SSC CGL exam pattern
Paper structure, marks and duration for SSC CGL, as stated in the official notice.
Part of the SSC CGL hub · conducted by Staff Selection Commission.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern: Tier 1, 2, 3 & 4 Explained
SSC CGL Exam Pattern: Tier 1, 2, 3 & 4 Explained
SSC CGL has 4 selection stages: Tier 1 (computer test, 200 marks, 60 minutes), Tier 2 (computer test, 400 marks, 120 minutes), Tier 3 (written essay/letter, 100 marks, 60 minutes), and Tier 4 (skill or typing test, qualifying only). You must pass each tier to move to the next. Tier 1, 2, and 3 marks count toward your final merit list; Tier 4 is pass/fail only.
What Does CBT Mean?
CBT stands for Computer-Based Test. In SSC CGL, Tier 1 and Tier 2 are both CBT exams. You sit at a computer terminal and answer multiple-choice questions on screen. Your answers are recorded instantly, and results are declared faster than paper exams.
Tier 1: General Awareness & Reasoning (CBT)
- Marks: 200
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Questions: 100 (multiple choice, 4 options each)
- 4 Sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Qs), General Awareness (25 Qs), Quantitative Aptitude (25 Qs), English Comprehension (25 Qs)
- Negative Marking: 0.5 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Purpose: Screening test. Only top scorers (usually top 10–15 lakh candidates) qualify for Tier 2
Tier 2: Maths & English (CBT)
- Marks: 400 (200 per paper)
- Duration: 120 minutes (60 per paper)
- Paper 1: Quantitative Aptitude (100 questions, 200 marks)
- Paper 2: English Language & Comprehension (200 questions, 200 marks)
- Negative Marking: 0.5 mark per wrong answer in Paper 1; 0.25 mark in Paper 2
- Purpose: Merit-based. Scores count toward final selection. Only candidates who qualify Tier 2 go to Tier 3
Tier 3: Descriptive Test (Pen & Paper)
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Format: You write an essay (250 words) OR a letter/application (150–200 words) by hand
- Language: English or Hindi (your choice)
- Negative Marking: None
- Purpose: Tests writing ability and communication. Qualifying test—you must score at least 33% to pass, but marks count toward merit
Tier 4: Skill Test or DEST (Qualifying Only)
- Marks: No marks awarded
- Format: Typing test (Computer Proficiency Test) OR Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) depending on the post
- Duration: Varies (usually 5–10 minutes)
- Speed Required: 40 words per minute (English) or 30 words per minute (Hindi) for typing; 8,000 key depressions per hour for DEST
- Purpose: Qualifying only. You must pass to be appointed, but your score does not affect merit ranking
What 'Qualifying' vs 'Merit' Means
Merit test: Your score is added to your final total and used to rank you against other candidates. Tier 1, 2, and 3 are merit tests.
Qualifying test: You must pass (usually 33% or the minimum speed), but your score does not count toward ranking. Tier 4 is qualifying. Many candidates misunderstand this and worry too much about Tier 4 speed—focus on Tier 1, 2, and 3 instead.
From SSC CGL 2026: Complete Guide to Notification, Exam & Result