SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
Stage-wise SSC CGL exam pattern: number of questions, marks, duration and negative marking for each stage.
Tier 1
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT, Online)
Marks
200
Duration
60 minutes
Negative marking
-0.5 per wrong answer
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Qualifying + shortlisting stage for Tier 2. -0.5 marks per wrong answer.
Tier 2 — Paper 1 (all posts)
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT, Online)
Marks
450
Duration
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes across modules
Negative marking
-1 per wrong answer (Math/Reasoning/English/GA/Computer modules); Data Entry Speed Test is qualifying only, no penalty
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Computer Knowledge Module | 20 | 60 |
| Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying only) | 1 | 0 |
Compulsory for every post. 450 marks across the 5 scored modules; Data Entry Speed Test is pass/fail only and does not add to the merit score. NOTE: one other source claims Computer Knowledge is also qualifying-only with a 390-mark scored total instead of 450 — this could not be fully reconciled between sources; verify against the official SSC notification before relying on the exact total for a specific cycle.
Tier 2 — Paper 2 (JSO post only)
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT, Online)
Marks
200
Duration
—
Negative marking
Applies, exact rate not independently confirmed
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | — | 200 |
Only for candidates applying to Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
Tier 2 — Paper 3 (AAO/AAO-Audit posts only)
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT, Online)
Marks
200
Duration
—
Negative marking
Applies, exact rate not independently confirmed
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Finance and Economics) | — | 200 |
Only for candidates applying to Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer posts.