SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exams

The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the complete SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 along with its latest notification. The exam consists of two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The Tier 1 exam is compulsory for everyone to qualify. The Tier 2 exam has two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), where Paper 1 is compulsory for all general posts.

Please note that Tier 1 is only for qualifying. Your final selection for the 12,256 vacancies depends entirely on the marks you score in Tier 2. To start your preparation perfectly, let us look at the detailed exam pattern for both stages below.

What’s New this year? The SSC has introduced strict sectional timings in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. You cannot jump between subjects freely anymore.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Exam Pattern clearly explains how the test is built. It shows the number of questions, the marks for each section, and the time limit. Understanding this pattern is the first step to clearing the exam safely. The test is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and uses only Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The Tier 1 exam is an online test with 100 questions. The total marks are 200. Because of the new sectional timing rule, you will get exactly 15 minutes to solve each of the four sections. The total time for the exam is 60 minutes. Remember, Tier 1 marks are not counted in the final merit list. Below, we have provided the detailed SSC CGL Tier 1 exam pattern 2026.

SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 – Detailed Subject-Wise Breakdown and Sectional Timing Rules

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

As per the SSC CGL exam pattern, the Tier 2 exam is the most important stage because it determines the final selection and merit list of candidates. It consists of three papers, out of which Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

Paper 1 (Compulsory for All Posts)

Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions and has a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It includes three sections covering different subjects.

Section I

This section has two modules:

• Module I (Mathematical Abilities): 30 questions for 90 marks
• Module II (Reasoning and General Intelligence): 30 questions for 90 marks

Time allotted: 1 hour

Section II

This section also has two modules:

• Module I (English Language and Comprehension): 45 questions for 135 marks
• Module II (General Awareness): 25 questions for 75 marks

Time allotted: 1 hour

Section III

This section includes two modules:

• Module I (Computer Knowledge Test): 20 questions for 60 marks (15 minutes)
• Module II (Data Entry Speed Test – DEST): One data entry task (15 minutes)

Paper 2 and Paper 3 (Post-Specific Papers)

Paper 2 (Statistics):

This paper is conducted only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. It contains 100 questions for 200 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.

Paper 3 (General Studies – Finance and Economics):

This paper is conducted only for candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer posts. It contains 100 questions for 200 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.

Here is the detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern in a table format:

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 1)

Total Duration (Paper 1): 2 Hours 30 Minutes

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 2)

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 3)

Read about: SSC CGL Salary 2026 – Post-Wise Allowances, Grade Pay, and 10-Year Payout Trajectories

SSC CGL Total Marks and Marking Scheme 2026

If you want to calculate your expected score, you must understand the marking scheme clearly.

• Tier 1: The paper has 100 questions for 200 marks. Every correct answer gives you 2 marks.
• Tier 2 Paper 1: The main scoring sections carry a total of 390 marks. Every correct answer gives you 3 marks.
• Tier 2 Paper 2: This statistics paper has 100 questions for 200 marks. Every correct answer gives you 2 marks.

SSC CGL Negative Marking 2026

Guessing blindly in the exam hall is very dangerous because the SSC strictly cuts marks for wrong answers.

Negative Marking in SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam

In the Tier 1 exam, you get +2 marks for a correct answer. But, if your answer is wrong, the board will deduct 0.50 marks from your total score.

Negative Marking in SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam

In Tier 2 Paper I, the negative marking is very heavy. The board will cut exactly 1 mark for every wrong answer in Section I, Section II, and Section III. For the Paper II (Statistics) exam, the penalty is 0.50 marks per wrong answer.

Read about: SSC CGL Cut Off Trends – Comprehensive Category-Wise Safe Score Blueprints

SSC CGL Subject Wise Weightage 2026

In Tier 1, all four subjects (Maths, English, Reasoning, and GK) have equal weightage. Each subject carries exactly 25 questions and 50 marks.

However, in Tier 2, the weightage changes completely. English Language carries the highest weightage with 45 questions (135 marks). Maths and Reasoning carry 30 questions each (90 marks each). General Awareness has the lowest weightage in the scoring section with 25 questions (75 marks).

SSC CGL Exam Sections and Important Topics 2026

If you want to pass easily, you must focus on the most repeated topics in each section.

• Quantitative Aptitude (Maths): Focus heavily on Percentages, Ratio, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Mensuration, and basic Geometry.
• Reasoning and General Intelligence: Practice Number Series, Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, and Mirror Images.
• English Comprehension: Read daily to solve Comprehension Passages and Cloze Tests. Learn rules for Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech, and Error Spotting.
• General Awareness: Read the last 6 months’ Current Affairs. Revise basic Indian History, Polity, Geography, and Science (up to 10th class).

Know about SSC CGL exam date for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams

SSC CGL Document Verification (DV)

After passing Tier 2, the final step is Document Verification. The user departments will check all your original papers. If you fail to show any paper, your job will be canceled. You must carry:

• 10th and 12th passing certificates (for Date of Birth proof).
• All three years’ graduation mark sheets and your final degree.
• Caste certificate (if you belong to OBC, SC, ST, or EWS).
• PwD certificate (if applicable).
• Two recent colored passport-size photos and a valid ID proof like an Aadhaar Card.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 Important Points

• Sectional timing is now active. You will get 15 minutes for each subject in Tier 1. When the 15 minutes are over, the computer will automatically move you to the next subject.
• The Computer Knowledge Test in Tier 2 is mandatory. Even though it is only for qualifying, if you fail the computer test, you will fail the whole exam.
• The Typing Test (Data Entry Speed Test) happens on the same day as Tier 2. You must type a short English paragraph in 15 minutes.

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FAQs

What are the subjects included in the SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern?

The exam includes four main subjects: Quantitative Aptitude (Maths), English Comprehension, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness.

How many tiers are there in SSC CGL 2026?

The exam is conducted in two simple tiers: Tier 1 (Screening Test) and Tier 2 (Main Merit Test).

Is there negative marking in the SSC CGL exam?

Yes, there is. The board cuts 0.50 marks in Tier 1 and 1 mark in Tier 2 for every wrong answer.

What are the total marks in SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2?

Tier 1 is conducted for 200 marks. Tier 2 Paper I is conducted for a total of 450 marks (including the 60-mark computer test).

Is document verification compulsory in SSC CGL?

Yes, document verification is strictly mandatory. The specific department that hires you will check all your original certificates before giving you the joining letter.

Is SSC CGL Tier 1 qualifying in nature?

Yes, Tier 1 is purely a qualifying exam. Its marks are never added to your final job merit list.

What is the duration of SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams?

You get exactly 1 hour (60 minutes) for Tier 1. For Tier 2 Paper 1, you get 2 hours and 15 minutes for Session I, followed by 15 minutes for the typing test.

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