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

The SSC CGL 2026 examination is conducted in two primary stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. While the Tier 1 exam is mandatory for all applicants, the Tier 2 structure includes Paper 1 (compulsory for all), Paper 2 (for Junior Statistical Officer), and Paper 3 (for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer). Below, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the updated recruitment structure.

It is essential to understand that SSC CGL Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, whereas Tier 2 is the scoring stage. Your performance in the Tier 2 exam determines your final ranking and selection for the 12,256 vacancies announced in the SSC CGL recruitment drive. 

Latest Update: SSC has implemented strict sectional timing across both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is an objective computer-based test featuring 4 sections with a total of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) worth 200 marks. Candidates have a strict 60-minute time limit to complete the paper. Please note that the Tier 1 score is only for qualification and does not count toward the final merit list. 

The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 tests proficiency across these core domains:

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 applied for every incorrect answer.

Check SSC CGL Notification 2026: Official Details for 12,256 Vacancies

Download SSC CGL Tier 2 Score Card 2026 - View Results Here

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2026 follows a multi-paper format: Paper 1 (mandatory for all) and Paper 2/3 (post-specific).

• 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

Below, we detail the updated SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026, including the latest structural revisions made 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 Wrong Answer: Negative marking is set at 1 mark for each incorrect response in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III (Paper 1), and 0.50 marks for each incorrect response in Paper 2.