SSC Selection Post 2026 · Syllabus & exam pattern
SSC Selection Post Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern: Subject-wise Topics
Subjects, number of questions, marks, duration and negative marking for every stage, as printed in the official notice.
SSC Selection Post exam pattern 2026
Stages of selection
- 1Computer Based Examination (one paper per education level: Matriculation, Higher Secondary, Graduation and above)
- 2Upload of documents by shortlisted candidates and scrutiny
- 3Skill test (typing / data entry / computer proficiency) where the post requires it — qualifying
- 4Document verification by the user department
Computer Based Examination (each level)
60 minutes (15-minute sectional timer per part); 80 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A: General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Part B: General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Part C: Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| Part D: English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
Negative marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Questions in Hindi and English. Minimum qualifying marks: UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, others 20%.
Source: Selection Posts Examination, Phase-XIV/2026 — Notice (published 13 April 2026). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Computer Based Examination pattern and negative marking
Each level's exam is an objective, multiple-choice test of four parts, each with 25 questions of 50 marks: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) and English Language (Basic Knowledge). Added up, that is 100 questions and 200 marks (our sum).
The exam lasts 60 minutes, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each part. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 80 minutes, with 20 minutes per part.
0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Questions are set in Hindi and English. You choose your medium in the application form.
If the exam is held in several shifts, marks are normalised, and the normalised scores decide merit and cut-offs.
Syllabus by level
The four parts are the same at every level, but the syllabus and standard change with the level. At Graduation level, Parts A, B and D are set at graduation standard and Part C (Quantitative Aptitude) at Class 10 standard.
Main topics by level (para 15.9)
| Level | Topics |
|---|---|
| Matriculation | General Intelligence: mainly non-verbal reasoning, similarities and differences, space visualisation, series, judgement and decision-making. General Awareness: environment, current affairs, India and its neighbours. Quantitative Aptitude: number systems, decimals and fractions, percentages, ratio, averages, interest, profit and loss, mensuration, time and work, tables and graphs. English: basic grammar, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, usage and writing ability. |
| Higher Secondary (10+2) | General Intelligence: verbal and non-verbal reasoning, analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding and critical thinking. General Awareness: India's history, culture, geography, economy, polity and science. Quantitative Aptitude: arithmetic, school algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and statistical charts. English: spot the error, fill in the blanks, idioms, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, voice and narration, cloze and comprehension. |
| Graduation and above | General Intelligence: verbal and non-verbal reasoning, statement-conclusion, syllogistic reasoning, indexing, and address/date matching. General Awareness: current events, India and its neighbours, polity and scientific research. Quantitative Aptitude: whole numbers, ratios, algebraic identities, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, heights and distances. English: comprehension and writing ability. |
Qualifying marks, shortlisting and tie-breaks
To be considered for the next stage you need at least 30% in the CBE if you are Unreserved, 25% if OBC or EWS, and 20% for other categories. These are minimum marks, not cut-offs; the Commission may set different standards depending on vacancies and candidates.
For each post category, candidates are shortlisted for document scrutiny in a ratio of 1:30 where there are up to 5 vacancies, and 1:15 where there are more than 5 vacancies, subject to a minimum of 150. For PwBD and Ex-Servicemen reserved vacancies, all candidates who clear the minimum are shortlisted.
Reserved-category candidates selected on their own merit can be placed against unreserved posts. Candidates who qualify only on relaxed standards are counted against reserved vacancies.
- Ties are broken in this order: total normalised marks, then marks in Part A, then Part B, then Part C, then date of birth (older first), then alphabetical order of name.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SSC Selection Post exam pattern?
Computer Based Examination (each level): Part A: General Intelligence, Part B: General Awareness, Part C: Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill), Part D: English Language (Basic Knowledge) (60 minutes (15-minute sectional timer per part); 80 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates). Negative marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Questions in Hindi and English. Minimum qualifying marks: UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, others 20%.
What is the SSC Selection Post exam pattern?
One 60-minute CBE per level with four parts of 25 questions and 50 marks each: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language, with a 15-minute timer per part.
Is there negative marking in SSC Selection Post?
Yes. 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What are the minimum qualifying marks in SSC Selection Post?
30% for Unreserved, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for other categories. These are minimums, not the final cut-offs.