Key Takeaways
- The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 will take place from May to June 2026 in multiple shifts across India.
- Candidates can download their admit cards shortly before the exam from regional SSC websites, where they can find specific shift timings.
- Expected shift timings include entry from 07:45 AM to 08:30 AM, with the exam running from 09:00 AM to 11:15 AM.
- Candidates must check their admit cards for accurate shift timings and reach the exam center at least 60 minutes before reporting time to avoid delays.
- Important guidelines include a strict list of prohibited items and clear distinctions between reporting time and gate closing time.
The Staff Selection Commission will conduct the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 from May – Jun 2026, as per the official SSC Calendar. The exam will be conducted in multiple shifts across various centres in India. Candidates can download their admit cards a few days before the exam from their respective regional SSC websites. This blog will provide all the necessary information about the SSC CGL Tier 1 shift timings for 2026 once the admit cards are released.
What are the important dates for SSC CGL 2026?
The SSC CGL Notification 2026 is expected to be released in March 2026, and all key dates, including the online application window, exam dates, and result announcements, will be shared along with it.
| Particulars | Dates |
| Notification Release Date | March 2026 (tentative) |
| Online Application Start Date | March 2026 (tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | TBA |
| Application Form Correction Window | TBA |
| Application Status (Tier 1) | TBA |
| Admit Card Release (Tier 1) | TBA |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | May-June 2026 (tentative) |
| Tier 1 Result Release | TBA |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | TBA |
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 shift timings with entry time, exam time, and DEST reporting time:
What are the expected SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Shift Timings?
The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam for the 2026 cycle is expected to be conducted on May – Jun 2026 in multiple shifts. Based on previous exam trends, the expected shift schedule includes an entry time between 07:45 AM and 08:30 AM, with the CBT conducted from 09:00 AM to 11:15 AM, and DEST reporting around 12:45 PM for applicable candidates.
| Dates | Entry Time (expected) | Exam Timing (CBT) (expected) | DEST Reporting Time (expected) |
| May – Jun 2026 | 07:45 AM – 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM – 11:15 AM | 12:45 PM |
How to Check SSC CGL Tier 1 Shift Timing on Admit Card?
Candidates can check their SSC CGL Tier 1 shift timing on the admit card issued by the Staff Selection Commission through its regional websites. The admit card contains all essential details related to the exam schedule and centre.
Follow these steps to check your shift timing:
- Visit the official regional SSC website you applied through.
- Click on the SSC CGL Tier 1 Admit Card link.
- Log in using your Registration Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Download and open the admit card PDF.
- Check the exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and exam centre address mentioned on the admit card.
Candidates are advised to carefully read all instructions printed on the admit card, as the shift timing and reporting time may vary from candidate to candidate depending on the exam centre and city.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Reporting Time vs Gate Closing Time
Many candidates confuse reporting time with gate closing time. Understanding the difference is crucial to avoid last-minute issues on exam day.
- Reporting Time: This is the time by which candidates should reach the exam centre. It allows sufficient time for document verification, biometric registration, frisking, and seating arrangements.
- Gate Closing Time: This is the final deadline after which no candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre, regardless of the reason.
Important points to remember:
- Entry to the exam centre usually closes 30–45 minutes before the exam start time.
- Candidates arriving after gate closing time will not be permitted to appear for the exam.
- Biometric verification and attendance marking must be completed before the exam begins.
- Reaching the centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time is recommended to avoid crowd-related delays.
What happens after SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam?
After the completion of the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam, the commission follows a structured post-exam process to shortlist candidates for the next stage.
Below is what candidates can expect:
- Provisional Answer Key Release: SSC releases the Tier 1 answer key along with response sheets, allowing candidates to check their answers.
- Objection Window: Candidates can challenge any incorrect answer within the stipulated time by paying the prescribed fee.
- Final Answer Key & Result: After reviewing objections, SSC releases the final answer key and Tier 1 result.
- Shortlisting for Tier 2: Candidates who clear the Tier 1 cut-off are shortlisted for the SSC CGL Tier 2 examination.
- Tier 2 Admit Card & Exam: Admit cards for Tier 2 are released separately, followed by the examination as per the official schedule.
Candidates should regularly check the SSC website for updates regarding results, cut-offs, and further recruitment stages.
SSC CGL Exam Day Guidelines 2026
There are a number of procedures and instructions that candidates should follow on exam day. This section will make you aware of these so that your exam experience is smooth and without obstacles.
- To avoid any misconduct, strict instructions & dress codes have been made.
- A list of all the prohibited items that you cannot carry to SSC CGL Exam Centres is also indicated in the guidelines.
- Carry recent passport-sized photographs for verification at the exam venue.
- Details and photographs on Admit Card must match with the particulars mentioned on the application form.
- Prohibited Items in exam centres are watches, books, pens, paper chits, magazines, electronic gadgets (mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, headphones, pen/buttonhole cameras, scanners, calculators, storage devices, etc).
List of allowed and prohibited items
Candidates can find the list of items they’re allowed to carry into the exam hall. Prohibited items are also included in the table for ease of reference.
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Slippers and sandals (feet partially/completely visible) | Shoes, bellies, boots |
| Half-sleeve T-shirt or top | Full-sleeve shirt or T-shirt |
| Trousers / Jeans / Lowers | Watches (digital or analog) |
| Doctor-prescribed spectacles | Sunglasses |
| Leggings / Churidar / Salwar / Patiala | Bracelets |
| Tiny rubber band | Rings, chains, necklaces, or any kind of jewellery/ornaments |
| Kurta/Top (Half-sleeves) | Hair clips, big rubber bands |
| Mangal Sutra | Big buttons, brooches, badge T-shirts |
| – | Saree (for both married and unmarried candidates) |
| – | Bangles (only allowed if married) |
| – | Burkha, cap, kurta-pajama |
List of Prohibited Items in SSC CGL 2026
Candidates must strictly avoid bringing the following items to the examination hall under any circumstances. Possession of such items may lead to cancellation of candidature and further disciplinary action by the Commission.
- Stationery items such as loose papers, written or printed textual material, pencil box, geometry box, plastic pouch, pen (unless specifically permitted), calculator, scale, pen drive, writing pad, eraser, log table, electronic pen, or scanner
- Communication devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, earphones, pagers, microphones, fitness bands, or any other transmitting/receiving equipment
- Electronic gadgets including wristwatches (digital or analog), cameras, or recording devices
- Personal accessories such as goggles, wallets, handbags, caps, belts, etc.
- Jewellery or ornaments including earrings, rings, nose-pins, pendants, chains/necklaces, badges, brooches, etc.
- Food items, whether opened or sealed (unless medically required with prior approval)
- Any metallic item or any object that may be used to conceal electronic devices (e.g. hidden cameras, microphones)
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SSC CGL Tier 1 Shift Timings – Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam will be held 18th and 19th January 2026 (expected).
Ans. The exam will likely be held in multiple shifts per day. Final shift details will be available on the candidate’s admit card.
Ans. The admit cards are expected to be released a few days before the exam, typically 4–7 days in advance on regional SSC websites.
Ans. Late entry is not allowed under any condition. Reach the centre well before the reporting time to complete all verification formalities smoothly.
Ans. Pen is usually not allowed unless specifically instructed. SSC provides writing material if needed.
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I’m Mahima Khurana, a writer with a strong passion for creating meaningful, learner-focused content especially in the field of competitive exam preparation. From authoring books and developing thousands of practice questions to crafting articles and study material, I specialize in transforming complex exam-related topics into clear, engaging, and accessible content. I have first hand experience of 5+ months in SSC Exams. Writing, for me, is not just a skill but a way to support and guide aspirants through their preparation journey one well-written explanation at a time.