Exam pattern at a glance
SSC CGL 2026 is a two-tier, computer-based exam. Tier 1 is a common qualifying screen; Tier 2 is where your marks actually count toward the final merit list.
Tier 1 exam pattern
Four sections, 25 questions each, all objective MCQ — 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes. In 2026 each section has its own 15-minute sectional timer that locks when time runs out. Tier 1 is qualifying: you must clear the cut-off, but the marks don’t carry into the merit list.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 min | −0.50 each wrong |
Tier 2 exam pattern
Tier 2 is the deciding stage. Paper I is compulsory for everyone; Papers II and III apply only to specific posts. Paper I runs in two sessions on the same day, and you must clear every section separately.
| Paper | Applicable to | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | All candidates (compulsory) | 150 | 450 | 2 h 30 m |
| Paper II | JSO & Statistical Investigator Gr-II | 100 | 200 | 2 h |
| Paper III NEW | Assistant Audit / Accounts Officer (AAO) | 100 | 200 | 2 h |
Tier 2 Paper I — section breakdown
Session I holds the three scored/qualifying sections; Session II is the Data Entry Speed Test. Each scored question carries 3 marks.
| Section / Module | Questions | Marks | Time | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 min | Scored |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 min | Scored |
| English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 min | Scored |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 min | Scored |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 min | Qualifying |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 1 task | — | 15 min | Qualifying |
| Paper I total | 150 | 450 | 2 h 30 m | Merit |
Tier 2 Paper II & Paper III
These apply only if you’re shortlisted for the relevant posts. Both are 100 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours, with −0.50 negative marking.
Paper II · Statistics
For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) & Statistical Investigator Grade-II only.
Paper III · Finance & Economics NEW 2026
General Studies (Finance & Economics) for Assistant Audit / Accounts Officer (AAO) only.
Negative marking, stage by stage
The penalty for a wrong answer differs across stages — know it before you decide which questions to attempt. There’s no penalty for unattempted questions.
| Exam stage | Penalty per wrong answer |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (all sections) | −0.50 |
| Tier 2 Paper I — Sections I, II & Computer MCQs | −1 |
| Tier 2 Paper II (Statistics / JSO) | −0.50 |
| Tier 2 Paper III (Finance & Economics / AAO) | −0.50 |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | No penalty |
Tier 1 marks are only for qualifying — they are not added to the final merit. Your rank is built from Tier 2 Paper I (and Paper II / III for the relevant posts).
Crack SSC CGL with your own daily plan
Daily targets, 10+ yrs solved PYQs & unlimited mocks — to the latest pattern.
Rehearse the exact exam pattern
Knowing the pattern is step one. JobSafal lets you sit it — the same sections, sectional timers and interface, so exam day feels familiar.
Sectional-timer mocks
Full Tier 1 & Tier 2 mocks with the 2026 sectional locks, in the real CBT interface.
Negative-marking analysis
See how your accuracy vs attempts affects your net score, question by question.
Section-wise practice
Drill one section at a time to fix the weak links the pattern exposes.
Rank comparison
Benchmark every mock against other aspirants to know where you stand.