SSC CGL Tier II Exam Dates Announced: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the exam dates for the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier II examination, bringing clarity and relief to thousands of aspirants across the country. The announcement was made on December 19, just a day after the commission released the results of the SSC CGL Tier I exam. According to the official notice, the SSC CGL Tier II exam will be conducted on January 18 and January 19, 2026.
This update is crucial for candidates who successfully cleared the Tier I examination and are now preparing for the next and more decisive stage of the recruitment process. With less than a month left for the exam, aspirants are expected to intensify their preparation in line with the revised schedule.
SSC CGL Tier II Exam Dates announced: Confirmed by Commission
As per the notification issued by the Staff Selection Commission, the SSC CGL Tier II examination will take place over two consecutive days. The first day of the exam, January 18, 2026, will include multiple papers covering core subjects such as Mathematics, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Statistics. The second day, January 19, 2026, will be reserved for the Skill Test, also known as the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
The commission has clarified that only those candidates who have qualified for Tier I will be eligible to appear for Tier II. The exam will be conducted in computer-based mode at designated centers across India.
Detailed Schedule of SSC CGL Tier II Examination
On Day 1, January 18, 2026, candidates will appear for Paper I and Paper II. Paper I will include multiple sections, testing Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. On the same day, Paper II, which is Statistics, will also be conducted for candidates who have applied for posts requiring statistical knowledge, such as Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
On Day 2, January 19, 2026, the Skill Test (DEST) will be conducted. This test is qualifying in nature and is mandatory for certain posts. It evaluates the candidate’s typing and data entry speed, which is an essential requirement for many government roles.
Direct pdf Link of Schedule: Click here
Tier I Results Released a Day Earlier
The announcement of the Tier II exam dates comes immediately after the SSC declared the results of the SSC CGL Tier I examination. Candidates who appeared for the Tier I exam can check their qualifying status by logging into the official SSC website using their registration number and password.
This year, the competition has been particularly intense. According to official data released by the commission, a total of 6,196 candidates qualified for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. For the Statistical Investigator Grade-II post, 2,781 candidates were declared successful. For all other posts combined, a massive 1,30,418 candidates cleared the Tier I exam and are now eligible to appear for Tier II.
Category-Wise Shortlisting and Cut-Off Marks
The SSC has adopted a category-wise shortlisting process based on the marks obtained in the Tier I examination. Separate cut-off marks have been fixed for different posts to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.
Candidates have been shortlisted under three distinct lists. List 1 includes candidates eligible for the Junior Statistical Officer post. List 2 consists of candidates shortlisted for the Statistical Investigator Grade-II post. List 3 includes candidates shortlisted for all other posts apart from JSO and SI Grade-II.
This structured approach ensures that candidates are assessed according to the specific requirements of each post and only those meeting the prescribed standards move forward in the recruitment process.
Importance of SSC CGL Tier II Examination
The SSC CGL Tier II exam plays a decisive role in the final selection of candidates. While Tier I acts as a screening test, Tier II carries significant weight in determining merit and post allocation. The marks scored in Tier II are crucial, especially for candidates aiming for higher-ranking Group B posts.
Given the importance of this stage, aspirants are advised to focus on concept clarity, time management, and accuracy. Subjects like Mathematics and English require consistent practice, while General Awareness and Computer Knowledge demand regular revision.
What Candidates Should Do Next
With the exam dates now officially confirmed, candidates should align their preparation strategies accordingly. Revising the syllabus thoroughly, practicing mock tests, and working on weak areas will be key in the coming weeks. Candidates appearing for the Statistics paper should pay special attention to formulas and data interpretation, while those preparing for the Skill Test should practice typing regularly to meet the required speed and accuracy.
It is also important for candidates to keep checking official notifications for updates related to admit cards, exam centers, and instructions for the examination day.
About SSC CGL Examination
The SSC CGL examination is one of the most sought-after government exams in India. Conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission, it aims to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India.
Positions offered through SSC CGL include Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Junior Statistical Officer, and many more. Due to attractive pay scales, job security, and career growth opportunities, the exam attracts lakhs of candidates every year.
Final Words
The release of the SSC CGL Tier II exam dates has brought much-needed clarity for aspirants who have been eagerly waiting for the next step in the recruitment process. With the exam scheduled for January 18 and 19, 2026, candidates now have a clear timeline to plan their preparation.
Those who have cleared Tier I should stay focused, confident, and disciplined in their studies. The coming weeks will be crucial, and smart preparation can make all the difference. As the competition is tough, consistent effort and a calm mindset will be the key to success in SSC CGL Tier II.
Candidates are advised to rely only on official updates and avoid rumors. With determination and the right strategy, cracking SSC CGL Tier II is definitely achievable.
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