A complete SSC CGL 2026 strategy covering the Tier-1 and Tier-2 pattern, eligibility, salary, and a phase-wise study plan to secure top posts like AAO and Inspector.
Preparing for SSC CGL 2026 means building strong fundamentals across four areas, mastering the two-tier exam pattern, and practising under real time pressure. The Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in) has notified 12,256 vacancies this cycle, with the notification released on 21 May 2026 and applications closing on 25 June 2026. Tier-1 is tentatively scheduled for August to September 2026 and Tier-2 for December 2026. Selection is a merit-based journey through Tier-1 and Tier-2, so a candidate who plans early, revises smartly, and analyses mock tests honestly has a clear edge over lakhs of graduates competing for the same seats.
Knowing the timeline keeps your preparation on track and prevents last-minute panic. Here are the key dates for this cycle:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 21 May 2026 |
| Application closed | 25 June 2026 |
| Tier-1 exam (tentative) | August to September 2026 |
| Tier-2 exam (tentative) | December 2026 |
The gap between Tier-1 and Tier-2 is your window to shift gears from a broad screening syllabus to the deeper, calculation-heavy Tier-2 modules. Treat every tentative date as a signal to peak at the right time rather than a fixed guarantee, and confirm updates on ssc.gov.in.
Tier-1 is a computer-based test with 100 questions carrying 200 marks, to be solved in 60 minutes. It has four sections of 25 questions each, and every question carries 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer, so accuracy is as important as speed.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier-2 (2026 pattern) is the merit-deciding stage. Paper-1 is built around Module-1 (Mathematical Abilities plus Reasoning and General Intelligence) and Module-2 (English plus General Awareness), along with a Computer Knowledge module and a Data Entry Speed Test. Tier-2 MCQs carry a heavier negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer, so a cautious, accuracy-first approach pays off here.
SSC CGL is a graduate-level exam. The core requirements are simple:
Because the age window and specific requirements vary by post, always cross-check the exact eligibility for your target post in the official notification before applying.
SSC CGL posts span Pay Level 4 to Level 8 under the 7th CPC. Basic pay ranges from about Rs 25,500 to Rs 47,600, and the approximate in-hand salary works out to roughly Rs 40,000 to Rs 81,000 or more, depending on the post and city. This variation comes from HRA, which is 27, 18, and 9 percent for X, Y, and Z cities respectively, along with DA of about 58 percent.
| Post | Pay Level |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | Level 8 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Level 7 / Level 8 |
| Inspector (Income Tax / CGST) | Level 7 |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI / NIA) | Level 7 |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Level 6 |
| Tax Assistant | Level 4 |
Divide your preparation into three focused phases:
Many capable aspirants lose marks not because of weak concepts but because of avoidable errors. Steer clear of these traps:
With 0.50 negative marking in Tier-1 and 1 mark in Tier-2, a smart attempt strategy matters as much as knowledge. Full-length mock tests train you to pick the right questions, manage 60 minutes across four sections, and avoid costly guesses. Practising on Quiz4Exam mock tests with a realistic CBT interface, exact timing, detailed analysis, and an all-India rank helps you convert preparation into a confident, high-scoring performance on exam day.
SSC CGL 2026 is a graduate-level exam, so you need a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The age limit is broadly 18 to 32 years depending on the post, with most posts in the 18 to 30 band. Age relaxation applies to reserved categories as per government rules.
The SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on 21 May 2026 and applications closed on 25 June 2026. Tier-1 is tentatively scheduled for August to September 2026, while Tier-2 is expected in December 2026. Always confirm exact dates on the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in.
SSC CGL posts span Pay Level 4 to Level 8 under the 7th CPC, with basic pay from about Rs 25,500 to Rs 47,600. The approximate in-hand salary ranges from roughly Rs 40,000 to Rs 81,000 or more, depending on the post and city. HRA and DA components explain most of this variation across X, Y, and Z cities.
SSC CGL is competitive because 12,256 vacancies attract lakhs of graduates, but it is very crackable with a structured plan. The Tier-1 pattern is fixed at 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes with 0.50 negative marking, so accuracy and speed matter equally. Consistent practice and honest mock-test analysis make a big difference.
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Tier-1 is a 100-question computer-based screening test of 200 marks in 60 minutes with four sections and 0.50 negative marking. Tier-2 is the merit-deciding stage with Paper-1 modules covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, a Computer Knowledge module, and a Data Entry Speed Test. Tier-2 MCQs carry heavier negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer.
