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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 SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date?
The expected SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date is in May-June 2026, as per the tentative SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27.
SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 Highlights
The SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 will be announced along with the official SSC CGL Notification 2026. For reference, Tier 1 exam for the previous cycle 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 are the expected SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Shift Timings?
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Shift Timings 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 |
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What documents must be carried in the exam hall for SSC CGL Exam 2026?
For the SSC CGL Exam 2026, 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 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.
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What are the key takeaways?
Below are the key points taken from this article:
- SSC CGL 2025 notification was released on 9th June 2025.
- The SSC CGL 2026 exam dates will be officially released by the Staff Selection Commission along with the notification.
- The expected SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam date is May–June 2026 as per the tentative calendar.
- In the previous cycle, Tier 1 was conducted in September 2025, and Tier 2 on 18th & 19th January 2026.
- SSC CGL exams are conducted in multiple shifts with CBT and DEST scheduled separately.
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