out: 11, 13, 17, 21, 23, 29
Solution: All except 21 are prime numbers. 21 is the odd one out (21 = 3 × 7)
Question 3
If FATHER is coded as HCVJGT, how will DAUGHTER be coded?
Solution: F → H (+2) A → C (+2) T → V (+2) H → J (+2) E → G (+2) R → T (+2)
DAUGHTER → FCWIVJGT
Question 4
Pointing to a photograph, Ravi said, "She is the daughter of my grandfather's only son." How is the girl related to Ravi?
Solution: Grandfather's only son = Ravi's father Daughter of Ravi's father = Ravi's sister The girl is Ravi's sister
Question 5
Statements: All roses are flowers. Some flowers are red.
Conclusions: I. Some roses are red. II. Some red things are flowers.
Solution: Conclusion I doesn't follow (roses → flowers → red is not necessary) Conclusion II follows (some flowers are red → some red are flowers) Only II follows
Question 6
In a row of 40 students, Rohan is 15th from the left and Sohan is 20th from the right. How many students are between them?
Solution: Sohan's position from left = 40 - 20 + 1 = 21st Students between them = 21 - 15 - 1 = 5 students
Question 7
Select the correct combination of mathematical signs to replace * and balance the equation: 8 * 4 * 2 * 6 * 3 = 15
Solution: Trying: 8 × 4 ÷ 2 + 6 - 3 = 16 + 6 - 3 = 19 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 × 2 - 6 ÷ 3 = 8 + 8 - 2 = 14 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 - 2 × 6 - 3 = 32 - 12 - 3 = 17 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 ÷ 2 × 6 - 3 = 8 + 12 - 3 = 17 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 ÷ 2 - 6 + 3 = 16 - 6 + 3 = 13 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 - 2 + 6 - 3 = 13 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 - 2 - 6 - 3 = 32 - 11 = 21 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 + 2 + 6 - 3 = 17 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 ÷ 2 - 6 ÷ 3 = 16 - 2 = 14 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 × 2 - 6 + 3 = 8 + 8 - 3 = 13 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 + 2 × 6 - 3 = 8 + 4 + 12 - 3 = 21 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 - 2 - 6 - 3 = 32 - 11 = 21 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 ÷ 2 - 6 × 3 = 8 + 2 - 18 = -8 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 × 2 + 6 - 3 = 8 + 8 + 6 - 3 = 19 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 + 2 + 6 - 3 = 17 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 - 2 + 6 - 3 = 13 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 + 2 - 6 + 3 = 11 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 - 2 - 6 + 3 = 7 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 + 2 + 6 + 3 = 23 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 - 2 - 6 - 3 = 21 ❌ Trying: 8 × 4 ÷ 2 + 6 - 3 = 16 + 6 - 3 = 19 ❌ Trying: 8 + 4 × 2 + 6 - 3 = 8 + 8 + 6 - 3 = 19 ❌ Trying: 8 - 4 + 2 + 6 + 3 = 15 ✅ Answer: -, +, +, +
Question 8
Arrange the following words in dictionary order:
- Ignorance 2. Ignition 3. Iguana 4. Igneous 5. Ignite
Solution: Dictionary order: 4. Igneous, 5. Ignite, 2. Ignition, 1. Ignorance, 3. Iguana Order: 4, 5, 2, 1, 3
Question 9
If '×' means '+', '+' means '÷', '-' means '×', '÷' means '-', then find the value of: 12 × 3 + 4 - 8 ÷ 2
Solution: Converting: 12 + 3 ÷ 4 × 8 - 2 = 12 + 0.75 × 8 - 2 = 12 + 6 - 2 = 16
Question 10
Complete the analogy: 64 : 8 :: 216 : ?
Solution: 64 = 4³, and 8 = 4 × 2 216 = 6³, so ? = 6 × 2 = 12
General Knowledge Questions
Question 1
Who won the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023?
Question 2
What is the rank of India in the Global Innovation Index 2025?
Question 3
Which Indian state launched the world's largest grain-based ethanol plant in 2025?
Question 4
Who is the current Chief Justice of India (as of March 2026)?
Question 5
What is India's GDP growth projection for FY 2025-26 according to RBI?
Question 6
Which country hosted the G20 Summit in 2025?
Question 7
What is the name of India's first solar mission launched by ISRO?
Question 8
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Right to Education?
Question 9
Who wrote the book "The Discovery of India"?
Question 10
What is the full form of UPI?
English Language Questions
Question 1
Find the error in the sentence: "The teacher along with his students were present in the class."
Question 2
Choose the correct synonym of 'ABOLISH': a) Establish b) Cancel c) Create d) Start
Question 3
Choose the correct antonym of 'BENEVOLENT': a) Generous b) Malevolent c) Charitable d) Kind
Question 4
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom: "After the scandal, the politician had to ______ and resign." a) face the music b) break the ice c) hit the sack d) bite the bullet
Question 5
Change the voice: "The letter was written by John." (Change to Active Voice)
Previous Year Cutoff
SSC CGL Tier-I Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks | Total Candidates Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 150.5/200 | ~25 lakh |
| 2024 | 153.2/200 | ~28 lakh |
| 2025 | 151.8/200 | ~26 lakh |
SSC CGL Tier-II Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 320/400 |
| 2024 | 328/400 |
| 2025 | 322/400 |
Note: Cutoffs vary by post preference and category. Prepare to score at least 20-25 marks above the cutoff for a safe selection.
Preparation Strategy
3-Month Preparation Plan
Month 1: Foundation Building
Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Practice 50 questions daily
- Learn shortcuts and tricks
Week 3-4: Reasoning
- Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding
- Direction Sense, Series completion
- Daily 2 sets of reasoning questions
Month 2: Subject Mastery
Week 1-2: English
- Grammar rules (Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective)
- Reading Comprehension practice
- Vocabulary building (20 words daily)
Week 3-4: General Awareness
- Current Affairs (last 12 months)
- Static GK: History, Geography, Polity
- Science and Technology
Month 3: Revision & Mock Tests
Week 1-2: Intensive Practice
- Previous year papers (last 10 years)
- Section-wise tests daily
- Weak area improvement
Week 3-4: Full-Length Mocks
- 1 mock test daily (timed)
- Analysis and error correction
- Speed and accuracy improvement
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 - 7:00 AM | Current Affairs reading |
| 7:00 - 9:00 AM | Quantitative Aptitude |
| 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Break |
| 10:00 - 12:00 PM | Reasoning Practice |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | English Grammar/Vocab |
| 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 - 4:00 PM | General Studies |
| 4:00 - 5:00 PM | Mock Test/Practice |
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM | Revision |
| Evening | Newspaper reading |
Subject-wise Strategy
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Focus on calculation speed
- Learn tables up to 30, squares up to 50, cubes up to 30
- Practice mental math daily
- Master Data Interpretation (high weightage)
Reasoning:
- Solve puzzles daily
- Practice non-verbal reasoning
- Focus on analytical reasoning
English:
- Read English newspaper daily (The Hindu/Indian Express)
- Note down new words with meanings
- Practice error detection
General Awareness:
- Follow monthly current affairs magazines
- Prepare notes for quick revision
- Focus on government schemes
Recommended Books
Quantitative Aptitude
- "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma
- "SSC Mathematics" by Rakesh Yadav
Reasoning
- "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey
- "Lucent Reasoning"
English
- "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
- "Plinth to Paramount" by Neetu Singh
General Awareness
- "Lucent's General Knowledge"
- "Manorama Year Book"
- "NCERT Books (Class 6-10)" - History, Geography, Polity
Online Resources
- Websites: Gradeup, Testbook, AffairsCloud, Adda247
- YouTube Channels: Study IQ, WiFiStudy, Unacademy
- Mobile Apps: Gradeup, Testbook, Adda247, Current Affairs 2025
- Mock Tests: Testbook, Oliveboard, Practice Mock
FAQ
Q1. Can final year students apply for SSC CGL?
A: Yes, final year degree students can apply, but they must produce the degree certificate at the time of document verification.
Q2. Is there any sectional cutoff in SSC CGL Tier-I?
A: No, there is no sectional cutoff. Only overall cutoff matters for qualifying Tier-I.
Q3. How many attempts are allowed for SSC CGL?
A: There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can appear as long as you meet the age criteria.
Q4. What is the salary of an SSC CGL selected candidate?
A: The salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 depending on the post and pay level (Level 4 to Level 8).
Q5. Can I choose my preferred exam center?
A: Yes, you can select your preferred exam center during the application process, but final allocation depends on availability.
Good luck with your preparation! Stay consistent, practice daily, and believe in yourself. You can crack SSC CGL 2026! 💪
This article is for educational purposes. Always refer to the official SSC notification for the most accurate information.