SSC CGL 2026 Tier-1 Begins Today: Essential Exam Day Rules and Must-Carry Checklist

SSC CGL 2026 Tier-1 begins today, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, across India. The computer-based exam runs in multiple shifts till October 30. Each wrong answer attracts 0.50 negative marking. Find the must-carry checklist, rules, and our shift difficulty tracker below.

Carry your printed admit card, original photo ID, and two recent passport photos. PwBD candidates should bring disability certificate and approved scribe declaration, if applicable. Reach 60–90 minutes early for frisking, biometrics, and verification.

SSC CGL 2026 Tier‑1 exam dates, shifts, and reporting rules

SSC schedules multiple daily sessions within the September 30–October 30 window. Reporting gates often close 30 minutes before the shift. Expect photograph capture, thumb biometrics, and admit card stamping. Names and birth dates must match the identity proof.

What to carry for SSC CGL Tier‑1 today

Acceptable photo IDs include Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and Driving Licence in original. Print the e-admit card on A4, with photograph and signature clearly visible. Carry a transparent water bottle; rough sheets and pen are provided. Avoid damaged or unclear IDs during checks.

Banned items and exam hall protocol for SSC CGL Tier‑1

Do not carry mobiles, smart or digital watches, calculators, earphones, or Bluetooth devices. Avoid jewellery, camera accessories, notes, books, stationery, and wallets. Only the admit card, photo ID, and passport photos are allowed inside. Centres seldom offer secure storage, so leave valuables at home.

SSC CGL Tier‑1 pattern, negative marking, and time strategy

Tier-1 features four sections, 100 questions, and 200 marks in 60 minutes. There is 0.50 negative marking, so attempt only high-confidence answers. Scores across shifts are normalized; focus on accuracy before speed. Use quick guesses sparingly to protect cut-off prospects.

Stay calm, read onscreen instructions, and verify personal details before starting. We will post memory-based questions and section-wise difficulty after every shift. Track good attempts and evolving cut-off bands through the October 30 schedule. All the best for SSC CGL 2026 Tier-1.