The Staff Selection Commission conducts the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination annually to recruit candidates for various Group B and C posts in the central government. As per the latest SSC Calendar 2025, the SSC CGL Exam 2025 is postponed to 1st week of September. To crack the exam, candidates must understand the SSC CGL exam pattern and cut-off trends in detail. This article covers the SSC CGL 2025 exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2, cut-off marks, typing test details, minimum qualifying marks, and documents required for verification.
What is SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern?
The SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern consists of two computer-based tiers, followed by document verification. Tier 1 is common for all candidates, Tier 2 includes Paper 1 for all and Paper 2 only for JSO applicants. The details about the SSC CGL Exam 2025 selection process are as follows:
| Stage | Mode | Details |
|---|
| Tier 1 | Computer-Based | Objective-type exam for all applicants. |
| Tier 2 - Paper 1 | Computer-Based | Compulsory for all candidates. |
| Tier 2 - Paper 2 | Computer-Based | Only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) applicants. |
| Document Verification | Offline | Verification of original documents & certificates of qualified candidates. |
What is SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025?
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2025 consists of four sections (General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language) each with 25 questions, totaling 100 questions and 200 marks, with a duration of 1 hour and 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Questions: 25 questions per section.
- Total Marks: 200 marks (100 questions, 2 marks each).
- Exam Type: Computer-based multiple-choice.
- Languages: English and Hindi (except the English section).
- Total Time: 1 hour.
- For Scribe-Eligible Candidates: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Marks per Question: 2 marks.
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Attempt Free SSC CGL Mock Test
What is SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Exam Pattern?
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2025 consists of multiple papers, with Paper 1 being mandatory for all candidates. It includes three sections conducted in two sessions on the same day. Paper 2 is only for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) applicants. Following table represents the paper pattern in a clear manner:
| Paper/Session | Section/ Subject | Questions/ Marks |
|---|
I
(Common for all posts)
(2 hours and 15 minutes) | I (1 hour )
Module I –Mathematical abilities
Module II –Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30
30
Total: 60×3 = 180 |
II (1 hour )
Module I – English Language Comprehension
Module II – General Awareness | 45
25
Total: 70×3 = 210 |
III (15 minutes)
Module – I – Computer Knowledge module | 20×3 = 60 |
| II (15 minutes) | Module – II: Data Entry Speed Test | One data entry task of 2000 key |
II (Only for JSO)
2 hours | Statistics (Paper I as above) | 100×2 = 200 |
- Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
- Session 1 covers Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III.
- Session 2 includes Module II of Section III (DEST).
- Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates.
- Paper 2 is only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
- All questions are multiple choice (MCQs), except Module II of Section III in Paper 1.
- The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi, except the English Language module which is in English only.
- There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III in Paper 1.
- There is a negative marking of 0.50 mark for each wrong answer in Paper 2.
- Module I of Section III in Paper 1 is qualifying in nature and not counted in the merit.
- Module II of Section III (DEST) is also qualifying and not included in the merit list.
- DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) requires 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
Download SSC CGL Previous Year Papers PDF for free
What is SSC CGL Typing Test Speed?
The typing test for SSC CGL which is also known as the SSC CGL Typing Test 2025 is a qualifying test that requires about 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
| Test Name | Details |
|---|
| Test Type | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) |
| Passage Length | About 2000 key depressions |
| Duration | 15 minutes |
Attempt a Free CGL Typing Test
What are Minimum Qualifying Marks in SSC CGL Tier 1 & Tier 2 CBT Exam?
The minimum qualifying marks in SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS, and 20% for all other categories.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC/ EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
What are Minimum Qualifying Mark in Data Entry Speed Test?
The minimum qualifying error percentage in the SSC CGL DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is 20% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS, and 30% for all other categories.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|
| UR | 20% |
| OBC/ EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 30% |
What are the Documents Required for SSC CGL Exam?
The Documents Required for SSC CGL Exam are original photo ID for verification, and the date of birth on the ID must match the one on the admit card. Accepted ID proofs include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, School or College ID, Government or PSU Employer ID, Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book, or any other valid photo ID issued by the Central or State Government.
| Accepted ID Proofs | Details |
|---|
| Aadhar Card / E-Aadhar Printout | Valid proof of identity issued by UIDAI. |
| Voter's ID Card | Identity card issued for electoral purposes. |
| PAN Card | Permanent Account Number issued by Income Tax Department. |
| Driving License | Valid license for driving issued by RTO. |
| Official School/College/University ID Card | ID card issued by the educational institution. |
| Employer ID Card (Govt./PSU) | Identity card issued by government or PSU employers. |
| Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book | Issued by the Ministry of Defence. |
| Any other photo ID by Central/State Government | Government-issued photo identity proof. |
Candidates must ensure that the details on their Photo ID match those on their Admission Certificate. They must bring the original document for verification. Failure to provide the required documents will result in disqualification from the SSC CGL Selection Process.
Important Points on SSC CGL Paper Pattern
Candidates must follow these basic key points while appearing for the SSC CGL 2025 Examination:
- Marks Normalization: Ensures fairness across exam shifts and tiers.
- No Re-evaluation: Marks cannot be reviewed or changed.
- Qualification Criteria: Passing Section I & II in Tier II is mandatory for Section III.
- Post Preference: Must be submitted on the SSC website; failure leads to disqualification.
- Answer Key Objections: This SSC CGL Tentative Answer Key can be challenged online with a Rs. 100 fee per question within the deadline.
Key Takeaways of this Article:
Below are the the key Take aways from this article:
- The SSC CGL selection process includes Tier 1, Tier 2, and Document Verification.
- Tier 1 has 4 sections with 100 questions and 200 marks in 1 hour.
- There is 0.50 negative marking in Tier 1.
- Tier 2 Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates.
- Tier 2 Paper 2 is only for JSO applicants.
- Tier 2 includes MCQs and a qualifying DEST test.
- DEST requires 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
- Minimum qualifying marks: UR – 30%, OBC/EWS – 25%, Others – 20%.
- DEST error limit: UR – 20%, OBC/EWS – 25%, Others – 30%.
- Valid photo ID with matching DOB must be carried to the exam.
- No re-evaluation is allowed for SSC CGL answer sheets.
- Marks are normalized across different shifts.
- Post preference must be submitted; failing to do so may lead to disqualification.
- Answer key objections allowed with ₹100 per question within the deadline.
Explore All SSC CGL Online Courses
