SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Tier I & II, DEST, Marking Scheme

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 consists of two stages, including the preliminary Exam called Tier I and the Main Exam named Tier II, which evaluates candidates for multiple government job profiles. Executive Tier I represents the qualifying segment where candidates must take tests on General Intelligence & and reasoning, General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The first part of the exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions distributed over 60 minutes for 200 marks. The marks earned in Tier II serve as the basis for final selection through examination papers focused on Mathematics, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Statistics, specifically for JSO posts.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) functions as a mandatory requirement to assess typing speed and accuracy during SSC CGL 2025 exam evaluation. Candidates who want to become Tax Assistant at CBDT & CBIC must pass the DEST with 2000 key depressions within 15 minutes for a typing speed of 8000-per-hour. Knowledge about the exam pattern and selection process and marking approach will determine success in passing the SSC CGL 2025 and obtaining a government position. SSC CGL Exam 2025 Tier 1 will start from 9th September 2024 to 26th September 2024. SSC CGL Exam 2024 Tier 2 will be organised between 18th January 2025 to 20th January 2025. DEST is now the third paper for the Tier 2 exam and is to be taken during this tier. Previously there were four papers in Tier 2 each with a distinct DEST. Also, there is no longer a Document Verification (DV) stage, which will now occur after a candidate is appointed.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 Overview 

The SSC CGL Exam 2025 is taken in the online mode and has two stages to it—Tier 1 and Tier 2 both containing multiple choice questions (MCQs). We will also be conducting skill tests for some posts such as Typing Tests. It has been decided to conduct SSC CGL 2025 screening process for various positions under the SSC CGL 2025 recruitment through three or more stages (all qualifying namely) TIER I, TIER II and other tests such as DEST Data Entry Skill Test as per the post for which the candidate has applied.

Organization	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam Name	SSC CGL 2025
Category	Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Selection Process	Tier 1 and Tier 2
Exam Mode	Online
Question Type	MCQ-based
Tier 1 Exam	100 Questions, 200 Marks
Tier 2 Exam	Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
Negative Marking	Yes (0.50 Mark for wrong answers)

Given the online mode of exam, candidates should prepare with online study materials, practice tests and be ready with the MCQ format having precision and perfect time management skills.

In SSC CGL Tier 2, candidates must take Paper I, while Paper II is specific to those applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) positions. Paper III is for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer applicants.

Let’s Briefly Discuss about SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 for Tier 1 & Tier 2

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Tier 1

The SSC CGL Exam Tier 1 is an online test with four sections, including 100 Multiple Choice Questions, totaling a maximum score of 200. Candidates have 60 minutes to finish the exam.The Tier 1 exam serves solely as a qualifying stage, and its scores are not considered in the final selection procedure.

The sections covered from which questions are drawn for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam are:

• General Intelligence Reasoning
• General Awareness
• Quantitative Aptitude
• English Comprehension

SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier-1
SSC CGL Exam Pattern	Tier-I Exam
Exam Type	Objective Multiple Choice
Exam Duration	60 minutes/ 1 hour
Exam Mode	Online Computer Based Test (CBT)
Subjects	1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
	2. General Awareness
	3. Quantitative Aptitude
	4. English Comprehension
Total Marks	200
Number of Questions	100
Negative Marking	0.50 marks (For every incorrect answer options)
Language	English/Hindi (Except English Paper)

SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 : Marking Scheme 

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Tier 2

SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 exam is a more advanced stage and you have to clear it in 2 stages. The examination pattern will include Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3. In Paper 1, all candidates take the paper, whereas in Paper 2 and Paper 3 you need to be a candidate for a specific post.

• Paper I: Compulsory for all candidates
• Paper II: For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) positions
• Paper III: For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer positions

Key Features of SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2025:

• Number of Papers: 3 papers (Paper I, Paper II, Paper III)
• Total Marks: Paper I (450 marks), Paper II (200 marks), Paper III (200 marks)
• Duration: Paper I - 2.5 hours, Paper II and Paper III - 2 hours each
• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for incorrect answers in Paper II and Paper III
• Syllabus: The syllabus for each paper is designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in their respective subject area.

Breakdown of Sections in SSC CGL Tier 2: Paper 1

Section	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Duration	Weightage
Mathematical Abilities	30	90	1 hour	23%
Reasoning and General Intelligence	30	90		23%
English Language and Comprehension	45	135	1 hour	35%
General Awareness	25	75		19%
Computer Knowledge Test	20	60	15 minutes	Qualifying
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)	1 Task	Qualifying	15 minutes	Qualifying

Breakdown of SSC CGL Tier 2: Paper 2 (Junior Statistical Officer - JSO)

Subject	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Duration	Weightage
Statistics	100	200	2 hours	Qualifying

Breakdown of SSC CGL Tier 2: Paper 3 (Finance and Economics)

Subject	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Duration	Weightage
General Studies (Finance and Economics)	100	200	2 hours	Qualifying

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern for Paper 1

SSC CGL 2025 Exam Tier 2 Paper 1 consists three sections. Section I comprises a total of 180 marks, with 30 questions on Mathematical Abilities totaling 90 marks and 30 questions on Reasoning and General Intelligence totaling 90 marks. Section II totals 210 marks, comprising 45 questions on English Language and Comprehension totaling 135 marks, and 25 questions on general awareness totaling 75 marks. Section III includes 20 questions on a computer knowledge test totaling 60 marks and one Data Entry task.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern for Paper 2

SSC CGL 2025 Exam Tier Paper 2 covers statistics, comprising 100 questions worth a total of 200 marks. Candidates have a maximum of 2 hours to complete this paper.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern for Paper 3

SSC CGL Exam Tier 2 Paper 3 covers General Studies (Finance & Economics), containing 100 questions totaling 200 marks. Candidates have a maximum of 2 hours to complete this paper.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Negative Marking

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025: Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) 

The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) exists as a qualifying exam specifically for selected positions during SSC CGL Tier II. The DEST evaluates typing ability with precision because it measures both speed and accuracy, which is critical for administrative and clerical positions in the government.

Who Needs to Take DEST?

Candidates applying for SSC CGL positions must take the DEST test to meet mandatory requirements for the following positions:

• Tax Assistant (CBDT & CBIC)
• Other clerical and administrative roles requiring data entry skills

DEST Exam Pattern & Requirements:

• Typing Speed Required: 8000 key depressions per hour
•  Test Duration: 15 minutes
•  Minimum Requirement: 2000 key depressions in English
• Test Mode: Computer-based test at SSC exam centers
•  Language: English only
•  Qualifying Nature: DEST is a qualifying test, and marks are not added to the final merit
• Conducting Authority: SSC at designated exam centers after Tier II
• Accuracy Matters: Errors in typing can impact qualification
•  Exemptions: PwD candidates may have exemptions as per SSC rules

Important Points About DEST:

• DEST is qualifying in nature (Marks are not added to the final merit list).
• Candidates failing DEST cannot be selected for posts requiring it.
• Conducted at SSC test centers on computers.
• Exemptions: Some physically disabled candidates may get exemptions (as per SSC rules).

Recent Quizzes

Recent Articles

Our Courses