If you are preparing for SSC CGL 2026, one of the first questions in your mind is — “How much do I need to score to clear the cut off?” Knowing the expected cut off helps you set a realistic target and plan your preparation smartly.
In this post, we have compiled the SSC CGL previous year cut offs (Tier 1) category-wise and shared our expected cut off for 2026 based on trends. Practice with real PYQ papers at SuperPahal Academy — Free Mock Tests to benchmark your score today.
What is SSC CGL Cut Off?
The SSC CGL cut off is the minimum score a candidate must secure in each tier to qualify for the next stage. SSC releases separate cut offs for:
- Each category — UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, OH, HH, VH
- Each Tier — Tier 1 (qualifying + ranking) and Tier 2
- Each post — different posts have different final cut offs
Important: Tier 1 cut off decides who appears in Tier 2. Final selection cut off is based on combined Tier 1 + Tier 2 marks.
SSC CGL Previous Year Tier 1 Cut Off — Category-wise
Here is a year-by-year comparison of SSC CGL Tier 1 cut offs across major categories. Total marks in Tier 1 = 200.
| Year | UR | OBC | EWS | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2024 | 162.00 | 153.50 | 157.25 | 146.00 | 134.50 |
| SSC CGL 2023 | 160.50 | 151.00 | 155.75 | 143.25 | 131.00 |
| SSC CGL 2022 | 155.00 | 145.00 | 150.00 | 138.00 | 125.00 |
| SSC CGL 2021 | 162.00 | 152.75 | 157.25 | 145.75 | 133.00 |
| SSC CGL 2020 | 160.00 | 149.50 | 154.00 | 141.00 | 127.75 |
Note: All figures are for Tier 1 (out of 200 marks). Cut offs may vary slightly based on official SSC releases.
SSC CGL 2026 Expected Cut Off — Our Prediction
Based on the 5-year trend above, here is our expected cut off for SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1:
| Category | Expected Cut Off 2026 (Out of 200) | Safe Score Target |
|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 160 – 165 | 170+ |
| OBC | 152 – 156 | 160+ |
| EWS | 156 – 160 | 165+ |
| SC | 144 – 148 | 152+ |
| ST | 132 – 136 | 140+ |
Safe Score = Expected Cut Off + 5-8 marks buffer. Always aim for the safe score — not just the cut off.
5 Factors That Affect SSC CGL Cut Off Every Year
| # | Factor | Effect on Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Total number of vacancies | More vacancies = lower cut off |
| 2 | Number of candidates appeared | More competition = higher cut off |
| 3 | Difficulty level of paper | Tough paper = lower cut off |
| 4 | Category-wise reservation ratio | Decides separate cut offs |
| 5 | Normalization across shifts | Balances difficulty between shifts |
SSC CGL 2026 has announced 12,256 vacancies — the highest in recent years. This could slightly moderate the cut off compared to 2024.
How to Score 160+ in SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1
To cross the UR cut off comfortably, here is a subject-wise target breakdown:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Target Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 42–45 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 38–42 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 36–40 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 42–45 |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 160–172 |
Key strategy: Do not attempt to score 50/50 in every section. Focus on accuracy over speed. One wrong answer costs you 0.50 marks in negative marking.
Where Are You Right Now? Check with a Free Mock Test
The best way to know if you are on track for the 2026 cut off is to attempt a real PYQ paper today. SuperPahal Academy offers free SSC CGL past year question papers with:
- Instant All India Rank after submission
- Subject-wise accuracy analysis
- Bilingual solutions — Hindi & English
- Real exam timer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When will SSC CGL 2026 cut off be released?
SSC releases the official cut off after each tier result is declared. Tier 1 cut off is expected after the Tier 1 result, likely in late 2026 or early 2027.
Q2. Is the cut off same for all posts in SSC CGL?
No. The Tier 1 cut off is common for all posts. However, the final selection cut off varies by post — Group B posts like Assistant Section Officer have higher cut offs than Group C posts.
Q3. Does SSC CGL 2026 have sectional cut off in Tier 1?
No, SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 does not have sectional cut off. Only the overall score matters for Tier 1 qualification.
Q4. What happens if my score is equal to the cut off?
If your score exactly equals the cut off, you are considered qualified. Tie-breaking is done based on date of birth — older candidates get preference.
Q5. How many marks should I target to be safe?
Always target 5–8 marks above the expected cut off. For UR category, aim for 170+ marks to be comfortably safe. For OBC, target 160+.
Q6. Will SSC CGL 2026 cut off be lower because of more vacancies?
More vacancies generally help — but the final cut off also depends on how many candidates appear and the paper difficulty. Do not rely on cut off dropping — prepare to score 165+ regardless.
Bottom line: The SSC CGL 2026 cut off for UR category is expected between 160–165 marks. Your safe target should be 170+. The best way to reach that target is consistent PYQ practice with real exam conditions.
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