SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date 2026 and Previous Year Cut-Off Analysis: Check Details Here

The SSC CGL Tier 2 examination dates have now been officially clarified. When the Tier 1 result was declared, it mentioned that the Tier 2 examination would tentatively begin in the third week. That timeline has now been confirmed, with the Tier 2 exam scheduled to start from 18 January.

Candidates who have qualified for Tier 2 should now focus entirely on structured revision and performance-based preparation, as this phase plays a decisive role in final selection.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Schedule Highlights

The SSC CGL Tier 2 examination will be conducted on 18 and 19 January. The schedule is as follows:

• 18 January (Day 1):

• Mathematics

• Reasoning and General Ability

• English Comprehension

• Computer Knowledge

• Statistics paper for candidates appearing for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts
  
  

• 19 January (Day 2):

• Skill Test
  
  

This schedule is already known to candidates, and there is no ambiguity regarding the exam structure at this stage.

Importance of Mock Tests for Tier 2 Preparation

With limited time remaining, mock tests are the most critical component of Tier 2 preparation. Regular mock practice helps candidates:

• Improve time management

• Maintain speed and accuracy

• Identify weak areas across sections

Candidates are strongly advised to maintain a dedicated notebook to record mistakes made during mock tests. Writing down errors and revising them from an analytical perspective is essential for improvement.

Each mock test should be followed by a detailed analysis, which may take three to four hours, as all sections need to be reviewed thoroughly. This process should be continued consistently until the examination day.

Previous Year Cut-Off Trends for SSC CGL Tier 2

The cut-off analysis discussed here applies to all posts except JSO and Statistical Investigator.

Data before 2022 has not been considered because the exam pattern before 2022 was different. Earlier, Tier 2 included descriptive components and was based primarily on Mathematics and English, with a total of 400 marks.

 This rise is influenced by multiple factors, including:

• Normalisation

• Exam pattern changes

• Number of vacancies

The highest number of vacancies was observed in 2022, partly due to the inclusion of Postal Assistant and Sorting Assistant posts. In subsequent years, vacancies reduced, which also impacts cut-off levels.

Category-Wise Cut-Off Movement

The same increasing trend is visible across categories:

• OBC: From around 242 to 271, then up to 306

• EWS: Around 265 earlier, reaching close to 300

• SC/ST: Similar upward movement observed
  
  

These figures indicate that candidates should aim for a strong raw score, keeping normalisation in mind.

Expected Safe Score Range for Tier 2

Based on observed trends and evaluation patterns, the following target scores were discussed as reference points:

 These targets are indicative and meant to guide preparation focus rather than guarantee selection.

How Candidates Should Use This Information

Candidates should:

• Keep realistic score targets in mind

• Focus heavily on mock tests and their analysis

• Align preparation according to the post they are targeting, especially higher-grade posts

Achieving these scores is possible with disciplined practice, provided mock tests are taken seriously and mistakes are corrected systematically.

Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Tier 2

With the exam dates confirmed and time limited, candidates should prioritise:

• Mock test practice

• Error analysis

• Section-wise improvement

• Consistency in revision

Clearing Tier 1 is a significant milestone. The final outcome now depends on how effectively candidates utilise the remaining time before Tier 2. Focused preparation, disciplined analysis, and sustained effort are the key factors that will determine success in the SSC CGL Tier 2 examination.