If you are planning to appear for SSC CGL, the first and most important step is to clearly understand the SSC CGL selection process. Many students start preparing without knowing how many stages the exam has, which tier is qualifying, and which tier decides the final merit. This lack of clarity often leads to poor planning and unnecessary confusion during preparation.
The SSC CGL selection process 2026 mainly consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2, and both stages are conducted online. Tier 1 works as a screening stage, while Tier 2 plays a major role in your final selection and post-allocation. Each tier has a different exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme, so understanding their purpose is very important for smart preparation.
Through this blog, you will get a clear and simple explanation of the SSC CGL selection process, including how Tier 1 and Tier 2 work, what subjects are asked, and why each stage matters. If you are serious about cracking SSC CGL 2026, this guide will help you build the right strategy from the very beginning.
SSC CGL Selection Process 2026 – Overview Chart
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| SSC CGL Full Form | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (Qualifying) and Tier 2 (Merit Deciding) |
| Number of Tiers | 2 |
| Tier 1 Nature | Qualifying in nature |
| Tier 2 Nature | Marks counted for final merit & post allocation |
| Posts Offered | Group B & Group C posts |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation from a recognized university |
| Negative Marking | Yes (Tier 1 & Tier 2) |
| Language of Paper | English & Hindi (except English section) |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Important Points Students Should Know
- Tier 1 is only for shortlisting candidates; its marks are not added to the final merit list.
- Tier 2 is the most important stage as final selection depends on it.
- Both tiers are conducted online, so speed and accuracy matter a lot.
- Understanding the SSC CGL selection process 2026 early helps students plan preparation in a smarter way.
SSC CGL Tier 1 2026
SSC CGL Tier 1 is the first stage of the SSC CGL selection process 2026. This exam is qualifying in nature, which means its marks are not added to the final merit list, but you must clear it to move to Tier 2.
Tier 1 is conducted in online (CBT) mode and tests a candidate’s basic understanding of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. The main purpose of this stage is to shortlist candidates for the next and most important stage, Tier 2.
Key Points:
- It is a screening exam, not the final selection stage
- Speed and accuracy are very important
- There is negative marking, so random guessing can be risky
- A good Tier 1 score helps you comfortably qualify for Tier 2 cut-off
- If your basics are clear and you practice mock tests regularly, Tier 1 becomes manageable
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 Questions | 200 Marks |
| Time Duration | 60 Minutes |
Important Points:
- Each question carries 2 marks
- Negative marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Objective type (MCQs)
- Bilingual (English & Hindi, except English section)
SSC CGL Tier 2 2026
Tier 2 is the most important stage of SSC CGL 2026 because final selection and post allocation are based on Tier 2 marks.
Tier 2 is conducted in multiple papers and sessions. Paper 1 is compulsory for all, Paper 2 is only for JSO candidates. The exam checks aptitude, English, computer knowledge, etc.
Key Points:
- Mandatory for final selection
- Conducted in multiple sessions on the same day
- Paper 1 compulsory for all
- Paper 2 for JSO only
- Accuracy is crucial due to negative marking
Paper 1 (Compulsory for All Candidates)
| Session | Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks/Question | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 3 | 90 | |
| Session I | Section I | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 3 | 90 | 1 Hour |
| Session I | Section II | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 3 | 135 | |
| Session I | Section II | General Awareness | 25 | 3 | 75 | 1 Hour |
| Session I | Section III | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 3 | 60 | 15 Minutes |
| Session II | Section IV | DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) | 1 Task | Qualifying | — | 15 Minutes |
Total Paper 1:
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 450
- Negative Marking: 1 mark/wrong answer
- DEST: Qualifying
Paper 2 (Only for JSO Candidates)
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks/Question | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 2 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
Notes:
- Paper 1 is mandatory for all SSC CGL posts
- Paper 2 is for JSO only
- Final merit list = Tier 2 marks only
- DEST = qualifying but compulsory
SSC CGL Document Verification – Online or Offline?
- Document verification is conducted offline
- Candidates are notified via email or official notice
- Venue, date, and time are mentioned in the DV call letter
SSC CGL 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks
Understanding:
- Qualifying Marks = Basic eligibility
- Cut-Off Marks = Based on competition, changes yearly
Tier 1 Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum % (out of 200) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 20% |
Tier 2 Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum % |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 20% |
Notes:
- Clearing Tier 1 does not guarantee selection
- Tier 2 marks decide merit & post
- Sectional qualifying (if applicable) also required
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Complete Details
Includes:
- Nationality
- Educational Qualification
- Age Limit
- Age Relaxation
1. Nationality Criteria
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962), or
- Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, etc.
Other than Indian citizens must have eligibility certificate from GoI.
2. Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| All General Posts | Graduation in any discipline |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Graduation with Statistics OR 60% in Maths in 12th |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Graduation with Statistics in all semesters |
3. Age Limit (Post-wise)
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | 20 to 30 years |
| Inspector (Income Tax, CBI) | 18 to 30 years |
| Auditor / Accountant | 18 to 27 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer | 18 to 32 years |
| Other Posts | 18 to 27 / 30 |
4. Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years post-service |
| Central Govt Employee | Up to 5 years |
Documents Required for SSC CGL 2026 Verification
- SSC CGL Application Form (Print)
- Admit Cards (Tier 1 & 2)
- 10th Certificate (DOB Proof)
- Graduation Degree & Mark Sheets
- Caste/Category Certificates
- Non-creamy OBC (If applicable)
- EWS Certificate
- PwBD / Ex-Servicemen Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
- Passport-size Photos
SSC CGL Physical Test – Complete Details
Only for Inspector Posts:
- Central Excise
- Preventive Officer
- Examiner
Desk-based posts do not require physical tests.
Physical Standards (Male)
| Height | Chest |
|---|---|
| 157.5 cm | 81 cm (5 cm expansion) |
Physical Standards (Female)
| Height | Chest |
|---|---|
| 152 cm | Not required |
Physical Endurance Test
| Gender | Task | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Walking | 1600m in 15 mins |
| Cycling | 8 km in 30 mins | |
| Female | Walking | 1000m in 15 mins |
| Cycling | 3 km in 25 mins |
SSC CGL Medical Standards
- Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 (Best Eye), 6/9 or 6/12 (Other)
- Near Vision: 0.6 / 0.6
- Color Vision: Normal
- Squint: Not allowed
Use of spectacles is allowed.