SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern) Test Series
SSC CGL Tier-1 pattern practice: full length mock tests with reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English sections, in the usual 100-question, 60-minute format.
About SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern)
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination) is held every year by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries and departments, such as Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, Central Excise, GST), Sub-Inspector in CBI and NIA, Assistant Audit Officer, Junior Statistical Officer, Auditor, Accountant and Tax Assistant.
Any graduate in the age range of the post can apply, which makes it one of India's largest recruitment exams. The 2026 notification (21 May 2026) listed about 12,256 tentative vacancies. Selection is through Tier-I and Tier-II computer-based tests and document verification. Tier-I is qualifying; the final merit is made from Tier-II.
SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern) at a glance
| Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Stages | Tier-I (CBT, qualifying) → Tier-II (CBT) → document verification |
| Tier-I | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes; 15 minutes per section in the 2026 cycle |
| Negative marking | Tier-I: 0.50 per wrong answer. Tier-II Paper-I: 1 mark per wrong answer (3 marks per question) |
| Language | English and Hindi (English sections in English only) |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern) exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Tier-I pattern. Tier-II Paper-I has Mathematical Abilities (30 Q), Reasoning (30 Q), English (45 Q), General Awareness (25 Q), a qualifying Computer Knowledge module (20 Q) and a Data Entry Speed Test. Papers II and III are only for statistics and audit posts.
SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern) — test series & prices
SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern) syllabus
Eligibility
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university; some posts need a specific background (for example mathematics or statistics for Junior Statistical Officer). Age limits differ by post, from 18-27 up to 18-32 years as on 1 August 2026, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and ex-servicemen as per rules.
How to prepare: 5 practical tips
- Practise Tier-I with the 15-minute sectional timer; time saved in one section cannot be used in another.
- Plan for Tier-II from the start, because the final merit is made from Tier-II marks.
- Mathematics and English carry the largest share of Tier-II marks; build speed through full-length mocks.
- Do not ignore the qualifying Computer Knowledge module and the Data Entry Speed Test.
- Revise current affairs of the last 8 to 12 months along with static GK, and analyse every mock.
📚 Notes & eBooks for this exam
Month-wise national current affairs eBooks (Hindi + English) for the General Awareness section. Available on our sister site Learnnity — every eBook comes with 6 months of its My Study Room (quiz, flashcards and more).
Prepnity students get 10% off with code PREPNITY10 on Learnnity. See all eBooks →
What you get on Prepnity
SSC CGL (Tier-1 Pattern): frequently asked questions
What is the SSC CGL Tier-I pattern?
A one-hour computer-based test of 100 questions for 200 marks, with 25 questions each in reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English. In the 2026 cycle each section has a 15-minute timer. Each wrong answer costs 0.50 mark.
Do Tier-I marks count in the final merit?
No. Tier-I is qualifying. The final merit is prepared from Tier-II marks.
Is there negative marking in Tier-II?
Yes. In Tier-II Paper-I each question carries 3 marks and 1 mark is deducted for a wrong answer. Papers II and III deduct 0.50 mark.
Who can apply for SSC CGL?
Graduates from a recognised university. Age limits depend on the post (18-27 up to 18-32 years as on 1 August 2026). Some posts need a mathematics or statistics background.
Are the computer test and the typing test compulsory?
Yes, the Computer Knowledge module and the Data Entry Speed Test are compulsory for all candidates, but they are qualifying only.
What does Prepnity offer for SSC CGL?
Full-length Tier-I pattern mock tests (100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, 0.50 negative marking) with Hindi and English explanations, all-India rank and weak-topic analysis.
Can I try before paying?
Yes. Register for free and attempt the free tests (1 available for this exam) before buying any series.
Are the questions in Hindi or English?
Every question, option and explanation is available in both Hindi and English. You can switch the language at any time.
For how long can I use a series?
You choose a 3, 6 or 12 month plan. You can renew any time and the remaining days are added.
How do I pay?
Secure online payment by UPI, card or net banking.
Do I get my money back?
Please read our refund policy.
Information checked on 7 November 2026. Checked against reports of the SSC CGL 2026 notification. Confirm dates and vacancies on ssc.gov.in. Always confirm dates and rules on the official website: ssc.gov.in. Prepnity is an independent test-series platform and is not connected with any exam-conducting body.
