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SSC CGL 2026
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) · SSC CGL
Exam Overview
Combined Graduate Level is SSC's flagship examination for Group B and Group C posts across ministries, departments and constitutional bodies. Roughly 18,000 vacancies across hundreds of posts; the exam happens in three computer-based stages plus a descriptive paper.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduate in any discipline from a recognised university. Age 18-32 years with category-wise relaxation.
Exam Pattern & Stages
Stage 1 — Tier 1 (CBT)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
- Mode
- Computer Based
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Total Questions
- 100
- Total Marks
- 200
- Negative Marking
- 0.50 per wrong answer
Stage 2 — Tier 2 (CBT)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| English Language | 45 | 135 |
| Statistics | 15 | 45 |
| General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 20 | 60 |
- Mode
- Computer Based
- Duration
- 3 x 60 minutes
- Total Questions
- 170
- Total Marks
- 390
- Negative Marking
- 0.50 per wrong answer
Stage 3 — Tier 3 (Descriptive)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Essay / Letter / Application / Precis | 2 | 100 |
- Mode
- Pen & Paper
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Negative Marking
- No
Full Syllabus & Preparation
Stage-wise subject & topic breakdown for this exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSC CGL conducted in Hindi as well?
Yes. Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 can be answered in English or Hindi, except the English Comprehension section. Candidates opting for the Hindi medium can still answer the English section in English.
What is the Tier 1 negative marking?
0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in the computer-based Tier 1. No deduction is made for unattempted questions.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. Final-year students can appear in Tier 1 and Tier 2, provided they produce proof of graduation before Tier 3 or document verification.