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SSC Exam 2026: CGL, CHSL, CPO & MTS Exam Pattern & Syllabus Comparison

For candidates preparing for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) 2026 examinations, detailed understanding of the recruitment process for its four major exams is crucial for strategic preparation.

Here’s the complete information on the Tiers, Pattern, and Syllabus for the following SSC exams:

• SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL)

• SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL)

• SSC Central Police Organization (CPO)

• SSC Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)

Tentative SSC 2026 Examination Schedule

The following is the tentative SSC 2026 examination schedule, detailing the expected timelines for notification and examination for the upcoming cycle. These dates are subject to change based on official SSC notifications, but they provide a useful roadmap for candidates preparing for the CGL, CHSL, and MTS exams.

Exam NameExpected NotificationTentative Tier 1 / Paper 1 Exam
SSC CPO 2026Dec 2025 – Jan 2026March – April 2026
SSC CGL 2026April – May 2026June – July 2026
SSC CHSL 2026May – June 2026Oct – Nov 2026
SSC MTS 2026June – July 2026Nov – Dec 2026

Ready to see exactly how Global Education Campus approaches each Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exam, maximizes your marks, and keeps you on track with personalized sessions? Click below to understand the details of our guided preparation progr

Examination Overview: Eligibility and Salary Details

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams are examinations conducted by the Government of India to recruit candidates for various Group B and C non-technical posts in government ministries and departments.

ExamMinimum QualificationNo. of Tiers/StagesPay Level (7th CPC)Approx. Gross Monthly Salary Range (Initial)
SSC CGLBachelor’s Degree2 Tiers (Tier 1 & Tier 2 + DEST)Level 4 to Level 8₹40,000 – ₹75,000+
SSC CHSL10+2 Pass2 Tiers (Tier 1 & Tier 2 + Skill Test)Level 2 to Level 5₹30,000 – ₹50,000+
SSC CPOBachelor’s Degree3 Stages (Paper 1, PET/PST, Paper 2)Level 6₹45,000 – ₹65,000+
SSC MTSMatriculation (10th Pass)1 Stage (CBE Session I & II)Level 1₹25,000 – ₹35,000+

Note: The salary structure is based on the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix, and the in-hand salary varies depending on the posting location (X – Metro cities, Y – Big cities, Z – Other cities).

Age Limits and Number of Attempts

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) CGL, CHSL, CGO and MTS exams do not have any fixed attempt limit. Candidates may appear for these exams as many times as they wish, provided they stay within the age limit set for the respective post. Each exam has a defined general age range, and this range is further extended for reserved categories such as OBC, SC/ST, and PwBD, allowing additional years of eligibility.

CategoryAge Relaxation PermissibleDetails
Unreserved (UR) / EWSNoneEligibility is based on the normal age limit for the post (e.g., 27 or 30 years)
OBC (Other Backward Classes)3 YearsProvides an additional three years of eligibility.
SC / ST (Scheduled Caste/Tribe)5 YearsGives the longest age extension, allowing more attempts.
PwBD (Unreserved)10 YearsGives age relaxation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
PwBD (OBC)13 Years (10+3)Maximum age extension for PwBD candidates in the OBC category.
PwBD (SC / ST)15 Years (10+5)Highest possible age relaxation.
Ex-Servicemen (ESM)3 Years after deduction of military serviceVaries based on the duration of service rendered.

Now, let’s look at the complete information for the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL), SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL), and SSC Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) examinations.

This section covers the latest SSC exam pattern 2026, updated syllabus, recent changes, and the full tier-wise structure for each exam.

I. Detailed Syllabus: SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026

The SSC CGL examination now follows a two-tier structure, conducted entirely through objective, Computer-Based Tests (CBT). Tier 1 is compulsory and only qualifying, whereas Tier 2 (Paper-I) is the stage that decides the final merit.

A. SSC CGL Exam Pattern (Current Structure)
TierExam TypeStatusDetails
Tier 1Computer Based Examination (CBT)QualifyingMandatory for all posts. Marks are NOT added to the final merit.
Tier 2Paper-I (CBT)Merit DeciderCompulsory for all posts. Includes main subjects, Computer Module, and DEST.
Tier 2Paper-II (Statistics)Post SpecificOnly for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO).
Tier 2Paper-III (Finance & Economics)Post SpecificOnly for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO).
C. Tier 2 (Paper-I) Exam Pattern (Merit)
SessionSection / ModuleSubjectNo. of QuestionsMarks per QTotal MarksDurationNegative Marks
Session-ISection-IMathematical Abilities303901 Hour-1.00
Reasoning & General Intelligence30390
Session-ISection-IIEnglish Language & Comprehension4531351 Hour-1.00
General Awareness25375
Session-IISection-IIIComputer Knowledge Module2036015 Minutes-1.00
Session-IISection-IIIData Entry Speed Test (DEST)One Data Entry TaskQualifying15 MinutesNONE

Note: Tier 2 Paper-I is conducted in a single day and is mandatory for all candidates. It is divided into three sections, with a separate session for the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).

D. Subject-Wise Syllabus Highlights
SubjectTier 1 (Focus)Tier 2 (Focus)
Quantitative AptitudeBasic Arithmetic, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Data Interpretation (DI).Advanced Concepts: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics & Probability (New addition to Paper-I).
General AwarenessStatic GK, History, Geography, Polity, 6–9 months of Current Affairs.Deeper focus on General Studies, Government Schemes, and detailed General Science.
English LanguageVocabulary, Grammar, Error Spotting, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms/Antonyms.Advanced Comprehension: Para Jumbles, Cloze Tests, Active/Passive, Direct/Indirect Speech.
Computer KnowledgeNot in Tier 1.Compulsory in Tier 2 (Qualifying): Basics of Software (MS Office), Hardware, Networking, and Cyber Security.

Note: The syllabus for both tiers is aligned, but Tier 2 requires a deeper level of understanding, especially in the General Awareness and Mathematical Abilities sections.

II. Detailed Syllabus: SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) 2026

The SSC CHSL exam now has two tiers, both conducted as Computer-Based Tests (CBTs). Tier 1 is qualifying, while Tier 2 (Paper-I) decides the final merit and includes both scoring sections and mandatory skill tests.

A. SSC CHSL Exam Pattern (Current Structure)
TierExam TypeStatusImportant Changes from the Previous Pattern
Tier 1Computer Based Examination (CBT)QualifyingMandatory for all posts. Marks are NOT added to the final merit.
Tier 2Paper-I (CBT)Merit DeciderIncludes all main subjects, Computer Module, and mandatory Skill Test/Typing Test.
Descriptive Paper (old Tier III) has been eliminated.
B. Tier 1 Exam Pattern (Qualifying)
SubjectNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksTime AllowedNegative Marking
General Intelligence and Reasoning255060 Minutes (Total)-0.50 per wrong answer
General Awareness2550
Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Skill)2550
English Language (Basic Knowledge)2550
Total100200

Note: This pattern is the same for both CGL and CHSL exams.

C. Tier 2 (Paper-I) Exam Pattern (Merit)
SessionSection / ModuleSubjectNo. of QuestionsMarks per QTotal MarksDurationNegative Marks
Session-ISection-IMathematical Abilities303901 Hour-1.00
Reasoning & General Intelligence30390
Session-ISection-IIEnglish Language & Comprehension4031201 Hour-1.00
General Awareness20360
Session-IISection-IIIComputer Knowledge Module1534515 Minutes-1.00
Session-IISection-IIISkill Test / Typing TestOne TaskQualifying10–15 MinutesNONE

Note: Tier 2 Paper-I is conducted in a single day and is mandatory for all candidates. It is divided into three sections, with a separate session for the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).

D. Subject-Wise Syllabus Highlights
SubjectTier 1 Focus (Basic)Tier 2 Focus (Intermediate)
Quantitative AptitudeNumber System, Profit & Loss, Simple/Compound Interest, Time & Work (Basic concepts).Algebra (Basic Identities), Trigonometry (Elementary), Geometry, Data Interpretation (Higher degree of difficulty).
English LanguageVocabulary, Grammar, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement.Detailed comprehension, Advanced Grammar usage, Direct/Indirect Speech, and Active/Passive Voice.
General AwarenessStatic GK (Polity, History, Culture), General Science.Current Affairs (9–12 months), focused General Studies, and the Computer Knowledge section in Tier 2.

Note: The CHSL syllabus is similar to CGL but generally covers topics up to the 10+2 (higher secondary) level.

E. Skill Test / Typing Test (Tier 2 Session II)
PostTest RequirementKey Speed / Duration
DEO (Data Entry Operator)Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)Minimum 8,000 Key Depressions per hour.
DEO in C&AGHigh-Speed Data Entry Skill TestApprox. 15,000 Key Depressions per hour.
LDC / JSA / PA / SATyping TestEnglish: 35 Words Per Minute
Hindi: 30 Words Per Minute

Note: This test is mandatory and qualifying. Failure to qualify results in immediate elimination.

III. Detailed Syllabus: SSC Central Police Organization (CPO) 2026

The SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) exam is the recruitment gateway for Sub-Inspectors (SI) in the Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The selection follows a strict, step-by-step structure with three compulsory stages:

• Paper I (CBT)

• PST/PET physical tests

• Paper II (CBT)

A. SSC CPO Exam Stages
StageExam TypeStatusDetails
Stage 1: Paper IComputer Based Examination (CBT)Merit DeciderMarks are added to the final total.
Stage 2: PET/PSTPhysical Standard/Endurance TestQualifyingMandatory; must pass to appear in Paper II.
Stage 3: Paper IIComputer Based Examination (CBT)Merit DeciderMarks are added to the final total.
Stage 4: DMEDetailed Medical ExaminationQualifyingFinal step before document verification.

Note: All stages are mandatory, but only the scores from Paper I and Paper II are counted in the final merit list.

B. Paper I Exam Pattern (CBT)
SubjectNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDurationNegative Marking
General Intelligence & Reasoning50502 Hours (Total)-0.25 per wrong answer
General Knowledge & General Awareness5050
Quantitative Aptitude5050
English Comprehension5050
Total200200

Note: This paper is mandatory, and its marks (200 total) are included in the final merit calculation.

C. Paper II Exam Pattern (CBT)
SubjectNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDurationNegative Marking
English Language & Comprehension ONLY2002002 Hours-0.25 per wrong answer

Note: This paper is mandatory for candidates who qualify the PET/PST, and its marks are included in the final merit calculation (200 marks total).

D. Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Test (Males)RequirementTest (Females)Requirement
100 Metre Race16 seconds100 Metre Race18 seconds
1.6 Km Race6.5 minutes800 Metre Race4 minutes
Long Jump3.65 metres (3 chances)Long Jump2.7 metres (3 chances)
High Jump1.2 metres (3 chances)High Jump0.9 metres (3 chances)
Shot Put (16 lbs)4.5 metres (3 chances)N/AN/A

Note: This stage is mandatory and qualifying only. Candidates must meet the minimum height and chest standards (for males) and clear all running, jumping, and strength tests.

E. Subject-Wise Syllabus Highlights
PaperSubject FocusDetails
Paper IAll 4 General Subjects (Maths, Reasoning, GA, English)The syllabus is similar to SSC CGL Tier 1 and tests speed and accuracy in all subjects.
Paper IIEnglish Language & Comprehension (High Weightage)Error Recognition, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Spellings), Grammar (Tenses, Conjunctions, Articles), Sentence Structure, Idioms & Phrases, and Comprehension Passages.

Note: The SSC CPO syllabus evaluates both general aptitude and English proficiency. Paper I checks foundational skills, while Paper II tests advanced English abilities essential for reporting, documentation, and communication in police services.

IV. Detailed Syllabus: SSC Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) 2026

The SSC MTS exam is now conducted as a single Computer-Based Examination (CBE), held in two mandatory sessions on the same day. There is no separate descriptive paper.

A. SSC MTS Exam Pattern (Current Structure)
SessionSubject FocusStatusDetails
Session-INumerical & Reasoning AbilityMandatory & QualifyingMarks are NOT added to the final merit. NO Negative Marking.
Session-IIGeneral Awareness & EnglishMerit DeciderMarks are the SOLE BASIS for the final merit list. Negative Marking applies.
PET/PSTPhysical Test (For Havaldar post ONLY)QualifyingMandatory for Havaldar candidates after Session-II results.

Note: The Computer-Based Examination (CBE) is conducted in Session-I and Session-II, with the final merit of candidates determined only by their performance in Session-II (General Awareness and English).

B. Session-Wise Exam Pattern (CBE)
SessionSubjectNo. of QuestionsMarks per QTotal MarksDuration
Session-INumerical & Mathematical Ability2036045 Minutes
Reasoning Ability & Problem-Solving20360
Session-IIGeneral Awareness2537545 Minutes
Negative Marking: -1 per wrong answer
English Language & Comprehension25375
Total9027090 Minutes (Total)

Note: Session-I is Qualifying. A minimum score (e.g., 30% for UR) is required for Session-II answers to be evaluated.
Negative Marking applies only to Session-II (1 mark deducted for every incorrect answer).

C. Subject-Wise Syllabus Highlights
SubjectSessionDetails
Numerical & Mathematical AbilitySession IIntegers, LCM & HCF, Decimals, Fractions, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Work (Simple & Compound Interest), Profit & Loss.
Reasoning AbilitySession IAlpha-Numeric Series, Coding & Decoding, Analogy, Direction Following, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Jumbling, Problem Solving.
General AwarenessSession IIHistory, Geography, Art & Culture, Civics (Polity), Economics, General Science, Environmental Studies (up to 10th Standard), Current Affairs.
English LanguageSession IIVocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms,
Idioms & Phrases, Error Spotting, Reading Comprehension.

Note: The syllabus is based on 10th-standard level concepts, with Session-I focusing on aptitude and Session-II focusing on knowledge & language skills.

D. Physical Test (Havaldar Post Only)
TestMale RequirementFemale Requirement
Walking1600 metres in 15 minutes1 km in 20 minutes
Cycling8 km in 30 minutes3 km in 20 minutes

Note: Candidates applying for the Havaldar post must also clear the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) after qualifying the Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

Important Note for 2026 Candidates

This resource outlines the latest SSC exam pattern 2026, updated syllabus, recent changes, and the complete tier-wise structure for each exam. This valuable and informative guide includes the most current official details released by the Staff Selection Commission for each SSC exam (CGL, CHSL, CGO and MTS).

However, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) frequently updates its recruitment rules, normalization formulas, and tier structures to improve the examination process. Our team continuously monitors the official ssc.gov.in portal. Whenever there is any update related to the CGL, CHSL, CGO or MTS 2026 cycles, our team reviews the notification, analyzes it, and updates the changes here promptly.

Now that you know what to study, let’s look at the best strategy to master it.

Guided SSC Exam Preparation with Global Education Campus

Preparing for SSC exams needs a clear and organized plan. You should understand the syllabus and exam pattern, create a timetable, learn the basics of Quant, English, Reasoning, and General Awareness, use the right study materials (NCERTs and standard books), practice previous years’ questions, take mock tests, check your mistakes, improve speed and accuracy, stay updated with current affairs, and follow a routine with regular revision and, most importantly, take balanced study breaks.

Many candidates start their preparation with self-study, but joining an SSC exam coaching program at Global Education Campus gives you the right guidance and structured support. Our coaching includes full syllabus coverage, mock tests, performance tracking, doubt-clearing sessions, and expert-led classes for SSC CGL, CHSL, CGO and MTS exams.

Our SSC exam preparation is structured in three learning levels:

• Degree Level

• Plus Two Level

• 10th Level

Degree Level SSC Course (CGL & CPO)

This program is for students preparing for degree-level SSC exams such as SSC CGL and CPO.

➢ Course Highlights:

Diploma – 8 months ( 650+ hours)

Class Schedule – 4 hours per day, 20 days per month

Available Online and Offline

➢ Learning Modes & Support

• Syllabus Coverage: Full preparation for all subjects and sections based on the latest SSC CGL syllabus.

• Mock Tests: Regular full-length and topic-specific tests to track your progress.

• Support: Personalized one-on-one mentoring, doubt clarification, and performance feedback.

• Mode: Live classes with recorded sessions available on the Skill Plus App.

Plus Two Level SSC Course (CHSL)

This program is for students preparing for Plus Two-level SSC exams (CHSL).

➢ Course Highlights:

Diploma – 8 months (600+ hours)

Class Schedule – 4 hours per day, 20 days per month

Available Online and Offline

➢ Learning Modes & Support

• Syllabus Coverage: Complete coverage of all subjects and topics based on the latest SSC CHSL syllabus.

• Mock Tests: Regular assessments with detailed performance analysis.

• Learning Mode: Live classes with recorded sessions available on the Skill Plus App.

• Doubt Support: One-on-one sessions to clarify doubts and improve understanding.

10th Level SSC Course (MTS)

This program is for students preparing for 10th-level SSC exams (MTS).

➢ Course Highlights:

Diploma – 6 months (550+ hours)

Class Schedule – 4 hours per day, 20 days per month

Available Online and Offline

➢ Learning Modes & Support

• Syllabus Coverage: Complete coverage of all topics and sections relevant to the SSC MTS exam.

• Mock Tests: Practice exams modeled on actual SSC MTS question patterns.

• Learning Mode: Live classes with recorded sessions available on the Skill Plus App.

• Mentoring: Personalized sessions to clear doubts and guide exam strategies.

Your Next Step to SSC Selection

You now have the blueprint for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) 2026 examination cycle, covering the Combined Graduate Level (CGL), Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL), SSC Central Police Organization (CPO) and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) exams. Success in SSC exams requires the right strategy and smart preparation. Our experienced instructors are well-versed in the latest SSC exam patterns and guide candidates in achieving successful government job selection

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