Exam Pattern
Understanding the structure of the SSC CGL exam is the first step toward success. This page follows the latest published SSC CGL notice pattern and can be used for 2026 preparation until SSC releases a separate 2026 notification.
Tier-I: Preliminary
Mode
Online (CBT)
Total Qs
100
Total Marks
200
Duration
60 mins
| Section | Qs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English | 25 | 50 |
Tier-II: Mains
Session I
2h 15m
Computer
15m
DEST
15m
Merit Marks
390
Negative
−1 mark
Paper-I (Compulsory for all posts)
- Section 1: Maths (30 Qs) + Reasoning (30 Qs) — 180 Marks
- Section 2: English (45 Qs) + GA (25 Qs) — 210 Marks
- Section 3: Computer Knowledge (20 Qs, 60 marks) — Qualifying
- Session II: DEST typing task — 15 minutes, qualifying
Tier-II Paper-I module breakdown
Paper-I is compulsory for all posts. Sections I and II contribute to merit for most posts; Section III and DEST are qualifying.
| Part | Module | Qs | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Maths + Reasoning | 60 | 180 | 1 hour |
| Section II | English + General Awareness | 70 | 210 | 1 hour |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 mins |
| Session II | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Typing task | Qualifying | 15 mins |
Marking Scheme Highlights
Tier-I Marking
+2 for Correct, -0.50 for Wrong. Qualifying in nature (marks not added to final merit).
Tier-II Marking
+3 for correct and -1 for wrong in Paper-I MCQ sections. Paper-II Statistics has separate marking for eligible posts.
Normalization
Marks are normalized across shifts to ensure fairness regardless of paper difficulty.
Minimum qualifying marks
Applicable to Tier-I, Tier-II Paper-I MCQ sections, Computer Knowledge, and Paper-II where relevant.
Important notes
- Tier-I is used for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II; Tier-I marks are not added to final merit.
- For most posts, final merit is based on Tier-II Paper-I Section I and Section II marks out of 390.
- Computer Knowledge Test and DEST are qualifying in nature, but failing them can block selection for applicable posts.
- Paper-II Statistics is conducted only for JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade-II candidates.