SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1: exam runs to 30 October; the pattern, marking and what comes after
The Staff Selection Commission's Combined Graduate Level Tier 1 exam is being held from 30 September to 30 October 2026, as a computer-based test of 100 questions for 200 marks in one hour, with 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer. The provisional answer key and the Tier 2 schedule have not been announced; they follow after the exam ends.
What changed
- SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 began on 30 September 2026 and runs until 30 October.
Where the exam stands
SSC released the CGL 2026 notification on 21 May 2026. Applications ran until 25 June, after an extension, and the correction window ran from 1 to 3 July.
Admit cards for Tier 1 were released on 28 September 2026, and the exam is being held from 30 September to 30 October 2026 in computer-based mode.
The Tier 1 pattern
Tier 1 has 100 objective questions for 200 marks, in four sections of 25 questions and 50 marks each: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
The paper lasts one hour, with a 15-minute timer for each section; candidates eligible for a scribe get extra time under SSC's rules. Each wrong answer costs 0.50 marks. Questions are in English and Hindi, except the English Comprehension section.
After the exam: answer key, result and Tier 2
SSC has not announced dates for the provisional answer key, the Tier 1 result or Tier 2. The provisional key usually comes a few days after the last shift, with a window to raise objections; the objection fee is ₹100 per question.
Ignore posts claiming a result or key is out until it appears on SSC's official website, ssc.gov.in.
Why it matters
- CGL fills Group B and C posts across central ministries and departments, and Tier 1 decides who goes on to Tier 2.
What remains uncertain
- The number of vacancies is given differently in published sources, about 12,256 in one report and 10,731 in another; SSC can also revise vacancies later.
- Answer key, result and Tier 2 dates are not yet announced.
Facts and evidence
SSC released the CGL 2026 notification on 21 May 2026; applications ran until 25 June after an extension.
Tier 1 admit cards were released on 28 September 2026, and the exam runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026.
Tier 1 has 100 questions for 200 marks in four 25-question sections, lasts one hour with 15 minutes per section, and deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Questions are in English and Hindi except the English Comprehension section.
Dates for the provisional answer key, the Tier 1 result and Tier 2 have not been announced; objections to the key cost ₹100 per question.
The notification lists about 12,256 tentative vacancies, though another published figure is 10,731.
Sources
Careers360 News: SSC CGL 2026 exam date out; tier 1 from September 30 (12 September 2026)Read at the source · EN
SSC CGL 2026 exam date out; tier 1 from September 30 (12 September 2026)
Read the original sourceCareers360: SSC CGL 2026: Tier 1 admit card, exam date and exam centres (updated 30 September 2026)Read at the source · EN
SSC CGL 2026: Tier 1 admit card, exam date and exam centres (updated 30 September 2026)
Read the original source