Upcoming SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Schedule and Details

The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination is scheduled from September 30 to October 30, 2026, in a Computer-Based Test format. This recruitment drive aims to fill over 12,000 positions in various Central Government departments. The exam will consist of 100 MCQs across four sections, with a revised timing structure allowing 60 minutes for completion. Candidates will receive their exam city details and admit cards shortly before the exam. The Tier 2 exam is expected in December 2026, making this a crucial period for aspirants.

By Ambika Singh Sep 14, 2026, 15:44 IST

Overview of SSC CGL Tier 1 Examination

The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination is set to take place from September 30 to October 30. This assessment will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format at various locations across the country, occurring in multiple shifts.

Exam Schedule and Recruitment Goals

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the timeline for the CGL examination. The Tier 1 exam will run from September 30 through October 30, utilizing a Computer-Based Test format across numerous centers nationwide. This recruitment initiative aims to fill 12,256 positions within various Central Government departments. Roles available include Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Junior Statistical Officer, and Auditor.

Exam Structure: 100 Questions Across Four Sections

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam will feature 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), totaling 200 marks. Each of the four sections will consist of 25 questions. The breakdown is as follows:

General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions (50 marks)

General Awareness: 25 questions (50 marks)

Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions (50 marks)

English Comprehension: 25 questions (50 marks)

The Reasoning section will include both verbal and non-verbal questions, covering topics like coding-decoding, number series, and logical reasoning. General Awareness will encompass current events, history, culture, geography, economy, and scientific research. Quantitative Aptitude will assess numerical and mathematical skills, while English Comprehension will evaluate language proficiency and writing abilities.

Revised Exam Pattern

A notable change in the SSC CGL 2026 exam format is the timing structure. Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete the Tier 1 exam, with 15 minutes allocated to each section. Features such as auto-submission will ensure that once the 15-minute limit is reached, the section will automatically submit, preventing candidates from returning to previous sections. Questions will be available in both Hindi and English, except for the English Comprehension section. Additionally, negative marking will be implemented, deducting 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer, necessitating careful consideration while answering.

Admit Card and Exam City Information

The SSC CGL exam will be conducted over several days and in multiple shifts. Candidates can expect to receive information regarding their exam city and application status approximately 9 to 12 days before the exam date. Admit cards are anticipated to be issued two to three days prior to the examination.

Upcoming Tier 2 Exam Schedule

The SSC CGL selection process consists of two stages. Initially, the Tier 1 exam will be conducted, followed by the Tier 2 exam for those who qualify. The Tier 2 exam is tentatively planned for December 2026, with final selections based on performance in both tiers.