What is SSC CGL?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of India’s most prestigious government recruitment exams. It opens doors to Group B and Group C posts across various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India — including posts like Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Assistant Section Officer, and Sub-Inspector.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL exam consists of two tiers, each testing different competencies:
Tier 1 — Computer Based Examination (CBE)
Tier 1 is the preliminary screening stage. It consists of 100 objective-type questions across four sections, with a total duration of 60 minutes. The four sections are General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks), General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks), and English Comprehension (25 questions, 50 marks). Each correct answer carries 2 marks, and there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Tier 2 — Computer Based Examination (CBE)
Tier 2 is the main examination stage and is more comprehensive. It includes three sessions covering Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning, English Language & Comprehension, Computer Knowledge, General Awareness, and a subject-specific paper depending on the post applied for. The total marks and duration vary by paper.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The age limit is generally 18-32 years, though it varies by post. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government norms.
How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2026
Preparation should begin at least 6-8 months before the exam. Start by understanding the complete syllabus and exam pattern. Focus on building strong fundamentals in mathematics and reasoning first, as these sections carry the highest weightage. For General Awareness, follow current affairs daily and study static GK from standard reference books.
Practice previous year papers extensively — SSC often repeats question patterns. Take at least 2-3 full-length mock tests every week in the final 2 months. Analyze your performance after each test to identify weak areas and improve them systematically.
Important Dates for SSC CGL 2026
SSC typically releases the CGL notification between March and April each year. The Tier 1 exam is usually conducted between June and August. Keep checking the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) and the Sikhami platform for the latest updates and notifications.
Why Prepare with Sikhami?
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