• Updated on 25 Jun, 2026 by Gazal Arora
What's new?
SSC CGL Latest news and articles
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 involves a two-tier selection process, with both Tier 1 and Tier 2 conducted as computer-based tests. Tier 1 serves as a screening stage, while Tier 2 is the main examination used for final selection. The exam tests candidates on subjects such as Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Tier 1 consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks, while Tier 2 includes Paper 1, mandatory for all posts, and Paper 2, applicable only for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 Pattern
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of an online objective-type test covering four subjects, including General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The exam carries 100 multiple-choice questions worth 200 marks and must be completed within 60 minutes. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, meaning marks obtained will not be counted in the final merit. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks to advance to Tier 2. A negative marking of 0.50 marks is also applicable for each incorrect answer.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | A cumulative time of 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| - | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 2 Pattern
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two papers conducted as an online test. Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates, while Paper 2 is applicable only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts. Candidates must qualify in each section to proceed further. Negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer is applicable in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III in Paper 1, while Paper 2 carries a negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
| S.No. | Papers | Time Allotted |
| 1 | Paper I (Compulsory for all posts) | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| 2 | Paper II (For JSO & Statistical Investigator Gr. II) | 2 hours |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 2 Paper 1
Paper 1 is divided into two sessions. Each section contains different modules covering various subjects.
| Sessions | Sections | Modules | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Weightage | Duration |
| Session 1 | Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 23% | 1 hour |
| Module-II | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 23% | |||
| Section II | Module-I | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 35% | 1 hour | |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 19% | |||
| Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | Qualifying | 15 minutes | |
| Session 2 | Section I | Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 2 Paper 2
This paper is only for candidates applying for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts.
| Papers | Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 involves a specific marking scheme for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. For correct answers, candidates score marks, and for wrong ones, marks are deducted from them. Tier 1 is also about multiple choices with 2 marks on every question, where for every wrong answer, 0.50 marks are deducted. Tier 2 has specific criteria for each paper. Paper 1 awards 3 marks per correct answer and deducts 1 mark for each incorrect answer. Paper 2 and Paper 3 give 2 marks per correct answer, with a 0.50 mark penalty for wrong answers. Check out the tables below for the SSC CGL Marking Scheme 2026.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 Marking Scheme
Candidates can estimate their scores using the tentative answer key, as there are usually minimal changes in the final key. The marking scheme for SSC CGL Tier 1 is as follows:
| Question Type | Marks Allotted |
| Correct Answer | 2 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.50 marks |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 2 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme varies for different papers in Tier 2. The details are given below:
| Papers | Marks Awarded per Question | Negative Marking |
| Paper 1 | 3 Marks | 1 Mark |
| Paper 2 | 2 Marks | 0.50 Marks |
| Paper 3 | 2 Marks | 0.50 Marks |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Time Duration
The SSC CGL 2026 examination is divided into two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both papers have different time durations. SSC CGL Tier 1 is a one-stage exam conducted for 60 minutes. SSC CGL Tier 2 is a multi-session exam where the time is allocated differently for each section and module. Those candidates who are eligible for scribes, as per SSC guidelines, get extra time in both tiers. The following table provides a detailed time duration of SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2.
| Exam | Session/Paper | Time Duration | Extra Time for Scribe Candidates |
| Tier 1 | Entire Exam | 60 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Tier 2 | Paper 1 (Session I) | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Section I - Module I (Mathematical Abilities) & Module II (Reasoning & General Intelligence) | 1 hour | ||
| Section II - Module I (English Language & Comprehension) & Module II (General Awareness) | 1 hour | ||
| Section III - Module I (Computer Knowledge Module) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | |
| Paper 1 (Session II - Module II: Data Entry Speed Test) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | |
| Paper 2 (Statistics) | 2 hours | 2 hours 40 minutes |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Syllabus Overview
Candidates must be well aware of the SSC CGL 2026 syllabus along with the exam pattern. Proper knowledge of the SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern will help in the preparation process to score better. The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 consists of four main subjects like General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge, English, and Quantitative Aptitude. Check out the following table for an overview of the SSC CGL syllabus:
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Averages, Interest, Percentage, Mixture and Alligation, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots, Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Time & Work, etc. |
| General Awareness | History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research, Static GK, Current Affairs. |
| English Comprehension | Synonyms & Antonyms and their correct usage, Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Improvement of Sentences, etc. |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Preparation Tips
SSC CGL 2026 requires an accurately planned strategy of study. A candidate must spend the same amount of time on each section so that the results can be beneficial. Constant practice, time management, and proper revision are important ingredients for success. Five vital preparation strategies for the effective preparation of SSC CGL 2026 for the candidates are mentioned below.
- Familiarise Yourselves with the Exam Pattern and Syllabus SSC CGL 2026 Structure and syllabus are what really need to be understood perfectly well. Emphasis on Important points in all of the areas.
- Create a study routine - Have your daily time sheet that involves studying all of those subjects. Be more vigilant while focusing on problems in weaker subjects and get timely revisions also done.
- Attempt Mock Tests and Refer to Previous Year's Papers - Take SSC CGL 2026 mock tests and refer to previous years' papers. It helps in observing the pattern of questions and time management.
- Develop Time Management Skill and Accuracy - Practice solving as many questions within the given time. Avoid answering questions as any wrong answer attracts negative marking.
- Stay Informed on Current Affairs - Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources regularly. Be sure to read about important events, government programs, and topics of general knowledge.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the exam pattern of SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1?
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 includes 100 questions in multiple choice, divided into four sections - General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. It carries a total of 200 marks and takes 60 minutes.
How many papers are there in SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2?
The SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2 exam is divided into two papers: Paper 1 (compulsory for all posts) and Paper 2 (for Junior Statistical Officer - JSO and Statistical Investigator posts).
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, SSC CGL 2026 includes negative marking. For Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In Paper 1, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer, and in Paper 2, 0.50 marks are deducted.
How long is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2 exam?
The SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2 Paper 1 takes 2 hours 15 minutes, and Paper 2 takes 2 hours. Those who are eligible for scribes are given extra time.
Is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam a qualifying one?
Yes, it is a qualifying SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam. The marks scored in the Tier 1 will not be added while making the final selection.