Quick answer
SSC CGL Tier 2 has 150 questions for 450 marks in 135 minutes (Session I). Sections: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions, 30 min), Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions, 30 min), English Language and Comprehension (45 questions, 40 min), General Awareness (25 questions, 20 min), Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) (20 questions, 15 min). +3 for each correct answer, −1 for each wrong answer. Maths, Reasoning, English and General Awareness make the 390 merit marks; the Computer Knowledge Test (60 marks) is qualifying and not added to merit.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 min | 60 seconds |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 min | 60 seconds |
| English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 min | 53 seconds |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 min | 48 seconds |
| Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 20 | 60 | 15 min | 45 seconds |
| Total | 150 | 450 | 135 minutes (Session I) |
Marking scheme
+3 for each correct answer, −1 for each wrong answer. Maths, Reasoning, English and General Awareness make the 390 merit marks; the Computer Knowledge Test (60 marks) is qualifying and not added to merit.
On exam day
Five sections in the notice's order, each with its own timer: Maths 30 minutes, Reasoning 30, English 40, General Awareness 20, Computer Knowledge 15. A section closes when its time ends. The Data Entry Speed Test (a 15-minute typing test in Session II) is not part of this mock. Mocks are in English.
Practise on the real SSC CGL Tier 2 pattern
Every student gets a different paper with the same sections, timers and marking. Mocks come with a pass.
Questions students ask
How many questions are there in SSC CGL Tier 2?
150 questions for 450 marks, in 135 minutes (Session I).
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 2?
+3 for each correct answer, −1 for each wrong answer. Maths, Reasoning, English and General Awareness make the 390 merit marks; the Computer Knowledge Test (60 marks) is qualifying and not added to merit.
What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam interface like?
Five sections in the notice's order, each with its own timer: Maths 30 minutes, Reasoning 30, English 40, General Awareness 20, Computer Knowledge 15. A section closes when its time ends. The Data Entry Speed Test (a 15-minute typing test in Session II) is not part of this mock. Mocks are in English.
What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern for 2026?
Paper I, compulsory for all posts, has Session I of 2 hours 15 minutes: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions, 30 minutes), Reasoning (30, 30 minutes), English Language and Comprehension (45, 40 minutes), General Awareness (25, 20 minutes) and the Computer Knowledge Test (20, 15 minutes). Session II is a 15-minute Data Entry Speed Test. Each question carries 3 marks.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Yes. 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Paper I, so a wrong answer costs a third of what a right one earns.
Are the Computer Knowledge Test and DEST counted in merit?
No. Both are qualifying. Merit for most posts is the 390 marks of Maths, Reasoning, English and General Awareness. You must still clear every section of Paper I: 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, 20% for others.