SSC CGL Exam 2026 Day 1: Check Tier 1 Schedule and Sample Paper

The SSC CGL Exam 2026 has started today, September 30. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is conducting the Combined Graduate Level Tier 1 Exam 2026 from September 30 to October 30 in computer-based mode. The exam will be held in three shifts each day.

A total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced for Group B and Group C posts in the SSC CGL 2026 recruitment drive. The selection process includes Tier 1, Tier 2 and Document Verification.

How Many Shifts Will SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 Have?

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam will be conducted in three shifts on the scheduled exam days. The reporting time is 1 hour 30 minutes before the exam, while the gates close 30 minutes before the paper starts.

The complete shift schedule is given below for quick reference.

The shift, exam date and centre allotted to each student should be checked on the SSC CGL admit card 2026. Reaching the centre late can lead to entry problems because the gates close 30 minutes before the exam.

What Is the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date 2026?

The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 is scheduled from September 30 to October 30, 2026. The exam is being conducted over several days because of the large number of applicants.

Here are the main details:

• Exam: Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026
• Conducting body: Staff Selection Commission
• Tier: Tier 1
• Exam mode: Computer-Based Examination
• Exam dates: September 30 to October 30, 2026
• Number of vacancies: 12,256
• Qualification: Bachelor's Degree
• Selection stages: Tier 1, Tier 2 and Document Verification
• Official website: ssc.gov.in

What Is the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026?

The Tier 1 paper tests students across four areas: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension.

The paper is conducted online. Students can use previous year question papers and sample questions to understand the type of questions asked in the exam.

The linked exam update includes sample questions from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness and English. These include coding-decoding, number and letter series, mathematical operations, history and general awareness questions.

Which Questions Are Included in SSC CGL Sample Paper 2026?

The sample questions published for SSC CGL preparation cover different question types. Some examples include:

• Blood relation and family relation questions
• Letter transformation and analogy
• Letter series
• Coding-decoding
• Alphabet arrangement
• Mathematical operations
• Number and symbol patterns
• Indian history and culture
• Microfinance-related General Awareness
• Harappan civilisation and ancient India

For example, one Reasoning question asks how a man is related to another person based on a family relationship. Another question asks students to find the missing term in a letter series.

What Is the SSC CGL Application Fee 2026?

The SSC CGL 2026 application fee was INR 100 for candidates required to pay the fee. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen categories were exempted from payment of the application fee, as per the SSC notification.

Since the application window has already closed, this fee information is mainly useful for understanding the recruitment details.

What Should Students Check Before SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam?

Before reaching the exam centre, students should check the following details:

• SSC CGL Tier 1 admit card
• Exam date and shift
• Examination centre address
• Reporting time
• Gate-closing time
• Required identity proof
• Instructions printed on the admit card

The SSC released the Tier 1 city intimation information earlier, allowing students to check their allotted exam city, date and shift.

SSC CGL Exam 2026 FAQs