The Staff Selection Commission has announced SSC CGL Tier 1 exam dates for 2026, setting the test window from September 30 to October 30. The commission will recruit 12,256 candidates across Group B and C posts in this cycle. This marks one of the larger recruitment drives announced by SSC in recent years.
The exam will run for a full month, giving candidates multiple attempts to sit for the Computer-Based Test. This staggered approach allows SSC to manage the massive volume of applicants without overwhelming test centres across the country. Candidates will have flexibility in choosing their preferred exam date within the window, subject to seat availability at their chosen centres.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Dates and Schedule
The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam dates span from September 30 through October 30, 2026. The extended window reflects the scale of this recruitment exercise. According to reports, admit cards will be released around September 27, giving candidates a few days to download their documents and prepare logistically.
The exact exam centres and dates for individual candidates will be mentioned on their admit cards. Candidates must check the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) regularly for updates. SSC typically releases admit cards in phases; some candidates may receive theirs before the official release date if they check the portal early.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The Tier 1 exam follows a Computer-Based Test format with 100 questions. Each question carries 2 marks. The total marks for the exam are 200.
Negative marking applies at 0.50 marks per incorrect answer. This means a candidate loses half a mark for every wrong response. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. The exam duration is typically 60 minutes, though this should be confirmed on the admit card.
The test covers four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section usually has 25 questions. Candidates must manage their time carefully across all four sections to maximise their score.
Vacancies and Post Categories
A total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced across Group B and Group C positions. Group B posts typically include roles like Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and similar mid-level positions. Group C covers roles like Lower Division Clerk, Data Entry Operators, and other support-level posts.
The exact breakdown of vacancies by department and post will be detailed in the official notification. Candidates should review the detailed vacancy list on the SSC website to identify posts matching their educational qualification and career goals.
Different posts may have different educational requirements. Most Group B posts require a bachelor’s degree, while Group C roles typically require 10+2 or equivalent. Some specialized posts may have additional eligibility criteria.
Important Dates to Remember
Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam dates should note the following timeline:
September 27, 2026: Admit cards release (expected)
September 30 to October 30, 2026: Tier 1 exam window
November 2026 (expected): Tier 1 results announcement
December 2026 to January 2027 (expected): Tier 2 exam window
These dates are provisional based on SSC’s typical schedule. Candidates should regularly check ssc.gov.in for official confirmations and any changes to the timeline.
How to Prepare for Tier 1
With the exam window extending over a month, candidates have multiple opportunities to sit for the test. However, this doesn’t mean preparation should be delayed. Serious candidates should complete their preparation before September 30 itself.
The Computer-Based Test format means candidates must practise on digital platforms. Mock tests and online practice papers are essential. Many candidates benefit from attempting previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Time management during the exam is crucial. With 100 questions in 60 minutes, candidates have just 36 seconds per question on average. Strategic selection of which questions to attempt first is part of the strategy.
Admit Card Release and Exam Day
Admit cards are expected around September 27, 2026. Candidates must download and print their admit cards. The admit card contains essential information: roll number, exam date, exam centre, reporting time, and other instructions.
Candidates should reach their exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Exam centres typically open an hour before the test begins. Carrying a valid photo ID along with the admit card is mandatory.
Electronic devices other than the system provided by the test centre are not permitted. Candidates should carry only essentials: admit card, photo ID, and a pen for rough work (if permitted at the centre).
FAQ
Q: When will SSC CGL Tier 1 admit cards be released?
A: Admit cards are expected to be released around September 27, 2026. Candidates can download them from the official SSC website using their registration number and date of birth.
Q: How many questions are in the Tier 1 exam and what is the total marks?
A: The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 questions, each worth 2 marks. The total marks for the exam is 200.
Q: What is the negative marking penalty for wrong answers?
A: For each incorrect answer, 0.50 marks are deducted. Unanswered questions do not attract any penalty.
Q: How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
A: A total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced for Group B and Group C posts in this recruitment cycle.
Q: Can I choose any date within the exam window for my Tier 1 test?
A: Yes, candidates can choose their preferred exam date within the September 30 to October 30 window, subject to seat availability at their chosen test centre.
