SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam date announced; check exam pattern

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has revealed the dates for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier-1 examination, known as SSC CGL 2026. The computer-based examination will take place between September 30 and October 30, 2026. The SSC CGL 2026 Tier-1 exam is designed to hire candidates for various Group B and Group C positions in central government departments and organizations.

The commission announced the exam schedule on its official website, ssc.gov.in, on September 12, with the aim of covering around 12,256 tentative vacancies this year.

The question paper will contain 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, earning a total of 200 marks. The paper will encompass four sections, each containing 25 questions. These sections are - General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, with each section carrying 50 marks.

This year, the exam pattern has undergone revisions, including the introduction of sectional timing. Candidates will have 15 minutes to answer questions in each section, necessitating effective time management across all four sections. The total examination duration will be one hour. Eligible candidates for a scribe will be granted additional time in accordance with the rules set by the commission.

The SSC CGL 2026 marking scheme awards two marks for each correct answer. However, a negative marking of 0.50 marks will be applied for each incorrect response. The commission will subsequently release the admit cards for the registered candidates, and candidates must regularly monitor the official SSC website for updates regarding city intimation, admit cards, and other examination-related instructions.