The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the schedule for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026. The first stage, Tier 1, is scheduled to take place between September 30 and October 30, 2026.

The Tier 1 examination will be conducted online as a computer-based test. Candidates will face questions from four major areas, with the paper carrying a total of 100 questions for 200 marks.

SSC CGL Tier 1 2026: Exam Pattern

The paper will be divided equally among four sections. Each subject will contain 25 questions, with every section carrying 50 marks.

What Each Section Covers

- General Intelligence and Reasoning

This section will assess candidates through a combination of verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.

- General Awareness

Questions are expected to assess awareness of current events, everyday developments and the candidate's understanding of their surroundings. Topics related to India and neighbouring countries may also feature, including areas such as history, culture, geography, economics, general policy and scientific developments.

- Quantitative Aptitude

The section will examine candidates' numerical ability and understanding of basic mathematical concepts and number-related problems.

- English Comprehension

This section will focus on candidates' understanding of English, including comprehension and fundamental language skills.

Duration and Negative Marking

Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete the Tier 1 examination.

The paper will contain objective-type multiple-choice questions. A penalty of 0.50 marks will be imposed for every incorrect response, making careful question selection important for candidates.

The questions will generally be available in English and Hindi, while the English Comprehension section will be presented in English.

SSC CGL 2026: What Candidates Should Do

With the Tier 1 examination window approaching, aspirants should keep track of further notifications regarding application details, admit cards, examination centres and other instructions.

Candidates should regularly check the official SSC website for the latest updates and any changes to the examination schedule or procedure.