SSC CGL exam pattern 2026: sections, marks and negative marking

Combined Graduate Level Examination · Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Tier-I: 100 questions · 200 marks
Duration: 60 minutes
Marking: +2 for a right answer, −0.5 for a wrong one
Mocks on Mock Matrix: 236 tests, on the real exam screen

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How SSC CGL is structured: questions, marks, time and negative marking for each stage.

Tier-I

60 minutes+2 for a right answer, −0.5 for a wrong one

Section	Questions	Marks
General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
English Comprehension	25	50
Total	100	200

100 questions, 200 marks. Tier-I is a screening test; its marks are normalised across shifts.

Tier-II · Paper I

Session I: 2 hours 15 minutes+3 for a right answer, −1 for a wrong one

Section	Questions	Marks
Section I · Mathematical Abilities	30	90
Section I · Reasoning and General Intelligence	30	90
Section II · English Language and Comprehension	45	135
Section II · General Awareness	25	75
Section III · Computer Knowledge (qualifying)	20	60
Total	150	450

Session II: Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying, 15 minutes). Each section has its own timer: one hour for Section I, one hour for Section II and 15 minutes for Computer Knowledge.

Tier-II · Paper II (Statistics)

2 hours+2 for a right answer, −0.5 for a wrong one

Section	Questions	Marks
Statistics	100	200

Only for candidates who apply for Junior Statistical Officer or Statistical Investigator Grade II.

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Information is based on the latest official notification at the time of writing. Always confirm with the official notice on ssc.gov.in. Mock Matrix is not affiliated with SSC.

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