SSC CGL Selection Process 2026: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Complete Guide

The SSC CGL Exam attracts a huge number of aspirants every year due to the excellent career opportunities offered through various government departments and ministries. Candidates planning to appear for SSC CGL 2026 should first understand the complete selection procedure to prepare in the right direction.

The recruitment process is conducted in different stages, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. Here, candidates can find a detailed explanation of each stage of the SSC CGL Selection Process along with other important information related to the exam.

SSC CGL Selection Process 2026

The SSC CGL Exam is conducted in two stages:

1. Tier I: Computer-Based Examination
2. Tier II: Computer-Based Examination

SSC CGL Notification 2026 Out – Click to Check

SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Tier 1 Examination will be held in online mode and will include four sections with a total of 100 objective-type questions. The exam will carry a maximum of 200 marks. The following sections are included in the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam:

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
2. General Awareness
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. English Comprehension

SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Tier-2 exam will be conducted in three phases: Paper-I, Paper-II, and Paper-III.

• Paper-I is compulsory for all posts.
• Paper-II is specifically for candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• Paper-III is meant for candidates applying for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer

A detailed overview of the SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern, including the latest changes introduced by SSC this year, has been provided below.

Negative marking is applicable in the SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam. One mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III of Paper I, while 0.50 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in Paper II.

SSC CGL Document Verification

Candidates who qualify both Tier 1 and Tier 2 will be called for the Document Verification stage, where their personal and academic details will be checked through original documents. As part of the SSC CGL Selection Process, candidates must carry valid original ID proof for verification. The accepted identity documents include:

1. Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar printout
2. Voter ID Card
3. PAN Card
4. Driving License
5. Passport
6. Official ID Card from School, College, or University
7. Employer ID Card (Government/PSU)
8. Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book issued by the Ministry of Defence
9. Any other photo ID issued by the Central or State Government

Preparation Tips for CGL Aspirants

• Practice daily mock tests to improve speed and time management.
• Strengthen basics of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Mensuration.
• Revise grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading comprehension regularly.
• Prepare static GK + current affairs together for GA.
• Aim for high attempts with maximum accuracy (cut-off is competitive).
• Practice typing regularly to reach the required speed