SSC CGL Result 2026 Tier-I Answer Key Out, Check Result Status

SSC CGL Result 2026: Tier-I Answer Key Released, Check Status and Next Steps

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the tentative answer keys and candidates’ response sheets for the Tier-I examination of the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE) 2026. This significant development, announced on 4 November 2026, marks a crucial step in the selection process for thousands of aspirants vying for Group B and Group C vacancies across various ministries, departments, and offices of the Government of India. The Tier-I computer-based examination was conducted from 30 September 2026 to 28 October 2026, with a substantial number of 10,731 tentative vacancies announced.

Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination annually to recruit eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C non-gazetted posts in the Government of India. The CGLE 2026 notification, released on 21 May 2026, detailed the examination process, eligibility criteria, and vacancies. The application window was open from 21 May 2026 to 25 June 2026. The Tier-I examination, a crucial screening stage, was successfully conducted across numerous centers nationwide. Following the examination, the SSC has now made available the tentative answer keys and candidates' response sheets, allowing aspirants to gauge their performance and prepare for the subsequent stages.

Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria

The SSC CGL 2026 examination aims to fill approximately 10,731 tentative vacancies. These posts are categorized under Group B and Group C services, offering diverse career opportunities within the central government. The educational qualification required for appearing in the SSC CGL examination is a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or its equivalent. Candidates who are awaiting their final year results are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of having passed their degree examination by a specified cut-off date, which is typically mentioned in the official notification. Specific posts may have additional or specialized educational requirements, which are detailed in the official notification.

Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy

The age limit for appearing in the SSC CGL 2026 examination is generally between 18 and 32 years, though this can vary depending on the specific post. The crucial date for determining the age limit is usually the closing date of the application. The SSC adheres to the Government of India's reservation policy for recruitment. This includes age relaxation for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), Ex-Servicemen, and other categories as per the extant rules. For instance, SC/ST candidates typically receive a relaxation of up to 5 years, OBC candidates up to 3 years, and PwBD candidates up to 10 years (plus applicable age relaxation for their category). Detailed information regarding age limits and relaxation rules for each category is provided in the official notification.

Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks

The SSC CGL examination recruits for posts that fall under various pay levels as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations. The salary structure is attractive and includes basic pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other allowances as admissible to Central Government employees. The pay scales range from Level 4 (approx. ₹25,500 - ₹81,100) to Level 7 (approx. ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400) and higher, depending on the specific post. In addition to the salary, selected candidates are entitled to various perks and benefits, including medical facilities, leave travel concession (LTC), pension benefits under the National Pension System (NPS), and opportunities for career advancement.

Selection Process (Written Exam, Skill Test, Physical Standards, Document Verification)

The selection process for SSC CGL 2026 is multi-tiered and designed to assess candidates comprehensively. It typically comprises:

• Tier-I: Computer Based Examination - This is a preliminary screening test.
• Tier-II: Computer Based Examination - Candidates qualifying in Tier-I appear for Tier-II, which consists of multiple papers assessing different skills and knowledge areas.
• Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)/Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) - For certain posts, a skill test is mandatory to assess the candidate's proficiency in computer operations or data entry.
• Document Verification (DV) - Candidates shortlisted based on their performance in the Tier-I and Tier-II examinations (and skill tests, if applicable) are called for document verification. Original documents are verified to confirm eligibility.
• Medical Examination - For specific posts, a medical examination may be conducted to ensure candidates meet the required physical standards.

The final selection is based on the aggregate marks obtained by the candidates in Tier-I and Tier-II examinations, along with the performance in the skill tests, where applicable.

Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The SSC CGL Tier-I examination is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising four sections:

Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.5 marks for each incorrect answer in Tier-I. Candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully to avoid negative marking.

The Tier-II examination pattern varies depending on the post and includes papers on Quantitative Abilities, English Language and Comprehension, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics). The detailed pattern for Tier-II is available in the official notification.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online Application Form

Candidates interested in applying for the SSC CGL 2026 examination must follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official SSC Website: Go to the official website of the Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in).
2. Registration: If you are a new user, click on 'New Registration' and fill in the required details like Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number, etc. You will receive a registration number and password.
3. Login: Log in using your registration number and password.
4. Fill Application Form: Navigate to the 'Apply' section and select 'CGL 2026'. Fill in all the required details in the application form, including personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the prescribed format and dimensions.
6. Preview and Submit: Carefully review all the details filled in the application form. Once satisfied, click on the 'Submit' button.
7. Pay Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the application fee online using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Save the payment confirmation receipt.
8. Print Application Form: After successful submission and payment, take a printout of the duly filled application form for future reference.

Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification

Candidates are advised to read the official notification thoroughly before applying. Ensure all details provided in the application form are accurate and match your supporting documents. During Document Verification (DV), candidates must produce the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies:

• Matriculation (10th) Certificate (for proof of Name, Date of Birth, etc.)
• Intermediate (12th) Certificate
• Graduation Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) issued by the competent authority, if applicable
• Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates)
• Ex-Servicemen Certificate, if applicable
• Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc.)
• Printout of the Admission Certificate (for Tier-I, Tier-II, etc.)
• Printout of the Application Form
• Proof of payment of application fee
• Any other document specified in the official notification.

Candidates must ensure that their name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth are consistent across all documents. Any discrepancy may lead to disqualification.

How to Check SSC CGL Answer Key and Result

The tentative answer key and response sheet for SSC CGL Tier-I 2026 have been released on 4 November 2026. Candidates can check them by following these steps:

1. Visit the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in).
2. Navigate to the 'Answer Key' section or find the relevant link for CGLE 2026 Tier-I Answer Key.
3. Click on the provided link, which will direct you to the login portal.
4. Enter your Registration Number and Password as per your Admission Certificate.
5. Your response sheet and the tentative answer key will be displayed.
6. Candidates can compare their answers with the key and calculate their estimated scores.
7. Challenging the Answer Key: If candidates find any discrepancies or wish to challenge a particular answer, they can do so by paying a fee of ₹50 per question online. The window for raising objections is open until 7 November 2026, 9 PM.

Note: The answer keys will be available only until 7 November 2026 at 9 PM. It is advisable to download and save a copy of your response sheet and the answer key for future reference.

Checking the Tier-I Result: Once declared, the SSC CGL Tier-I result will be published on the official website in the form of PDF lists containing the roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for Tier-II. Candidates can search for their roll number using the 'Ctrl+F' function. The result will also include the cut-off marks for each category.