SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Pattern, Total Marks and Negative Marking
Check the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 for Tier 1 and Tier 2, including total marks, section-wise pattern, exam duration, negative marking, and latest paper pattern.
Overview
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Pattern, Total Marks and Negative Marking
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2 computer-based examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Tier 1 is a qualifying exam, while Tier 2 is considered for final merit. Candidates should understand the latest exam pattern, including the number of questions, total marks, section-wise distribution, exam duration, and negative marking, before starting their preparation. Check the complete SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026, along with important details and the updated marking scheme below.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2, both conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination covers General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 1 is compulsory for all candidates and is qualifying in nature, while Tier 2 is used to prepare the final merit list.
Tier 2 consists of the following papers:
- Paper 1: Compulsory for all SSC CGL posts.
- Paper 2: Applicable only to candidates applying for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
The detailed SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026, including the number of questions, marking scheme, exam duration, and negative marking, is provided below.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam is the first stage of the selection process and is qualifying in nature. Before appearing for the examination, candidates should understand the exam pattern, including the subjects, number of questions, total marks, marking scheme, and exam duration. The detailed SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026 is provided in the table below.
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam is the final stage of the written examination and plays a crucial role in the preparation of the final merit list. It consists of Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates, while Paper 2 is conducted only for candidates applying for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II. The Tier 2 examination is conducted in Session I and Session II, with multiple sections covering different subjects. The detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 is provided in the table below.
| Paper | Session | Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Session-I | Section-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 180 | 1 Hour |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | |||||
| Section-II | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 210 | 1 Hour | ||
| General Awareness | 25 | |||||
| Session-II | Section-III & Section-IV |
Computer Knowledge Test (20 Questions) Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) (1 Data Entry Task) |
20 + 1 Task | 60 (Computer Test) DEST - Qualifying |
15 Minutes (Computer Knowledge Test) 15 Minutes (DEST) |
|
| Paper-II | - | - | Statistics | 100 | 200 |
2 Hours (2 Hours 40 Minutes for eligible scribe candidates) |
SSC CGL Total Marks 2026
The SSC CGL Exam 2026 consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2. While Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, the final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in Tier 2.
- Tier 1: 100 questions carrying 200 marks (Qualifying only).
- Tier 2 Paper 1: 450 marks and compulsory for all candidates.
- Tier 2 Paper 2: 200 marks, applicable only for candidates applying for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
- Final Selection: The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in Tier 2.
SSC CGL Negative Marking
The SSC CGL Exam 2026 includes negative marking in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Candidates should answer questions carefully, as incorrect responses result in a deduction of marks.
- Tier 1: 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Tier 2 Paper 1 (Section I, Section II, and Section III): 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- Tier 2 Paper 2 (Statistics): 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Avoid random guessing, as negative marking can significantly affect your overall score and final merit.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Important Points
Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL Exam 2026 should keep the following points in mind:
- The exam consists of two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2, both conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- Tier 1 is compulsory for all candidates and is qualifying in nature, while Tier 2 is considered for the preparation of the final merit list.
- The exam covers four main subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, and General Awareness.
- In Tier 2, Paper 1 is mandatory for all posts, whereas Paper 2 is conducted only for candidates applying for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
- Negative Marking:
- Tier 1: 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Tier 2 Paper 1 (Section I, II & III): 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Tier 2 Paper 2 (Statistics): 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Understanding the latest exam pattern and marking scheme is essential for effective preparation and scoring well in the SSC CGL Exam 2026.