The SSC CGL exam dates for the 2026 cycle will be announced by the Staff Selection Commission along with the official notification. For reference, in the previous SSC CGL 2025 cycle, the Tier 2 examination was conducted on 18th and 19th January 2026, with a revised schedule where Section IV (DEST) will be held on 18th January 2026, while Sections I, II, III of Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Statistics) will be conducted on 19th January 2026. This article covers complete details of the SSC CGL 2026 exam dates, previous cycle scheduling changes, and other important updates to help candidates better understand the exam timeline.
What is the expected date of SSC CGL 2026?
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 is expected to be conducted in May-June 2026, as per the tentative SSC exam schedule.
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What is SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Schedule for the previous cycle?
The revised exam schedule for SSC CGL Tier 2 for the previous cycle is: DEST on 18 January 2026, and all other papers on 19 January 2026. You can check out the detailed exam schedule in the table below:
| S. No. | Scheduled Date | Day | Paper | Section | Subject |
|---|
| 1 | 18th January 2026 | Day 1 | Paper I | Section IV | Skill Test (DEST) |
| 2 | 19th January 2026 | Day 2 | Paper I | Section I | Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence |
| Section II | English Language & Comprehension and General Awareness |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test |
| Paper II | — | Statistics |
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SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date 2026 Highlights
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam for the 2026 cycle will be announced along with the official notification. For reference, the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam was conducted from 12th to 26th September 2025, and the Tier 2 examination was held on 18th and 19th January 2026. A comparison of key events for both cycles is given below.
| Event | 2025 Cycle | 2026 Cycle (Expected) |
|---|
| SSC CGL Notification | 9th June 2025 | March 2026 (tentative) |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | 12th to 26th September 2025 | May-June 2026 (tentative) |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key | Released | TBA |
| SSC CGL Result | Released | TBA |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | 18th & 19th January 2026 | TBA |
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What is SSC CGL Shift Timings?
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Shift Timings has not been announced yet by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the previous cycle. However, the shift timings generally include Paper-I from 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM, Module-II from 2:00 PM to 2:40 PM, Paper-II from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and Paper-III from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam was conducted in three shifts with the following timings: Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Shift 2: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM, and Shift 3: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
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What documents must be carried in the exam hall for SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 stage?
For the SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2025, candidates must carry a few important documents to the exam centre. Without them, entry will not be allowed. Make sure all the details on your ID match your admit card.
- Carry a printed copy of your SSC CGL Tier 2 Admit Card.
- Bring one original valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
- Carry two recent passport-size photographs.
- Ensure your name on the ID matches the admit card.
- Keep a photocopy of your ID as a backup.
- Original ID proof is mandatory for entry.
- Do not carry mobile phones, calculators, or electronic gadgets.
- Report to the centre on time as mentioned on the admit card.
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What is SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
The detailed SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 will be released along with the official notification. The eligibility rules are expected to remain almost the same, except for the reference date, which will be updated in the new notification. It requires candidates aged between 18 to 32 years who have completed their graduation will be eligible to appear for the SSC CGL Examination.
What are the key takeaways?
Below are the key points taken from this article:
- SSC CGL 2025 notification was released on 9th June 2025.
- Tier 1 exam was conducted from 12th to 26th September 2025.
- Tier 2 exam is scheduled on 18th & 19th January, 2026.
- DEST(skill test) will be conducted on day 1 (18 January 2026).
- Day 2 (19 January 2026) includes Paper I (all sections) and Paper II (Statistics).
- Carry a printed admit card, valid photo ID with date of birth, and passport-size photos.
- The recruitment offers Group B and Group C posts in various central government departments.
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