The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has outlined the timeline for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 examination across its official portal, ssc.gov.in. Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 can expect the Tier 1 Computer-Based Examination (CBT) to take place between September and October 2026 across nationwide test centers. Tier 2 will follow in December 2026.
This recruitment drive aims to fill 12,256 posts in various Ministries, Departments, and Constitutional Bodies of the Government of India, including key roles such as Assistant Section Officer (ASO), Inspector of Income Tax, Central Excise Inspector, Assistant Audit Officer (AAO), and Junior Statistical Officer (JSO).
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date 2026 is expected to be announced soon by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). As per the current schedule, the SSC CGL Tier 1 examination is tentatively scheduled for September–October 2026. Candidates should regularly visit the official SSC website for the confirmed exam dates, city intimation slip, and admit card updates.
The Staff Selection Commission published the recruitment notification on May 21, 2026, completing the online application and correction window by early July 2026.
Recruiting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam Name: Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (SSC CGL)
Total Vacancies: 12,256 Posts
Official Portal: ssc.gov.in
SSC CGL Notification Release Date: May 21, 2026
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date 2026: September–October 2026 (Tentative)
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date 2026: December 2026 (Tentative)
Admit Card Release Window: 7–10 days before the exam date
The Tier 1 Computer-Based Test (CBT) is conducted in multiple shifts each day to accommodate millions of candidates. Below is the standard shift pattern followed by the commission across regional centers:
Shift 1 (Morning): 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Reporting Time: 07:30 AM)
Shift 2 (Noon): 12:30 PM – 01:30 PM (Reporting Time: 11:00 AM)
Shift 3 (Evening): 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Reporting Time: 02:30 PM)
Note: Candidates must carry a hard copy of their SSC CGL Admit Card 2026, a valid government-issued photo identity card (Aadhaar, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport), and two recent passport-size photographs to the test venue.
To clear the exam, candidates must navigate through two distinct stages.
The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions totaling 200 marks, with a total duration of 60 minutes (1 hour):
General Intelligence & Reasoning: 25 Questions | 50 Marks
General Awareness: 25 Questions | 50 Marks
Quantitative Aptitude: 25 Questions | 50 Marks
English Comprehension: 25 Questions | 50 Marks
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
Candidates qualifying Tier 1 proceed to Tier 2. Tier 2 comprises mandatory Paper-I (Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Module, and Data Entry Speed Test) for all posts, alongside Paper-II for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
Once released, candidates can download their city intimation slip and Tier 1 hall ticket by following these steps:
Go to the official website at ssc.gov.in.
Click on the Admit Card tab located on the top navigation bar.
Select your respective SSC Regional Website (e.g., NR, CR, WR, ER, SR).
Click on the notification titled "Status / Download Admit Card For Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-1), 2026".
Enter your Registration ID / Roll Number and Date of Birth / Password.
Submit the details to display your exam city, shift, date, and printable admit card.
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Admit Card 2026 and City Intimation Slip are expected to be released shortly before the examination. SSC generally uploads the exam city and centre details around 10 days before the examination, while the Admission Certificate/Admit Card is made available around 2–3 days before the exam.