Name of Post: SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date & Schedule 2026
Brief Information: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the detailed examination schedule for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 Examination 2026. For candidates looking for central government jobs, you can find more updates on our latest jobs portal. The SSC CGL Tier 1 Computer Based Test (CBT) is currently being held from 30 September 2026 to 30 October 2026 across 141 centres nationwide in multiple shifts. Registered candidates who have applied for the 10,731 Group B and Group C posts can check the complete shift timings, exam pattern, and download their admit cards through the official SSC website.
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Staff Selection Commission (SSC)Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 Examination 2026SSC CGL Exam Date & Shift Timings | |
Important Dates
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Application Fee
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Examination Overview
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| Vacancy Details | |
| Post Name | Total Vacancy |
| SSC CGL (Group B & Group C Posts) | 10,731 (Tentative, revised on 24/09/2026) |
| Important Links | |
| Download SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 Notice PDF | Click Here to Download |
| Download Admit Card & City Slip Login | Click Here to Login |
| Official SSC Website | Click Here to Visit |
Also Read: PSSSB Clerk Admit Card 2026 Out – Download Hall Ticket for Advt 02/2026 Exam
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Schedule & Shift Timings 2026
Due to the massive number of applicants (over 28 lakhs), the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is spread across approximately a month. The official notice lists the specific examination dates as:
- 30 September & 01 October 2026
- 05 to 10 October 2026
- 12 to 16 October 2026
- 22 to 24 October 2026
- 27 & 28 October 2026
The examination is conducted in three distinct shifts each day. Candidates must strictly adhere to the reporting time mentioned on their admit cards, as the gates will close exactly one hour after reporting.
| Shift | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Shift | 08:30 AM | 09:30 AM | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Afternoon Shift | 12:00 PM | 01:00 PM | 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM |
| Evening Shift | 03:30 PM | 04:30 PM | 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, totaling 200 marks. Notably, SSC has introduced a strict 15-minute sectional timer for each of the four sections this year. Once the 15 minutes for a section are over, candidates will be automatically moved to the next section.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 15 Minutes
- General Awareness: 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 15 Minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 15 Minutes
- English Comprehension: 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 15 Minutes
How to Download SSC CGL Admit Card 2026
If your exam is scheduled in the upcoming shifts, you can download your hall ticket by following these steps:
- Visit the official portal of the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in.
- Click on the Login button and enter your Registration Number and Password.
- Navigate to the “Admit Card” section on your dashboard.
- Click on the link for the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Admit Card.
- Verify your details (Name, Exam Date, Shift, and Venue).
- Download the PDF and print at least two copies to carry to the examination centre along with a valid original photo ID.
Also Read: BSF Sub-Inspector Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 34 Paramedical Staff Vacancies
SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 FAQs
Q: What are the dates for the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026?
Ans: The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination is being conducted from 30 September 2026 to 30 October 2026.
Q: How many shifts are there for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam?
Ans: The exam is being held in three shifts daily: Morning (10 AM – 11 AM), Afternoon (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM), and Evening (5 PM – 6 PM).
Q: Is there a sectional time limit in SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1?
Ans: Yes, a new sectional timer of 15 minutes has been introduced for each of the four sections in the Tier 1 exam.
Q: Where can I download my SSC CGL Admit Card?
Ans: You can download your admit card by logging into your candidate dashboard on the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
Q: What happens after the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam?
Ans: After the conclusion of Tier 1 on 30 October 2026, SSC will release the provisional answer keys (expected in early November), and candidates who clear the cut-off will proceed to the Tier 2 examination.