SSC CGL Exam Pattern

Each stage is checked separately so one stage cannot inherit another stage's scoring rules.

Tier 1

Official 2026 pattern

Questions	100
Total marks	200
Duration	60 minutes
Negative marking	0.5 per wrong answer
Sections	General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension

Timing: 15 minutes per subject.

Official 2026 pattern

Questions	150
Total marks	450
Duration	135 minutes
Negative marking	1 per wrong answer
Sections	Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Test, Data Entry Speed Test

Test	Qs	Marks	Min
Mathematical Abilities	30	90	30
Reasoning and General Intelligence	30	90	30
English Language and Comprehension	45	135	40
General Awareness	25	75	20
Computer Knowledge Test	20	60	15

Timing: Paper I uses sectional timers; the 15-minute DEST is a separate task.

The totals above cover the five objective modules of compulsory Paper I; the separate 15-minute DEST is qualifying.