SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern — sections, marks, negative marking
SSC CGL (SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL)) is conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The stages are: Tier 1 CBT → Tier 2 CBT → document verification. This page sets out each stage with its sections, questions, marks, duration and negative marking, explains how the final selection is made, and shows how to approach each subject. For dates and the current status of the 2026 cycle, see the SSC CGL guide.
Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, +2 per correct, −0.50 per wrong. Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts): 150 questions, 450 marks, 165 minutes, +3 per correct, −1 per wrong (Paper 1).
✓ Data verified 29 Sept 2026
Stage-wise exam pattern
Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam Qualifying-in (shortlists for Tier 2)
Online CBT · 60 min · +2 per correct, −0.50 per wrong
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General English | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
No sectional cutoff and no sectional timing — all 100 questions in one 60-minute block, so time allocation across sections is fully yours. Marks are normalised across shifts. Tier 1 score does not carry into final merit.
Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts) Merit-deciding
Online CBT, 2 sessions · 165 min · +3 per correct, −1 per wrong (Paper 1)
Modules 1+2 share a 60-min block, Modules 3+4 share another 60-min block, Computer gets 15 min (qualifying only). Session 2 Module 2 is the DEST — a data-entry speed test (2000 key depressions in 15 min, qualifying). Merit is drawn from Paper 1 out of 390 marks (Maths + Reasoning + English + GA). Paper 2 (Statistics, 100Q × 2 = 200, 2 hours) is only for JSO aspirants. Section-wise qualifying minimums apply in Paper 1.
Selection process
Tier 1 (screening) → Tier 2 Paper 1 (merit) → Document Verification → Allotment. Tier 1 rank only decides who sits Tier 2. Tier 2 Paper 1 score (out of 390, normalised) is the merit list. The Computer Knowledge module and DEST are qualifying hurdles inside Tier 2 — you must clear them but their marks don't count. JSO aspirants additionally need Paper 2 (Statistics). There is no interview for any CGL post.
Normalisation: why your raw score is not your final score
Because Tier 1 (and Tier 2) run in many shifts with different question papers, SSC normalises scores across shifts before declaring results: raw scores are statistically adjusted using the mean and standard deviation of all candidates in each shift, so a harder shift isn't a penalty. Practical consequences: (1) never compare raw marks across shifts or years; (2) in the exam, maximise attempts where your shift's paper is soft; (3) don't panic if your raw score looks below the cutoff — your normalised score is what counts.
How to read this pattern
Each stage carries a tag that tells you what it is for. In this exam: Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam is “Qualifying-in (shortlists for Tier 2)”; Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts) is “Merit-deciding”. Read each stage's tag and notes to see whether its marks count towards the final merit or only decide who moves to the next stage, because that changes how much risk is worth taking on a single question.
Always check the negative marking line before you decide how freely to guess. Where there is a penalty, a wrong answer costs marks; where the data says there is none, leaving a question blank only loses the chance to score.
Question counts per section are the best guide to how much time and practice each subject deserves. Use the tables above to split your preparation in proportion to the marks on offer, and revisit the split after each mock or topic test.
How to approach each section
Each subject below links to the full notes on ExamShortcut. Topics are listed as high importance where our topic data flags them; the question counts come from the pattern above.
Quantitative Aptitude
All 23 topics →Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam: 25 questions, 50 marks · Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts): 30 questions, 90 marks
Learn the formula and the shortcut for each topic first, then drill timed sets so that routine calculation questions take seconds. In the exam, take the questions you can do quickly and leave the long, multi-step ones for the end. Topic tests after every chapter show which topics still cost you time.
High-importance topics: Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Proportion, Partnership & Ages, Average, Interest (SI & CI), Profit, Loss & Discount
General Intelligence & Reasoning
All 20 topics →Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam: 25 questions, 50 marks · Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts): 30 questions, 90 marks
Reasoning rewards pattern recognition, so practise each question type until you recognise it on sight: series, coding-decoding, analogy, classification, syllogism, direction and blood-relation questions, and non-verbal figures. Work in rough on paper rather than in your head, and skip any puzzle that is not settling within a minute or so.
High-importance topics: Analogy, Classification (Odd One Out), Series (Number & Letter), Coding - Decoding, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement
English Comprehension
All 14 topics →Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam: 25 questions, 50 marks · Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts): 45 questions, 135 marks
Build the basics in grammar (error spotting, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement) and add a little vocabulary every day: idioms, one-word substitutions, synonyms and spellings. For comprehension, read the questions before the passage and answer from the text, not from outside knowledge.
High-importance topics: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, Grammar Essentials (Handbook)
General Awareness
All 14 topics →Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam: 25 questions, 50 marks · Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts): 25 questions, 75 marks
General awareness is memory work, so revise in short, regular rounds instead of cramming. Combine static GK tables with the last several months of current affairs, and use the daily quiz to keep facts fresh. Decide in advance how much time you will give it.
High-importance topics: Modern Indian History, Indian Polity & Constitution, Indian Geography, Indian Economy, Biology, Static GK
Computer Knowledge
All 10 topics →Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts): 20 questions, 60 marks
Computer questions are fact-based: hardware and software, operating systems, MS Office shortcuts, networking and internet basics, and security terms. Read through the notes a few times and revise with quick quizzes rather than long practice sessions.
High-importance topics: Computer Fundamentals, Hardware, Memory & Number Systems, MS Word, MS Excel, Internet, Browsers & E-mail, Networking: Devices, Topologies & Protocols
Next, check who can apply on the SSC CGL eligibility page and compare posts and pay on the SSC CGL salary and posts page.
SSC CGL exam pattern — FAQs
What is the selection process for SSC CGL?
Tier 1 CBT → Tier 2 CBT → document verification.
What is the Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam pattern in SSC CGL?
100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, +2 per correct, −0.50 per wrong. Sections: Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks); General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks); General English (25 questions, 50 marks); General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks).
What is the Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts) pattern in SSC CGL?
150 questions, 450 marks, 165 minutes, +3 per correct, −1 per wrong (Paper 1). Sections: Session 1 · Module 1 — Mathematical Abilities (30 questions, 90 marks); Session 1 · Module 2 — Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks); Session 1 · Module 3 — English Language & Comprehension (45 questions, 135 marks); Session 1 · Module 4 — General Awareness (25 questions, 75 marks); Session 2 · Module 1 — Computer Knowledge (qualifying) (20 questions, 60 marks).
Is Tier 1 marks counted in the final selection?
No. Tier 1 is only a screening stage — its score decides who reaches Tier 2. The final merit list is drawn from Tier 2 Paper 1 (out of 390). A mediocre Tier 1 with qualification is as good as a top Tier 1 score.
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL?
Tier 1: −0.50 per wrong answer. Tier 2 Paper 1: −1 per wrong answer (each correct answer carries +3 in Tier 2 vs +2 in Tier 1). Unanswered questions cost nothing.
How does normalisation work across shifts?
SSC statistically adjusts raw scores using each shift's mean and standard deviation so that candidates in harder shifts aren't disadvantaged. This is why cutoffs refer to normalised scores and why raw marks across shifts aren't comparable.
Is there a sectional cutoff or sectional time limit?
Tier 1 has no sectional cutoff and no sectional timing — all 100 questions in one 60-minute block. Tier 2 Paper 1 has module timing (60 min for Maths+Reasoning, 60 min for English+GA, 15 min Computer) and section-wise qualifying minimums.
Is there any interview in SSC CGL?
No. CGL has had no interview since 2016 — selection is purely the written Tier 2 merit plus document verification.