SSC CGL Exam pattern 2026
Stages, sections, marks, duration and negative marking.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC CGL exam pattern 2026
The SSC CGL exam pattern 2026 has two computer-based stages. Tier 1 is a qualifying test with 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes. Tier 2 decides the merit, and Paper 1 is compulsory for everyone. JSO and AAO candidates also take a post-specific paper. Both tiers use multiple-choice questions and have negative marking.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online computer-based test (CBT) |
| Stages | Tier 1 (qualifying) and Tier 2 (merit) |
| Tier 1 | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes |
| Tier 2 papers | Paper 1 (all posts), Paper 2 (JSO), Paper 3 (AAO) |
| Language | English and Hindi (except the English section) |
| Interview | None |
SSC CGL Tier 1 exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Sectional time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & 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 |
- Each correct answer gets +2, and each wrong answer loses 0.50.
- Candidates eligible for a scribe get 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Tier 1 marks only decide who goes on to Tier 2. They are not added to the final merit.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 exam pattern
Paper 1 is compulsory for every post. Sections I and II count towards your merit. Section III has two qualifying modules.
| Section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour (for both modules) |
| Section I | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| Section II | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 hour (for both modules) |
| Section II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | |
| Section III | Module I: Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section III | Module II: Data Entry Speed Test | 1 task | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
- Section I carries 180 marks and Section II carries 210 marks, so 390 marks count for merit. Paper 1 has 450 marks in total if you include the computer module.
- Mathematics and Reasoning are about 23% each of the merit marks, English about 35%, and General Awareness about 19%.
- Each question in Sections I, II and III is worth +3, with −1 for a wrong answer.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 and Paper 3
| Paper | For post | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2: Statistics | Junior Statistical Officer | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | −0.50 |
| Paper 3: General Studies (Finance & Economics) | Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | −0.50 |
Each question in Papers 2 and 3 carries 2 marks. Only candidates who apply for these posts take them.
Negative marking summary
| Paper | Marks per correct answer | Deduction per wrong answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2 | 0.50 |
| Tier 2 Paper 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Tier 2 Paper 2 | 2 | 0.50 |
| Tier 2 Paper 3 | 2 | 0.50 |
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
DEST is part of Tier 2 and checks how fast and accurately you type on a computer. It is a must for posts such as Tax Assistant in CBDT and CBIC.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | 8,000 key depressions per hour |
| Minimum | 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Nature | Qualifying, not added to merit |
If you fail DEST, you cannot be selected for a post that needs it. Eligible PwBD candidates get extra time or an exemption under SSC rules. In the 2025 cycle, the allowed error rate was 5% for UR, 7% for OBC/SC/ST/EWS and 10% for PwBD.
How to prepare for this pattern
Since Tier 2 English carries 135 marks, do not neglect grammar and vocabulary. Practise typing early if you want a post that needs DEST, and take timed mocks so you get used to the sectional timer. The subject-wise topics are on the SSC CGL syllabus page, and a full study plan is in the SSC CGL preparation guide. To see how marks turn into selection, check the SSC CGL cut-off page.
Frequently asked questions
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 qualifying?
Yes. Tier 1 only shortlists candidates for Tier 2. Its marks are not counted in the final merit list.
How many questions are in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Tier 1 has 100 questions, 25 in each of four sections, for a total of 200 marks. You get 60 minutes, with a 15-minute sectional timer per section.
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL?
Tier 1 deducts 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Tier 2 Paper 1 deducts 1 mark per wrong answer, and Papers 2 and 3 deduct 0.50 marks.
Which Tier 2 paper is compulsory in SSC CGL?
Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts. Paper 2 (Statistics) is only for JSO, and Paper 3 (Finance & Economics) is only for AAO.
What is DEST in SSC CGL?
DEST is a qualifying typing test in Tier 2. You need to type at least 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It is required for posts such as Tax Assistant.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.