Updated on Feb 16, 2025
Amrita Das
SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern: According to the official SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern, the exam will be held in two phases, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both tiers will be held in the form of Computer-based Online. SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is a 100-question examination of 200 marks, with each question of 2 marks. The pattern will be objective-type multiple choice questions (MCQs). SSC CGL Tier 2 exam will consist of three papers: Paper I, mandatory for all posts, and Paper II, for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. Recruit aspirants who are applying for different posts in the Central Government through the Staff Selection Commission must know the entire exam pattern for the SSC CGL exam.
Candidates must know that SSC CGL Tier 1 is qualifying in nature whereas Tier 2 is evaluative. The scores achieved in SSC CGL Tier 2 would be considered while finalizing selection for the number of vacancies available under the SSC CGL Exam. It is important to note that there will be no Paper 3 in the SSC CGL 2025 Exam, as no vacancies for the position of Assistant Audit Officer have been announced this year. Continue reading to know more about the SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern in detail.
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Exam Pattern
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam: This is the first level of the Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is an online test based on four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The exam carries 100 multiple-choice questions worth a total of 200 marks. The duration of the test is 60 minutes.
The Tier 1 exam is of a qualifying nature; that is, marks obtained will not be considered while taking a final decision to select or eliminate. Any candidate must secure the minimum qualifying marks to move on to the next level. Each incorrect answer will have a deduction of 0.50 marks. Check out the following table for SSC CGL Tier 1 exam pattern 2025.
| S.No. | Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | A cumulative time of 60 minutes |
| 2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| 4 | English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | - | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Revised)
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam is taken in two papers. Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates while only those people opting for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II post, must appear for Paper 2. The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam is an online test where candidates must qualify in each section to appear for further tests.
There is a negative marking of 1 mark for wrong answers in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III in Paper 1. In Paper 2, the negative marking is 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Check out the below table for revised exam pattern of SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025
| S.No. | Papers | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paper I (Compulsory for all posts) | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| 2 | Paper II (For JSO & Statistical Investigator Gr. II) | 2 hours |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025 – Paper 1
Paper 1 is divided into two sessions. Each section contains different modules covering various subjects.
Session I
| Sections | Modules | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Weightage | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 23% | 1 hour |
| Module-II | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 23% | ||
| Section II | Module-I | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 35% | 1 hour |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 19% | ||
| Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Session II
| Module | Task | Qualifying | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Yes | 15 minutes |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025 – Paper 2
This paper is only for candidates applying for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts.
| Papers | Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CGL 2025 Marking Scheme
The SSC CGL 2025 exam has a specific marking scheme both for Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. For correct answers, candidates score marks, and for wrong ones, marks are deducted from them. Tier 1 is also about multiple choices with 2 marks on every question, where for every wrong answer 0.50 marks are deducted. Tier 2 has specific criteria for each paper. Paper 1 awards 3 marks per correct answer and deducts 1 mark for each incorrect answer. Paper 2 and Paper 3 give 2 marks per correct answer, with a 0.50 mark penalty for wrong answers. Check out the tables below for SSC CGL 2025 Marking Scheme.
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Marking Scheme
Candidates can estimate their scores using the tentative answer key, as there are usually minimal changes in the final key. The marking scheme for SSC CGL Tier 1 is as follows:
| Question Type | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | 2 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.50 marks |
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme varies for different papers in Tier 2. The details are given below:
| Papers | Marks Awarded per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 3 Marks | 1 Mark |
| Paper 2 | 2 Marks | 0.50 Marks |
| Paper 3 | 2 Marks | 0.50 Marks |
SSC CGL 2025 Time Duration
The SSC CGL 2025 examination is divided into two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both papers have different time durations. SSC CGL Tier 1 is a one-stage exam conducted for 60 minutes. SSC CGL Tier 2 is a multi-session exam where the time is allocated differently for each section and module. Those candidates who are eligible for scribes, as per SSC guidelines, get extra time in both tiers. The following table provides a detailed time duration of SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2.
| Exam | Session/Paper | Time Duration | Extra Time for Scribe Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Entire Exam | 60 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Tier 2 | Paper 1 (Session I) | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Section I - Module I (Mathematical Abilities) & Module II (Reasoning & General Intelligence) | 1 hour | ||
| Section II - Module I (English Language & Comprehension) & Module II (General Awareness) | 1 hour | ||
| Section III - Module I (Computer Knowledge Module) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | |
| Paper 1 (Session II - Module II: Data Entry Speed Test) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | |
| Paper 2 (Statistics) | 2 hours | 2 hours 40 minutes |
SSC CGL 2025 Syllabus Overview
Candidates must be well aware of the SSC CGL 2025 syllabus along with the exam pattern. Proper knowledge of the SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern will help in the preparation process to score better. The SSC CGL 2025 syllabus consists of four main subjects like General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge, English, and Quantitative Aptitude. Check out the following table for an overview of SSC CGL syllabus.
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Averages, Interest, Percentage, Mixture and Alligation, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots, Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Time & Work, etc. |
| General Awareness | History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research, Static GK, Current Affairs. |
| English Comprehension | Synonyms & Antonyms and their correct usage, Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Improvement of Sentences, etc. |
Also Read: SSC CGL 2025 Detailed Syllabus
SSC CGL 2025 Preparation Tips
SSC CGL 2025 requires an accurately planned strategy of study. A candidate must spend the same amount of time on each section so that the results can be beneficial. The constant practice, time management, and proper revision are important ingredients for success. Five vital preparation strategies for the effective preparation of SSC CGL 2025 for the candidates are mentioned below.
- Familiarise Yourselves with Exam Pattern and Syllabus SSC CGL 2025 Structure and syllabus are what really need to be understood perfectly well. Emphasis on Important points in all of the areas.
- Create Study Routine - Have your daily time sheet that involves studying all of those subjects. Be more vigilant while focusing on problems in weaker subjects and get timely revisions also done.
- Attempt Mock Tests and Refer to Previous Year's Papers - Take SSC CGL 2025 mock tests and refer to previous years' papers. It helps in observing the pattern of questions and time management.
- Develop Time Management Skill and Accuracy - Practice solving as many questions within the given time. Avoid answering questions as any wrong answer attracts negative marking.
- Stay Informed on Current Affairs - Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources regularly. Be sure to read about important events, government programs, and topics of general knowledge.
SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the exam pattern of SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1?
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 includes 100 questions in multiple choice, divided into four sections - General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. It carries a total of 200 marks and takes 60 minutes.
How many papers are there in SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2?
The SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 exam is divided into two papers: Paper 1 (compulsory for all posts) and Paper 2 (for Junior Statistical Officer - JSO and Statistical Investigator posts).
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL 2025?
Yes, SSC CGL 2025 includes negative marking. For Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In Paper 1, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer, and in Paper 2, 0.50 marks are deducted.
How long is the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 exam?
The SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Paper 1 takes 2 hours 15 minutes and Paper 2 takes 2 hours. Those who are eligible for scribes are given extra time.
Is the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam a qualifying one?
Yes, it is a qualifying SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam. The marks scored in the Tier 1 will not be added while making the final selection.
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