SSC CGL - Pattern, Syllabus & Free Mock Tests
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) Tier-1 is a 60-minute, 100-question computer-based test worth 200 marks, with +2 for every correct answer and â0.5 for every wrong one. It is split evenly across four sections - General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension - 25 questions each. Selection continues through Tier-2 before final allotment to Group B and Group C posts like Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Section Officer.
Under 10 minutes ¡ no account needed ¡ real percentile at the end
SSC CGL at a glance
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university for most posts. A few posts add subject conditions (for example Statistics or Mathematics), so check the post you want. |
| Age limit | 18 to 32 years depending on the post (bands are 18â27, 18â30, 20â30 and 18â32). Category relaxations apply for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and ex-servicemen. The age cut-off date is 1 August in the 2026 notice. |
| Stages | Tier-1 and Tier-2, both computer-based, then document verification. Tier-2 Paper-I includes a Computer Knowledge Test and a Data Entry Speed Test (both qualifying, taken the same day); Paper-II is for Junior Statistical Officer and Paper-III for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer posts. |
| Tier-1 format | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes; 25 questions each from Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English. The latest notice adds a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject. |
| Marking | +2 per correct answer, â0.5 per wrong answer in Tier-1. No penalty for unattempted questions. |
| Pay level | Pay Levels 4 to 8 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, depending on the post. |
| Languages | English and Hindi. |
| Notification | 21 May 2026 |
| Application deadline | 25 June 2026 |
Every SSC CGL mock here is a fixed paper, so your percentile compares you with everyone who sat the same questions. How the percentile is calculated â
What is the SSC CGL exam pattern?
SSC CGL runs in multiple stages. Tier-1 is the qualifying computer-based test everyone sits first: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes (with a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject in the latest notice), with 25 questions each from Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English. Every wrong answer costs 0.5 marks; unattempted questions cost nothing. Tier-2 is a more demanding paper split into Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and a Computer Skill Test module.
| Section | Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Full exam pattern: Tier-wise marks, timers and qualifying rules â
What is the SSC CGL syllabus?
Quantitative Aptitude covers number systems, percentages, profit & loss, simple and compound interest, ratio & proportion, averages, time-speed-distance, time & work, mensuration, algebra, trigonometry, and data interpretation. Reasoning covers analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, seating arrangements, and non-verbal reasoning. English tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension passages. General Awareness covers static GK (polity, history, geography, economy, science) and current affairs.
Complete syllabus, subject by subject â
What is a good SSC CGL cut-off?
Tier-1 cut-offs move with the difficulty of that year's paper and vacancy count. General category cut-offs typically land in the 130-155 out of 200 range in recent cycles, OBC/EWS slightly below, and SC/ST/PwBD lower still. Check the official PDF for your cycle once released. Your percentile rank is a more reliable metric.
Official cut-offs and vacancies â
How should I prepare for SSC CGL?
Focus on General Awareness discipline (15-20 mins daily current affairs reading), speed drill on Quant and Reasoning (practice by topic), and negative-marking discipline (avoid blind guesses since wrong answers cost 0.5 marks). Full-length mock tests under real time pressure are crucial.
Preparation strategy built on the marks and timers â
â¨ī¸Frequently asked questions
Is SSC CGL Tier-1 the same for every post?
Yes - Tier-1 is common to all SSC CGL posts. Which Tier-2 papers you sit depends on the posts you select.
How much does one wrong answer cost in SSC CGL?
0.5 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in Tier-1. Unattempted questions cost nothing.
Can I take a free SSC CGL mock test on Pareeksha?
You can try a free 10-question SSC CGL mini-mock and the daily Dangal quiz without paying. Full-length CBT-pattern Tier-1 mocks, previous-year papers and topic practice are part of Pro.
Is SSC CGL available in Hindi?
Yes - Pareeksha's mock test interface is fully bilingual. Switch any question between English and Hindi mid-test.
What is the educational qualification for SSC CGL?
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university for most posts. A few posts add subject conditions (for example Statistics or Mathematics), so check the post you want. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What is the age limit for SSC CGL?
18 to 32 years depending on the post (bands are 18â27, 18â30, 20â30 and 18â32). Category relaxations apply for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and ex-servicemen. The age cut-off date is 1 August in the 2026 notice. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What are the stages of the SSC CGL exam?
Tier-1 and Tier-2, both computer-based, then document verification. Tier-2 Paper-I includes a Computer Knowledge Test and a Data Entry Speed Test (both qualifying, taken the same day); Paper-II is for Junior Statistical Officer and Paper-III for Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer posts. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What is the pay level for SSC CGL?
Pay Levels 4 to 8 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, depending on the post. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What is the marking scheme and negative marking in SSC CGL?
+2 per correct answer, â0.5 per wrong answer in Tier-1. No penalty for unattempted questions. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)