SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Pattern
Tier-I is a single objective paper of 100 questions and 200 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes (80 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe).
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Marking scheme
- +2 marks for every correct answer
- −0.5 marks for every wrong answer
- No penalty for unattempted questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier-I?
Yes — 0.5 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. There's no penalty for questions you leave unattempted.
How many questions are there in SSC CGL Tier-I?
100 questions worth 200 marks in total, split evenly across the four sections (25 questions / 50 marks each).
How much time is given for SSC CGL Tier-I?
60 minutes for most candidates, extended to 80 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe.
Is SSC CGL Tier-I conducted online?
Yes, Tier-I is a computer-based (online) objective test.
Want the full breakdown, including Tier-II papers and how the merit list is prepared? Read our complete SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 guide.