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SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 (Revised)

Sadia Naseem

Apr 12, 2023

SSC CGL exam pattern 2023 has been released on April 03, 2023 in the official notification on the SSC website. The SSC CGL exam consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2. Candidates will be given 60 minutes to attempt Tier 1 consisting of 4 sections. Tier 2 will be of 8 Subjects- out of which 6 are compulsory for every post and 2 are compulsory for the candidate applying for particular posts. In tier 2, Paper 1 is completed in 2 hours 30 minutes, Paper 2 in 2 hours and Paper 3 in 2 hours. Check SSC CGL Syllabus.

Download SSC CGL Exam Pattern PDF

Every tier has a different difficulty level and a distinct syllabus. Candidates must check Top 10 SSC CGL Coaching in Delhi .

Highlights
Exam Pattern

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023 VS SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021

Here we have briefly described the difference between SSC CGL 2023 Exam Pattern and SSC CGL 2021 Exam Pattern

SSC CGL 2021-22 SSC CGL 2023
  1. Tier I: Computer-Based Testing
  2. Tier II: Computer-Based Testing
  3. Tier III: Pen and Paper (Descriptive paper)
  4. Tier IV: Computer Proficiency Test/ Data Entry Skill Test/ Document Verification
  1. Tier-I: Computer-Based Examination (Qualifying)
  2. Tier-II: Computer-Based Examination (Merit Decider)
  • Paper 1-
    • Section 1 -Module I & II: Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning and General Intelligence
    • Section 2 – Module I & II: English Language and Comprehension & General Awareness
    • Section 3 – Module I & II (qualifying): Computer Knowledge Test & Data Entry Speed Test

The detailed SSC CGL Exam Pattern has been discussed below.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

Knowing the SSC CGL Exam pattern can give a clear picture of the kind of questions that can be asked in the exam. Certain quick facts about the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern are mentioned below.

  • Tier-I will consist of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, Online and CBT (Computer Based Test)
  • The type of question will be multiple choice in which four options will be provided and candidates will have to choose one correct answer.
  • The questions will be written in both Hindi and English. Only in the English section, the questions will not be in Hindi.
  • The Tier 1 exam has 4 sections namely General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude & English Comprehension.
  • There is no sectional cut off. The marks will be calculated on an aggregate basis for Tier 1.
  • Negative Marks – 0.50 marks (For every incorrect Answer)
Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Time allotted
General Intelligence and Reasoning 25 50
  • 60 minutes
  • 80 minutes for candidate with scribe
General Awareness 25 50
Quantitative Aptitude 25 50
English Comprehension 25 50

The aspirants must note that there is no penalty for unattempted questions. If they are not sure of the correct answer, it is advisable to not attempt the questions instead of going with the wrong answer which can lead to deduction of marks. To get shortlisted for Tier 2, candidates need to qualify SSC CGL Cutoff of Tier 1. The cut off is released soon after the successful conduction of the examination.

Candidates can have a look at the SSC CGL Tier 1 Analysis to understand the exam pattern and the difficulty level of questions that are asked in the examination.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Revised)

SSC CGL Tier-2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper I (Compulsory for all posts), Paper II for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Paper III for candidates who apply for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.

S. No. Papers Time Allotted
1 Paper-I: (Compulsory for all posts) 2 hours 30 minutes
2 Paper-II: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) 2 hours
3 Paper-III: Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer 2 hours

Note-A: There will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I and of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III.
Note-B: Candidates eligible for scribe will get an extra 20 minutes for every 1 hour time.
Note-C: Paper-I is compulsory for all the posts. Paper-II for only JSO Post and Paper-III is for only Assistant Account Officer and Assistant Audit officer.
Note-D: Tier-II will consist of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions except for DEST Test.

SSC CGL Tier 2 - Paper 1 Exam Pattern

The paper 1 of SSC CGL Tier 2 has two sessions. The elaborate details of the same are given below.

For Session 1 of Paper 1 of SSC CGL Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Paper 1 Session 1 exam pattern has been provided below:

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Time allowed
Section 1 – Module-I: Mathematical Abilities 30 30*3 = 90
  • 60 minutes for each section
  • 80 minutes with a scribe for each section
Section 1 – Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence. 30 30*3 = 90
Section 2 – Module-I: English Language and Comprehension 45 45*3 = 135
Section 2 – Module-II: General Awareness 25 25*3 = 75
Section 3 – Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module 20 20*3 = 60 15 Minutes (20 minutes with a scribe)
Total 150 150*3=450 2 hours 15 minutes ( 3 hours 20 minutes with a scribe)

There will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I and of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Computer, Paper-II and Paper-III.

For Session 2 of Paper 1 of SSC CGL Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Paper 1 Session 2 exam pattern has been provided below:

Subject Time allowed
Module-II: Data Entry Speed Test Module – 2000 (two thousand) key depressions 15 Minutes (20 minuttes with a scribe)

Note-I: Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I will include conducting of a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) for a duration of 15 minutes in Session-II on the same day.

Note-II: The “Data Entry Speed Test” (DEST) Skill Test will be conducted for a passage of about 2000 (two thousand) key depressions for a duration of 15 (fifteen) minutes.

Note-III: DEST will be mandatory for all the posts; however it will be qualifying in nature.

Note-IV: It will be mandatory for the candidates to qualify all the sections of Paper-I.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 2 Exam Pattern

For the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Time allowed
Statistics 100 100*2 = 200 2 Hour (120 Minutes)

Note-1: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

Note-2: Paper-II will be for only those candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and who are shortlisted in Tier-I for these Posts.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 3 Exam Pattern

For Post of Assistant Audit Officer or Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer which comes under Pay Level-8 (₹ 47600 to 151100) Post.

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Time allowed
General Studies (Finance and Economics) 100 100*2 = 200 2 Hour (120 Minutes)

Note-1: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

Note-2: Paper-III will be for only those candidates who are shortlisted in Tier-I for Paper-III i.e. for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.

Exam Pattern

What is Normalisation in SSC CGL exam?

Normalization is the process of adjusting the marks obtained by candidates who appeared in different shifts of SSC CGL exam, taking into account the differences in the difficulty levels of all shifts. It is important for candidates to understand that their raw marks may be subject to an increase or decrease after normalization. Normalisation Process for SSC CGL Marks-
SSC CGL Normalisation Process

SSC CGL Exam Pattern has been changing over the years. The new changes are made to make the exam more challenging.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern Change Across Years

The exam pattern trend as observed over the years for SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is as follows

Year Changes for Tier 1
2015-2016
  • The Tier 1 exam was conducted in offline mode
  • The total marks was 200
  • The duration of the exam was 1-2 hours
2016-2017
  • For the first time, Tier 1 and Tier 2 were scheduled to be held in online mode
  • Negative marking was increased from 0.25 to 0.50 for every incorrect answer
  • Number of questions were 100
  • Time duration was reduced to 75 minutes
2017-2018
  • Time duration was reduced to 60 minutes from 75 minutes
2018-2019
  • Normalization method was introduced for candidates who appear in the exam in different shifts.
2019-2020
  • Candidates who clear Tier 1 could appear for both Tier 2 and Tier 3

SSC has been making changes continuously over the years and candidates must keep checking the official website to stay updated with the same.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern Change Across Years

The exam trend as observed over the years for SSC CGL Tier 2 exam is as follows

Year Changes for Tier 2
2015-2016
  • Tier 3 saw the introduction of three papers.
  • Paper 1 was Quantitative Ability, Paper 2 was English and Paper 3 was Statistics.
  • The Quantitative Ability and English sections were for 200 marks each.
  • The English section had 200 questions while the Quantitative Ability had 100 questions.
  • The total paper was 400 Marks.
  • The total number of questions were 300 questions.
  • For JSO Post: Paper 1 and 2 was for 400 Marks + 200 Marks was dedicated to 100 questions of Paper 3 of Statistics making a total of 600 Marks for 400 questions.
2016-2017
  • Paper 4 General Studies(Finance and Economics) was introduced for AAO posts
2019-2020
  • Announcement that Tier 2 and Tier 3 would be conducted simultaneously hence candidates needed to prepare accordingly.
2022 and 2023 No Tier 3 and Tier 4, Tier 2 has been divided in Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III (Having some compulsory subjects and some posts based subjects)

Must Read: SSC CGL Tier 2 Analysis

Important Instructions

Important Instructions for Candidates

Following preparation strategies should be kept in mind while preparing for the SSC CGL exam 2023.

  • Candidates should practice “mock tests” to get an idea of the computer-based exam for Tier 1 and Tier 2. Online tests for the same must be attempted.
  • Mock tests are available on the official website of the SSC as well as the regional office websites.
  • Time management is very important.
  • Be careful of negative marking. Answer only those questions which you are sure of or else it might lead to deduction of marks.

Also, it is very beneficial if aspirants follow SSC CGL study materials to complete their syllabus systematically. They must also make short notes of each topic they study, in order to revise through them quickly right before the exam.

FAQs

SSC CGL Exam Pattern FAQs

Ques. Is SSC CGL difficult?

Ans: The difficulty level of the SSC CGL exam varies as per the tiers. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 observe mix of Matriculation, 10+2, and graduation level, as mentioned in SSC CGL Official Notification and Previous Year Paper Analysis.

Ques. What will be the time allotted to attempt each section of SSC CGL Tier 1 2023?

Ans: There is no time limit to attempt Tier 1 sections, however, a cumulative time of 60 minutes is there to attempt 100 objective-type questions. Each question will carry 2 marks and for every wrong answer, 0.5 marks will be deducted.

Ques. What are the subjects to study for SSC CGL?

Ans: SSC CGL involves various subjects namely General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness and Current Affairs, English, and Quantitative Aptitude in Tier 1. In Tier 2, Quantitative Ability, English Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics) are the subjects.

Ques. Is there a negative marking for SSC CGL?

Ans: Yes there is a provision for negative marking in SSC CGL 2023 exam. For Tier 1, 0.5 marks will deducted for every wrong answer. While for Tier 2, in Paper 1 there will be a deduction of 1 marks except for DEST and In Paper 2 and 3, there will be a negative marking of 0.5 marks.

Ques. Which stage is most important in clearing the SSC CGL exam?

Ans: Both the stage of SSC CGL exam is important to clear for getting job with SSC CGL Exam. Tier 1 is qualifying and tier 2 marks are considered for the calculation of the final merit list for SSC CGL.

Ques. What is Tier 1 and Tier 2 in SSC CGL?

Ans: The SSC CGL exam is conducted at different levels which are called Tiers. There are two Tiers in the exam. Tier 1 consists of General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness and Current Affairs, English, and Quantitative Aptitude sections while Tier 2 consists of 8 Subjects, Out of which 6 are compulsory for everyone and 2 are compulsory for some particular posts. Tier 2 has been divided into 3 Paper – Paper 1 contains 6 Papers which are all compulsory while Paper 2 and Paper 3 are not compulsory for all the posts.

Ques. Has the SSC CGL pattern changed?

Ans: Yes, SSC CGL exam pattern has been changed in 2022. Now only two tiers are conducted for SSC CGL. Tier 2 consists of total 8 subjects out of which 6 are compulsory for all posts and 2 are compulsory for some posts

Ques. How can I score good marks in the SSC CGL English section?

Ans: Be thorough with the syllabus and keep practising the questions. Reading newspapers and magazines can improve the knowledge of vocabulary and the formation of sentence structures. Refer to study resources available online and get hands-on the best books that cover the English syllabus comprehensively. Check SSC CGL Study Material

Ques. In which year should I start preparing for the SSC CGL exam?

Ans: The preparation for the SSC CGL exam must be started while pursuing graduation. The Sooner one gets clarity of syllabus and starts preparation, easier it becomes to clear Exam. This can help the candidate to secure SSC CGL job early in their career.

Ques. How many attempts are allowed in the SSC CGL examination?

Ans: There is no limitation on the number of attempts for SSC CGL, however, there is an age limit for different category candidates. The candidates must be in the age range of 18-32 years and must possess a graduation degree from a recognised university.

Ques. Can a student in the second year of graduation give the SSC CGL exam?

Ans: No. Only candidates who have completed graduation from a recognized university are eligible to appear for the SSC CGL exam. However, students in the second year of graduation can start preparing for the exam so that as soon as they complete their graduation degree, they can give SSC CGL Exam.

Ques. How can I prepare for SSC at home?

Ans: Candidates can most certainly prepare for the SSC CGL exam at home. Coaching institutes can help students prepare for the exam. It is the dedication, right planning, and knowledge of the students that help them crack the exam. By preparing a study schedule, surfing online resources, enrolling in online classes for guidance, giving mock tests, candidates can easily prepare for the exam from the comfort of their homes. Check Best SSC CGL Coaching in Delhi

Ques. Is SSC CGL MCQ based?

Ans: SSC CGL is MCQ based, For all the stages i.e. for Tier 1 and Tier 2 for all the papers except DEST in Tier 2. Candidates will have to select the right option from multiple choices provided to them.

Ques. What is included in the English Language and Comprehension paper of SSC?

Ans: In the SSC Tier 2 English Language and Comprehension, questions based on Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Spellings, Phrases and Idioms, One-word Substitution, Sentence Correction, Error Spotting, Synonyms, Antonyms, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Active Passive, Reported Speech can be found. Since the section is common for Tier 1 and Tier 2, candidates can prepare simultaneously for both papers.

Ques: How can I learn General Knowledge for the SSC CGL?

Ans: Candidates should focus on Static GK and Science as they can be very scoring. In the GK section, one should focus on daily current affairs, GK quizzes, study History, Geography, Economic Scene, Culture, General Policy & Scientific Research. Staying up-to-date with all the happenings around the globe that happened in the past year can be of great help in preparing for the exam. Aspirants should make it a habit of going through newspapers on a daily basis.

Ques. Is CPT compulsory for everyone in SSC CGL?

Ans: No. CPT is no longer part of the SSC CGL exam from Year 2022. Now Computer Knowledge test is conducted in tier 2. Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. However, while shortlisting the candidates for the posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed i.e. Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA & AFHQ, Assistant in Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Assistant (GSI) in the Ministry of Mines, Assistant in Indian Meteorological Department (Ministry of Earth Sciences), Inspector (CGST & Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer) & Inspector (Examiner) in CBIC and Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant in Department of Post, higher qualifying standards will be set in comparison to other posts.

Ques. What is the examination pattern of the SSC CGL exam?

Ans: The examination pattern of the SSC CGL exam consists of two tiers. Tier 1 includes 1 paper that has four sections namely General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. The paper consists of 100 questions with 200 marks in total. Tier 2 consists of 8 Subjects, Out of which 6 are compulsory for everyone and 2 are compulsory for some particular posts. Tier 2 has been divided into 3 Paper – Paper 1 contains 6 Papers which are all compulsory while Paper 2 and Paper 3 are not compulsory for all the posts.

Ques. Does SSC repeat questions?

Ans: SSC certainly repeats questions in every exam. The questions get repeated in all the sections. Hence, practicing previous years’ papers can be helpful for the candidates. It can give an idea of what type of questions are to be expected in the exam as well as which topic should be given importance. Check SSC CGL Previous Year Question Paper

Ques. What are five essential reading components that can help in the SSC CGL English section?

Ans: The five reading components that can help to prepare for the SSC CGL Exam are phonics, phonic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension. Phonics refers to the relationship between written letters and sounds while phonic awareness refers to the individual sounds of the words. Vocabulary is the knowledge of words and fluency is the ability to read texts quickly. Comprehension refers to understanding the text in the right manner.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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