The Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) is held by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit graduates to Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts in central government ministries, departments and organisations. The posts range from Pay Level 4 (for example Postal Assistant and Senior Secretariat Assistant) to Pay Level 8 (Assistant Audit Officer), and include Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax and Central Excise, Sub-Inspector in the CBI and NIA, Auditor, Accountant and Tax Assistant. It suits any graduate who wants a central government career. This guide uses the official notice for CGL 2026, published on ssc.gov.in on 21 May 2026. The 2026 notice put tentative vacancies at about 12,256.
At a glance
| Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission, Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India |
| Mode | Computer-based examination (CBE), in two tiers |
| Tiers | Tier-I (qualifying and used for shortlisting); Tier-II (decides the merit list) |
| Tier-I | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, with a 15-minute timer for each of the four sections |
| Tier-II Paper-I | Maths, reasoning, English, general awareness, a computer knowledge test and a data entry speed test (DEST) |
| Marking scheme | Tier-I: +2 correct, −0.50 wrong. Tier-II Paper-I: +3 correct, −1 wrong |
| Eligibility | A bachelor's degree from a recognised university, held by 1 August 2026 (some posts have extra requirements) |
| Age limit | 18–27, 18–30, 20–30 or 18–32 years depending on the post, as on 1 August 2026 |
| Application fee | INR 100; women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ex-servicemen candidates are exempt |
| Schedule (2026) | Applications 21 May to 22 June 2026 (later extended); Tier-I from 30 September 2026; Tier-II tentatively December 2026 |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
Exam pattern
Both tiers are computer-based tests with multiple-choice questions. The structure below is from the official CGL 2026 notice.
Tier-I
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and 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 | 60 minutes |
Tier-II, Paper-I (compulsory for all posts; held in two sessions on the same day)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I A: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section-I B: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section-II A: English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| Section-II B: General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes |
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying) | One data entry task | – | 15 minutes |
Tier-II, Paper-II and Paper-III (only for certain posts)
| Paper | Who takes it | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-II: Statistics | Candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-III: General Studies (Finance and Economics) | Candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Notes on the pattern:
- Sectional timers. The 2026 notice gives every Tier-I section its own 15-minute timer, and splits each hour of Tier-II Paper-I into fixed parts (30 + 30 minutes for Section-I; 40 + 20 minutes for Section-II). Education sites such as Careers Power report that the Tier-I sectional timer is new for 2026; previously the hour could be shared across sections. You cannot carry spare time from one section to the next.
- Negative marking. Tier-I deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Tier-II deducts 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Paper-I, and 0.50 marks in Paper-II and Paper-III.
- Language. Questions are set in English and Hindi, except the English sections.
- Qualifying marks. The minimum qualifying marks in Tier-I and in each scored part of Tier-II are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for all other categories. In the DEST, the maximum error rate allowed is 20%, 25% and 30% respectively.
- What counts for merit. Tier-I is used only to shortlist candidates for Tier-II. The final merit list for most posts is based on the aggregate of Sections I and II of Tier-II Paper-I, provided you qualify the Computer Knowledge Test and the DEST. Paper-II or Paper-III marks are added for the statistics and audit posts.
- Normalisation. Where a tier is held in several shifts, scores are normalised using the procedure in SSC's notice of 2 June 2025.
- Higher standards for some posts. Posts that require computer proficiency (such as Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA and AFHQ, and Inspector posts in CBIC) and posts that require DEST (such as Tax Assistant) have higher qualifying standards in the computer test and/or the DEST.
The notice states that the schedule is tentative, so check ssc.gov.in for the current dates.
What each section tests
The notice publishes an indicative syllabus for each section. The summaries below follow it.
Quantitative Aptitude and Mathematical Abilities
Arithmetic (percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, simple and compound interest, profit, loss and discount, partnership, mixtures and alligation, time and distance, time and work), number systems, basic algebra and surds, graphs of linear equations, geometry of triangles and circles, mensuration of 2D and 3D shapes, trigonometry with heights and distances, and data in histograms, bar diagrams and pie charts. Tier-II adds basic statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation) and simple probability. The notice says Tier-I Quant is set at Class 10 level, while the other Tier-I sections are set at graduate level.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: analogies, classification, number and figural series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, syllogistic reasoning, statement-conclusion, paper folding and punched holes, embedded figures, space visualisation, and matching tasks such as address and date matching. The syllabus also lists critical thinking, emotional intelligence and social intelligence. Most questions are short and stand alone.
English Comprehension and English Language
Vocabulary, grammar, spotting errors, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, spelling, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, sentence and paragraph rearrangement, cloze passages and reading comprehension. The Tier-II syllabus says the passages will include one based on a book or story and others on current affairs, drawn from a report or editorial.
General Awareness
General knowledge of the world around you and current events, with emphasis on India and its neighbours: history, culture, geography, the economy, general policy and scientific research.
Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test
The computer test covers computer basics, Windows and Microsoft Office, the internet and e-mail, and basic networking and cyber security. The DEST is a passage of about 2,000 key depressions to be typed in 15 minutes. Both are qualifying.
Statistics (Paper-II) and Finance and Economics (Paper-III)
Specialist papers for the statistics and audit posts only. The notice gives their full syllabi.
How it compares with SSC CHSL
The Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination (CHSL) is SSC's other big general exam, for candidates who have passed Class 12. The figures below are from the official CGL 2026 and CHSL 2026 notices.
| SSC CGL 2026 | SSC CHSL 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor's degree | Class 12 pass |
| Posts | Group 'B' and 'C' posts, Pay Levels 4 to 8 | Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operator posts (Pay Levels 2, 4 and 5) |
| Tentative vacancies (in the notice) | About 12,256 | About 2,536 |
| Age limit | 18–27 up to 18–32, depending on the post | 18–27 |
| Tier-I | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, 15-minute sectional timers | Same structure and marking |
| Tier-II | Paper-I (maths, reasoning, English, GA, computer test, DEST), plus Paper-II or III for some posts | Single paper with the same four kinds of section, plus a skill or typing test |
| Applications (2026) | 21 May to 22 June 2026 | 7 September to 7 October 2026 |
In general terms:
- The tests look alike. Tier-I is the same in both exams, and Tier-II follows the same pattern of sections. CGL questions are pitched at graduate level, apart from Tier-I Quant.
- CGL leads to more senior posts. CGL covers Inspector, Assistant Section Officer and audit posts up to Pay Level 8, while CHSL is mainly for clerical and data entry posts.
- Many candidates take both. Because the syllabus overlaps so much, preparing for one is largely preparing for the other. See our SSC CHSL guide.
How Pareto Academy helps
Pareto Academy is built around CAT. The arithmetic and data interpretation in CGL overlap with CAT, but CGL rewards speed on short, single-step questions, with 15 minutes for 25 questions in each Tier-I section. CAT questions are longer and take more steps. Use our material to build understanding, then practise separately for speed.
| CGL section | Covered by Pareto? | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (arithmetic, algebra, geometry) | Partly | Quant questions, formula sheet, improve your Quant score; trigonometry, basic statistics and speed drills are not covered yet |
| Data interpretation (charts and tables) | Partly | DILR questions for reading and calculating from data |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | Limited | Puzzle strategies help with arrangement puzzles; coding-decoding, series, analogies, syllogisms and figural reasoning are not covered |
| English Comprehension | Partly | VARC questions, reading comprehension strategy and daily reading for passages; grammar, vocabulary and error-spotting drills are not covered |
| General Awareness | Not yet | Use a daily newspaper and standard GK resources |
| Computer Knowledge Test | Not yet | Use the official syllabus in the notice |
| Data Entry Speed Test | Not yet | Practise typing regularly |
| Statistics / Finance and Economics papers | Not yet | Use the official syllabus in the notice |
| CGL-pattern mocks | Not yet | Our mocks follow the CAT pattern; the mock analysis guide still applies to any mock you take |
For the sections we do not cover, use the official syllabus and past papers, and take timed mocks in the CGL format.
Selection process and posts
- Apply online on ssc.gov.in during the application window, after creating a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website.
- Tier-I. A computer-based screening test. Candidates who qualify are shortlisted category-wise for Tier-II, with separate cut-offs for the statistics posts, the audit posts and all other posts.
- Tier-II. All shortlisted candidates take Paper-I; those shortlisted for the statistics or audit posts also take Paper-II or Paper-III.
- Post preferences. You submit your post preferences online before the result. You will not be considered for a post you have not listed, and preferences cannot be changed once submitted.
- Final selection. Based on Tier-II performance and your preferences. Once you are given your highest available preference, you are not considered for any other.
- Document verification and post-specific tests. The user department verifies documents. Some posts, including the CBIC Inspector posts and Sub-Inspector in the CBI, NIA, NCB and CBN, have physical and medical standards, which are tested after selection.
There is no interview.
Posts and pay levels (CGL 2026 notice, by examples):
| Pay level | Example posts |
|---|---|
| Level 8 (INR 47,600–1,51,100) | Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer |
| Level 7 (INR 44,900–1,42,400) | Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (Central Excise, Preventive Officer, Examiner), Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub Inspector (CBI), Inspector Posts |
| Level 6 (INR 35,400–1,12,400) | Assistant, Executive Assistant, Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator Grade-II, Sub Inspector (NIA) |
| Level 5 (INR 29,200–92,300) | Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant |
| Level 4 (INR 25,500–81,100) | Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant, Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk, Tax Assistant |
Eligibility notes:
- Education. A bachelor's degree for most posts. Junior Statistical Officer needs at least 60% in Mathematics at Class 12 or Statistics as a degree subject. Statistical Investigator Grade-II needs a degree in one of the listed subjects, such as Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science or Data Science. Final-year students may apply if they hold the degree by 1 August 2026.
- Age. As on 1 August 2026: 18–27 years for most Group 'C' posts, 18–30 or 20–30 for most Group 'B' posts, and 18–32 for Junior Statistical Officer. The upper limit is relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and 10 years for PwBD candidates, with other relaxations listed in the notice.
Preparation tips
- Train for the sectional timers. With 15 minutes for 25 questions in each Tier-I section, you have about 36 seconds per question. Practise moving on as soon as a question stalls.
- Do not guess blindly in Tier-II. A wrong answer costs 1 mark against 3 for a correct one. Answer only when you can rule out most options.
- Remember that Tier-II decides the merit list. Tier-I gets you shortlisted; your rank comes from Tier-II. Plan your preparation to peak for Tier-II.
- Build GA steadily. General Awareness carries 50 marks in Tier-I and 75 in Tier-II Paper-I. Short daily study of current affairs and static GK works better than cramming.
- Do not neglect the qualifying sections. You must clear the Computer Knowledge Test and the DEST, and some posts set higher standards. Practise typing well before Tier-II.
- Know your post preferences early. Physical standards, age limits and the extra papers differ by post, so decide which posts you want before the preference form opens.
- Use previous papers. SSC's question style is consistent, and past papers are the best guide to the level and the short-question formats.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. Tier-I deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer (each question carries 2 marks). Tier-II Paper-I deducts 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I to III (each question carries 3 marks). Paper-II and Paper-III deduct 0.50 marks.
Do Tier-I marks count in the final result?
No. Tier-I is used to shortlist candidates for Tier-II. The final merit list is prepared from Tier-II only.
What changed in SSC CGL 2026?
The 2026 notice puts a 15-minute sectional timer on each Tier-I section and fixed timers within each hour of Tier-II Paper-I. Education sites report that the Tier-I sectional timer is new this year.
Who can apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Graduates (or final-year students who will hold a degree by 1 August 2026) within the age limit for the posts they want. Some posts, such as Junior Statistical Officer, have extra subject requirements.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
The notice of 21 May 2026 gave a tentative figure of about 12,256 and said updated, post-wise vacancies would be published on ssc.gov.in. Education sites reported a tentative list dated 24 September 2026 with 10,731 vacancies. Check the "Tentative Vacancy" page on ssc.gov.in for the current figure.
Is there an interview?
No. Selection is based on Tier-II performance and your post preferences, followed by document verification and, for some posts, physical and medical tests.
Sources
- SSC official website (ssc.gov.in): conducting body and official notices (accessed 24 October 2026)
- SSC CGL 2026 Notice of Examination (PDF): posts and pay levels, tentative vacancies (about 12,256), age limits and relaxations, educational qualifications, fee, application dates, tentative tier schedule, Tier-I and Tier-II schemes, sectional timers, negative marking, syllabus, qualifying marks, normalisation and merit rules (accessed 24 October 2026)
- SSC CHSL 2026 Notice of Examination (PDF): CHSL posts, tentative vacancies (about 2,536), age limit, application dates and exam scheme for the comparison (accessed 24 October 2026)
- SSC CGL 2026 exam dates, Careers360: Tier-I window of 30 September to 30 October 2026, and the extended application deadline (25 June 2026) (accessed 24 October 2026)
- New changes in SSC CGL 2026, Careers Power: report that the Tier-I sectional timer is new for 2026 (accessed 24 October 2026)
- SSC CGL Vacancy 2026, Adda247: report of the tentative vacancy list of 24 September 2026 with 10,731 vacancies (accessed 24 October 2026)
Researched from official sources on 24 October 2026. Exam patterns change from year to year: always confirm the latest details on the official website before you apply.