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SSC CGL 2024 Prelims PYQs
The full paper. Practise it or take it timed, with solutions after.
105 questions60 min
Conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Online (CBT)
SSC CGL 2026 preparation guide
Everything you need to crack SSC CGL
Exam pattern, eligibility, previous year papers, mock tests and topic-wise practice, all on this page. Pick a test, start it here, and get your score with solutions.
Take a Free Mock TestDownload Syllabus (opens in a new tab)SSC CGL registration closedLast date was 22 Jun 2026
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What is the SSC CGL exam
SSC CGL Exam 2026: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility & Selection Process
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam every year to recruit Group B and Group C officers for various ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India.
SSC CGL is among the most competitive government exams in India. Every year, 20+ lakh candidates apply for SSC CGL, but only around 0.5%–1% of aspirants ultimately secure a place in the final merit list—making SSC CGL one of the toughest government exams in India.
At Aptitude360, we strongly believe that cracking SSC CGL 2026 is not about shortcuts—it is about clearly understanding the SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern and syllabus, practicing quality questions, and regularly attempting mock tests.
SSC CGL Exam 2026 Exam Overview
| Exam Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Posts Offered | Group B & Group C (ASO, Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, etc.) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test CBT |
| Selection Process | Tier-I → Tier-II |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 years (post-wise variation) |
| Salary Range | ₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100 (Pay Level 4 to Level 8) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Exam pattern & marking scheme
The SSC CGL 2026 exam is conducted in two stages: Tier I and Tier II. Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for the final selection process.
SSC CGL 2026 Tier I Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Tier I exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. All questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CGL Tier I Time Duration
SSC CGL Tier I now includes sectional/module-wise time limits as per the latest exam pattern update.
Candidates will get separate fixed timings for each section/module, meaning they cannot freely switch between all sections during the exam.
The overall exam duration remains 60 minutes, making time management within each section extremely important.
SSC CGL Tier I Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- Wrong Answer: -0.50 marks
- Unattempted Questions: No negative marking
SSC CGL 2026 Tier II Exam Pattern
SSC CGL Tier II is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and plays a crucial role in the final merit list.
It consists of the following papers:
- Paper I: Mandatory for all candidates
- Paper II: For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Paper III: For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO)
All questions are objective-type MCQs except the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), which is qualifying in nature.
SSC CGL Tier II Paper I Sectional Time Limit
| Session | Sections | Subjects Covered | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | Section I | Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence | 60 Minutes |
| Section II | English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | 60 Minutes | |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 Minutes | |
| Session II | Section IV | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 15 Minutes |
SSC CGL Tier II Marking Scheme
-
Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, General Awareness, and English:
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 mark
-
Computer Knowledge Test:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: -0.50 marks
- DEST: Qualifying in nature only
Minimum Qualifying Marks for Tier I & Tier II
| Category | Minimum Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
Candidates scoring below the minimum qualifying marks will not be considered for further stages.
SSC CGL Tier II DEST: Minimum Qualifying Standards
DEST is qualifying in nature. SSC has defined the maximum permissible error percentage as follows:
| Category | Maximum Errors Allowed |
|---|---|
| UR | 20% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 30% |
Eligibility criteria
If you are applying for SSC CGL 2026, you must be one of the following:
- An Indian citizen, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) with eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit (Post-wise)
The age limit for SSC CGL varies depending on the post applied for. Generally, the age limits fall under the following ranges (as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification):
| Age Limit (Years) | Posts |
| 18–27 | ASO (CSS/IB/Railways/MEA/AFHQ), AEO, Inspector (IT/CBIC), Assistant, AAO |
| 18–30 | SI (CBI, NIA), Inspector (CBN) |
| 18–30 | Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer |
| 18–25 | Auditor, Accountant, Jr. Accountant, UDC, Tax Assistant |
| 18–20 | LDC / JSA |
SSC CGL 2026 Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
In addition to the prescribed age limit, category - wise age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India Rules
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years |
| Candidates affected by 1984 riots | 5 Years |
👉 Check Post-wise SSC CGL Age Limit (Detailed Guide): Here
SSC CGL Exam 2026 Educational Qualification:
To apply for SSC CGL 2026, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a university or institution recognized by the Government of India.
If you are in the final year or final semester of your graduation, you are eligible to apply provisionally. However, you must complete your graduation and meet the required qualification on or before the cut-off date mentioned in the official SSC CGL notification.
Some SSC CGL posts require post-specific educational qualifications, as explained below:
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO):
You must have studied Statistics at the graduation level or Mathematics at the Class 12 level with a minimum of 60% score in the subject.
Statistical Investigator Grade-II:
You must have Statistics as a compulsory subject at the graduation level.
Selection process
How candidates are shortlisted and admitted after the SSC CGL results.
Let Aptitude360 help you understand the entire SSC CGL selection process through the table below
| Stage | Exam Name | Nature of Exam | Maximum Marks | Counted in Final Merit List |
| Tier I | Preliminary Exam | Qualifying (CBT) | 200 marks | No |
| Tier II | Section I and II | Merit-based (CBT) | 390 marks | Yes |
| Tier II | Section III | Qualifying (CBT) | 60 marks | No |
| Tier II | Data Entry Speed Test | Qualifying (CBT) | 100 marks | No |
Total Marks Considered for Final Merit - 390 marks
However, in cases where the candidate has appeared for Paper-II or Paper-III, the score of that subject will also be considered while creating the merit list.
👉 New to SSC CGL? Start with This Complete Beginner Guide: Here
SSC CGL previous year questions
Slot-wise SSC CGL PYQs in quiz format. Attempt them like the real exam, with instant scoring and detailed solutions.
FreePYQ
SSC CGL 2024 English PYQs
Only the Verbal section. Practise it or take it timed.
25 questions15 min
FreePYQ
SSC CGL 2024 General Intelligence PYQs
Only the Reasoning & DI section. Practise it or take it timed.
30 questions15 min
FreePYQ
SSC CGL 2024 QA PYQs
Only the Quant section. Practise it or take it timed.
25 questions15 min
SSC CGL mock tests
Full-length and sectional mocks that simulate the real SSC CGL interface and timing.
FreeFull Mock
SSC CGL Mock Test - 08
A full-length mock in the real exam’s interface and timing.
100 questions60 min
FreeFull Mock
SSC CGL Mock Test - 07
A full-length mock in the real exam’s interface and timing.
99 questions60 min
FreeFull Mock
SSC CGL Mock Test - 06
A full-length mock in the real exam’s interface and timing.
100 questions60 min
FreeFull Mock
SSC CGL Mock Test - 05
A full-length mock in the real exam’s interface and timing.
96 questions60 min
Practice questions, by topic
162 topic-wise quizzes covering every SSC CGL syllabus area. Pick a topic and start practising it.
Arithmetic (16 topics)Number System (10 topics)Algebra (8 topics)Geometry (8 topics)Logical Reasoning (7 topics)Analytical Reasoning (5 topics)Series & Sequence (2 topics)Data interpretation (3 topics)English Language (2 topics)Verbal / Basic Reasoning (2 topics)
View all 63 practice topics →Assessments
Take a short benchmark test to see where you stand, then move on to topic-wise practice.
FreeVocabulary
Vocabulary Assessment test Level - 1
Check your vocabulary level in one sitting.
60 questions40 min
FreeVocabulary
Vocabulary Assessment test II
Check your vocabulary level in one sitting.
30 questions20 min
FreeAssessment
Assessment Test by Aptitude360
See where you stand before starting topic-wise practice.
30 questions30 min
FreeAssessment
Assessment Test - 2 by Aptitude360
See where you stand before starting topic-wise practice.
30 questions30 min
Free SSC CGL video lessons
Watch them here. No sign-up needed.
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Mixture and Alligation 👉 How ALLIGATION method can simplify TOUGH Profit & Loss problems
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Courses for SSC CGL
Structured preparation with live classes, recorded lessons and tests.
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SSC CGL prep, explained
Strategy, syllabus breakdowns and exam comparisons from the Aptitude360 blog.
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Frequently asked questions
What students most often ask us about SSC CGL.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
The SSC CGL 2026 age limit ranges from 18 to 32 years, depending on the post. Category-wise age relaxation applies as per government rules.
What is the educational qualification for SSC CGL 2026?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Some posts like JSO and Statistical Investigator require Statistics as a subject.
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 qualifying in nature?
Yes, SSC CGL Tier 1 is qualifying in nature and its marks are not counted in the final merit list.
Does SSC CGL Tier 1 have a sectional time limit?
No, SSC CGL Tier 1 has no sectional time limit. The total exam duration is 60 minutes.
How many papers are there in SSC CGL Tier II?
SSC CGL Tier II has three papers—Paper I (mandatory), Paper II for JSO, and Paper III for AAO.
Are JSO and AAO papers mandatory in SSC CGL selection?
Yes, JSO candidates must clear Tier II Paper II, and AAO candidates must clear Tier II Paper III for post-specific selection.
How does normalization affect my SSC CGL 2026 score?
As the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams are conducted in multiple shifts, SSC uses a normalization formula to equalize the difficulty levels across different papers. The final rank is determined by your normalized score, not your raw marks. In a tougher shift, your score may increase significantly, while in an easier shift, it may stay the same or slightly decrease to ensure fairness for all candidates. Ultimately, it depends on the formula used by the exam conducting body.
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