SSC CGL exam pattern 2026: Tier I has four separately timed subjects, while Tier II includes compulsory Paper I and post-specific Papers II and III. A preparation plan that omits the sectional timers or the audit/accounts paper is incomplete.
Tier I: questions, marks and sectional time
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and 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 |
Questions are objective multiple choice, in English and Hindi except English Comprehension. Each wrong answer deducts 0.50 marks. Candidates eligible under the cited scribe provisions receive 20 minutes per subject, totalling 80 minutes; this is not extra time for every candidate.
Tier II Paper I: compulsory for all posts
| Section / subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| I A: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| I B: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| II A: English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| II B: General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes |
| III: Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| IV: Data Entry Speed Test | One task | Qualifying | 15 minutes in Session II |
Session I contains Sections I, II and III and lasts 2 hours 15 minutes ordinarily. After a re-registration break, Session II contains DEST. Each section must be qualified separately. Wrong answers in Sections I, II and III deduct 1 mark.
Which candidates need Papers II and III?
| Paper | Who takes it | Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Paper II — Statistics | Candidates applied and shortlisted for JSO / Statistical Investigator Grade II | 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours |
| Paper III — General Studies (Finance and Economics) | Candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours |
Each wrong answer in Paper II or III deducts 0.50 marks. The specified eligible candidates receive 2 hours 40 minutes for each of these papers. They are held in separate shifts/days as scheduled by SSC; they are not mandatory for every CGL post.
Compensatory timing in Paper I
For candidates eligible under paragraphs 7.1–7.3, the table provides 40 minutes each for Maths and Reasoning, 55 minutes for English, 25 minutes for General Awareness, and 20 minutes each for Computer Knowledge and DEST. Eligibility, documentation and scribe rules must be checked separately; ordinary candidates should practise the standard timings above.
Computer Knowledge and DEST are qualifying, not optional
Computer Knowledge is mandatory for all posts and qualifying. DEST is also mandatory subject to the specific exemption rules. The ordinary DEST task is a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. The notice prescribes higher qualifying standards for certain posts.
A qualifying label does not allow a candidate to skip the test. The PwBD-OH exemption requires the prescribed medical certificate and has post-specific restrictions, including the stated CBDT Tax Assistant exception. Read paragraph 13.9.10.6 before claiming an exemption.
How to prepare with this scheme
Editorial advice: practise Tier I in four 15-minute blocks and track errors by subject. Prepare Tier II Computer Knowledge and DEST alongside the scoring sections. If your target post needs Statistics or Finance and Economics, add that paper early rather than waiting for Tier I results. Previous papers retain their historical value, but their old timing instructions do not override the current notification.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tier I a freely shared 60-minute test?
The 2026 notice specifies a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject.
Is Paper III part of CGL 2026?
Yes, for candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer.
Does every wrong answer deduct one mark?
No. Tier I deducts 0.50; Tier II Paper I objective sections deduct 1; Papers II and III deduct 0.50.
Preparing for SSC CGL 2027?
No CGL 2027 notification has been verified in this review. Use the current syllabus for early preparation, but do not treat 2026 age dates, qualifications, vacancies, deadlines or paper rules as confirmed 2027 requirements. This permanent guide will retain its URL when the next official cycle is researched.
Continue with SSC CGL
- SSC CGL latest notification and dates
- Age and post-wise qualifications
- Exam pattern and sectional timers
- Subject-wise syllabus
- Pay levels and salary
- Application dates and correction rules