The Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in) has officially announced the timeline for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 Tier 1 Examination. Aspiring candidates preparing for various Group B and Group C posts can now gear up as the examination is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 30 October 2026. A massive pool of approximately 28.52 lakh candidates across India is expected to take the computer-based test across 141 centres.
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
With 12,256 vacancies on the line, competition is set to be intense. The selection framework consists of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Document Verification, with no interview stage involved. Below is a snapshot of the exam highlights:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Vacancy | 12,256 |
| Posts | Group B & Group C |
| Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 Years (Post-wise) |
| Application Dates | 21 May to 25 June 2026 |
| Selection Process | Tier 1, Tier 2, DV |
| Tier 1 Exam | 30 September to 30 October 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | TBA |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Exam Schedule & Timeline
Candidates who completed their applications between 21 May and 25 June 2026 (including the correction window from 29 June to 1 July 2026) should keep track of critical dates such as City Intimation Slips (released 8–10 days prior) and Admit Cards (released 2–3 days prior).
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Started | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June–1 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 City Intimation Slip | 8- 10 days before exam (21 September 2026) |
| Tier 1 Admit Card | 2- 3 days before exam (27 September 2026) |
| Tier 1 Exam Dates | 30 September to 30 October 2026 |
| Tier 1 Result | November 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | TBA |
| SSC CGL 1st FRTA List/Tier 2 Result | TBA |
How to Check SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date 2026
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Go to the Latest News or Notice Board section.
- Find the notification related to the Important Notice – Schedule of Examination dated 12/9/2026.
- Open the SSC CGL Exam date notice.
- Check the announced exam date and other details.
- Download and save the notice for future reference.
- Follow the SSC website for all latest updates.
Details Available via Application Status/Admit Card
- Exam Date
- Shift Timing
- Reporting Time
- Exam City
- Centre Details
Once you verify these details using your city intimation slip and admit card, ensure you prepare your travel and documentation requirements ahead of time to avoid last-minute rush.
Exam Pattern & Structure
The Tier 1 exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 100 questions carrying a total of 200 marks. Note that sectional timing is introduced, and a negative marking of 0.50 marks applies for every incorrect answer. While Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, final selection depends entirely on Tier 2 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Sectional Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 Mins |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern Overview
Tier 2 also features sectional timing across its papers. Review the structures for Paper 1, Paper II, and Paper III below:
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 mins |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 mins | |
| Section II | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 mins |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 mins | |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 Minutes |
| Section IV | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Qualifying | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Junior Statistical Officer & Statistical Investigator Grade II |
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper III | General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Assistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer |