SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 is being held from 30 September to 30 October 2026 in three shifts a day. The SSC CGL shift timings are: 1st shift 10:00 to 11:00 AM, 2nd shift 1:30 to 2:30 PM and 3rd shift 5:00 to 6:00 PM, with reporting 90 minutes and gate closing 30 minutes before each exam.

Below are the shift-wise reporting time, gate closing time, exam time and duration. Your SSC CGL admit card is the final authority for your own shift, so check the timing printed on it before you leave for the centre.

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SSC CGL Shift Timings 2026: Tier 1 Exam Schedule

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam 2026 runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026 as a computer-based test. Each exam day has up to three shifts of 60 minutes each, and every candidate appears in one shift only.

Important: The SSC CGL admit card is the final authority for your reporting time, gate closing time, shift and examination timing.

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SSC CGL 1st Shift Timings

The SSC CGL 1st shift exam time is 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Reporting starts at 8:30 AM and the gate closes at 9:30 AM, so plan to reach the centre by 8:30 AM.

Before entering the centre, keep your printed admit card and original photo ID in hand for frisking, photo capture and biometric checks. Morning-shift candidates travelling from another city should reach the day before, as there is no allowance for late arrival.

SSC CGL 2nd Shift Timings

The SSC CGL 2nd shift exam time is 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Reporting is at 12:00 PM and the gate closes at 1:00 PM.

If you are in the 2nd shift, avoid planning anything for the morning that could delay you; the gate closes exactly at 1:00 PM and late entry is not allowed.

SSC CGL 3rd Shift Timings

The SSC CGL 3rd shift exam time is 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Reporting is at 3:30 PM and the gate closes at 4:30 PM.

The 3rd shift is the last shift of the day and ends at 6:00 PM, so arrange your return travel in advance, especially for centres far from home.

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SSC CGL Exam Timing and Duration

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam lasts 60 minutes in every shift. Including reporting and checks, plan for about 2.5 hours at the centre: you report 90 minutes before the exam and leave after it ends.

Eligible PwBD candidates who use a scribe get 20 extra minutes, so their exam lasts 80 minutes. The 60 minutes cover 100 questions across four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. See the full SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern.

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SSC CGL Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time

The SSC CGL reporting time is 90 minutes before the exam, and the gate closes 30 minutes before the exam starts. Candidates who arrive after gate closing are not allowed in, whatever the reason.

The time between reporting and gate closing is used for frisking, admit card and ID checks, photo capture and seat allotment. Your exact reporting time is printed on the SSC CGL admit card [link to the Guidely SSC CGL admit card page to be added]; follow that if it differs from this table. Check your venue in advance on the SSC CGL exam centres 2026 page.

How Many Shifts Are There in SSC CGL Tier 1?

SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 has up to three shifts a day: morning (10:00 AM), afternoon (1:30 PM) and evening (5:00 PM). The exam runs over several days from 30 September to 30 October 2026, so there are many shifts in total, but each candidate takes only one.

Not every centre runs all three shifts on every date. SSC assigns your date, shift and centre, and they are printed on your admit card; you cannot choose or change them.

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SSC CGL Exam Shift Timings: Important Instructions

Whichever shift you are in, these rules apply to all SSC CGL shift timings.

• Reach the centre by the reporting time; the gate closes 30 minutes before the exam.
• Carry a printed admit card and an original photo ID with date of birth (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, driving licence, PAN or other ID listed on the admit card).
• If the admit card asks for them, carry passport-size photographs.
• Do not carry a mobile phone, smartwatch, earphones, calculator, Bluetooth device or any other electronic item.
• Do not bring paper, books, pens, pouches, wallets or metallic items; rough sheets are given at the centre.
• Wear simple clothes without large metal buttons, as frisking is done at entry.
• Follow the invigilator's instructions and do not leave before the exam ends.

Candidate can check SSC CGL City Intimation 2026 Here!

SSC CGL Shift Timings 2026 FAQs

Q1. How many shifts are there in SSC CGL Tier 1 2026? 

SSC CGL Tier 1 2026 is held in up to three shifts a day (10:00 AM, 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM) from 30 September to 30 October 2026. The number of shifts at a centre can vary by date, and each candidate takes only one shift, as shown on the admit card.

Q2. What are the SSC CGL 1st shift timings? 

Reporting at 8:30 AM, gate closing at 9:30 AM and exam from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Confirm your timing on the admit card.

Q3. What are the SSC CGL 2nd shift timings? 

Reporting at 12:00 PM, gate closing at 1:00 PM and exam from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, as per the schedule; check your admit card before travelling.

Q4. What are the SSC CGL 3rd shift timings? 

Reporting at 3:30 PM, gate closing at 4:30 PM and exam from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The timing printed on your admit card is final.

Q5. What is the SSC CGL exam time duration? 

The Tier 1 exam lasts 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with a scribe). With reporting and security checks, plan for about 2.5 hours at the centre.

Q6. What is the SSC CGL reporting time? 

90 minutes before the exam: 8:30 AM for the 1st shift, 12:00 PM for the 2nd and 3:30 PM for the 3rd. Arrive early enough to finish checks before the gate closes.

Q7. What is the SSC CGL exam timing shift-wise? 

1st shift 10:00–11:00 AM, 2nd shift 1:30–2:30 PM and 3rd shift 5:00–6:00 PM. Your admit card shows your actual shift.

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