SSC CGL Tier I exam pattern: sections, marks and timing
By Sarkari Match Editorial · 29 Oct 2026 · 1 min read
The SSC CGL Tier I is an objective, computer-based test. Knowing its structure before you start practising is the fastest way to stop wasting marks.
The paper at a glance
- Sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
- Questions: 25 per section, 100 in total
- Marks: 2 per question, 200 in total
- Time: 60 minutes for the whole paper
- Negative marking: 0.5 mark deducted for each wrong answer
Always confirm the details in the latest official notification, because the commission can change the pattern.
What the pattern means for you
- Time is the real constraint. Sixty minutes for 100 questions is about 36 seconds a question. Mock tests are how you learn to move on.
- Negative marking punishes guessing. A wrong answer costs a quarter of what a right answer earns, so guess only when you can remove at least one option.
- Sections are equal in marks. Do not spend 25 minutes on one section because it feels easy.
A simple way to use this
Take a full-length mock under the real time limit, then look at section-wise time and accuracy. The section where you lose the most marks per minute is where your next week of practice should go.
You can try the pattern in a real exam-style window with the free sample test.
Put it into practice
Take the free sample test in the real exam window and see your score with solutions.
Try the free sample test