SSC CGL Tier 2 City Slip Released: Check Exam Date (Jan 18-19) & 2026 Calendar

New Delhi: The second week of January 2026 has turned out to be a “Super Week” for millions of government job aspirants across India. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has fired on all cylinders, releasing three massive updates back-to-back on its new official portal, ssc.gov.in.

Whether you are a candidate preparing for the upcoming Mains (Tier 2) exam next week or a fresh graduate looking to start your journey in the 2026 cycle, there is critical news for everyone.

On January 9, 2026, the commission officially activated the City Intimation Slip for the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 exam. Just a day earlier, on January 8, the commission released the highly anticipated Annual Exam Calendar for 2026-27, providing a clear roadmap for the entire year. Additionally, the Final Answer Keys and marks for the Tier 1 exam have also been uploaded.

Here is a comprehensive, 360-degree guide to everything happening in the world of SSC CGL right now.

Update 1: Tier 2 City Intimation Slip Live (Jan 9)

For the candidates who cleared the Tier 1 result (declared on December 18, 2025), the final battle is just days away. The SSC has now released the City Intimation Slip to help candidates plan their travel.

What is the City Intimation Slip?

Do not confuse this with your final Admit Card.

• What it tells you: It only confirms the City where your exam center is located (e.g., Patna, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Delhi).
• What it hides: It does not show the specific name of the school or college, nor does it show your exam shift timing.
• Why is it released early? To allow candidates to book train or bus tickets in advance, preventing last-minute travel chaos.

Exam Dates Confirmed

The commission has re-confirmed the schedule for the Tier 2 (Mains) examination:

• Exam Dates: January 18 and 19, 2026.
• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Day 1 (Jan 18): Usually reserved for Paper-I (Section IV – DEST) or specific papers like Statistics/Finance for JSO/AAO posts.
• Day 2 (Jan 19): The main Paper-I (Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge).

How to Download Your City Slip?

1. Visit the official website: [suspicious link removed].
2. Look for the “Login” button on the top right corner.
3. Enter your Registration Number and Password (created during OTR).
4. Enter the Captcha code.
5. On your dashboard, click on the link flashing “City Intimation for Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-II) 2025”.
6. The slip will open in PDF format. Save it on your phone.

Update 2: Admit Card Release Date (Expected)

Now that the city slip is out, the next big question is about the final Hall Ticket.

• Standard SSC Rule: The commission typically releases the detailed Admit Card 3 to 4 days before the exam date.
• Expected Date: You can expect the download link to go live around January 14 or January 15, 2026.
• Regional Websites: Unlike the old process where admit cards were hosted on regional sites (like sscnr.nic.in), the new system is centralized. However, keep checking your regional SSC portal just in case.

Crucial Documents to Carry: On the exam day (Jan 18/19), you must carry:

1. Printout of the Final Admit Card.
2. Two recent passport-size color photographs.
3. Original Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Panic Card, or Driving License). Note: The Date of Birth on your ID must match the Admit Card exactly.

Update 3: SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27 Released

For fresh graduates who missed the 2025 cycle, the new year brings new hope. On January 8, 2026, the SSC released the tentative schedule for all exams to be held in 2026.

SSC CGL 2026 Timeline

• Notification Release: March 2026.
• Application Window: March – April 2026.
• Tier 1 Exam Date: May – June 2026.

This gives new aspirants roughly 5 months to prepare for the Tier 1 exam. Since the notification is coming in March, candidates are advised to ready their OBC/EWS/SC/ST certificates now to avoid date issues later.

Other Major Exams in 2026

• SSC CHSL 2026: Notification in April 2026.
• SSC MTS 2026: Notification in June 2026.
• SSC GD Constable 2027: Notification in September 2026.

Update 4: Tier 1 Final Answer Key & Marks

Along with the City Slip, the commission has also uploaded the Final Answer Keys for the CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam.

Deep Dive: Tier 2 Exam Pattern (The Real Challenge)

For the candidates appearing next week, understanding the Tier 2 pattern is a matter of life and death for their career. The pattern was revised in 2022 and remains the same for 2025.

Paper-I (Compulsory for All Posts) This paper is divided into two sessions held on the same day.

Session 1 (2 Hours 15 Minutes)

• Section 1:
  • Module 1: Mathematical Abilities (30 Questions).
  • Module 2: Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 Questions).
  • Total: 60 Qs × 3 Marks = 180 Marks.
• Section 2:
  • Module 1: English Language & Comprehension (45 Questions).
  • Module 2: General Awareness (25 Questions).
  • Total: 70 Qs × 3 Marks = 210 Marks.
• Section 3:
  • Module 1: Computer Knowledge Test (20 Questions).
  • Total: 20 Qs × 3 Marks = 60 Marks.

Session 2 (15 Minutes)

• Section 3:
  • Module 2: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
  • Task: 2000 Key Depressions in 15 Minutes.

The “Danger” Factors:

1. Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 1 Mark for every wrong answer in Section 1 and 2. This is very high (33%). Do not guess wildly.
2. Computer Qualifier: The Computer Knowledge section is Qualifying in Nature but mandatory. If you fail to score the minimum qualifying marks (usually 30% for UR), your entire paper will be rejected, even if you topped the Maths section.
3. Typing Test: Similarly, DEST is mandatory for almost all posts now.

Last-Minute Preparation Strategy (7 Days Left)

With less than a week to go, here is what experts suggest:

1. Stop New Topics: Do not pick up a new chapter in Maths or a new book for GK. Focus on revising what you already know.
2. Typing is Key: Practice typing for at least 30 minutes daily. Many brilliant students fail CGL because they cannot finish the typing test in 15 minutes. Use a standard physical keyboard, not a laptop keypad.
3. Computer Module: Revise the basics of MS Excel, MS Word, Shortcuts, Internet, and Email. This section is often the “silent killer.”
4. Mock Tests: Take one mock test daily strictly during the exam hours (e.g., 9 AM to 12 PM) to condition your biological clock.
5. Sleep Well: A tired brain makes silly mistakes. Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep before the exam day.

Summary of CGL Posts & Salaries

Why is there such a craze for this exam? It recruits for Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts in central ministries.

• Top Posts: Assistant Section Officer (CSS, MEA, Railways), Income Tax Inspector, GST Inspector, Enforcement Officer (ED), Sub-Inspector (CBI).
• Salary:
  • Pay Level 7 (Inspectors/ASO): Starting in-hand salary is approx ₹75,000 – ₹85,000 (in X cities).
  • Pay Level 4 (Tax Assistant): Starting in-hand salary is approx ₹40,000 – ₹45,000.
• Perks: Government quarters, CGHS medical facility, and job stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)