SSC CGL Computer Knowledge Test 2026: Quick Answer
The SSC CGL 2026 Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) is Section-III of Tier-II Paper-I. It has 20 questions for 60 marks (3 marks each) in 15 minutes, with 1 mark deducted per wrong answer. It is compulsory for every post but qualifying only: the marks do not go into the merit list, but if you fail the CKT you are out of the merit list.
Key takeaway: The minimum qualifying marks are 18/60 for UR, 15/60 for OBC/EWS and 12/60 for all other categories (30%, 25% and 20%). Posts that require computer proficiency, such as ASO in CSS and the CBIC Inspector posts, need a higher cut-off: in CGL 2025 it was 24/60 for UR.
Official sources: SSC CGL 2026 notice (PDF), Para 13.9 (scheme), Para 13.11.5 (syllabus) and Para 16 (qualifying marks); CGL 2025 FRTA write-up of 08.04.2026 for the higher cut-off.
SSC CGL CKT Exam Pattern 2026
| Detail | SSC CGL 2026 CKT |
|---|---|
| Where it sits | Tier-II, Paper-I, Section-III (Session-I) |
| Questions | 20 |
| Marks | 60 (3 per question) |
| Time | 15 minutes (20 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates) |
| Negative marking | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Language | English and Hindi |
| Nature | Mandatory for all posts, qualifying |
| When it is held | Straight after Section-II on the same day; the section closes when its 15 minutes end |
Session-I of Paper-I runs Section-I (Maths + Reasoning, 1 hour), Section-II (English + GA, 1 hour) and the CKT (15 minutes) back to back, so the CKT comes at the end of a 2 hour 15 minute sitting. The Data Entry Speed Test follows in Session-II after a break.
SSC CGL Computer Knowledge Test Syllabus 2026
The CKT syllabus in Para 13.11.5 of the notice has four parts:
| Part | Topics in the official syllabus |
|---|---|
| Computer basics | Organisation of a computer, CPU, input/output devices, computer memory, memory organisation, backup devices, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts |
| Software | Windows operating system, basics of Microsoft Office: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint |
| Internet and e-mail | Web browsing and searching, downloading and uploading, managing an e-mail account, e-banking |
| Networking and cyber security | Networking devices and protocols; network and information security threats (hacking, virus, worms, Trojans) and preventive measures |
The SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-II CKT uses the same four-part syllabus but has 15 questions for 45 marks. See the SSC CHSL syllabus 2026.
SSC CGL CKT Qualifying Marks 2026
| Category | Qualifying % (Para 16.1) | Marks needed out of 60 |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 30% | 18 |
| OBC / EWS | 25% | 15 |
| SC, ST and all other categories | 20% | 12 |
The percentages are from the notice; the marks are our arithmetic on 60. Because of the 1-mark penalty, 6 correct answers with no wrong answers (18 marks) clear the UR minimum, but 7 correct and 3 wrong (21 − 3 = 18) does too.
SSC CGL CKT Cut-off for Computer Proficiency Posts
For posts where computer proficiency is prescribed, SSC fixes a higher CKT cut-off (Para 13.9.9 and 16.6). The notice names these posts: ASO in CSS, MEA and AFHQ; Assistant in SFIO; Assistant (GSI) in the Ministry of Mines; Assistant in IMD; Inspector (CGST & Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer), Inspector (Examiner) and Executive Assistant in CBIC; and Postal/Sorting Assistant.
| Category | CGL 2025 CKT cut-off (out of 60) | CGL 2024 CKT cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 24 | 27 |
| OBC | 21 | 24 |
| EWS | 21 | 24 |
| SC, ST, ESM, OH, HH, VH, PwD-Others | 18 | 21 |
Sources: CGL 2025 FRTA write-up (08.04.2026) and CGL 2024 final result write-up. SSC will fix the CGL 2026 figure with the result. More cut-off data is in our SSC CGL cut-off note.
How Many Questions to Attempt in the SSC CGL CKT
- Aim for 10 to 12 sure answers. 10 correct with 2 wrong gives 28/60, which clears the UR higher cut-off of recent years with a margin.
- Skip guesses. With +3 and −1, a blind guess between four options gains nothing on average (0.25 × 3 − 0.75 × 1 = 0), and a few wrong answers can pull you below the qualifying line.
- Learn shortcuts and MS Office menus first. They are the most direct part of the syllabus and easy to revise in a week.
- Do not leave it for the last week. The CKT has no merit weight, but failing it cancels your Section-I and Section-II marks for selection.
SSC CGL Computer Knowledge Practice Questions
Q1. Which keyboard shortcut undoes the last action in MS Word? (a) Ctrl + Y (b) Ctrl + Z (c) Ctrl + U (d) Ctrl + X Answer: (b) Ctrl + Z undoes; Ctrl + Y redoes.
Q2. Which of these is volatile memory? (a) ROM (b) Hard disk (c) RAM (d) Pen drive Answer: (c) RAM loses its contents when power is switched off.
Q3. In MS Excel, which function adds the values in cells A1 to A10? (a) =ADD(A1:A10) (b) =SUM(A1:A10) (c) =TOTAL(A1:A10) (d) =COUNT(A1:A10) Answer: (b) =SUM adds; =COUNT counts the cells that contain numbers.
Q4. Which device connects two different networks and forwards data packets between them? (a) Hub (b) Repeater (c) Router (d) Modem Answer: (c) A router forwards packets between networks.
Q5. A program that copies itself across a network without attaching to a file is a: (a) Worm (b) Trojan (c) Firewall (d) Cookie Answer: (a) A worm spreads on its own; a Trojan pretends to be useful software.
Q6. What does "BCC" in an e-mail mean? (a) Basic carbon copy (b) Blind carbon copy (c) Backup carbon copy (d) Bulk carbon copy Answer: (b) BCC recipients are hidden from the other recipients.
Q7. Which key opens the slide show from the first slide in PowerPoint? (a) F5 (b) F7 (c) F2 (d) F12 Answer: (a) F5 starts from the beginning; Shift + F5 starts from the current slide.
Q8. HTTPS differs from HTTP because it: (a) is faster (b) encrypts the data exchanged (c) works only offline (d) blocks all ads Answer: (b) The "S" stands for secure: the connection is encrypted.
For more terms, see computer abbreviations for bank exams.
SSC CGL Computer Knowledge Test FAQs
Is the computer test compulsory in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes. The CKT is mandatory for all posts and qualifying. You must clear it, along with every other section of Paper-I, to be considered in the merit list.
How many marks are needed to pass the SSC CGL CKT?
18 out of 60 for UR, 15 for OBC/EWS and 12 for other categories. Posts that require computer proficiency need more: 24 for UR in CGL 2025.
Is there negative marking in the SSC CGL computer test?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer, the same as Sections I and II of Paper-I.
Do CKT marks count in the SSC CGL final merit?
No. The final merit for most posts is Section-I + Section-II of Paper-I (390 marks). The CKT and DEST only have to be qualified.
SSC CGL CKT kitne marks ka hota hai?
CKT 60 marks ka hota hai: 20 questions, har question 3 marks ka, 15 minute mein. Galat answer par 1 mark katta hai. UR ke liye 18, OBC/EWS ke liye 15 aur baaki categories ke liye 12 marks qualifying hain.