Students preparing for the SSC CGL 2025 exam, need to know that understanding the exam pattern is your first step toward success. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts this competitive exam to recruit candidates for various government posts. this exam has four tiers of testing, each stage has a different structure, syllabus, and marking scheme. In this article, we’ll see down the SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern, syllabus, and duration so you can plan your preparation smartly.
Key Highlights
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam |
| Exam Levels | Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) for Tier 1 & 2, Offline for Tier 3 |
| Total Marks | 700+ (Combined all tiers) |
| Negative Marking | 0.50 marks per wrong answer (Tier 1 & 2) |
| Tier 1 Duration | 60 minutes |
| Official Website | ssc.nic.in |
Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in four stages: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. Each tier has a different structure and difficulty level. Let’s see into the details.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 is the first screening test, conducted in online mode (CBT). Here’s what you need to know:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Qualifying Marks: Varies based on category (UR, OBC, SC, ST).
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 is also computer-based and consists of three papers. The structure is as follows:
| Paper | Subjects | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Quantitative Ability | 100 | 200 | 120 minutes |
| Paper 2 | English Language | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
| Paper 3 | Statistics (if applicable) | 100 | 200 | 120 minutes |
- Negative Marking: Same as Tier 1 (0.50 per wrong answer).
- Paper 3 is only for candidates applying for Statistical Investigator posts.
Tier 3 Exam Pattern
Tier 3 is a descriptive paper conducted in offline mode:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Pen & Paper |
| Type | Essay/Letter Writing |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
- Tests writing skills in English/Hindi.
- Evaluates clarity, coherence, and grammar.
Tier 4 Exam Pattern
Tier 4 is a skill test required for certain posts:
| Test | Posts Applicable | Qualifying Nature |
|---|---|---|
| DEST (Data Entry) | Tax Assistant, etc. | Speed: 8,000 KDPH |
| CPT (Computer Proficiency) | Assistant Section Officer | Typing Test (35 WPM) |
- No marks, only qualifying.
- Failure in Tier 4 means disqualification.
Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is important to avoid losing unnecessary marks:
| Tier | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unanswered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | +2 marks | -0.50 marks | 0 |
| Tier 2 | +2 marks | -0.50 marks | 0 |
| Tier 3 | Subjective scoring | No negative | – |
Pro Tip: Avoid blind guessing—only attempt questions you’re confident about.
Syllabus (Section-wise)
The SSC CGL syllabus is vast, covering multiple subjects. Here’s a breakdown:
Tier 1 Syllabus
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence | Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, History, Geography |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Algebra, Geometry, Percentage |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension |
Tier 2 Syllabus
| Paper | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | Trigonometry, Data Interpretation |
| English Language | Synonyms, Error Detection |
| Statistics (if opted) | Probability, Regression Analysis |
Preparation Tips
Here’s how you can maximize your score in each tier:
| Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Focus on Weak Areas | Improves accuracy |
| Mock Tests | Boosts speed & time management |
| Previous Year Papers | Identifies important topics |
| Short Notes | Quick revision before exam |
Expert Insight:
“Consistency is key in SSC CGL prep. Daily practice of 50-60 questions ensures steady progress.”
— Rahul Mehta, SSC Topper 2023
Final Thoughts
The SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern is structured to test both speed and accuracy. By understanding the marking scheme, syllabus, and duration, you can strategize effectively. Start with Tier 1, strengthen your basics, and gradually move to higher tiers.
For more updates, always check the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in). Happy preparing!
Anjali Kapoor is a passionate writer specializing in exam results and notifications. With a degree in English Literature and 3+ years of experience, Anjali loves crafting engaging content for students. She enjoys painting and exploring art galleries.
