Introduction:
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of the most prestigious government recruitment exams in India. It opens doors to various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India. To succeed in this highly competitive exam, aspirants must understand the detailed exam pattern, including the number of tiers, sections, marking scheme, and time allocation. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the ssc cgl exam pattern, helping you plan your preparation effectively.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern Overview:
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two major tiers as per the latest notification from SSC:
Tier-I – Computer-Based Examination (Objective Type)
Tier-II – Computer-Based Examination (Objective Type, divided into multiple papers)
There is no interview or descriptive paper stage in the current structure, streamlining the selection process for candidates.
Tier-I Exam Pattern:
Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based)
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 200
Time Duration: 60 minutes
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Tier-I is qualifying in nature but plays a crucial role in determining Tier-II eligibility. A good score in this round lays the foundation for your selection.
Tier-II Exam Pattern:
Tier-II comprises three papers:
Paper I – Compulsory for all posts
Paper II – For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Paper III – For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer
Paper I (Compulsory for All)
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | Combined 2 hours for all sections |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | |
| Computer Proficiency and Data Entry | 20 | 60 |
Negative Marking: 1 mark for each wrong answer in Paper I.
Paper II (JSO Posts Only)
Subject: Statistics
Questions: 100
Marks: 200
Duration: 2 hours
Paper III (AAO Posts Only)
Subject: General Studies (Finance and Economics)
Questions: 100
Marks: 200
Duration: 2 hours
Key Highlights:
Tier-I is common for all candidates and is used as a screening round.
Tier-II Paper I is mandatory for all, while Papers II and III are post-specific.
Both tiers are conducted online with strict time limits and negative marking.
There is no interview or physical test unless specified for certain posts.
Conclusion:
Understanding the SSC CGL exam pattern is essential for crafting a focused and effective preparation strategy. With changes over the years, SSC aims to streamline recruitment while testing candidates on analytical, numerical, and comprehension skills. As an aspirant, keeping track of these updates and aligning your study plan accordingly will give you a competitive edge. Stay updated with official notifications and practice consistently to secure your place in the government sector through SSC CGL 2025.
