The SSC CGL selection process is a meticulously designed two-stage filtration system.

Aspiring to secure a prestigious Group B or C post under the Government of India? The Staff Selection Commission's Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is your gateway. With a significant number of vacancies announced for 2025, understanding the exam's architecture is the first step to victory. This comprehensive guide breaks down the SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern for both Tier 1 and Tier 2, transforming complexity into a clear, actionable strategy for every aspirant.

ssc cgl exam pattern, tier 1 and tier 2 guide with marking scheme.

SSC CGL EXAM PATTERN 2025

The SSC CGL 2025 Journey: A Two-Tiered Pathway

The SSC CGL selection process is a meticulously designed two-stage filtration system. Each tier has a distinct purpose, and knowing this is crucial for smart preparation.

Examination Tier	Primary Objective	Nature of Stage
Tier 1: Computer-Based Test	To screen a large pool of applicants for the next level.	Qualifying (Marks do not count in the final merit list)
Tier 2: Computer-Based Test	To determine the final ranking and selection for specific posts.	Scoring (Marks are crucial for final selection)

Pro Tip: While Tier 1 is qualifying, do not take it lightly. A high score here builds a safety net and boosts confidence for the more critical Tier 2.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025: The Initial Gateway

The first hurdle is a 60-minute sprint designed to test your core competencies. The exam is a balanced mix of four essential sections.

Key Highlights:

Mode of Exam: Computer-Based (Online)
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 200
Total Time: 60 Minutes (No separate time for each section)
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer.

Section-Wise Breakdown:

Section	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Recommended Focus Area
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50	Analytical puzzles, patterns, logical sequencing
General Awareness	25	50	Current affairs, static GK, science, history, geography
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50	Calculations, data interpretation, arithmetic
English Comprehension	25	50	Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension
Total	100	200

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025: The Final Selection

Tier 2 is where the real competition begins. It's a more complex and specialized stage, divided into different papers and modules. Your performance here directly influences your final job allocation.

Paper-I: The Mandatory Core (Compulsory for All Posts)

This paper is the most significant and is divided into timed sessions and modules.

Session	Section	Module	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks	Time Allotted
Session I	Section I	Mathematical Abilities	30	3	90	1 Hour(For section 1)
		Reasoning & General Intelligence	30	3	90
	Section II	English Language & Comprehension	45	3	135	1 Hour(for section 2)
		General Awareness	25	3	75
Session II	Section III	Computer Knowledge Test	20	3	60	15 Minutes
		Data Entry Speed Test	One Task	Qualifying	Qualifying	15 Minutes

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025: Crucial Notes on Paper-I

Negative Marking: 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer in Section I, Section II, and the Computer Knowledge Module.
Qualifying Nature: The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is qualifying. You must achieve the required speed and accuracy to pass.
No Sectional Timing (within sessions): Within Session I, you can manage your time between Section I and Section II as you see fit.

Paper-II: For the Statistically Inclined (JSO Posts Only)

This paper is exclusively for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) position.

Paper	Subject	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
Paper-II	Statistics	100	200	2 Hours	0.50 marks per wrong answer

The Art of Scoring: Mastering the Marking Scheme

Understanding the penalty for mistakes is as important as knowing how to score.

Summary of Negative Marking:

Exam Tier / Paper	Marks for Correct Answer	Penalty for Wrong Answer
Tier 1	+2.0	-0.50
Tier 2 - Paper I (Sections I, II, III Module I)	+3.0	-1.0
Tier 2 - Paper II (Statistics)	+2.0	-0.50

Strategic Implication: In Tier 2 Paper I, the cost of a mistake is high. Avoid blind guessing. If you can eliminate two options, it may be worth attempting, but random guesses will severely impact your score.

Your 5-Point Action Plan for SSC CGL Success

Build a Strong Foundation for Tier 1: Since Tier 1 is a qualifying round, focus on achieving high accuracy across all four sections to ensure you clear the cut-off with a comfortable margin.
Prioritize Tier 2 Paper-I Modules: Dedicate the majority of your study time to the modules of Paper-I, as it is compulsory and carries the highest weightage for final selection.
Practice Time-Bound Mock Tests: The key to conquering both tiers is speed with accuracy. Regularly take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
Don't Ignore the DEST Module: For Paper-I, practice typing and data entry. This is a qualifying module, and failure here means disqualification regardless of your written score.
Analyse, Don't Just Solve: After every mock test, spend significant time analysing your errors. Identify patterns in the types of questions you get wrong and work on those specific areas.

The SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern is your blueprint for success. By internalising its structure and aligning your preparation strategy accordingly, you can navigate this competitive examination with confidence and precision. Your journey to a rewarding government career starts with a well-planned strategy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025

Q1: What is the basic structure of the SSC CGL 2025 exam?

The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two main tiers. Tier 1 is an online qualifying test, while Tier 2 is an online scoring test whose marks determine your final selection and post allocation.

Q2: Is the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam only qualifying?

Yes, that's correct. The marks you score in Tier 1 are used only to qualify for the Tier 2 exam. They are not added to your final merit score for selection.

Q3: What is the marking scheme and negative marking for SSC CGL Tier 1?

In Tier 1, you are awarded +2 marks for every correct answer. A penalty of -0.50 marks is applied for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

Q4: Is Tier 2 the final stage of the SSC CGL exam?

For most posts, yes. Qualifying Tier 2 is followed by Document Verification. However, for certain posts like Sub-Inspector, candidates may also have to undergo a Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).

Q5: Is Paper 2 in Tier 2 compulsory for all candidates?

No. Paper 2 (Statistics) is only mandatory for candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO). It is not required for other Generalist posts.

Q6: What is the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) in Tier 2 Paper-I?

The DEST is a qualifying skill test in Tier 2 where candidates are required to type a given passage into a computer. You must meet the minimum speed and accuracy criteria set by the SSC to pass, regardless of your score in the other modules.

Q7: Is there a sectional time limit in the SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper-I?

Yes. Paper-I is divided into sessions. You get 1 hour for Section I (Maths & Reasoning) and 1 hour for Section II (English & General Awareness). You cannot use the time from one section for the other. Section III (Computer & DEST) has separate 15-minute slots.

Q8: How does the negative marking work in Tier 2?

The negative marking varies by paper:

Tier 2, Paper-I (Sections I, II, & Computer Knowledge): -1 mark per wrong answer.

Tier 2, Paper-II (Statistics): -0.50 marks per wrong answer.

Q9: Are there any descriptive-type questions in the SSC CGL exam?

No. As per the current exam pattern, both Tier 1 and Tier 2 consist entirely of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). There is no descriptive writing section.

Q10: What is the total duration and number of questions in the Tier 1 exam?

The Tier 1 exam has a total of 100 questions to be solved within a unified time limit of 60 minutes (1 hour).