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SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 for Tier 1 and Tier 2

Before taking the SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam 2025, candidates should clearly understand the exam pattern. It helps them know the subjects, the number of questions in each section, and the total time given in the exam. This knowledge is important for smart preparation and better time management during the test. To help you with this, we have explained the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 and syllabus in detail in this article. We have also added useful preparation tips. Make sure to read and bookmark this article for effective exam preparation.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025

The SSC CGL 2025 Tier-1 exam consists of 4 sections with equal distribution of marks in each section. Each section carries 25 questions. The SSC CGL Tier-2 exam is conducted in 2 phases – Paper 1 & Paper 2. Paper 2 is for candidates who have opted for the post of Junior Statistical Officer. Candidates must see the detailed exam pattern for each tier in the article below.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 (Tier 1)

SSC will hold a computer-based examination with 100 multiple-choice questions. 4 sections in The Tier 1 exam of SSC CGL accounts for 200 marks. The subject-wise SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 details are given below:

The sections asked in the SSC CGL Tier-I Exam are:

  • General Intelligence & Reasoning
  • General Awareness
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • English Comprehension

There is a negative marking of 0.50 Marks for each wrong answer. There is no sectional cut-off. No mark will be deducted if the question is left blank or unattempted by a candidate.

Subjects Total Questions Total Marks Duration
General Intelligence and Reasoning 25 50 60 minutes
(80 minutes for VH & Cerebral Palsy candidates)
General Awareness 25 50
Quantitative Aptitude 25 50
English Comprehension 25 50
Total 100 200

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 (Tier 2)

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the CGL exam in two distinct phases: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper I is mandatory for all candidates. Paper II, on the other hand, is for candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) positions in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

  • Tier 2 consists of two papers — Paper I and Paper II — conducted in separate shifts on different days. The Data Entry Speed Test is included in Section III of Paper I as Module II and is conducted as a Data Entry Task for 15 minutes.

Candidates must recognize the tailored nature of these papers based on their applied positions. Additionally, candidates should be mindful of the negative marking system, with a deduction of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in Paper I and 0.50 marks for each incorrect response in Paper II.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 2
S. No. Papers Duration
1 Paper-I: (Compulsory for all posts) 2 hours 30 minutes
2 Paper-II: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) 2 hours

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern for Paper 1 & Paper 2

The candidates who clear the Tier 1 Cutoff will be eligible to appear for the Tier 2 Exam. Paper 1 of this stage of the selection process will consist of three sections, each containing two modules. Section I is scoring, and Section II is qualifying in nature. The detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam pattern with the total no. of questions, maximum marks, and exam duration is explained in the table given below:

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern for Paper 1
Sections Module Subject No. of Questions Marks Duration
Section I Module-I Mathematical Abilities 30 90 1 hour
Module-II Reasoning and General Intelligence 30 90
Section II Module-I English Language and Comprehension 45 135 1 hour
Module-II General Awareness 25 75
Section III Module-I Computer Knowledge Test 20 60 15 minutes
Module-II Data Entry Speed Test One Data Entry Task 15 minutes

The candidates who clear the Tier 1 cutoff for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) will be eligible to attempt the second paper in the Tier 2 Exam. The detailed SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 Exam pattern with the total number of questions, maximum marks, and exam duration is explained in the table given below:

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2  Exam Pattern
Paper Section No. of question Maximum Marks Duration
Paper II Statistics 100 200 2 hours

SSC CGL 2025 Syllabus

For the candidate’s convenience, the detailed Tier-wise SSC CGL Syllabus 2025 is provided in this article. Candidates are advised to go through the detailed SSC CGL Syllabus for the various phases of the online exam and plan their preparation accordingly.

Points to Remember for the SSC CGL Exam 2025

In addition to the detailed examination pattern for both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 Examinations, the candidates preparing for SSC CGL 2025 should keep some points as guidelines for the strategy they decide to follow.

  • There are negative markings in Tier 1 as well as Tier 2 exams for 0.50 Marks and 1 mark for every wrong answer, respectively.
  • The Tier 1 Exam is qualifying in nature.
  • No electronic device or calculator is allowed in Tier-1 and Tier-2 exams.
  • Candidates can apply for multiple posts under the SSC CGL Recruitment 2025 through a single application.

How to Prepare for the SSC CGL 2025?

One of the most important aspects of the SSC CGL Exam is the pattern of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 papers. The candidates preparing for the exam must be aware of the detailed exam pattern as well as the syllabus to make themselves ready for the examination. To prepare for the SSC CGL Exam 2025, candidates can follow the points provided below according to their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Analyze the latest exam pattern as provided in the official notification for all the details regarding the structure of the paper.
  • Solve the Previous Year’s Question Papers of the exam held according to the updated pattern, i.e., in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
  • Also, solve previous years’ questions of other exams of SSC, like SSC CHSL, SSC CPO, and other examinations, because SSC has a common syllabus for each examination.
  • Attempt sectional as well as full-length mock tests to get into the proper mindset for managing the time provided in the exam and minimizing mistakes.
SSC CGL Related Links
SSC CGL Notification 2025 SSC CGL Syllabus
SSC CGL Salary SSC CGL Previous Year Papers
SSC CGL Cut Off 2025 SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025
SSC CGL Admit Card 2025 SSC CGL Exam Date 2025
SSC CGL Answer Key 2025
SSC CGL Tier 2 Result

 

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FAQs

Is there any negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1 exam?

There is a negative marking of 0.5 marks in all sections in Tier 1.

What is the overall duration of the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam?

The overall duration of the Tier 1 exam is 60 minutes.

Is there any liberty given to visually handicapped in CGL Tier 1 exam?

The duration of the exam is 80 minutes for candidates who are visually handicapped.

Is there any negative marking in CGL Tier 2 Exam?

There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Paper-I, and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II.

What is the time duration of each paper for physically handicapped students in Tier-II exam?

For physically handicapped students, the cumulative time to complete the Tier-II exam is increased to 2 hours 40 minutes.

How can I crack SSC CGL 2025 Exam?

To crack SSC CGL 2025, understand the latest exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Focus on strong concepts, practice previous year papers, and take regular mock tests. Manage time wisely, improve accuracy, and revise consistently. Stay updated with current affairs and maintain a steady study routine for best results and keep following SSCADDA.

Is SSC CGL difficult?

This purely depends on the preparation strategy made by the candidate for the SS CGL. Qualifying every phase of the exam is important to crack SSC CGL 2025.

Is the SSC CGL Paper II compulsory?

In Tier-II, Paper I which is Compulsory for all posts, Paper II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

What is the time duration for each paper?

The time duration for each paper is given below:

Paper 1- 2 hour 30 minutes
Paper 2 – 120 minutes