SSC CGL Shift Timings 2026, Reporting Time, Gate Closing Time, Exam Time Table
SSC CGL Shift Timings 2026 are important for candidates appearing in the Tier 1 examination, as the exam will be conducted in three shifts: Shift 1 (Morning), Shift 2 (Afternoon) and Shift 3 (Evening) from 30 September 2026 to 30 October 2026. The SSC CGL exam timings are 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for Shift 1, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM for Shift 2, and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM for Shift 3. Candidates who are appearing for the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam from 30th September 2026 to 30th October 2026 should also know the SSC CGL exam reporting time and gate closing time for their allotted shift and check the admit card for the exact exam date, shift and examination centre. In this blog, we have provided SSC CGL exam shift timings in detail. Candidates appearing the SSC CGL 2026 exam must read this blog carefully.
SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 will be conducted in three shifts on the scheduled examination days. Candidates can check the SSC CGL shift timings 2026 along with the reporting time, gate closing time and exam duration in the table below.
| Shift | Shift Name | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time | Exam Timing | Duration |
| Shift 1 | Morning | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 60 Minutes |
| Shift 2 | Afternoon | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 60 Minutes |
| Shift 3 | Evening | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM | 60 Minutes |
Candidates appearing in Shift 1 have to report by 8:30 AM, while the gate closes at 9:30 AM and the examination starts at 10:00 AM. For Shift 2, the reporting time is 12:00 PM, the gate closes at 1:00 PM and the exam starts at 1:30 PM. Candidates allotted Shift 3 have to report at 3:30 PM, the gate closes at 4:30 PM and the examination is conducted from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The SSC CGL exam shift time allotted to each candidate is mentioned in the examination documents issued to them. Candidates should not assume that the shift or exam date will be the same for everyone.
The SSC CGL exam timings for Tier 1 are 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for Shift 1, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM for Shift 2 and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM for Shift 3. Each shift has an exam duration of 60 minutes.
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Timing 2026 | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time | Duration |
| Shift 1 | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 60 Minutes |
| Shift 2 | 1:30 PM | 2:30 PM | 60 Minutes |
| Shift 3 | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 60 Minutes |
The three shifts are spread across the morning, afternoon and evening. The total examination duration remains one hour for all candidates appearing in the normal Tier 1 schedule.
Candidates should also understand the difference between the SSC CGL exam timings, reporting time and gate closing time. For example, the Shift 1 exam begins at 10:00 AM, but candidates have to report at 8:30 AM and must enter before the gate closes at 9:30 AM.
Similarly, the Shift 2 exam begins at 1:30 PM, but the reporting time is 12:00 PM and the gate closes at 1:00 PM. Shift 3 begins at 5:00 PM, while the reporting time is 3:30 PM and the gate closes at 4:30 PM.
Candidates should therefore plan their travel according to the reporting time and gate closing time rather than the exam start time alone.
The SSC CGL reporting time 2026 is different for each shift. Candidates appearing in Shift 1 have to report at 8:30 AM, Shift 2 candidates have to report at 12:00 PM, and Shift 3 candidates have to report at 3:30 PM.
| Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Starts At |
| Shift 1 | 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
The SSC CGL exam reporting time is earlier than the actual examination time because candidates need sufficient time to complete the entry process at the examination centre. Identity verification, security checking and other centre-level formalities may take time before candidates are allowed to enter the examination hall.
Candidates should reach the centre by the reporting time mentioned for their shift. Reaching at the exact gate closing time can create unnecessary difficulty, especially if the centre is crowded or the candidate has to complete multiple entry formalities.
For Shift 1, candidates should ideally plan their journey so that they reach before 8:30 AM. Similarly, Shift 2 candidates should plan to reach before 12:00 PM, while Shift 3 candidates should reach before 3:30 PM.
The SSC CGL gate closing time 2026 is 9:30 AM for Shift 1, 1:00 PM for Shift 2 and 4:30 PM for Shift 3. Candidates should enter the examination centre before the respective gate closing time.
| Shift | Gate Closing Time | Exam Time |
| Shift 1 | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 1:00 PM | 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Candidates should not confuse the gate closing time with the examination start time. The gate closes before the paper begins.
For example, a Shift 1 candidate cannot plan to reach the centre at 9:55 AM just because the paper starts at 10:00 AM. The gate closing time is 9:30 AM.
The same rule applies to the other shifts. Shift 2 candidates should enter before 1:00 PM, while Shift 3 candidates should enter before 4:30 PM.
Candidates are advised to reach the centre well before the gate closing time so that they have enough time to complete all required entry formalities.
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 will have a total duration of 60 minutes for each shift. A sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject is applicable in Tier 1. Candidates who are eligible for compensatory time will receive the additional time applicable under SSC rules.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam | SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 |
| Normal Exam Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Number of Shifts | 3 Shifts |
| Shift 1 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sectional Timing | 15 Minutes for Each Subject |
| Compensatory Time | As applicable under SSC guidelines |
The SSC CGL 60-minute duration is divided across the four Tier 1 sections through the sectional timer. Candidates get 15 minutes for General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension.
This means candidates cannot use the entire 60 minutes freely across all four sections. Once the 15-minute time for a section is over, the timer moves forward according to the examination system.
The sectional timing makes it important for candidates to practise mock tests in the same format. Candidates should become comfortable solving each section within 15 minutes instead of preparing only with a general 60-minute timer.
Candidates who are officially eligible for compensatory time will receive additional time as per the applicable SSC rules.
Candidates should carry all the documents required for entry to the examination centre. The SSC CGL admit card 2026 should be checked carefully before leaving for the exam so that no important document is missed.
| Item | Requirement |
| SSC CGL Admit Card | Carry a clear printed copy of the admit card/admission certificate |
| Valid Photo ID | Carry an original valid photo identity proof |
| Photographs | Carry recent passport-size photographs if required in the admit card instructions |
| Date of Birth Proof | Carry supporting proof if the date of birth is not printed on the photo ID |
| Other Required Documents | Carry any additional certificate or document specified by SSC |
| Prohibited Items | Avoid mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic gadgets and other restricted items |
The admit card should be kept safely because it contains important information such as the SSC CGL exam date, shift, reporting time, gate closing time and examination centre.
Candidates should carry an original valid photo identity proof as required by the examination instructions. If photographs or any additional documents are specifically mentioned on the admit card, candidates should carry those documents as well.
It is also advisable to avoid carrying unnecessary electronic devices or personal belongings to the examination centre. Candidates should follow the instructions given on the admit card and at the centre.
The SSC CGL Shift Timings 2026 are scheduled across three shifts, with the exam held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates should carefully check their SSC CGL reporting time 2026, gate closing time and allotted examination centre on the admit card. Each Tier 1 shift has a normal duration of 60 minutes, with a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject. Candidates should also reach the centre before the reporting time and carry all required documents. Regular practice through PracticeMock can help candidates become comfortable with the sectional timing and exam-day time constraints.
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 will be conducted in three shifts. The SSC CGL shift timings 2026 are Shift 1 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Shift 2 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Shift 3 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Each shift has a duration of 60 minutes.
The SSC CGL 1st shift timings are 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Candidates appearing in Shift 1 have to report at 8:30 AM, and the gate closing time is 9:30 AM. Candidates should reach the centre before the reporting time to complete the entry formalities without any last-minute issue.
The SSC CGL Shift 2 timing is 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Candidates have to report at 12:00 PM, while the gate closes at 1:00 PM. Candidates should reach the centre before the reporting time and should not wait until the gate closing time.
The SSC CGL Shift 3 timing is 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates have to report at 3:30 PM, while the gate closes at 4:30 PM. Candidates should reach the centre early enough to complete all entry and security checks before the gate closes.
The SSC CGL reporting time 2026 is 8:30 AM for Shift 1, 12:00 PM for Shift 2 and 3:30 PM for Shift 3. Candidates should follow the reporting time mentioned on their admit card.
The SSC CGL gate closing time 2026 is 9:30 AM for Shift 1, 1:00 PM for Shift 2 and 4:30 PM for Shift 3. Candidates should reach the examination centre before the gate closing time.
The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam duration is 60 minutes for each shift. The total paper has 100 questions carrying 200 marks.
Yes. SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 has a 15-minute sectional timer for each of the four sections. Candidates cannot transfer unused time from one section to another.
The SSC CGL sectional timing is 15 minutes per section in Tier 1. Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension each get 15 minutes.
SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 is scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026. Candidates are assigned a specific examination date and shift.
You can check your SSC CGL shift timing on your admit card. The admit card contains the exam date, shift, reporting time, gate closing time and examination centre details.
Yes. Candidates can be allotted different examination dates and shifts. Candidates should check their own admit card instead of relying on another candidate’s exam schedule.
Carry a printed copy of the SSC CGL admit card and a valid original photo ID. Carry photographs and any other document only when they are required by the examination instructions.
Candidates should reach the SSC CGL examination centre before the gate closing time. Entry after the gate closing time may not be allowed, so candidates should reach the centre well before the final entry time.
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