SSC CGL 2026 is a major opportunity for graduates seeking government jobs in various Group B and Group C posts. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the Tier 1 exam schedule, with the examination scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026.
In this article, you will find the latest SSC CGL 2026 exam date, Tier 1 schedule, eligibility, admit card details, exam pattern, negative marking and Tier 2 information in one place. Candidates should check the official SSC website regularly for any changes or new announcements.
Table of Contents
SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 Out
The SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 examination is scheduled to be conducted from 30 September to 30 October 2026. The examination will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for candidates appearing for various Group B and Group C posts. The Commission will provide candidates with details about their exam city, date and shift before the examination. The admit card will also be released before the exam. Candidates should regularly visit the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in, for the latest updates and announcements regarding the SSC CGL 2026 examination.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date Tier 1
Candidates should keep these dates in mind while preparing for the SSC CGL 2026 examination. The Tier 1 exam will be held from 30 September to 30 October 2026. The exam city information is expected on 21 September, followed by the admit card on 27 September 2026. For any changes or official updates, candidates should visit ssc.gov.in regularly.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Exam Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Application Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 22 June 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date 2026 | 30 September to 30 October 2026 |
| SSC CGL Exam City | 21 September 2026 |
| SSC CGL Admit Card | 27 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Mode | Computer-Based Examination (CBE) |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen or as per SSC rules |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution |
| Final-Year Students | Can apply if they meet the required qualification by the specified cut-off date |
| Age Limit | Generally 18 to 32 years, depending on the post |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable to reserved categories as per government rules |
| Specific Posts | Some posts may have additional educational or subject requirements |
Note: Candidates should check the official SSC CGL 2026 notification for exact post-wise eligibility, age limits and qualification requirements.
SSC CGL 2026 Admit Card
If you are appearing for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam, the admit card is something you should keep an eye on. As per the latest schedule, the exam city details are expected on 21 September 2026, while the admit card is expected to be available from 27 September 2026. Candidates should check their admit card carefully for the exam centre, date, shift and reporting time. For official updates, visit ssc.gov.in regularly.
How to Download SSC CGL Admit Card
Downloading the SSC CGL admit card is quite simple. Once it is released, candidates can download it online by following these steps:
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Click on the Admit Card section.
- Select the relevant SSC CGL admit card link.
- Enter your Registration Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth/Password.
- Submit the required details.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Check the exam centre, date, shift and reporting time carefully.
- Download the admit card and keep a printout for the exam day.
Tip : Candidates should check the official SSC website regularly and download the admit card as soon as it becomes available.
SSC CGL 2026 Post-Wise Age Requirements
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | 20–30 Years |
| Inspector Posts | Maximum 30 Years |
| Auditor / Tax Assistant | 18–27 Years |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Maximum 32 Years |
Important: Age requirements can vary from one post to another. Candidates should check the latest SSC CGL notification for the exact age limit and applicable relaxation rules.
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The Tier 1 examination consists of four sections. Candidates will have to answer a total of 100 questions for 200 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
The total examination duration is 60 minutes. Candidates should manage their time carefully across all sections.
Negative Marking in SSC CGL Tier 1
There is negative marking in the Tier 1 examination. 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. Therefore, candidates should avoid random guessing and focus on answering questions they are confident about.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
After Tier 1, candidates who qualify for the next stage appear for SSC CGL Tier 2. This stage is more detailed and includes different papers or modules depending on the post.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Section I | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| Section II | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| Section II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 |
| Session II | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 1 Task | Qualifying |
What Should Candidates Do Before the Exam?
Candidates should use the remaining preparation time effectively. Regular revision, mock tests and previous-year question papers can help candidates become familiar with the examination pattern.
Candidates should also keep their application details, admit card and other required documents ready before the examination.
Conclusion
SSC CGL 2026 is a good opportunity for candidates looking to build a career in various government departments and offices. With Tier 1 scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026, candidates should focus on regular practice, revision and time management. Keep checking the official SSC website for the latest updates on the admit card, exam schedule and Tier 2.