SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024: Candidates who want a comprehensive insight into the SSC CGL Exam Pattern for 2024 have landed on the right page. This article provides an in-depth look at the structured format for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exams of the SSC CGL 2024. This computer-based exam demands candidates to manage their time well to complete the exam within the specified duration. The exam pattern consists of various elements such as the subjects covered, the marking scheme, question types, examination mode, negative marking implications, the total number of papers and modules, and the skill test. It’s important to note that the SSC CGL Examination does not include a descriptive exam. Below, we shed light on the updated structure of the SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam.
Detailed SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam. It is carried out in two distinct tiers called Tier-1 and Tier-2. The Tier-1 exam is objective in nature, while the Tier-2 exam is conducted in three sequential stages: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3.
- Paper I is mandatory for all aspirants.
- Paper II is designed for candidates who compete for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) role within the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- Paper III: Designed for those aiming for the positions of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.
Read the article below to have a deeper understanding of the SSC CGL’s tiered structure and to grasp the nuances of each level. It elucidates every tier of the SSC CGL Exam Pattern in detail.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 Overview
Candidates who want to clear the SSC CGL 2024 Exam will have to face the two stages of the exam known as Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is a computer-based test with objective questions. It has a negative marking of 0.50 marks and is qualifying in nature. On the other hand, Tier 2 is also a computer-based test but comes with 2 sessions and multiple modules, including DEST for DEO post.
| SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 Overview | |
| Number of Stages | 2 (Tier 1 and Tier 2) |
| Number of Subjects in Tier 1 Exam | 4 |
| No. of Questions in Tier 1 exam | 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
| Time Duration for Tier 1 Exam | 60 Minutes (1 hour & 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe) |
| Number of Papers in Tier 2 Exam | Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3 |
| Number of Subjects in Tier 2 (paper 1 Exam) | 6 (Mathematical Ability, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Test, Data Entry Speed Test) |
| Number of Subjects in SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 and 3 | 1 subject -Statistics for Paper 2 -General Studies (Finance and Economics) for Paper 3 (Only for those Interested in JSO and AAO Posts) |
| Compulsory Paper | Paper 1 in Tier 2 |
Note: The descriptive paper was removed from last year’s exam format.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 For Tier 1
Paper 1 of the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 is conducted in Tier-I exam to test candidates’ knowledge and skills in subjects like general intelligence and reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, and English comprehension. The paper consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) which carry a total of 200 marks. That means, each question carries 2 marks. Candidates need to answer all questions within a stipulated time frame, according to the the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 guidelines.
Check out the Schema of the SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam pattern from the table below:
| Sl. No | Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| 1 | English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes (1 hour & 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe) |
| 2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| 3 | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | |
| 4 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | ||
Note: There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer given.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 For Tier 2
Once the candidate clears the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam, he/she moves on to the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam. The Tier 2 exam is conducted in three parts called Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper 1 in Tier 2 is compulsory. Therefore, every candidate has to appear in Paper 1. Candidates who want to be a Junior Statistical Officer will have to appear in Paper 2. Similarly, candidates who want to work as an Assistant Audit Officer or Assistant Accounts Officer will have to take Paper 3.
| Sl. No. | Papers | Posts | Time Allotted |
| 1 | Paper I | Compulsory for all Posts | 2 Hour 30 Minutes |
| 2 | Paper II | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 2 Hours |
| 3 | Paper III | Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer | 2 Hours |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
It is important to have a good understanding of the SSC CGL exam Pattern for Tier 2 exam before starting the exam preparation. It gives an idea about the weightage of the subjects, number of questions asked, and the marks allotted for each section, the negative marking scheme and other important details of the exam. Check out the layout of the SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam pattern in the Table below:
| Session | Section | Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Weightage | Duration |
| Session I | Section 1 | Module I | Mathematical Ability | 30 | 90 | 23% | 1 Hour |
| Module II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 23% | |||
| Section II | Module I | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 35% | 1 Hour | |
| Module II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 19% | |||
| Session II | Section III | — | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
| Data Entry Speed Test | One Data Entry Task | Qualifying | 15 Minutes | ||||
NOTE:
- All sections of Paper-I must be cleared by the candidates.
- Tier-II will include multiple choice questions across Paper-I, II, & III, except Paper-I’s Section-III, Module-II.
- Questions will be set in both English and Hindi, except for the English Language and Comprehension module in Paper I’s Section II.
- A table detailing Papers 2 and 3 for the JSO and ASO positions is provided below.
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 and 3 (Only for those JSO and AAO Posts) | ||||
| Paper | Section | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Note: Candidates will lose 1 mark in Sections I, II, and Module I of Section III in Paper I for each wrong answer. Similarly, In Paper II and Paper III, for each wrong answer, 0.50 marks will be deducted.
SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
The SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) will be conducted by SSC and it is mandatory for all posts. It is included under the Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I and the duration is 15 minutes. Check the DEST details below.
| Particulars of DEST | Details |
| Duration | 15 minutes |
| Passage Length | About 2000 key depressions |
| Passage Description | Detailed instructions provided by Regional Offices of the Commission |
| Evaluation Details | Available on SSC’s website: Candidate’s Corner (www.ssc.gov.in) |
SSC CGL Marking Scheme 2024
Candidates who want to clear the SSC CGL exam must keep in mind the marking scheme of the exam. An understanding of the marking scheme will help candidates avoid unnecessary deductions in the upcoming SSC CGL 2024 exam. As per the SSC CGL Marking Scheme, marks are awarded for every right answer and deducted for every wrong answer. In SSC CGL Tier 1 exam there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer given, Whereas, in Tier 2, 1 mark deducted in Sections I, II, and Module I of Section III in Paper I for each wrong answer. Similarly, 0.50 marks are deducted, in Paper II and Paper III, for each wrong answer.
- Tier 1: For every wrong question there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks also.
- Tier 2: For every wrong question There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III.
SSC CGL 2024 Preparation Tips
Candidates need to adopt effective preparation strategies to succeed in the SSC CGL 2024 exam. Why? Because Success in this competitive exam will open doors to many prestigious government positions. Therefore, a good preparation strategy is needed to ace the exam. The following practical tips are discussed here to guide SSC CGL aspirants on how they can cover all necessary aspects of the exam.
1. Understand the Syllabus First
Know the syllabus inside out. This is the first step to start the preparation process. The SSC CGL exam covers a wide range of topics. So, it’s essential to know what to expect on the exam day. Know which topics are most important and which are the least important. Break down the syllabus into tiny sections to cover them one by one. This will help you avoid any surprises on the actual exam day. It will ensure that you have covered every topic that might pop up in the SSC CGL exam.
2. Create a Well-though Out Study Schedule
Make a well-thought-out study schedule. It acts as a path to success. It helps in managing and saving the time efficiently. It also ensures that you give adequate attention to each subject or topic. But first, you need to figure out how much time is left before your exam. After figuring it you need to plan your study schedule accordingly. Don’t forget to include short breaks to avoid exhaustion or burnout.
3. Use Quality Study Material
Always study from the right study material. It can both break and fulfil your dreams. Good material or books help you build a good understanding of the concepts of the subjects. Therefore, find and choose the books and resources that are recommended by experts and have good reviews from other candidates who have already benefitted from them. They should explain concepts in simple terms and offer a variety of examples and practice questions to test your knowledge and skills.
4. Regular Practice
Practice is the key to success and a tool to master any subject or skill. Proper revision before the exam also multiples the chances of success in SSC CGL exam. Regular practice, especially questions on quantitative aptitude and reasoning section, can help candidates improve their speed and accuracy. Therefore, solve different types of questions to build a strong foundation for success.
5. Revision through Mock Tests
Regular revision is important for the long-term retention of information. It helps in reinforcing what you have learned. Besides, it clears up any confusion. Therefore, make a revision plan that allows you to go over all the topics multiple times before the exam. This will boost your confidence. And here’s where SSC CGL Mock Tests jump into the picture. SSC CGL Mock tests are a twin of the actual SSC CGL exam. They help candidates closely to evaluate their preparation. They also help them get accustomed to the real exam’s format and time constraints. So, your success demands a regular Analyzation of your performance after each mock test. Work regularly on the areas where you need improvement. This will ensure that you are ready for the real SSC CGL exam.
- Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Free Topic Tests and Free Mini Mocks
- Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material
Free Mock Tests for the Upcoming Exams
- RRB PO 2024 Free Mock Test
- RRB Clerk 2024 Free Mock Test
- SSC MTS Free Mock Test
- SSC CHSL Free Mock Test
- SSC CGL Free Mock Test
- GATE Mechanical Free Mock Test
- GATE Civil Free Mock Test
- NABARD Gr. A Free Mock Test
- SBI Clerk Mains Free Mock Test
- SSC CPO Free Mock Test
- AFCAT Free Mock Test
- CAT Free Mock Test
- NIACL Assistant Free Mock Test
- UIIC AO Free Mock Test
- UIIC Assistant Free Mock Test
- GIC Assistant Manager Free Mock Test
- NICL AO Free Mock Test
- Free SSC Live Test
- UPSC CSAT Free Mock Test
- CDS-I Free Mock Test
- RRB ALP Free Mock Test