SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern with section-wise marks, number of questions, exam duration, and negative marking. Updated prelims and mains pattern with all selection process stages.
Understanding the SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern is the first step in planning your preparation. The pattern defines how many questions appear in each section, what marks they carry, whether negative marking applies, and how much total time is available. Candidates who internalize the pattern before starting practice consistently allocate their time better on exam day and avoid avoidable sectional cutoff failures.
SSC CGL 2026 has two computer-based tiers. Tier I is used for category-wise shortlisting. Tier II Paper I is compulsory for all; Paper II and Paper III apply only to specified posts. All four sections of Paper I must be qualified separately.
Tier I is an objective screening examination. Each subject has its own 15-minute timer; candidates cannot freely redistribute the 60 minutes. Each question carries 2 marks and every wrong answer attracts a 0.50-mark penalty.
| Section / Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
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Yes. SSC CGL typically has a penalty of 0.25 marks per wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains. Unattempted questions carry no penalty. Accuracy is therefore more important than blind attempt count.
SSC CGL selection typically involves 2–3 stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and in some cases an Interview or Language Proficiency Test. The exact stages are confirmed in the official notification.
SSC CGL Prelims is generally 1 hour and Mains extends to 2.5–3 hours depending on the exam. Some sections may carry individual time limits. Always refer to the official call letter for confirmed timings.
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