Changes to SSC CGL exam pattern; new rule regarding sectional timing..

The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment is considered the flagship recruitment drive of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Every year, the SSC recruits for a large number of posts under the CGL scheme, attracting a vast number of applicants. Consequently, the competition for SSC CGL recruitment is known to be fierce. Many candidates spend years preparing for this exam. However, their preparation could be jeopardized if they fail to align their study strategies with the recent changes made to the SSC CGL format. Specifically, the SSC has revised the CGL exam pattern, introducing a new rule regarding sectional timing.

Let us take a closer look at these changes to the SSC CGL exam pattern and understand the new rules—including sectional timing—that have been implemented.

**Understanding the Old CGL Exam Pattern**
The SSC revised the CGL exam pattern in June 2026. Under the old pattern, candidates were allotted 60 minutes to solve 100 questions in the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam, with a single time limit covering all four subjects. For the SSC CGL Tier-2 exam, candidates were given 2 hours to solve 130 questions across Section-1 and Section-2. While specific time allocations existed for each section, there were no strict rules regarding the time spent on individual subjects; candidates could solve sections in any order they preferred, choose their own sequence for answering questions, and tackle easier questions first before moving on to the more difficult ones.

**New Rule Implemented: Sectional Timing Introduced**
The SSC implemented a new CGL exam pattern starting in June 2026, which introduces fixed sectional timing for solving questions in both CGL Tier-1 and Tier-2 exams. While 15 minutes are allocated for each subject in Tier-1, the CGL Tier-2 exam prescribes specific time limits for solving questions in Section-1 and Section-2.

Under this change, candidates can no longer solve questions in the CGL exam at their own discretion; nor can they choose to solve questions from a different subject before the current one during the exam. According to the new rules, candidates cannot revisit a subject once they have submitted the paper for it.

**Questions must be solved subject-wise**
As per the revised SSC CGL pattern, candidates are required to solve questions following a specific structure—specifically, subject-wise. Time limits have been set for each subject and section.

**Prepare using mock tests**
The new SSC CGL pattern presents a challenge for candidates. Therefore, they should prepare by taking as many mock tests as possible. They should also attempt these mock tests using section-wise timers. This will help candidates get accustomed to handling pressure and enable them to determine a practical pace for each subject.

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