How many tiers are there in SSC CGL?

Two, both computer-based. Tier-I is a screening test; the final merit list is made on Tier-II marks only.

Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?

Yes. 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Tier-I and in Tier-II Papers II and III, and 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I to III of Tier-II Paper-I.

Do Tier-I marks count in the SSC CGL final result?

No. Tier-I only decides who goes to Tier-II. The final merit list uses Tier-II marks alone.

Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?

Yes, if they will hold their bachelor’s degree by the cut-off date, which was 01.08.2026 for CGL 2026.

Exam pattern

SSC CGL Exam Pattern

Two computer-based tiers. Tier-I is a one-hour screening test; your final rank comes from Tier-II alone.

Updated 1 Nov 2026

OfficialPublished by the conducting body.Notice of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026

This is the CGL 2026 notice, the latest SSC has published. When the CGL 2027 notice comes out we will check this page against it.

How selection works

Tier-I: everyone who applies sits it. Marks decide who is shortlisted, category-wise, for Tier-II.
Tier-II: Paper-I for every candidate, plus Paper-II (Statistics) or Paper-III (Finance and Economics) only for those shortlisted for the posts that need them.
The final merit list is prepared on Tier-II performance only. Tier-I marks do not carry forward.
Before results, you rank the posts and departments you want through an online option form. You are not considered for any post you do not list.

Tier-I

SSC CGL Tier-I questions and marks by section
Section	Questions	Marks
A. General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50
B. General Awareness	25	50
C. Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
D. English Comprehension	25	50
Total	100	200

1 hour in all, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each section (20 minutes each, 1 hour 20 minutes in all, for candidates eligible for a scribe).

Multiple choice, set in English and Hindi except the English Comprehension section.
Each correct answer is worth 2 marks; each wrong answer loses 0.50.

Tier-II, Paper-I (all candidates)

SSC CGL Tier-II Paper-I by section
Section	Subject	Questions	Marks	Time
I	A: Mathematical Abilities; B: Reasoning and General Intelligence	30 + 30	180	1 hour (30 minutes per part)
II	A: English Language and Comprehension; B: General Awareness	45 + 25	210	1 hour (40 + 20 minutes)
III	Computer Knowledge Test	20	60	15 minutes
IV	Data Entry Speed Test	One task	Qualifying	15 minutes

Each question in Sections I to III is worth 3 marks. Candidates eligible for a scribe get extra time in every section.

Paper-I runs in two sessions on the same day: Session-I is Sections I, II and III (2 hours 15 minutes); Session-II is the Data Entry Speed Test.
You must qualify every section of Paper-I separately.
Negative marking: 1 mark for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III.
The Computer Knowledge Test and the Data Entry Speed Test are qualifying only, but posts that need computer proficiency or data entry set a higher bar in both.
The Data Entry Speed Test is a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes.

Tier-II, Papers II and III (some posts only)

SSC CGL Tier-II Paper-II and Paper-III
Paper	Who takes it	Questions	Marks	Time
Paper-II: Statistics	Candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II	100	200	2 hours
Paper-III: General Studies (Finance and Economics)	Candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer	100	200	2 hours

Each question is worth 2 marks, with 0.50 deducted for a wrong answer. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 2 hours 40 minutes.

Minimum qualifying marks

Minimum marks to qualify each scored stage
Category	Tier-I and each scored part of Tier-II	Data Entry Speed Test: maximum errors
UR	30%	20%
OBC / EWS	25%	25%
All other categories	20%	30%

These are the minimums to qualify. The cut-offs SSC sets for shortlisting and selection, category by category, can be higher.

Who can apply

Qualification: a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, held by 01.08.2026. Final-year students can apply if they hold the degree by that date.
Junior Statistical Officer also needs 60% in Class 12 Mathematics or Statistics as a degree subject. Statistical Investigator Grade-II needs a degree in a listed subject such as Statistics, Mathematics, Economics or Computer Science.
Age is counted as on 01.08.2026 and the limit depends on the post: 18–27, 18–30, 20–30 or 18–32 years.
Upper age relaxation includes 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and 10 years for PwBD (13 for PwBD-OBC, 15 for PwBD-SC/ST).

Age limits by post group in CGL 2026
Age limit	Born between
18–27 years	02.08.1999 and 01.08.2008
18–30 years	02.08.1996 and 01.08.2008
20–30 years	02.08.1996 and 01.08.2006
18–32 years	02.08.1994 and 01.08.2008

18–32 applies only to Junior Statistical Officer. 20–30 applies to Assistant Section Officer in the CSS, Railways, MEA and AFHQ, and to Sub Inspector in the CBI.

Fee in 2026

The application fee was ₹100. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates pay no fee.

Questions students ask

How many tiers are there in SSC CGL?: Two, both computer-based. Tier-I is a screening test; the final merit list is made on Tier-II marks only.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?: Yes. 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Tier-I and in Tier-II Papers II and III, and 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I to III of Tier-II Paper-I.
Do Tier-I marks count in the SSC CGL final result?: No. Tier-I only decides who goes to Tier-II. The final merit list uses Tier-II marks alone.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?: Yes, if they will hold their bachelor’s degree by the cut-off date, which was 01.08.2026 for CGL 2026.