Research Assistant (NSO)<\/td> Bachelor’s degree in Science<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCollege students note: <\/em>If you’re in your final year of graduation, you can still apply as long as you complete your degree before the document verification stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAge Limit<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCategory<\/strong><\/td>Age Limit<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>General (UR)<\/td> 18\u201332 years (varies by post)<\/td><\/tr> OBC<\/td> Up to 35 years (3 years relaxation)<\/td><\/tr> SC\/ST<\/td> Up to 37 years (5 years relaxation)<\/td><\/tr> PwBD (General)<\/td> Up to 42 years (10 years relaxation)<\/td><\/tr> Ex-Servicemen<\/td> As per government norms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNote: Age is calculated as of 1st January of the exam year. Always verify the exact age limits for your desired post in the official notification, as they vary slightly by post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nationality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Candidates must be citizens of India. Certain posts may also accept citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees settled before 1962, as per government norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA very common doubt among first-timers: “How many papers are there? Is there an interview?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SSC CGL is now a two-tier exam, with no interview and no Tier 3 descriptive paper. Both tiers are Computer-Based Tests (CBT) with objective multiple-choice questions (MCQ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tier 1 \u2014 Qualifying Exam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Tier 1 is your first hurdle. It is qualifying in nature, which means your Tier 1 marks do NOT count towards the final merit list. However, you must clear it to appear for Tier 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSection<\/strong><\/td>No. of Questions<\/strong><\/td>Marks<\/strong><\/td>Time<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>General Intelligence & Reasoning<\/td> 25<\/td> 50<\/td> \u2014<\/td><\/tr> General Awareness<\/td> 25<\/td> 50<\/td> \u2014<\/td><\/tr> Quantitative Aptitude<\/td> 25<\/td> 50<\/td> \u2014<\/td><\/tr> English Comprehension<\/td> 25<\/td> 50<\/td> \u2014<\/td><\/tr> Total<\/strong><\/td>100<\/strong><\/td>200<\/strong><\/td>60 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNegative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tier 2 \u2014 The Merit-Deciding Exam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n This is where the real battle happens. Your Tier 2 score decides your final rank and post-allocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPaper<\/strong><\/td>For Whom<\/strong><\/td>Sections<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Paper I (Compulsory)<\/td> All candidates<\/td> Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)<\/td><\/tr> Paper II (Statistics)<\/td> JSO \/ Statistical Investigator aspirants only<\/td> Statistics<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPaper I is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session I covers the written sections; Session II includes the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), which is qualifying in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Negative Marking in Tier 2: 1 mark is deducted for wrong answers in Section I, II, and Module I of Section III. No negative marking for computer knowledge and DEST.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 \u2014 Subject-wise Breakdown<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding the syllabus is step one of any serious preparation. Here’s what each subject covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quantitative Aptitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, data interpretation, number systems, ratio & proportion, time & work, speed & distance. This section demands consistent practice; it’s the most scoring but also the most time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Intelligence & Reasoning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams, Matrix-based questions, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning are tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
English Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Fill-in-the-Blanks, Synonyms\/Antonyms, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Idioms & Phrases. The exam tests your practical command over the language, not just grammar rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science & Technology, Static GK. Around 5\u20137 questions in Tier 1 come from current affairs; make it a habit to read the news daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beginner’s tip:<\/strong> Don’t try to cover everything at once. Start with the syllabus PDF from the official SSC website, identify your strongest subject, and build momentum from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process \u2014 Step-by-Step<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany students are confused about how the final selection actually works. Here’s the complete flow:<\/p>\n\n\n\nStage<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td>Nature<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Tier 1<\/strong><\/td>Computer-Based Test (CBT)<\/td> Qualifying only<\/td><\/tr> Tier 2<\/strong><\/td>Computer-Based Test (CBT)<\/td> Merit-based (final ranking)<\/td><\/tr> Skill Test \/ DEST<\/strong><\/td>Typing\/Data Entry<\/td> Qualifying (for specific posts)<\/td><\/tr> Document Verification<\/strong><\/td>Offline<\/td> Final step<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n