The SSC CGL exam is one of the most popular government exams in India. Recently, the exam got postponed, giving candidates some extra time to prepare. While this delay might feel disappointing at first, it’s actually a great chance to improve your preparation and boost your chances of success. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the SSC CGL exam, important dates, exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2, and practical tips on how to best utilize this extra time effectively.
SSC CGL Exam Overview
The SSC CGL is conducted every year and over 30 lakh candidates apply for this exam, making it a popular choice for recruitment to various government posts. The details of the SSC CGL Exam 2025 are as follows:
| Particulars | Details |
| Name | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) |
| Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Yearly |
| Vacancies | 14,582 |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Exam Duration | Tier-I: 60 minutes, Tier-II: 2 hours 15 minutes ( Paper – I) |
| Purpose of Exam | To select candidates for Group B and C posts in various departments of the Government of India |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | 1st Week of September |
| Language | Multilingual |
| Exam Helpdesk No. | 011-69999845 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
What are the Important Dates for SSC CGL 2025?
As per the SSC Calendar 2025 the SSC CGL Notification is released on 9th June, 2025. Further details regarding the SSC CGL 2025 are provided in the table below:
| Activity | Dates |
| SSC CGL 2025 Notification Release Date | 9th June 2025 |
| SSC CGL Apply Online 2025 Start Date | 9th June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 4th July 2025 |
| The window for Application Form Correction | 9th July 2025 |
| SSC CGL Application Status for Tier 1 | TBA |
| SSC CGL Admit Card 2025 for Tier 1 | TBA |
| SSC CGL 2025 Exam Date | 1st Week of September |
| Result Release (Tier I) | TBA |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2025 |
What is SSC CGL Exam Pattern?
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern consists of two: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Each tier evaluates candidates’ skills and knowledge through various formats like computer-based tests, descriptive exams, and skill tests. Tier 1 is an online exam with multiple-choice questions, assessing General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 2 is more advanced, consisting of two papers focused on Quantitative Abilities and English Language & Comprehension.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam is a qualifying exam, and the score obtained in this exam will not be considered for the final selection. The details of the SSC CGL Exam Pattern are as follows:
- Exam Duration: 60 minutes.
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
- Qualification Process: Tier-1 is qualifying; Tier-2 determines final merit.
- Paper 1: Must qualify each section separately.
- Merit List: Based only on Tier-2 performance.
The subject wise weightage for Tier 1 is as follows:
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General English | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Exam has undergone important changes in its evaluation process and time allocation. The key details about the merit list preparation, exam duration, and negative marking policy:
- Merit List: Based only on Tier-2 performance.
- Exam Duration: Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes; Paper 2: 2 hours.
- Negative Marking: Paper 1 – 1 mark per wrong answer; Paper 2 – 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
The subject wise weightage for Tier 2 is as follows:
| Session | Subject | Questions |
| Paper 1 Session I (2 hours and 15 minutes) | Section I (1 hour ) Module I – Mathematical Abilities Module II – Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 30 60 x 30 = 180 |
| Section II (1 hour ) Module I – English Language Comprehension Module II – General Awareness | 45 25 70 x 3 = 210 | |
| Section III (15 minutes) Module – I – Computer Knowledge module | 20 x 3 = 60 | |
| Session II (15 minutes) | Module – II: Data Entry Speed Test | One data entry task |
| Paper 2 2 hours | FOR JSO: Statistics (Paper I & II as above) | 100 x 2 = 200 |
How to Utilize Extra Time Due to SSC CGL Postponement
The SSC CGL exam postponement gives you extra time to prepare better. Instead of worrying, use this period smartly to improve your weak areas, practice more mock tests, revise regularly, manage your time efficiently, stay updated with current affairs, and take care of your health. Joining study groups can also help clear doubts and keep you motivated. Using this extra time wisely can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. Below are the quick tips to utilize this extra time:
| Action | Benefit | How to Do It |
| Strengthen Weak Areas | Improve overall score | Focus on difficult topics |
| Practice SSC CGL Mock Tests in New Interface | Build speed, accuracy and familiarity with the new interface | Take timed full length tests |
| Revise Regularly | Retain key formulas and concepts | Make daily revision notes |
| Work on Time Management | Finish exam within time limit | Time yourself in practice |
| Stay Updated with Current Affairs | Score better in General Awareness | Read newspapers and monthly updates |
| Take Care of Health | Reduce stress, maintain focus | Exercise, eat well, rest well |
| Solve SSC CGL Previous Year Papers | Understand exam pattern and important topics | Practice past exam papers thoroughly |
FAQs
Ans. The exam was postponed due to administrative reasons and scheduling conflicts, giving candidates additional time to prepare.
Ans. Use this period to refine your study plan, focus on weak areas, increase mock test practice, analyze previous year papers, improve time management, clarify doubts, update your knowledge base, and prioritize your mental well-being.
Ans. Re-evaluate your current plan to make it more realistic and incorporate additional time for weak topics and important high-weightage subjects.
Ans. It helps you identify recurring themes, understand question difficulty, and observe evolving exam trends, aiding better exam strategy.
Ans. Aim for 1-2 timed mock tests daily to build speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam environment.
I’m Mahima Khurana, a writer with a strong passion for creating meaningful, learner-focused content especially in the field of competitive exam preparation. From authoring books and developing thousands of practice questions to crafting articles and study material, I specialize in transforming complex exam-related topics into clear, engaging, and accessible content. Writing, for me, is not just a skill but a way to support and guide aspirants through their preparation journey one well-written explanation at a time.