SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Syllabus & Tier 1, Tier 2 Structure

The SSC CGL selection process is structured into two mandatory stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. While the Tier 1 exam is a prerequisite for all candidates, the Tier 2 exam includes specific papers: Paper I is mandatory for all posts, whereas Paper II is required for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) roles and Paper III for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) positions. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of each stage of the SSC CGL recruitment process.

Candidates must be aware that the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is qualifying in nature, while the Tier 2 exam determines your final merit. Only scores obtained in Tier 2 will be used for the final selection against the 12,256 vacancies announced in the official SSC CGL notification. 

Key Update: The Staff Selection Commission has officially introduced sectional timing for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is conducted in an online format, consisting of 4 sections with a total of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) worth 200 marks. Candidates are given a total of 60 minutes to complete the paper. Please note that Tier 1 is strictly qualifying, and these marks do not contribute to your final ranking. 

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam 2026 assesses candidates across four core sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
2. General Awareness
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. English Comprehension

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
S.No.	Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
1	General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50	15 minutes
2	General Awareness	25	50	15 minutes
3	Quantitative Aptitude	25	50	15 minutes
4	English Comprehension	25	50	15 minutes
Total		100	200	1 hour

Negative Marking Policy: A penalty of 0.50 marks is deducted for every incorrect response. 

SSC CGL Notification 2026: Apply for 12,256 Vacancies—Click Here for Details

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2026 is divided into two primary papers: Paper I (mandatory for all candidates) and specialized papers for specific departmental posts.

• Paper II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• Paper-III will be for only those candidates who are shortlisted in Tier-I for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer. 

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
S.No.	Papers	Time Allotted
1	Paper I: (Compulsory for all posts)	2 hours 30 minutes
2	Paper II: Statistics	2 hours
3	Paper-III General Studies (Finance and Economics)	2 hours

We have provided a detailed analysis of the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern below, highlighting the latest modifications implemented by the commission. 

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 [Paper 1]
Sessions	Sections	Modules	Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration	Weightage
Session I	Section I	Module-I	Mathematical Abilities	30	90	30 minutes	23%
		Module-II	Reasoning and General Intelligence	30	90	30 minutes	23%
	Section II	Module-I	English Language and Comprehension	45	135	40 minutes	35%
		Module-II	General Awareness	25	75	20 minutes	19%
	Section III	Module-I	Computer Knowledge Test	20	60	15 minute	Qualifying
Session II		Module-II	Data Entry Speed Test	One Data Entry Task		15 minute	Qualifying

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 [Paper 2]
Papers	Sections	No. of question	Maximum Marks	Duration
Paper II	Statistics	100	200	2 hours

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 [Paper 3]
Papers	Sections	No. of question	Maximum Marks	Duration
Paper III	General Studies (Finance and Economics)	100	200	2 hours

Penalty for Incorrect Answers: A deduction of 1 mark applies to errors in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III in Paper I. For Paper II, a negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer is enforced.