In this guide
SSC JE 2026 Paper I will be held in two windows: 2 to 6 November and 30 November to 1 December 2026. SSC added the second window in a notice dated 26 October. Paper II is expected in December, but SSC has not given a date. The biggest change this year is that Paper I only qualifies you. The merit list is built on Paper II alone.
The short version
- Paper I: 2 to 6 November and 30 November to 1 December 2026, computer-based, 200 questions in 2 hours, −0.25 for each wrong answer.
- City slip for the 2 to 6 November papers is out since 23 October. The admit card comes 2 to 3 days before your exam.
- Paper II: expected in December 2026, date not announced.
- Paper I marks are not added to the merit list this year. You only need to qualify.
- 1,699 tentative vacancies (revised by SSC on 8 October), with two new posts: JE (Telecom) and Scientific Assistant (IMD).
- Applications and corrections are closed.
SSC JE 2026 important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification and form start | 2 September 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 22 September 2026 |
| Correction window | 28 to 30 September 2026 |
| Exam city slip (2 to 6 Nov papers) | 23 October 2026 |
| Paper I (CBT) | 2 to 6 November 2026 |
| Paper I, second window | 30 November to 1 December 2026 |
| Paper II | December 2026, tentative |
NoteWe could not open the SSC notice, so these dates are as reported by Careers360, Adda247, MADE EASY and other sites. Check ssc.gov.in before you rely on them.
What changed in 2026
- Paper I is qualifying. In 2025 its marks counted in the final merit. This year they do not.
- Final merit comes from Paper II alone, so Paper II is where the rank is decided.
- Two new posts: JE (Telecom) in the Department of Telecommunications, and Scientific Assistant in the India Meteorological Department. They have their own syllabus.
- Vacancies are 1,699 (tentative, revised on 8 October), across more departments than last year.
Paper I pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 |
| B | General Awareness | 50 |
| C | General Engineering (Civil, Electrical or Mechanical) | 100 |
| Total | 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours |
Each wrong answer loses 0.25 marks. Because Paper I only qualifies, your aim here is to clear the cut-off safely, not to chase a top score.
Paper II: what we know and do not know
Coaching sites list Paper II as a computer-based test of 100 questions and 300 marks in 2 hours, with 1 mark off for each wrong answer, on your own branch only. The date is not announced. We have not seen this in the SSC notice itself, so read the official notice for the exact format.
What to do in the weeks left
- Until Paper I: split time between your branch (100 questions) and the 100 Reasoning and General Awareness questions. Do not skip Reasoning and GA, since you must qualify.
- Take one full 200-question mock in 2 hours every second day, and review each wrong answer.
- After Paper I: switch to your branch only. Paper II decides your rank.
Pro tipBranch knowledge counts twice. It is half of Paper I and the whole of Paper II. Revise your core subjects deeply, not widely.
Frequently asked questions
When is SSC JE Paper I 2026?
In two windows: 2 to 6 November and 30 November to 1 December 2026, computer-based. SSC allots each candidate one day and shift, shown on the admit card.
When is SSC JE Paper II 2026?
Expected in December 2026. SSC has not announced the date.
Do Paper I marks count in the final merit?
Not in 2026. Paper I is qualifying only, and the merit list is built on Paper II.
Is there negative marking in Paper I?
Yes, 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Can I still apply for SSC JE 2026?
No. The last date was 22 September and the correction window closed on 30 September.