SSC CGL Tier 2 Cutoff 2026 – Category-wise Analysis
SSC CGL Tier 2 cutoff 2026: category-wise marks, trend analysis from 2022–2026, post-wise breakdowns, and scoring strategy to clear the exam.
on this page§ 10
- Paper II (Statistics)
- 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours, mandatory for JSO/Statistical Investigator posts, 0.25 negative marking
- Paper III (Finance & Economics)
- 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours, mandatory for AAO posts, 0.25 negative marking
SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper I pattern
| Layer | Section | Questions | Time (min) | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | Composite (2 hr 15 min total) | -1/3 per wrong answer |
| Paper I | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | Composite (2 hr 15 min total) | -1/3 per wrong answer |
| Paper I | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | Composite (2 hr 15 min total) | -1/3 per wrong answer |
| Paper I | General Awareness | 25 | Composite (2 hr 15 min total) | -1/3 per wrong answer |
| Paper I | Computer Knowledge | 20 | Composite (2 hr 15 min total) | -1/3 per wrong answer |
SSC CGL Tier 2 category-wise cutoff trend, Group B Gazetted posts (out of 450, Paper I)
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (estimated) | 2026 (projected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 148 to 152 | 151 to 155 | 153 to 157 | 155 to 160 | 156 to 162 |
| OBC | 142 to 146 | 145 to 149 | 147 to 151 | 149 to 154 | 150 to 155 |
| EWS | 140 to 144 | 143 to 147 | 145 to 149 | 147 to 152 | 148 to 153 |
| SC | 132 to 136 | 135 to 139 | 136 to 141 | 138 to 143 | 139 to 144 |
| ST | 127 to 131 | 129 to 133 | 131 to 136 | 133 to 138 | 134 to 139 |
Category-wise 2026 cutoff ranges for Group B Gazetted posts are projections based on the official SSC CGL Tier 2 cutoff trend from 2022 to 2024 and estimated 2025 figures; the binding 2026 cutoff is published only on ssc.gov.in. Treat every number as a planning estimate.
SSC CGL Tier 2 cutoff 2026 determines which candidates qualify for document verification and final post allocation, making it the most decisive filter in the entire selection funnel. This article breaks down expected cutoffs by category and post, traces the 2022–2026 trend, and gives you a scoring plan to clear it on your first attempt.
What Is SSC CGL Tier 2 Cutoff and How Is It Used?
The SSC CGL Tier 2 cutoff is the minimum aggregate score a candidate must secure across the Tier 2 papers to remain in contention for a specific post. From 2023 onward, SSC restructured Tier 2 into a single multi-session exam (replacing the earlier two-paper format), which directly affected how cutoffs are calculated and compared year over year.
Key points:
- Tier 2 cutoff is calculated on a combined score (Paper I + Paper II where applicable), normalised across sessions.
- The cutoff varies by post category, Group B Gazetted posts carry higher cutoffs than Group C posts.
- Final merit list is drawn after adding Tier 1 + Tier 2 marks (Tier 1 is qualifying only for some posts post-2023 restructure, check the official notification for the exam cycle you are appearing in).
- Category-wise cutoffs apply: UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PH/ESM categories each have separate thresholds.
For syllabus and paper pattern details, refer to the SSC CGL syllabus 2026 before interpreting cutoff data, knowing the maximum marks per module is essential context.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Cutoff Trend: 2022 to 2026 (Category-wise)
The table below covers Group B Gazetted posts (JSO, AAO, etc.), the most competitive post group, across all reservation categories. Figures for 2022–2024 are based on verified candidate reports and SSC result documents; 2025 and 2026 are estimated ranges.
Note: All figures are out of 200 (Paper I, Quantitative Abilities + English, 100 marks each). Post-restructure cycles (2023 onward) are on the revised 200+200 format for specific posts. Normalised scores are used where multi-shift exams were conducted.
Group B Gazetted Posts (JSO / AAO / Assistant Audit Officer)
| Category | 2022 (approx) | 2023 (approx) | 2024 (approx) | 2025 (estimated range) | 2026 (projected range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 148–152 | 151–155 | 153–157 | 155–160 | 156–162 |
| OBC | 142–146 | 145–149 | 147–151 | 149–154 | 150–155 |
| EWS | 140–144 | 143–147 | 145–149 | 147–152 | 148–153 |
| SC | 132–136 | 135–139 | 136–141 | 138–143 | 139–144 |
| ST | 127–131 | 129–133 | 131–136 | 133–138 | 134–139 |
| PH (VH) | 118–122 | 120–124 | 122–126 | 123–128 | 124–129 |
| ESM | 110–115 | 112–117 | 113–118 | 115–120 | 116–121 |
Source: Based on verified candidate reports, SSC press notes, and community aggregations. Treat 2025–2026 as estimated ranges, not official figures.
Group C Posts (Junior Statistical Investigator, Statistical Investigator Gr. II, Tax Assistant, UDC, DEO)
| Category | 2022 (approx) | 2023 (approx) | 2024 (approx) | 2025 (estimated range) | 2026 (projected range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 138–142 | 140–145 | 141–146 | 143–148 | 144–149 |
| OBC | 132–136 | 133–138 | 135–140 | 136–141 | 137–142 |
| EWS | 130–134 | 131–136 | 132–137 | 134–139 | 135–140 |
| SC | 122–126 | 123–128 | 124–129 | 126–131 | 127–132 |
| ST | 117–121 | 118–123 | 119–124 | 121–126 | 122–127 |
Trend inference: Cutoffs have risen 3–5 marks per cycle for UR/OBC across both post groups. The 2026 projection factors in increased applicant count (estimated 14–15 lakh Tier 1 qualifiers based on 2024–25 growth rate) and a tighter vacancy-to-candidate ratio for Gazetted posts.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the paper structure is prerequisite to building a score target.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I – Session 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hr (combined) |
| Paper I – Session 2 | Reasoning & GI | 30 | 90 | , |
| Paper I – Session 3 | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | , |
| Paper I – Session 3 | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | , |
| Paper I – Session 3 | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | , |
| Paper I Total | 150 | 450 | 2 hr 15 min | |
| Paper II (Statistics) | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hr |
| Paper III (General Studies – Finance & Economics) | Finance & Economics | 100 | 200 | 2 hr |
- Paper II is mandatory for JSO/Statistical Investigator posts only.
- Paper III is mandatory for AAO posts only.
- Negative marking: ⅓ mark deducted per wrong answer in Paper I; 0.25 per wrong in Papers II and III.
- Final merit = Tier 1 + Tier 2 combined normalised score for most posts (check post-wise notification).
Pair this with the SSC CGL preparation guide 2026 for a subject-level study schedule.
Section-wise Score Targets to Hit the 2026 Cutoff
Working backwards from the projected UR cutoff of 156–162 (Group B posts, Paper I out of 450):
| Session | Max Marks | Target (UR) | Target (OBC) | Target (SC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities (30 Qs × 3) | 90 | 63–66 | 60–63 | 54–57 |
| Reasoning & GI (30 Qs × 3) | 90 | 66–69 | 63–66 | 57–60 |
| English (45 Qs × 3) | 135 | 96–99 | 90–96 | 81–87 |
| General Awareness (25 Qs × 3) | 75 | 54–57 | 51–54 | 45–48 |
| Computer Knowledge (20 Qs × 3) | 60 | 51–54 | 48–51 | 42–45 |
Takeaway: English Language + Computer Knowledge are the two highest-leverage sections, both are scoring and students from tech/commerce backgrounds consistently over-index here. Do not sacrifice these for an extra 10 hours on Quantitative Abilities.
Post-wise Vacancy and Competition Ratio (2024 Reference)
| Post | Vacancies (2024 cycle) | Tier 2 Qualifiers (approx) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAO (C&AG) | 3,600 | ~72,000 | 1:20 |
| JSO | 700 | ~21,000 | 1:30 |
| Inspector (IT/CBI/CBN) | 4,200 | ~63,000 | 1:15 |
| Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC) | 5,100 | ~61,200 | 1:12 |
| UDC (various ministries) | 3,800 | ~38,000 | 1:10 |
JSO remains the most competitive post (1:30 ratio) due to a fixed low vacancy count. For JSO target posts, clear Paper II (Statistics) at 60%+ to stay competitive, a weak Paper II is the most common elimination reason among JSO aspirants.
The SSC CGL papers 2026 section on PapersAdda has full previous year question papers including Paper II Statistics.
Preparation Strategy to Clear SSC CGL Tier 2 Cutoff 2026
Phase 1: Baseline + Gap Analysis (Weeks 1–2)
Take one full Paper I mock under timed conditions. Score it section-wise. Compare against the targets in the table above. Any section where you are 15+ marks below target gets priority treatment in Phase 2.
Phase 2: Subject-wise Strengthening (Weeks 3–8)
Mathematical Abilities: Focus on Arithmetic (30% weight, percentage, SI/CI, profit-loss, ratio) and Algebra/Geometry (25%). SSC Tier 2 Maths is calculation-heavy, practice mental calculation and approximation. Do not spend more than 2.5 minutes per question in the exam.
English Language: Reading Comprehension passages are 4–5 per paper in Tier 2, longer than Tier 1. Practice one passage per day. Error Spotting and Cloze Test account for ~35% of English marks combined. These are pattern-learnable within 3–4 weeks.
Reasoning & GI: Seating arrangements, syllogisms, and blood relations dominate (collectively ~40% of reasoning questions in past 3 cycles). Matrix-type questions appeared in 3 of the last 4 Tier 2 cycles, add them to your rotation.
General Awareness: Static GK (History, Polity, Geography) contributes 50–55% of GA questions. Current affairs window tested is typically 6 months prior to exam, identify the exact exam window when the SSC CGL 2026 exam date is announced.
Computer Knowledge: Module is largely static and testable from a single standard reference. Score 48+/60 here with two weeks of focused preparation. This is a gift section, do not leave it unrevised.
Phase 3: Mock Tests + Cutoff Simulation (Weeks 9–12)
Take 3 full mocks per week. For each mock, calculate your projected score per post and compare against the cutoff trend table above. Track delta, not just raw scores.
Use SSC MTS papers 2026 and SSC CHSL papers 2026 for additional English and GK practice, the overlap in question style with Tier 2 is high.
Practice Questions – SSC CGL Tier 2 Pattern
PapersAdda Mock Test
Interactive Mock Test
Test your knowledge with 5 real placement questions. Get instant feedback and detailed solutions.
Common Mistakes That Cost Candidates the Cutoff
1. Targeting the wrong cutoff figure. Most candidates target UR Tier 1 cutoff figures when studying, Tier 2 cutoffs are 25–40 marks higher in absolute terms. Re-calibrate your score target early.
2. Ignoring normalisation. If your shift had a harder paper, SSC's normalisation can add or subtract up to 8–12 marks from your raw score. Do not be overconfident if your raw score clears the cutoff by less than 10 marks.
3. Attempting too many Maths questions without accuracy checks. Tier 2 Maths is notorious for calculation traps. Attempting 26 questions and getting 8 wrong (net: 18 − 2.67 = 15.3) is worse than attempting 20 and getting 2 wrong (net: 18 − 0.67 = 17.3).
4. Under-preparing Computer Knowledge. In every post-analysis from 2022–2025, Computer Knowledge is the section where the average score is closest to maximum, it levels the field. Skipping this is a strategic error.
5. Not tracking post-preference alongside cutoff. JSO cutoffs and AAO cutoffs for the same category differ by 10–15 marks. Build separate score targets per post preference, not a single combined target.
Internal Links – Related Resources
- Full paper-wise syllabus: SSC CGL syllabus preparation 2026
- Download previous year papers: SSC CGL papers 2026
- Month-by-month prep schedule: SSC CGL preparation guide 2026
- Practice reasoning and aptitude: Placement aptitude mock test
- Additional English practice: SSC CHSL papers 2026
- GK and static awareness drills: SSC MTS papers 2026
- Compare with private sector selection benchmarks: TCS NQT cutoff 2026 and Infosys cutoff analysis 2026
FAQs – SSC CGL Tier 2 Cutoff 2026
Q: Is Tier 1 score added to Tier 2 for the final cutoff?
From the 2023 exam cycle onward, SSC moved to a combined Tier 1 + Tier 2 merit for most posts. Tier 1 is no longer purely qualifying, marks carry forward. The exact weightage is specified in the official notification for each cycle. For 2026, verify in the official SSC CGL 2026 notification at ssc.gov.in.
Q: How many marks does Paper I carry in SSC CGL Tier 2 2026?
Paper I carries 450 marks (150 questions × 3 marks each) distributed across three sessions: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & GI, and a combined English + GA + Computer Knowledge session. This is the mandatory paper for all posts.
Q: Will the 2026 cutoff be higher than 2025?
Based on the trend from 2022–2025, UR cutoff for Group B Gazetted posts has risen approximately 3–4 marks per cycle. If vacancy count remains similar to 2024 and applicant volume grows, 2026 UR cutoff for AAO/JSO posts is projected at 156–162 out of 450 (Paper I). These are estimated ranges, not official figures.
Q: Does negative marking apply in SSC CGL Tier 2?
Yes. In Paper I, ⅓ mark is deducted per wrong answer. In Papers II and III (Statistics and Finance & Economics), the penalty is 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Questions left blank carry no penalty.
Q: What is the minimum qualifying mark in Tier 2 for SC/ST candidates?
SSC does not publish a fixed minimum qualifying mark for individual category candidates in Tier 2, the cutoff is derived from the merit list after all results are compiled. Based on 2022–2024 data, SC candidates for Group B posts have cleared at 136–141 marks (Paper I, ≈450 scale). ST candidates have cleared at 131–136 in the same period.
Q: Can a candidate appear in Tier 2 for multiple posts simultaneously?
Yes. If a candidate qualifies in Tier 1 for multiple post categories, they can appear in all applicable Tier 2 papers. Post preference is collected during the application stage, candidates must indicate preferences before Tier 2. Final allocation is made based on merit and post availability.
Q: What happens if Tier 2 result shows a tie between two candidates?
SSC resolves ties in this order: (1) higher marks in Tier 2 Paper I, (2) higher marks in the specific mandatory paper (II or III), (3) older candidate gets preference. Tie-breaking rules are published alongside the official merit list notification.
Sources and review notesreviewed 9 Jun 2026
No article-specific source list is attached yet. Treat changing figures as editorial guidance and confirm them on the relevant official recruiter or exam portal.
Official notices, candidate reports, offer documents, and editorial practice questions carry different confidence levels. The visible source list lets you inspect the evidence instead of relying on a blanket verification badge.
topic cluster
More resources in Guides & Resources
Use the category hub to browse similar questions, exam patterns, salary guides, and preparation resources related to this topic.
paid contributor programme
Sat this this year? Share your story, earn ₹500.
First-person experience reports help future candidates prep smarter. We pay verified contributors ₹500 via UPI per accepted story with byline.
Submit your story →ready to practice?
Take a free timed mock test
Put what you learned into practice. Our mock tests match the 2026 pattern with timer, navigator, reveal, and score breakdown. No signup.