The 2026 SSC CGL pattern brings back sectional timers and a fixed section order. Here's what changed, how the marking works, and how to adapt your attempt strategy.
The 2026 exam reintroduces sectional timers — each section gets 15 minutes, after which it locks and you're auto-advanced to the next. The section order is fixed (you can't choose).
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning — 25 Qs, 15 min 2. General Awareness — 25 Qs, 15 min 3. Quantitative Aptitude — 25 Qs, 15 min 4. English Comprehension — 25 Qs, 15 min
Total: 100 questions in 60 minutes.
Correct: +2 marks Wrong: −0.5 marks (1/4th negative) Unattempted: 0 marks Maximum score: 200
1. No more section-rotation tricks. Previously candidates would skim all sections, attempt easy ones first. Now each section's 15 minutes must be used within that window. 2. Pace within sections. Aim for ~35 seconds per question. Bank easy questions first within a section, then return to harder ones. 3. Don't waste the GK 15 minutes. GK questions take 5–10 seconds each — finish in 8 minutes and use the remaining 7 to revisit flagged questions.
A 50% accuracy breaks even. Below 50%, you lose marks. Above 60% accuracy, you gain on every guess. Rule of thumb: never guess unless you can eliminate 2 options.
SSCIntel's Mock Test uses the exact 2026 pattern — sectional timers, fixed order, +2/−0.5 marking. Practice the real interface before exam day.
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