SUKRITI GUPTA 20th Apr, 2025

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the recruitment of eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the basic educational qualification required to appear for this exam. The age limit varies depending on the specific post, generally ranging from 18 to 32 years, with age relaxations for certain categories.

The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers: Tier-I and Tier-II, both of which are computer-based online examinations. Tier-I is a qualifying stage, and the marks obtained in this tier are not counted for the final merit list. It consists of four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section comprises 25 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks, making a total of 100 questions and 200 marks. The total time allotted for the Tier-I exam is 60 minutes, and there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.

Candidates who clear the Tier-I cutoff are eligible to appear for the Tier-II examination. The Tier-II exam has a different pattern and consists of three papers. Paper-I is compulsory for all posts and is divided into three sections: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, and English Language and Comprehension, and General Awareness. There is also a Computer Knowledge Test and a Data Entry Speed Test as part of Paper-I. Paper-II is for candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and involves Statistics. Paper-III is for candidates applying for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer and covers General Studies (Finance and Economics). There is negative marking in Tier-II as well; 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I and II of Paper-I, and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III. The marks scored in the Tier-II exam are crucial for the final selection.

I hope this helps.