SSC CGL Sub Inspector Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Tier 1 & Tier 2 Exam Pattern, Physical Standard

The SSC CGL Sub Inspector (SI) post is one of the most sought-after positions in India’s central government — offering posting in elite agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Before you can land any of these posts, you need to clear the SSC CGL examination, which has a specific structure, syllabus, and physical selection process.

This guide gives you the complete SSC CGL Sub Inspector syllabus 2026 — every topic from Tier-I and Tier-II, the exact exam pattern with marks and duration, physical standards for each SI post, and a focused preparation strategy — all sourced from the official SSC CGL 2026 notification and official syllabus resource.

SSC CGL Sub Inspector Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

Get the complete SSC CGL SI Syllabus 2026 with detailed Tier 1 and Tier 2 topics, updated exam pattern, marking scheme, physical standards for CBI, NIA and NCB SI posts, selection process, and subject-wise preparation strategy based on the latest SSC notification.

SSC CGL Sub Inspector Recruitment 2026 Details

The same SSC CGL exam — Tier-I and Tier-II — applies to all SI posts. The syllabus is the same regardless of whether you’re targeting CBI, NIA, NCB, or CBN SI. What differs is the pay scale, physical standards, and age limit for each post.

SSC CGL Sub Inspector Posts 2026 – Quick Overview

As per the official SSC CGL 2026 notification (F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, published 21 May 2026), the following SI posts are available:

SSC CGL Sub Inspector Selection Process 2026

The complete selection process for SSC CGL Sub Inspector has the following stages:

1. Tier-I — Computer-Based Preliminary Examination (objective type, 4 subjects, 200 marks)
2. Tier-II — Computer-Based Mains Examination (Paper-I compulsory for SI posts)
3. Document Verification — Conducted by SSC after Tier-II results
4. Physical Standards & Medical Test — Conducted by the respective User Department (CBI/NIA/NCB) after final nomination by SSC
5. Final Merit List — Based on Tier-I + Tier-II combined performance, subject to physical test clearance

Critical: The physical standards test is conducted after SSC’s final selection. If you fail the physical test, your candidature is cancelled and you are NOT considered for any other post. Verify your physical eligibility before giving SI as your post preference.

SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Pattern 2026 (Sub Inspector)

Tier-I is the preliminary exam — qualifying and ranking combined. All SSC CGL candidates (for all posts including SI) appear in the same Tier-I.

• Questions are Objective Type (MCQ)
• Set in both English and Hindi except English Comprehension section
• Negative marking: –0.50 marks per wrong answer
• Sectional timer of 15 minutes per subject — once time is up, the section closes automatically
• PwBD candidates eligible for scribe get 80 minutes total (20 minutes per subject)

SSC CGL SI Tier-I Syllabus 2026 – Topic-Wise Details

Section A: General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section tests logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical ability. It carries 25 questions for 50 marks.

Verbal Reasoning:

• Analogies (Semantic, Symbolic/Number, Figural)
• Similarities and Differences
• Space Visualization and Spatial Orientation
• Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making
• Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation
• Relationship Concepts
• Arithmetical Reasoning
• Figural Classification
• Arithmetic Number Series and Non-Verbal Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Statement Conclusion
• Syllogistic Reasoning
• Venn Diagrams
• Drawing Inferences
• Word Building
• Numerical and Symbolic Operations
• Trends
• Date & City Matching, Index and Address Matching
• Classification of Centre Codes / Roll Numbers
• Small and Capital Letters / Numbers Coding, Decoding and Classification
• Embedded Figures
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Social Intelligence

Non-Verbal Reasoning:

• Figural Analogy
• Semantic Classification
• Symbolic/Number Classification
• Semantic Series
• Number Series
• Figural Series
• Punched Hole / Pattern Folding and Unfolding
• Figural Pattern Folding and Completion

For SI aspirants: Reasoning carries 25 marks and is typically the highest scoring section in Tier-I. Focus on Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, and Venn Diagrams — these are the most frequently asked topics and carry the most weight in competitive performance.

Section B: General Awareness

Tests knowledge of current events, history, geography, science, and India’s socio-economic environment. 25 questions, 50 marks.

Topics covered:

• India and its neighbouring countries — relations, borders, geography
• History of India and the World — ancient, medieval, modern
• Geography — physical geography of India and world, rivers, mountains, climate
• Indian Polity — Constitution, fundamental rights, Parliament, judiciary, elections
• Art and Culture of India — classical arts, folk traditions, UNESCO heritage
• Current Affairs — national and international events from the past 6–12 months
• Science and Technology — space, defence, biotechnology, IT
• Sports and Sportspersons — major tournaments, Indian achievements
• Awards and Honours — Padma awards, Nobel, Bharat Ratna, sports awards
• Books and Writers
• Economic Science — GDP, inflation, banking, budget basics
• Basic Science — Physics, Chemistry, Biology (up to Class 10 level)

For SI aspirants: GA is the most unpredictable section — you cannot predict specific questions, but can manage it with consistent daily reading. Follow a good current affairs source (last 6 months before exam) and revise NCERT-level science, history, and polity thoroughly.

Section C: Quantitative Aptitude

Tests mathematical ability at the graduation-entry level. 25 questions, 50 marks.

Topics covered:

Arithmetic (most important — ~15–18 questions in Tier-I):

• Computation of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots
• Averages
• Interest — Simple and Compound
• Profit and Loss, Discount
• Partnership Business
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work

Algebra:

• Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra
• Elementary surds
• Graphs of Linear Equations

Geometry:

• Triangle and its various kinds of centres
• Congruence and similarity of triangles
• Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords
• Common tangents to two or more circles
• Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons
• Circle

Mensuration:

• Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder
• Sphere, Hemispheres
• Rectangular Parallelepiped
• Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base

Trigonometry:

• Trigonometric ratios
• Degree and Radian Measures
• Standard Identities
• Complementary angles
• Heights and Distances

Statistics & Data Interpretation:

• Histogram
• Frequency Polygon
• Bar Diagram and Pie Chart

For SI aspirants: Quantitative Aptitude is the most time-consuming section in Tier-I. Prioritise Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit/Loss, Time & Work, SI/CI) and Data Interpretation — these give the most questions per unit of preparation time. Practice Geometry and Mensuration formulas daily.

Section D: English Comprehension

Tests vocabulary, grammar, and reading ability. 25 questions, 50 marks. Questions are in English only (not bilingual).

Topics covered:

• Antonyms and Synonyms
• Spelling Test / Detecting Misspelt Words
• Sentence Correction / Error Spotting
• Para Jumbles (Shuffling of Sentence Parts / Sentences in a Passage)
• Cloze Test (Fill in the Blanks)
• Reading Comprehension
• One Word Substitution
• Idioms and Phrases
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Narration

For SI aspirants: English is the quickest section to improve with consistent reading and vocabulary practice. Synonyms/Antonyms, Error Spotting, and Reading Comprehension appear in every exam — master these first. Read English newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) daily.

SSC CGL Tier-II Exam Pattern 2026 (Sub Inspector)

After clearing Tier-I, selected candidates appear for Tier-II. For all SI posts — CBI, NIA, NCB, CBN — only Paper-I of Tier-II is required. Paper-II (Statistics) and Paper-III (Finance & Economics) are not applicable for SI posts.

Tier-II Paper-I Structure

Paper-I is conducted in two sessions on the same day:

Session-I (2 hours 15 minutes total):

Session-II (15 minutes):

Total marks from Sections I + II (what counts for merit): 390 marks Section-III (CKT) and Section-IV (DEST): Qualifying only

• Negative marking: –1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I, II, and III (higher than Tier-I’s –0.5)
• Mandatory to qualify all sections separately — failing any single section (even qualifying ones) means elimination
• Questions in English and Hindi except English Language & Comprehension (English only)
• Section-I and Section-II timers are fixed — the section closes automatically after 1 hour each

Merit List for SI Posts (Tier-II)

Per SSC CGL 2026 notification, the final merit list for Sub Inspector posts is prepared on: Aggregate marks in Section-I + Section-II of Paper-I — subject to qualifying Section-III (CKT) and Section-IV (DEST) at standard cutoffs.

CKT and DEST do not add to your merit rank for SI posts — but you must clear both to remain in contention.

SSC CGL SI Tier-II Syllabus 2026 – Complete Topic-Wise Details

Section-I, Part A: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions — counts toward merit)

Number Systems:

• Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions
• Relationships between numbers

Fundamental Arithmetic Operations:

• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots
• Averages
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss, Discount
• Partnership Business
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work

Algebra:

• Basic algebraic identities
• Elementary surds
• Graphs of Linear Equations

Geometry:

• Triangles (types, centres, congruence, similarity)
• Circle (chords, tangents, angles, common tangents)
• Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons

Mensuration:

• Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder
• Sphere, Hemispheres
• Rectangular Parallelepiped
• Regular Right Pyramid (triangular or square base)

Trigonometry:

• Trigonometric ratios, Standard Identities (sin²θ + cos²θ = 1, etc.)
• Complementary angles
• Heights and Distances

Statistics and Probability:

• Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart
• Measures of central tendency: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation
• Calculation of simple probabilities

Tier-II Math is harder than Tier-I. The same topics appear but with greater depth and complexity. Geometry, Trigonometry, and Mensuration carry higher weightage at this level — allocate more preparation time to these compared to Tier-I preparation.

Section-I, Part B: Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 questions — counts toward merit)

Questions are both verbal and non-verbal type:

• Semantic Analogy
• Symbolic Operations
• Symbolic/Number Analogy
• Trends
• Figural Analogy
• Space Orientation
• Semantic Classification
• Venn Diagrams
• Symbolic/Number Classification
• Drawing Inferences
• Figural Classification
• Punched Hole/Pattern Folding and Unfolding
• Semantic Series
• Figural Pattern Folding and Completion
• Number Series
• Embedded Figures
• Figural Series
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Emotional Intelligence
• Word Building
• Social Intelligence
• Coding and De-coding
• Numerical Operations

Section-II, Part A: English Language & Comprehension (45 questions — counts toward merit)

This is the highest-marks subject in Tier-II (135 marks of the 390-mark merit total). Topics:

• Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, their correct usage
• Grammar: Sentence structure, error spotting
• Spot the Error
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms / Antonyms
• Spellings / Detecting Misspelt Words
• Idioms and Phrases
• One Word Substitution
• Improvement of Sentences
• Active and Passive Voice of Verbs
• Conversion into Direct and Indirect Narration
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts (Para Jumbles)
• Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
• Cloze Passage
• Comprehension Passage — at least three paragraphs, including one based on a book/story and two based on current affairs (report or editorial format)

English carries the most marks in Tier-II merit (135/390 = ~35%). This is where top candidates separate themselves from average performers. Invest heavily in vocabulary, error detection, and reading comprehension practice.

Section-II, Part B: General Awareness (25 questions — counts toward merit)

• General awareness of India’s environment and its societal application
• Current events of national and international importance
• Everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect
• History, Culture, Geography of India and neighbouring countries
• Economic Scene, General Policy
• Scientific Research

Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) — 20 questions, Qualifying

Computer Basics:

• Organisation of a computer
• Central Processing Unit (CPU), Input/Output devices
• Computer memory, memory organisation, backup devices
• PORTs, Windows Explorer
• Keyboard shortcuts

Software:

• Windows Operating System
• Microsoft Office basics: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint

Internet and E-Mail:

• Web Browsing & Searching
• Downloading & Uploading
• Managing an e-mail account
• e-Banking

Networking and Cyber Security:

• Networking devices and protocols
• Network and information security threats: hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.
• Preventive measures

Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) — Qualifying

• A passage of approximately 2,000 key depressions to be completed in 15 minutes
• Tests typing speed and computer data entry accuracy
• Conducted in Session-II immediately after Session-I
• Qualifying only — does not count toward merit rank for SI posts
• Standard qualifying cutoff applies for CBI/NIA/NCB SI (not the elevated cutoff required for CSS/MEA ASO posts)

Physical Standards for SSC CGL Sub Inspector Posts 2026

Clearing the written exam is not enough for Sub Inspector posts. The User Department (CBI/NIA/NCB) conducts a Physical Standards Test (PST) after SSC’s final selection. Here are the exact standards from Annexure-XV of the SSC CGL 2026 notification:

CBI Sub Inspector – Physical Standards

NIA Sub Inspector – Physical Standards

NIA has a stricter height requirement for men (170 cm vs 165 cm for CBI).

NCB Sub Inspector / Junior Intelligence Officer – Physical Standards

Physical Standards Comparison: CBI vs NIA vs NCB SI

If a candidate fails the physical standards test conducted by the User Department after SSC’s final nomination, their candidature is rejected. They cannot be considered for any other post or department. Ensure you genuinely meet physical standards before listing any SI post as your preference.

SSC CGL Sub Inspector Preparation Strategy 2026

A structured approach is the difference between clearing and falling short. Here is a subject-wise strategy based on the official syllabus:

SSC CGL SI 2026 Tier-I Preparation Plan

General Intelligence & Reasoning (Target: 22–24/25)

• Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, and Venn Diagrams together form over 50% of questions
• Practice at least 30–40 questions daily across all types
• Non-verbal reasoning (pattern folding, embedded figures) needs visual practice — use dedicated workbooks
• Time target: under 12 minutes for all 25 questions

Quantitative Aptitude (Target: 18–22/25)

• Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit/Loss, SI/CI, TW, TD) is the backbone — master formulae and shortcuts
• DI (Bar graph, Pie chart) appears regularly — practice interpreting charts quickly
• Geometry and Mensuration formulas need daily revision (formula cards work well)
• Time target: 15–18 minutes for all 25 questions

General Awareness (Target: 17–21/25)

• Cannot be crammed in one sitting — build consistent daily habits
• Read current affairs daily (3–6 months before exam); make monthly notes
• Revise NCERT History (6–10), Geography (6–10), Science (8–10), Polity (9–11) once each
• Static GK: capitals/currencies, rivers, national parks, famous persons, awards

English Comprehension (Target: 20–23/25)

• Read one English editorial daily (The Hindu or Indian Express) — helps with RC and vocabulary
• Learn 10 new words (synonyms/antonyms) daily
• Practice error spotting and sentence improvement — pattern recognition improves fast with practice
• Para jumbles: practice identifying topic sentences and connectors

SSC CGL SI 2026 Tier-II Preparation Plan

Mathematical Abilities — Section-I (Target: 22–26/30) Same topics as Tier-I but harder questions. At Tier-II level:

• Geometry and Trigonometry (Heights & Distances) become more complex — prioritise these
• Statistics and Probability (histogram, mean/median/mode, probability basics) carry dedicated questions
• Advanced mensuration (pyramid, prism) needs formula mastery
• Practice with SSC CGL previous year Tier-II papers (2019–2024)

Reasoning & General Intelligence — Section-I (Target: 24–28/30) Tier-II Reasoning is similar in difficulty to Tier-I but requires higher accuracy since it counts for merit. Non-verbal series and pattern questions become trickier.

English Language & Comprehension — Section-II (Target: 36–42/45) This is where the exam is won or lost for SI posts — 45 questions, 135 merit marks.

• Comprehension passages (3+ paragraphs): practice reading and answering within 12–15 minutes
• At least one passage will be based on current affairs — background GK helps
• Sentence improvement and error spotting: grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, tense, prepositions) must be second nature
• Vocabulary: One Word Substitution and Idioms & Phrases — learn 400–500 common items

General Awareness — Section-II (Target: 18–22/25) Same approach as Tier-I but with greater focus on current affairs up to the exam date.

Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) — Section-III (Qualifying)

• Basic MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Windows, internet basics
• Cybersecurity concepts: types of threats, preventive measures
• Study for 2–3 weeks before the exam — this section is qualifying and not scored for merit

DEST (Qualifying)

• Practice typing: aim for 130–150 key depressions per minute (to achieve 2,000 in 15 minutes)
• Standard DEST cutoff applies for SI posts (not the elevated standard for CSS/MEA ASO)
• Use free online typing tools (TypingTest.com, Typing.com) for daily 15-minute practice sessions

Subject-Wise Marks Allocation Summary for SSC CGL 2026 SI Posts

Total merit-counted marks: Tier-I (200) + Tier-II Sections I+II (390) = 590 marks