SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Sections, Number of Questions, Marking Scheme

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: The Staff Selection Commission has revised the SSC CGL selection process in 2025. Now, the selection process consists of two tiers. The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is mandatory for all candidates. However, SSC CGL Tier 2 comprises three papers, from which Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates. Paper 2 is only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator (Grade II) candidates. Furthermore, Paper 3 is only for posts of Assistant Accounts Officer / Assistant Audit Officer.

*Steps to attempt SSC CGL practice questions are mentioned below in this article.

The Tier 1 exam is conducted online and consists of four sections or subjects, namely General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Furthermore, the question paper contains 100 MCQs for 200 marks. In this article, aspirants can check the detailed SSC CGL paper pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. So, read on to find out more.

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam Pattern 2025

According to the revised selection process, the SSC CGL exam has two exam tiers, namely, Tier 1 and Tier 2

• SSC CGL Tier 1: Computer-based Test
• SSC CGL Tier 2: Computer-based Test

Candidates who clear the Tier 1 exam qualify for the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam. However, the final selection of candidates is based on the overall performance in the Tier 2 exam.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Paper Pattern 2025

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam consists of about 100 questions from four sections. Check the CGL Paper Pattern for Tier 1 as mentioned below:

Important Points

• In the Tier 1 exam, aspirants have to answer MCQs.
• The language will be Hindi and English (except for English Comprehension).
• SSC CGL negative marking for Tier 1 is 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer.
• Minimum qualifying should be obtained in order to appear for the Tier II examination.

Access SSC CGL Practice Books

Candidates can access subject-wise practice books for the SSC CGL exam below:

Steps To Practice SSC CGL Exam Questions at Embibe

Follow the below-mentioned steps to practice unlimited SSC CGL exam questions at Embibe:

• 1st Step: Visit Embibe’s official website, i.e., embibe.com.
• 2nd Step: Use the mobile number/email to log in.
• 3rd Step: Click on the menu bar “Getting a Government Job” 
• 4th Step: Select the Goal “SSC” from the Dropdown and click on “Next”.
• 5th Step: Search and Select “SSC CGL Tier I/SSC CGL Tier II” on the search bar and click on “Next”.
• 6th Step: Select the preferred language and click on “Done”.
• 7th Step: Click “Practice” from the Header Section.
• 8th Step: Scroll down to the “Subjects” section.
• 9th Step: Click on any SSC CGL subjects.
• 10th Step: Scroll down to click on the chapters from the selected subject to begin the practice.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper Pattern 2025

The Tier 2 exam comprises three papers, i.e., Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. The table below mentions the posts and duration of the exam for the respective papers:

The revised SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern has been provided below in the table:

Important Points

• The maximum time duration to complete paper 1 is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The maximum time duration for Papers 2 and 3 is 2 hours each.
• There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2, and Module 1 of Section 3 of Paper 1 and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper 2 and Paper 3.
• Questions in Module 1 of Section 1 of Paper 1 (Mathematical Abilities) will be of matriculation level.
• Questions in Module 1 of Section 2 of Paper 1 (English Language and Comprehension) will be of 10+2 level.
• Questions in Paper 2 and Paper 3 will be of graduation level.
• All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts.

SSC CGL Paper Pattern for CPT and DEST

The SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Section 3 will be a Skill Test. Depending on the post applied, this may include Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), and/or Data Entry Skill Test (DEST).

Data Entry Skill Test

In this test, candidates must type 2000 words in 15 minutes on a computer in English. Check the following key points:

• Candidates appearing for the post of Tax Assistants should carry out a Data Entry Speed Test at 8000 Key depression per hour on a computer.
• The Data Entry Speed Test Skill Test will be conducted for a passage of about 2000 key depressions for 15 minutes.
• This test will be qualifying in nature.
• The commission at the exam centre will provide computers.
• The skill test will be conducted in the regional office.
• Instructions will be provided to the candidates regarding the skill test by the commission.
• The information on the evaluation of the typing test is available on the website.
• The skill test will be conducted as decided by the commission.
• OH, candidates opting for the post of Tax Assistants in CBDT need not appear for skill tests provided a medical certificate is submitted to the commission.
• OH candidates opting for the post of Tax Assistants in CBEC are not exempted from appearing in skill tests.
• PwD candidates will be given extra 5 minutes to complete the skill test.

Computer Proficiency Test

This test is conducted to check a candidate’s proficiency in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Generation of Slides. Check the following points :

• The commission will conduct CPT for three modules; (i) Word Processing, (ii) Spreadsheet, and (iii) Generation of Slides
• The duration of each module will be 15 minutes and will be conducted one after the other.
• Module I comprises a skill test for a passage of about 2000 key depressions.
• Module II comprises a spreadsheet.
• Module III comprises PowerPoint presentations.
• The CPT will be conducted as decided by the commission for the purpose.
• CPT is qualifying in nature. Candidates should qualify in all the modules to get selected for the next stage of the selection process.
• PWD Candidates will be given an additional 5 minutes in CPT.
• The commission will provide further detailed instructions.

SSC CGL Document Verification Process

Candidates need to carry original as well as photocopy of documents for verification. The ID proof documents are as follows:

• Two recent passport-size coloured photographs
• Aadhaar Card/ Printout of E-Aadhaar
• Voter ID Card
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Driving License
• Government School/ College ID Card
• Employer ID (Govt./ PSU)
• Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book issued by Ministry of Defence

Candidates need to submit copies of the following documents as mentioned below:

• Matriculation/ Secondary Certificate.
• Educational Qualification Certificate.
• Caste/ Category Certificate, if they belong to reserved categories.
• Persons with Disabilities Certificate in the required format.
• Age relaxation certificates
• Ex-servicemen certificates.

SSC CGL Mode of Selection

Check out some of the important points on the Exam Pattern of SSC CGL mentioned below:

• Tier 1 and Tier 2 (Paper 1) tests are compulsory for all posts.
• The minimum qualifying marks in Tier 1 and 2 are UR (30%), OBC/EWS (25%), and others (20%).
• Candidates will be shortlisted for the Tier 2 exam based on the marks scored in Tier 1 exam.
• Candidates will be shortlisted to appear for the Document Verification and Skill Test based on the performance of Tier I, II, and III.
• The final merit list will be prepared based on the overall performance of candidates in the Tier 2 exam only.
• Preference for posts will be taken from the candidates through the Online Option Form on the website of the Commission before the declaration of the final result.

Also, check:

FAQs on SSC CGL Paper Pattern 2025

The frequently asked questions on the SSC CGL exam pattern are given below:

We hope this detailed article on SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 helps you. If you have any queries, feel to check our website or app. We will be happy to help you.

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