SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date has been officially announced by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on its new web portal at ssc.gov.in. The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 examination is conducted across multiple shifts nationwide in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to recruit qualified candidates for prestigious Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts in various central government ministries, departments, and attached offices. Candidates who submitted their online applications can now check the official examination schedule, regional city intimation dates, shift timings, and download their hall tickets using their registration credentials.
Latest status — verified on September 13, 2026: The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the exam schedule for the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 examination. Candidates can track their application status and regional city intimation slips on their respective SSC regional portals prior to the release of the e-Admit Cards.
Quick Facts: SSC CGL 2026 Examination Overview
The table below provides a quick, clear summary of key details regarding the SSC CGL 2026 examination, conducting authority, stages, and official verification links.
| Exam Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Government of India |
| Exam Level | National Level Recruitment Examination |
| Post Classifications | Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ Gazetted and Non-Gazetted Central Government Posts |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode |
| Exam Selection Stages | Tier 1 (Screening / Qualifying) and Tier 2 (Merit Determination) |
| Official Web Portal | ssc.gov.in |
| Last Verified Date | September 13, 2026 |
Source: Staff Selection Commission Official Examination Calendar and Recruitment Portal (ssc.gov.in)
Official Update Breakdown: SSC CGL 2026 Examination Notice
The Staff Selection Commission organises the Combined Graduate Level Examination every year to fill thousands of vacancies across Indian government ministries, constitutional bodies, statutory organizations, and tribunals. With the release of the official notification and exam schedule, candidates must organize their final revision and mock test practice according to the specified shift windows.
The Tier 1 examination serves as an objective computer-based screening test. Every candidate must appear in their allotted examination centre and designated shift. Because the exam runs across multiple days and sessions, the commission applies a standardized normalization formula to calculate final candidate scores, ensuring equal fairness across all test shifts.
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Shift Timings and Reporting Hours
The Tier 1 examination is conducted in multiple daily shifts across designated testing venues in India. Each shift lasts for 60 minutes (1 hour), while eligible PwBD candidates receiving compensatory time are given 80 minutes. Candidates must strictly reach their examination centre before the designated gate closing time, as entry doors are locked promptly.
| Examination Shift | Candidate Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time | Exam Timing (General) | Exam Timing (PwBD with Scribe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning) | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 09:00 AM – 10:20 AM |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon) | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM – 01:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 01:50 PM |
| Shift 3 (Evening) | 02:30 PM | 03:30 PM | 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 05:20 PM |
| Shift 4 (Extended / Alternate) | 04:30 PM | 05:15 PM | 05:30 PM – 06:30 PM | 05:30 PM – 06:50 PM |
Source: Staff Selection Commission General Shift Guidelines and Examination Instructions
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying a total of 200 marks. The test is divided into four distinct sections, each containing 25 questions worth 50 marks. A penalty of 0.50 marks is deducted for every incorrect response, making accuracy essential during the test.
| Section Name | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Negative Marking | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer | 60 Minutes (80 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates) |
| General Awareness | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer | |
| English Comprehension | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer | |
| Total / Aggregate | 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer | 60 Minutes |
Source: Staff Selection Commission Official CGL Examination Scheme and Guidelines
SSC CGL Tier 2 Examination Pattern and Structure
Candidates who clear the Tier 1 cutoff qualify to appear for the Tier 2 examination. The final merit list for all Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts is prepared based entirely on the marks secured in Tier 2 Paper-I. Understanding the paper structure helps candidates balance their long-term preparation.
| Tier 2 Paper / Section | Subject Modules | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I: Section I | Module-I: Mathematical Abilities Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence |
30 + 30 = 60 Questions | 180 Marks (3 marks each) | 1 Hour |
| Paper-I: Section II | Module-I: English Language and Comprehension Module-II: General Awareness |
45 + 25 = 70 Questions | 210 Marks (3 marks each) | 1 Hour |
| Paper-I: Section III (Qualifying) | Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test | 20 Questions | 60 Marks (3 marks each) | 15 Minutes |
| Paper-I: Section III (Skill Test) | Module-II: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 1 Data Entry Task (~2000 key depressions) | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
| Paper-II (Only for JSO Posts) | Statistics | 100 Questions | 200 Marks (2 marks each) | 2 Hours |
Source: Staff Selection Commission Official Notification and Examination Scheme
How to Check SSC CGL 2026 Exam Schedule and Download Hall Ticket
Candidates can check their application status, exam city, and download their admit cards directly through the official SSC website. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in.
- Log in to your candidate dashboard using your Registered Registration Number and Password.
- Click on the Admit Card or Application Status tab on the navigation bar.
- Select your regional SSC portal (such as NR, CR, ER, WR, SR, NWR, MPR, KKR, or NER).
- Click on the direct link for SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 City Intimation Slip / e-Admit Card.
- Verify your exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and exact test venue address.
- Download the PDF admit card and print at least two clear copies on A4 size paper for exam day verification.
Mandatory Exam Day Checklist and Prohibited Items
To avoid any inconvenience or disqualification at the examination centre, candidates must carry the required documents and strictly follow the commission guidelines.
Required Documents to Carry
- Printed Copy of e-Admit Card: A clear, legible printout of your official hall ticket.
- Original Photo Identity Proof: An official government-issued ID card bearing your full name, clear photograph, and exact date of birth matching your application form (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Printout of E-Aadhaar, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, Passport, or PAN Card).
- Date of Birth Proof (if required): If your photo ID does not show your complete date of birth (Day-Month-Year), carry your Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate or marksheet in original.
- Two Passport Size Photographs: Recent colour passport photographs identical to the photo uploaded during online registration.
- Transparent Water Bottle and Pen: If permitted by the centre, a simple transparent water bottle.
Strictly Prohibited Items
- Electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, digital fitness bands, Bluetooth devices, earphones, and microphones.
- Calculators, slide rules, log tables, books, notes, loose paper sheets, and study materials.
- Bags, wallets, purses, metallic items, metallic belts, ornaments, and heavy jewellery.
What This Means for Students: Practical Preparation Tips
Knowing your exam date and shift timing provides clarity for your final preparation. Here are practical, actionable steps to maximize your score:
- Take Full-Length Computer-Based Mocks: Practice mock tests in the exact 60-minute timeframe to build speed and accuracy under real exam conditions.
- Analyze Weak Areas: Focus your remaining revision time on formulas, vocabulary lists, reasoning patterns, and key current affairs from the past 6 to 8 months.
- Plan Travel Logistics Early: Visit your allotted exam venue a day before the examination or plan your commute early to arrive well before the gate closing time.
- Maintain a Calm Mindset: Adequate sleep, proper hydration, and structured revision during the final days are essential to perform at your peak during the exam.
- Explore Other Career and Academic Paths: Aspirants preparing for multiple national competitive exams can also check our All India College Predictor Hub to explore academic counseling opportunities, browse our Explore Colleges Directory, or Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with expert educational counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I check the official SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date?
Answer: You can check the official examination dates directly on the Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in. The commission publishes the detailed exam schedule and regional city intimation links under the latest news and candidate notices section.
Q2: When will the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Admit Card be released?
Answer: The SSC CGL Tier 1 e-Admit Cards are generally released 3 to 7 days before your specific exam date on regional SSC portals. Candidates can check their exam city and shift status approximately 7 to 10 days before the exam.
Q3: What is the duration and total marks of SSC CGL Tier 1?
Answer: The Tier 1 examination lasts for 60 minutes (1 hour) for general candidates and 80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates. It contains 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 200 marks across four core sections.
Q4: Is there negative marking in SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1?
Answer: Yes, there is negative marking in Tier 1. For every incorrect answer, 0.50 marks are deducted from your total score. There is no penalty or negative marking for unattempted questions.
Q5: Are Tier 1 marks counted for the final SSC CGL merit list?
Answer: No, Tier 1 marks are qualifying in nature and are used only to shortlist candidates for the Tier 2 examination. The final merit list and post allocation are based entirely on marks scored in Tier 2 Paper-I.
Q6: What documents are mandatory to carry to the SSC CGL exam centre?
Answer: Candidates must carry a printed copy of their e-Admit Card, two recent colour passport-size photographs, and an original valid government photo ID card (such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence, or PAN Card) having a matching date of birth.
Q7: Can I change my allotted SSC CGL examination centre or shift?
Answer: No, the Staff Selection Commission does not permit any changes to the allotted examination date, shift, or test centre under any circumstances once the admit card is issued.
Q8: What should I do if my photo ID does not show my full date of birth?
Answer: If your photo identity card does not contain your complete date of birth (Day, Month, and Year), you must bring an additional original document such as your Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate as proof of date of birth.
Q9: How is normalisation applied in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Answer: Because the Tier 1 examination is conducted across multiple shifts with different question papers, the commission uses a standard statistical normalization formula published in official notices to adjust difficulty variations across shifts.
Q10: Is the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) compulsory in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Answer: Yes, Module-II of Section III in Tier 2 Paper-I is the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), which is mandatory and qualifying for all posts. Candidates must type approximately 2,000 key depressions within 15 minutes.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Official Web Portal
- SSC Official Annual Examination Calendar and Recruitment Notices
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the counselling authority publishes a new official notification or revised schedule.