SSC CGL Exam to be Held Under Revised Pattern; Begins September 30

The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination will commence on September 30 and continue until October 30. The exam will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across various centers nationwide, spanning multiple shifts.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the schedule for the CGL examination. According to the Commission, the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam will begin on September 30 and run until October 30. It will be held in a Computer-Based Test mode across various centers nationwide, spanning multiple shifts. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 12,256 vacancies across various Central Government ministries and offices. Positions included in this recruitment drive are Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Junior Statistical Officer, and Auditor.

100 Questions Across Four Subjects

The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination will consist of a total of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The paper will carry 200 marks, with 25 questions asked from each of the four sections. There will be 25 questions on General Intelligence and Reasoning, carrying 50 marks. Similarly, the General Awareness section will comprise 25 questions worth 50 marks. Quantitative Aptitude will have 25 questions worth 50 marks, and English Comprehension will also consist of 25 questions worth 50 marks. The Reasoning section will include both verbal and non-verbal questions, covering topics such as coding-decoding, number series, analogy, Venn diagrams, problem-solving, figural series, embedded figures, and logical reasoning. General Awareness will cover current affairs as well as history, culture, geography, economy, general policy, and scientific research. Quantitative Aptitude will feature questions based on numerical and mathematical ability, while English Comprehension will test language understanding and basic writing skills.

Exam to be Held Under Revised Pattern

The most significant change in the SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern concerns the timing. Candidates will be allotted a total of 60 minutes for the Tier 1 examination. Since the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam comprises four sections, 15 minutes will be allocated to each section. Due to features like auto-submission and locking, a section will automatically submit and the answers will lock as soon as the 15-minute duration expires; a new section will then begin. Consequently, students will not be able to revisit previous sections; once the exam moves forward, candidates cannot return to an earlier section or re-attempt its questions. Except for the English Comprehension section, questions will be provided in both Hindi and English. Negative marking will also apply; 0.50 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer, so candidates must exercise caution while solving questions.

When Will the City Slip and Admit Card Be Released?

The SSC CGL exam will be conducted over several days and in multiple shifts. Information regarding the exam city and application status will be provided to candidates approximately 9 to 12 days before the exam. Admit cards will be released two or three days prior to the examination.

Tier 2 Exam Likely in December

The SSC CGL selection process consists of two stages. First, the Tier 1 exam will be conducted, followed by the Tier 2 exam for successful candidates. The Tier 2 exam is tentatively scheduled for December 2026. Final selection will be based on the candidate's performance in both Tier 1 and Tier 2.