SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Paper Structure, Marks, Time & Negative Marking

Are you an SSC CGL aspirant? If so, then you must be familiar with how an exam is conducted. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the recruitment systematically. You must be familiar with the detailed SSC CGL exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Knowing the exam pattern will help you plan your study strategy, manage your time, and focus on important topics. Here we have explained the exam pattern for both tiers in detail.

Overview of SSC CGL Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL examination is conducted in two tiers:

Tier I is qualifying in nature, while Tier II determines the final merit and selection.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern: The First Step (Qualifying)

SSC conducts the Tier 1 in an online mode. They will ask multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and these are only for qualifying. This means you must pass it to move on to Tier 2, but the marks you get here do not count toward your final selection ranking.

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test or CBT)
• Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
• Total Questions: 100 questions
• Maximum Marks: 200 marks
• Time Allowed: 60 minutes (1 hour)

Here is how the sections are divided:

Negative Marking in Tier 1: Be careful, as 0.50 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern: The Decisive Stage

Candidates who pass the Tier 1 exam will be eligible to appear in the Tier 2 exam. It is the most important part of the exam. The marks you score in the main sections of Tier 2 will determine your final ranking and selection for the job. Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions on the same day.

Paper 1 (Compulsory for All Posts)

Key Points for Session I:

• Each question carries 3 marks.
• Negative Marking: 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer in Section I, Section II, and the Computer Knowledge Module.
• The Computer Knowledge Module is mandatory, but only for qualifying (the marks don't count in the final rank).

Additional Papers (Only for Specific Posts):

• Paper 2 (Statistics): Only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) candidates. It has 100 Questions for 200 Marks (2 marks per question).
• Paper 3 (General Studies - Finance and Economics): Only for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) candidates. It has 100 Questions for 200 Marks.

SSC CGL Skill Test (DEST)

The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is part of Session II of Tier 2. It is mandatory for all posts.

• Duration: 15 Minutes.
• Task: You must type approximately 2000 key depressions.
• Nature: It is qualifying in nature.