SSC CGL Tier 1 Mock Test 2026 – Free & Paid Practice Sets

SSC CGL Exam Overview 2026

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination every year to recruit candidates for various Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts in different Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India. The SSC CGL is one of the most prestigious and sought-after exams for graduates in India, offering lucrative salary, job security, and career growth.

Our SSC CGL Tier 1 mock test series strictly follows the latest 2026 exam pattern notified by SSC, including the sectional timer of 15 minutes per section. By practicing these sets, you adapt to the real exam pressure and develop the question selection strategy required to clear cut-throat competition.

SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates

Candidates must keep track of the following dates to avoid missing deadlines:

SSC CGL 2026 Vacancies & Posts

As per the official notification, there are approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies across multiple Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts. The post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be updated by SSC on its website. The following are the likely posts to be filled through this examination, categorized by Pay Level:

Pay Level-8 (₹ 47,600 – 1,51,100)

Pay Level-7 (₹ 44,900 – 1,42,400)

Pay Level-6 (₹ 35,400 – 1,12,400)

Pay Level-5 (₹ 29,200 – 92,300) & Pay Level-4 (₹ 25,500 – 81,100)

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must fulfil the following eligibility conditions as on 01-08-2026:

1. Nationality / Citizenship

The candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates belonging to categories (b), (c) and (d) above must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

2. Educational Qualification (As on 01-08-2026)

• All other posts: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
• Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University. Desirable: CA / CMA / CS / Masters in Commerce / MBA (Finance) / Masters in Business Economics.
• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level OR Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects.
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor's Degree in Statistics / Mathematics / Economics / Demography / Statistics / Operation Research / Computer Science / Data Science / AI from a recognized University.

Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can also apply, but they must possess the essential qualification as on 01-08-2026.

3. Age Limit (As on 01-08-2026)

4. Age Relaxation

SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or by using Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit cards.

Form Correction Window: 29-06-2026 to 01-07-2026 with correction charges of ₹ 200/- (first time) and ₹ 500/- (second time).

SSC CGL Pay Scale & Salary Structure 2026

Selected candidates will be appointed under different Pay Levels as per the 7th Pay Commission. The basic pay includes additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA).

The gross in-hand salary typically ranges from ₹ 45,000 to ₹ 80,000+ per month depending on the post, city classification (X/Y/Z), and allowances applicable.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

Tier-I Exam Pattern

Tier-I is a Computer Based Examination consisting of Objective Multiple Choice Questions. It is qualifying in nature. There is a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each section (20 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates).

Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Questions are set in English and Hindi except for English Comprehension.

Tier-II Exam Pattern (Paper-I)

Paper-I is compulsory for all posts and is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Final merit is based on Tier-II performance.

Negative Marking in Tier-II: 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, II, III of Paper-I; 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II (Statistics) and Paper-III (General Studies - Finance & Economics).

Minimum Qualifying Marks

Detailed SSC CGL Syllabus 2026

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

Both verbal and non-verbal type questions. Topics include:

• Analogies (Semantic, Symbolic/Number, Figural)
• Similarities & Differences, Classification
• Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem Solving
• Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory
• Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts
• Arithmetical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Number Series
• Coding & Decoding, Statement Conclusion
• Non-verbal Series, Figural Pattern-folding, Embedded Figures
• Venn Diagrams, Punched hole/pattern folding & unfolding
• Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence

2. General Awareness

• Current Affairs (National & International)
• Indian History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene
• General Policy & Scientific Research
• Static GK, Sports, Important Days & Awards
• India and its neighbouring countries

3. Quantitative Aptitude

• Number Systems, Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals & Fractions
• Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Square roots, Averages
• Interest (Simple & Compound), Profit & Loss, Discount
• Partnership Business, Mixture & Alligation
• Time & Distance, Time & Work
• Basic Algebraic Identities, Elementary Surds, Graphs of Linear Equations
• Geometry: Triangle, Congruence & Similarity, Circles, Tangents
• Trigonometric Ratios, Heights & Distances
• Mensuration: Prism, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere, Hemisphere, Pyramid
• Statistics: Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart

4. English Comprehension

• Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test
• Fill in the Blanks, Spotting Errors
• Synonyms, Antonyms, Spellings/Detecting mis-spelt words
• Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution
• Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice
• Direct/Indirect Narration, Para Jumbles
• Shuffling of Sentence parts

SSC CGL Selection Process 2026

The selection of candidates for CGL posts happens through the following stages:

1. Tier-I (Computer Based Exam): Objective type MCQs. Qualifying in nature. Candidates are shortlisted category-wise to appear in Tier-II based on Tier-I normalized scores.
2. Tier-II (Computer Based Exam): Paper-I is compulsory for all posts. Paper-II is for JSO/SI Grade-II and Paper-III is for AAO posts. Final merit list is prepared solely based on Tier-II performance.
3. Document Verification (DV): Conducted by User Departments after declaration of final result. Candidates must produce original certificates for educational qualification, caste/category, etc.
4. Physical/Medical Tests (Post-specific): Required for posts like Inspector (CBIC), Inspector/SI in CBN, SI in CBI/NIA, and BRO posts.

Post preference is collected through Online Option Form before declaration of FRTA/result. Once allotted, no change of post is allowed due to non-fulfilment of post-specific requirements.

How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026?

Candidates can apply online through the official SSC website. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website: www.ssc.gov.in.
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if you are a new user. Aadhaar Based Authentication is recommended.
3. Log in using your Registration Number and Password.
4. Click on "Apply" link under "Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026" in the Latest Notifications tab.
5. Fill the SSC CGL application form with educational and personal details.
6. Capture your live photograph using webcam/mobile camera (without cap/spectacles) and upload scanned signature (10-20 KB JPEG).
7. Pay the application fee of ₹ 100/- online (if applicable) through UPI/Net Banking/Debit Card.
8. Review all details carefully and submit the application form.
9. Download and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Important: Only one online application is allowed. Multiple applications with different registration numbers will lead to rejection of candidature.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Preparation Strategy

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Practice 50+ questions daily from different topics. Master puzzles, syllogisms, coding-decoding, and number series first as they are high-scoring.
• General Awareness: Cover the last 6 months of current affairs, static GK, history, polity, and science. Maintain a revision diary and revise daily.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Percentage, Time & Work, SI/CI) for 15-18 easy marks. Practice advanced maths (Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra) for the remaining 7-10 questions.
• English Comprehension: Read editorials daily. Practice 2 RCs, 1 Cloze Test, and revise vocabulary (idioms, one-word substitution, synonyms/antonyms) regularly.
• Mock Tests: Attempt at least 1 full-length mock test every alternate day. Analyze your mistakes, identify weak areas, and work on time management with the sectional timer of 15 minutes per section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the SSC CGL salary?

The SSC CGL Pay Scale varies by post, ranging from Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500) to Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600). The gross in-hand salary ranges from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 80,000+ per month depending on the post and city classification.

What is the qualification for SSC CGL 2026?

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized University as on 01-08-2026. For AAO posts, desirable qualifications include CA/CFA/MBA (Finance). For JSO, 60% in Maths at 12th or Statistics at graduation level is required.

Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer in SSC CGL Tier 1.

How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?

As per the official SSC CGL 2026 notification, there are approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies for various Group B and Group C posts.

What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?

The age limit varies by post: 18-27 years (Level 4/5), 18-30 years (most Level 6/7/8 posts), 20-30 years (ASO in CSS/Railways/MEA/AFHQ, SI in CBI), and 18-32 years (JSO). Age relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 yrs), OBC (3 yrs), PwBD (10-15 yrs), and Ex-Servicemen (3 yrs).

Is SSC CGL Tier 1 qualifying in nature?

Yes, Tier 1 is qualifying in nature. The final merit list is prepared entirely based on the performance in Tier 2 (Paper-I, and Paper-II/Paper-III for specific posts).

What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026?

The application fee is Rs. 100/-. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen (eligible for reservation) are exempted from payment of fee.

Where can I attempt free SSC CGL Tier 1 mock tests?

You can attempt free high-quality SSC CGL Tier 1 mock tests directly on this page above at MockSeries.in. Each set follows the latest 2026 exam pattern with sectional timer and includes detailed solutions.