SSC CGL 2026 Notification: The Biggest Change Ever in the SSC CGL Exam Pattern Time Limits Implemented for Both Prelims and Mains. SSC CGL 2026 Notification: The biggest change so far in SSC CGL exam pattern, timing implemented in pre and mains.

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026. But this time the notification has brought a big surprise for millions of youth. The Commission has made a historic change in its exam pattern to make the examination more competitive.

Now, like banking examinations, ‘Sectional Timing’ has been implemented compulsorily in both Pre (Tier-1) and Mains (Tier-2) examinations of SSC CGL. This means that now candidates will never be able to solve any section as per their wish, rather they will have to answer the questions within the time limit fixed for each section.

Let us know the rules of this new pattern, details of posts and all the important dates related to recruitment.

What are the new rules of ‘sectional timing’?

After this new change, now candidates will have to pay maximum attention to speed and time management, because solving subjects like Mathematics or Reasoning within 15 minutes is going to be quite challenging.

1. Rules for Tier-1 (Pre-Examination):

• Total Questions and Time: There will be a total of 100 questions in the exam, which will be given in total 1 hour (60 minutes) to solve.

• Sectional Timing: To solve 25 questions each from all four subjects (Maths, English, Reasoning and GK). Only 15-15 minutes for each section Will get time only. That section will automatically close once the fixed 15 minutes are over.

• Negative Marking: for each wrong answer 0.50 (half) marks Will be cut.

2. Rules for Tier-2 (Mains Examination):

Paper-1 of Tier-2 has also been divided into different time slots:

• Section 1 (Maths and Reasoning): There will be 30-30 questions for each subject and for both 30-30 minutes Will get time.

• Section 2 (English and General Awareness): For 45 questions in English 40 minutes And for 25 questions of General Awareness (GK) 20 minutes The time is fixed.

• Section 3 (Computer Knowledge): 20 computer questions to solve 15 min Will be given.

There will be bumper recruitment on 12,256 posts: details of salary and posts

This year the Commission has announced recruitment for Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts in various ministries, departments and organizations of the Central Government. Total 12,256 posts But vacancy has been announced. The classification of posts on the basis of pay level is as follows:

What is the educational qualification (Eligibility Criteria)?

• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Graduation degree in any subject, but minimum 60% marks in Mathematics subject in 12th class is mandatory. Or Must have studied Statistics as a subject at graduation level.

• Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s degree with one of the subjects being Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• All other general posts (like Inspector, Tax Assistant, ASO): in any stream from any recognized university Graduation pass only It is mandatory to have.

Age Limit:

The minimum age for different posts is 18 years and the maximum age is 27, 30 or 32 years (for JSO) as per the posts. Reserved categories will get relaxation as per rules:

• SC/ST Category: Relaxation of 5 years in maximum age limit.

• OBC Category: Relaxation of 3 years in maximum age limit.

SSC CGL 2026: Important Dates

Candidates are advised to fill their online form well in time to avoid last minute technical glitches:

• Starting date of online application: 21 may 2026

• Last date to apply online: 22 June 2026 (by 11:00 PM)

• Last date for online fee payment: 23 June 2026 (by 11:00 PM)

• Correction Window: 29 June 2026 to 01 July 2026 (11:00 PM)

• Tentative Date of Tier-I (Pre) Exam: August – September, 2026

• Tentative Date of Tier-II (Mains) Exam: December, 2026

How will the final merit list be prepared? (Selection Process)

1. Tier-1 Exam: This is only a shortlisting examination. Its marks will not be added to the final merit, but it is necessary to pass it to go to Mains.

2. Tier-2 Exam (Most Important): The final selection and merit list will be solely based on your performance in Tier-2 examination.

   
   

   • For General Posts: Merit will be made on the marks of Section-I and Section-II of Paper-1 only, provided you have qualified the Computer Test (Section-III) and Data Entry Speed ​​Test (DEST).

3. Post Preference: Just before the result, the Commission will fill the preferences online through FRTA (First Round of Tentative Allocation). Fill it carefully as it cannot be changed later.

4. Document Verification (DV): SSC no longer conducts DV itself. After the final selection, the ministry or department allotted to you will do your document verification.