SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
The full SSC CGL exam pattern for 2026 — 4 stages, with the sections, question count, marks, duration and negative marking for each, as set by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Then take a free SSC CGL mock in the real pattern below.
Tier 1 (Computer Based Test)
- Mode
- Online CBT, multiple shifts
- Sections
- General Intelligence & Reasoning · General Awareness · Quantitative Aptitude · English Comprehension
- Questions
- 100 (25 per section)
- Marks
- 200 (50 per section)
- Duration
- 60 minutes total — 15-minute sectional timer per subject (auto-lock; no return). Scribe-eligible candidates: 20 minutes per section / 80 minutes total per Para 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 of the official 2026 notification.
- Negative marking
- -0.50 marks per wrong answer
Qualifying in nature — Tier 1 marks are NOT counted in final merit. Used only to shortlist candidates for Tier 2. From 2026, the CBT has SECTIONAL TIMING: each subject gets exactly 15 minutes, after which the section auto-locks and the system moves on. You cannot return to a completed section.
Tier 2 — Paper 1 (compulsory for all posts)
- Mode
- Online CBT
- Sections
- Section I: Maths Abilities + Reasoning & GI · Section II: English + General Awareness · Section III: Computer Knowledge (qualifying) + Data Entry Skill Test (DEST, qualifying)
- Questions
- Section I: 60 (30 Math + 30 Reasoning) · Section II: 70 (45 English + 25 GA) · Section III Module 1: 20 Computer Knowledge
- Marks
- Section I: 180 · Section II: 210 · Computer Knowledge: 60 · Total Paper 1 = 390 (merit from Section I + II = 390 marks; Computer is qualifying)
- Duration
- Section I: 1 hour · Section II: 1 hour · Section III Mod 1 (Computer): 15 min · DEST: 15 min
- Negative marking
- -1 mark per wrong answer in Section I, II and Computer Knowledge module. No negative marking in DEST.
Section I and Section II have fixed time windows — you cannot carry leftover time from one to the other. Computer Knowledge module is qualifying only. DEST applies to Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC) applicants; CPT (Computer Proficiency Test) is conducted in place of DEST for AAO / Assistant Section Officer (CSS) candidates. Final merit is based on Section I + Section II scores.
Tier 2 — Paper 2 (only for JSO and Statistical Investigator)
- Mode
- Online CBT
- Sections
- Statistics
- Questions
- 100
- Marks
- 200
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Negative marking
- -0.50 marks per wrong answer
Only candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator (Grade II) posts attempt this paper.
Tier 2 — Paper 3 (only for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer)
- Mode
- Online CBT
- Sections
- General Studies (Finance & Economics)
- Questions
- 100
- Marks
- 200
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Negative marking
- -0.50 marks per wrong answer
Only candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer (under CAG) and Assistant Accounts Officer posts attempt this paper. Covers Finance & Accounts (40 Qs / 80 marks) + Economics & Governance (60 Qs / 120 marks).
You know the pattern — now practise in it.
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