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 will be held from 13th August to 30th August 2025. 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.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC CGL Exam 2025 Exam is divided into two tiers i.e. Tier-1 and Tier-2. The candidates who will clear the SSC CGL Tier-1 will be eligible to appear for the SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam. The details about the SSC CGL selection process are as follows:
- Tier-I Examination: A computer-based test for all applicants.
- Tier-II Examination: A computer-based test with two papers: Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates, while Paper 2 is specifically for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) applicants.
- Document Verification: Candidates who will pass Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams must attend document verification, where their original documents and certificates are checked.
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The details of the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern are as follows:
- 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.
| 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 |
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SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam is a crucial stage in the SSC CGL Selection Process. It plays a key role in determining the final selection of candidates.
- 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.
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 |
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SSC CGL Typing Test Speed
The typing test for SSC CGL which is also known as the SSC CGL Typing Test 2025 or Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is an important part of the SSC CGL, the DEST will be mandatory for all posts, but it will be of a qualifying nature.
| Test Name | Details |
|---|
| Test Type | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) |
| Passage Length | About 2000 key depressions |
| Duration | 15 minutes |
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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 i.e. Tier-I, Section-I, Section-II & Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I of Tier-II, Paper-II & Paper-III of Tier-II Exam for all categories:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC/ EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
Minimum Qualifying Mark in Data Entry Speed Test
The SSC CGL minimum error percentage permitted in DEST i.e. Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I of Tier-II Exam is given below.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|
| UR | 20% |
| OBC/ EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 30% |
SSC CGL Documents Required For Verification
Candidates must bring original documents for verification during the SSC CGL 2025 Selection Process as per the Notification released by the SSC through ssc.gov.in, including a photo ID proof that matches the date of birth on the Admission Certificate. For verification, candidates may present an original copy of one of the following documents:
| 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.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern and Cut Off
The SSC CGL exam pattern SSC CGL Cut Off Marks represent the minimum marks required to qualify for the next stage of the recruitment process. The cut-off is determined after the Tier 1 exam and varies across categories (UR, OBC, SC, ST, etc.).
| Category | Cut-Off Marks (Female) | Cut-Off Marks (Male) |
|---|
| SC | TBA | TBA |
| ST | TBA | TBA |
| OBC | TBA | TBA |
| EWS | TBA | TBA |
| UR | TBA | TBA |
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