SSC exam guide
SSC CGL 2026: Exam Dates, Pattern, Eligibility and Marking Scheme
By Chayantra Editorial · Facts checked against the official sources on
Quick answer
SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I is a 60-minute computer-based test of 100 questions for 200 marks across four subjects, each with its own 15-minute timer, and 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. SSC has scheduled Tier-I from 30 September to 30 October 2026 and lists approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies, according to the notice published on 21 May 2026 and the Important Notice dated 12 September 2026.
Key facts
- Conducting body
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Notice published
- 21 May 2026
- Tentative vacancies
- About 12,256 (updates on ssc.gov.in)
- Tier-I exam
- 30 September to 30 October 2026 (computer-based)
- Tier-I pattern
- 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes; 15 minutes per subject
- Tier-I negative marking
- −0.50 per wrong answer
- Application fee
- ₹100; women and SC, ST, PwBD and ESM candidates eligible for reservation are exempt
- Age and qualifications reckoned on
- 1 August 2026
Dates, pattern and eligibility
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online applications | 21 May to 22 June 2026 (23:00) |
| Online fee payment deadline | 23 June 2026 (23:00) |
| Application correction window | 29 June to 1 July 2026 (23:00) |
| Tier-I (computer-based) | 30 September to 30 October 2026 (Important Notice, 12 September 2026) |
| Tier-II (computer-based) | December 2026 (tentative) |
| Subject | Questions / marks | Sectional 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 |
| Section | Questions / marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Section-I: Mathematical Abilities (30) and Reasoning and General Intelligence (30) | 60 / 180 | 1 hour (30 minutes per subject) |
| Section-II: English Language and Comprehension (45) and General Awareness (25) | 70 / 210 | 1 hour (40 + 20 minutes) |
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 20 / 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying) | One data entry task | 15 minutes |
| Post age limit | Born from | Born through |
|---|---|---|
| 18–27 years | 2 August 1999 | 1 August 2008 |
| 20–30 years | 2 August 1996 | 1 August 2006 |
| 18–30 years | 2 August 1996 | 1 August 2008 |
| 18–32 years | 2 August 1994 | 1 August 2008 |
- Tier-I questions are set in English and Hindi, except English Comprehension.
- Tier-II Paper-I deducts 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I–III, and every Paper-I section must be qualified separately.
- Paper-II (Statistics, 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours) is only for candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II. Paper-III (General Studies – Finance and Economics, 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours) is only for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer. Both deduct 0.50 per wrong answer.
- Most posts require a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Junior Statistical Officer needs at least 60% in Mathematics at 12th level or Statistics as a degree subject; check the notice for your post.
- Upper age relaxation includes 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and 10 years for PwBD (unreserved); see the notice for other categories.
Practise for SSC CGL
Rehearse the timing you will face: Chayantra mock tests apply each exam's sectional timers and negative marking, and you can start with two free guest attempts.
Common questions
When is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I exam?
SSC’s Important Notice dated 12 September 2026 schedules Tier-I from 30 September to 30 October 2026 as a computer-based exam. Your city and date come from your admit card.
What is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I exam pattern?
100 multiple-choice questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes: 25 questions each in General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension, with a 15-minute timer for each subject.
How much negative marking is there in SSC CGL 2026?
Tier-I deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer. In Tier-II, Paper-I deducts 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I–III, and Papers II and III deduct 0.50.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
The notice lists approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies. SSC publishes updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies on ssc.gov.in under Tentative Vacancy.
Official sources
This page summarises official notices for preparation. It is not an eligibility decision; later official notices and corrigenda take precedence.