SSC CGL Exam Pattern for 2026
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SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination in two Tiers, namely Tier-1 and Tier-2. The SSC CGL Tier-1 test is an objective type, while the SSC CGL Tier-2 exam will be administered in two phases. Paper I (required for all positions), Paper II for applicants seeking Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) positions with the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation. For additional details on the various SSC CGL Exam Tiers, you must read through this guide.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 for Tier 1
The SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam will be conducted online and will consist of four sections with a total of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), amounting to a maximum of 200 marks. Aspirants will have 60 minutes to complete the entire exam. The Tier-1 Exam is qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained will not be considered in the final selection.
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern for the Tier-I Exam includes the following sections:
The table below provides an explanation of the Tier-1 Scheme:
Note: For every wrong question there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks.
SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Pattern (Revised)
The SSC CGL Tier-2 exam will be conducted in 2 phases - Paper 1, and Paper 2.
- Paper-I which is compulsory for all posts
- Paper-II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
According to the SSC CGL Pattern, the Tier 2 exam is conducted in multiple stages. Paper I will be conducted in 2 sessions - Session I and Session II on the same day . The detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern has been provided below along with the revisions made by SSC
Paper-II will be for only those candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Statistical Investigator Grade-II in the office of Registrar General of India (M/o Home Affairs)
Penalty of Wrong Answer: There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II.
SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
The SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) will be conducted by SSC and it is mandatory for all posts. It is included under the Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I and the duration is 15 minutes.
FAQs on SSC CGL Exam Pattern for 2026
| 1. What are the main sections in SSC CGL Tier 1 exam for 2026? |  |
| 2. How much time should I spend on each subject in SSC CGL Tier 1 exam? | |
| 3. What's the difference between SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam pattern in 2026? | |
| 4. How many questions come from each topic in SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude section? | |
| 5. What marks do I need to score in SSC CGL Tier 1 to qualify for the next stage? | |
