The SSC CGL 2026 examination is conducted in two main stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is a Computer Based Examination (CBE) and is qualifying in nature, while Tier 2, also a CBE, comprises multiple papers that determine the final merit. Both tiers include negative marking for incorrect answers.
Tier 1: Computer Based Examination
Tier 1 is the preliminary stage, designed to screen candidates for the main examination. It assesses general awareness, reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, and English comprehension.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer in Tier 1.
Tier 2: Computer Based Examination
Tier 2 is the main examination, consisting of three papers. Paper-I is compulsory for all posts, while Paper-II is for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Paper-III for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer. This stage comprehensively tests candidates' analytical, quantitative, and English language skills, along with specific domain knowledge for certain posts.
Paper-I (Compulsory for all posts)
| Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module-I & II of Section-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 Hour |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | ||
| Module-I & II of Section-II | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 Hour |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | ||
| Module-I of Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 Minutes |
| Module-II of Section-III | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | One Data Entry Task | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
Paper-II (For candidates opting for JSO posts)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper-III (For candidates opting for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Negative Marking: In Tier 2, there will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in Paper-I (all sections) and Paper-II & Paper-III.
Marking & Normalization
Marks scored by candidates in the Computer Based Examinations (Tier 1 and Tier 2) will be normalized by using the formula published by the Commission. Such normalized scores will be used to determine final merit and cut-off marks. The final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks scored in Tier 2 (Paper-I, Paper-II, and/or Paper-III, as applicable).
Pattern FAQs
Q1: Is there negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, there is negative marking in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. In Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. In Tier 2, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in all papers.
Q2: How many stages are there in the SSC CGL 2026 exam?
The SSC CGL 2026 exam primarily consists of two stages: Tier 1 (Preliminary) and Tier 2 (Main). Tier 1 is qualifying, and Tier 2 determines the final merit.
Q3: Is the Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) in Tier 2 qualifying?
Yes, the Computer Knowledge Test (Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I) in Tier 2 is qualifying in nature. Candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying threshold in this module.
Q4: What is the duration for Tier 1 of SSC CGL?
The duration for Tier 1 of the SSC CGL 2026 exam is 60 minutes (1 hour) for all 100 questions.