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Staff Selection Commission has announced the recruitment drive for Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL) 2026 with over 15,000+ vacancies across Group B and Group C posts. Aspirants targeting positions like Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, and Central Excise Inspector must clear the Tier-1 examination as the first critical step.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Pattern 2026
The Tier-1 exam is a computer-based test comprising 100 multiple choice questions with a maximum of 200 marks, to be solved in 60 minutes. It contains four sections, each evaluating distinct core skills:
| Section / Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| General Awareness (GK/GS) | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematics) | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension & Grammar | 25 | 50 |
Syllabus Breakdown
- Quantitative Aptitude: Focuses on ratio & proportion, average, interest, profit & loss, speed-time-distance, basic algebra, geometry theorems, trigonometry ratios, and data interpretation charts.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Covers semantic analogies, symbolic operations, classification, number series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, pattern folding, and critical reasoning logic.
- General Awareness: Emphasizes current affairs (national/international), Indian history, geography, economy, polity, and everyday science concepts.
- English Comprehension: Tests error detection, fill in the blanks, synonyms/antonyms, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, cloze passage, and reading comprehension.
Key Preparation Tips
To score high in SSC CGL Tier-1, aspirants should make mock tests a core part of their daily schedule. Practicing under strict time limits simulates the pressure of the actual exam and builds time-management skills. Analyzing wrong selections after each test helps identify weak sections, allowing candidates to refine their concepts before the final exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the negative marking for SSC CGL Tier-1?
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in SSC CGL Tier-1. This translates to a penalty of 1/4th of the marks allotted per question since each question is worth 2 marks.
Q. Is SSC CGL Tier-1 qualifying in nature?
Yes, the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam is qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in Tier-1 are used solely to shortlist candidates for the Tier-2 stage and are not added to the merit list.
Q. What languages are available for the mock tests?
All mock tests in this preparation series are bilingual, available in both English and Hindi. Candidates can easily switch the active language instantly during the test attempt.