The SSC CGL exam pattern 2026 consists of two main stages: Tier-I and Tier-II. Candidates must understand the number of questions, marks, sectional timing, negative marking, qualifying sections, and post-specific papers before planning their preparation.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
| Stage | Purpose | Applicable candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-I | Screening and shortlisting for Tier-II | All eligible applicants called for the examination |
| Tier-II Paper-I | Main examination for final merit and qualification | Compulsory for all posts |
| Tier-II Paper-II | Statistics paper | Candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II |
| Tier-II Paper-III | Finance and Economics paper | Candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer |
SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Pattern
Tier-I is a computer-based objective examination containing four subjects. Each subject has its own sectional timer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
- Each correct answer carries 2 marks.
- Each incorrect answer attracts a penalty of 0.50 marks.
- Questions are bilingual except the English Comprehension section.
- Tier-I marks are used to shortlist candidates for Tier-II.
SSC CGL Tier-II Paper-I Pattern
Paper-I is compulsory for all candidates who qualify for Tier-II. It is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
Session-I
| Section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 60 minutes |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | ||
| Section-II | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes | |
| Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
The total duration of Session-I is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Each section closes automatically after its allotted time.
Session-II
| Section | Test | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-IV | Data Entry Speed Test | One data-entry task of about 2,000 key depressions | 15 minutes |
- Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
- DEST is mandatory for all posts, subject to permitted exemptions.
- Candidates must qualify all sections of Paper-I separately.
- There is a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Paper-I.
Tier-II Paper-II: Statistics
| Questions | 100 |
|---|---|
| Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative marking | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
| Applicable posts | Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II |
Tier-II Paper-III: Finance and Economics
| Questions | 100 |
|---|---|
| Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative marking | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
| Applicable posts | Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer |
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum qualifying percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC and EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
Separate cut-offs may be fixed for different posts, papers, and categories. Merely obtaining the minimum qualifying percentage does not guarantee shortlisting or selection.
How SSC CGL Final Merit Is Prepared
Final merit and allocation are based on performance in Tier-II, post preference, category, vacancy availability, and fulfilment of post-specific eligibility conditions.
- For most posts, merit is based on Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II Paper-I, subject to qualifying the Computer Knowledge Test and DEST.
- For JSO and Statistical Investigator posts, Paper-II marks are also included.
- For Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts, Paper-III marks are also included.
- Tier-I is primarily used for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II.
Preparation Tips According to the Pattern
- Practise all four Tier-I subjects because each section has a fixed 15-minute timer.
- Focus on accuracy because negative marking can reduce the final score.
- Prepare Tier-II from the beginning instead of waiting for the Tier-I result.
- Practise mathematics and reasoning in combined 60-minute sessions.
- Practise English for 40 minutes and General Awareness for 20 minutes.
- Practise computer questions and timed data entry regularly.
Also read the complete SSC CGL syllabus 2026 and begin topic-wise practice from the SSC CGL preparation page .
Official Source
The official SSC notification is the controlling document for the examination scheme, eligibility, post-specific papers, qualifying standards, exemptions, and later changes.