SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Marking Scheme, Timing & Negative Marking

SSC CGL

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Overview Syllabus Eligibility Exam Pattern Cut-off

Tier-1 Computer Based Examination Structure

Part	Subject	Questions	Max Marks	Duration
A	General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50	60 Minutes (80 mins for scribed candidates)
B	General Awareness	25	50
C	Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
D	English Comprehension	25	50
Total Tier-1		100	200	60 Mins

Tier-2 Paper-I Exam Architecture (All Posts)

Session	Section & Modules	Questions	Marks	Time Limit
Session-I (2 Hours 15 Mins)	Section-I: Module-I: Mathematical Abilities (30) Module-II: Reasoning & General Intelligence (30)	60	180 (3 marks/Q)	1 Hour
	Section-II: Module-I: English Language & Comprehension (45) Module-II: General Awareness (25)	70	210 (3 marks/Q)	1 Hour
	Section-III: Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test (Qualifying)	20	60 (3 marks/Q)	15 Minutes
Session-II	Section-III (Module-II): Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)	1 Task	Qualifying (2000 KD)	15 Minutes
Total Deciding Merit Marks (Section I + II)		130 Qs	390 Marks	2 Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1?

In Tier 1, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer (equal to 1/4th of the 2 marks awarded per correct answer).

Q.What is the negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 2?

In Tier 2 Paper-I, each correct answer earns 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect response in Section-I, Section-II, and Module-I of Section-III.

Q.What is the speed requirement in the DEST typing test?

Candidates must type 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes on a computer, which equates to an approximate speed of 27 to 30 words per minute (wpm).

Q.Is there sectional timing in SSC CGL Tier 2?

Yes. In Tier-2 Paper-I, candidates get exactly 1 hour for Section-I (Maths + Reasoning), followed by exactly 1 hour for Section-II (English + GA), and 15 minutes for Computer Knowledge.