SSC & railway exams
SSC CGL: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Eligibility
Combined Graduate Level Examination · conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
SSC CGL is the Staff Selection Commission’s recruitment exam for graduate-level Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries and departments — such as Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector and Auditor. It has two computer-based tiers: Tier 1 (100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes) screens candidates, and Tier 2 decides the final merit.
When is SSC CGL?
SSC announces the CGL schedule in its annual exam calendar; check ssc.gov.in for the current cycle.
SSC CGL at a glance
- Conducted by
- Staff Selection Commission
- Mode
- Computer-based test
- Stages
- Tier 1 (screening) and Tier 2 (merit)
- Tier 1
- 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes
- Tier 1 negative marking
- 0.50 per wrong answer
- Interview
- None
- Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree
- Age
- Depends on the post (commonly 18–32)
SSC CGL exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total (60 minutes) | 100 | 200 |
- Tier 1 marks are used only to shortlist for Tier 2; they do not count in the final merit.
- Tier 2 Paper I (all posts) covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English and General Awareness, plus a qualifying Computer Knowledge module and a Data Entry Speed Test; some posts have an extra paper such as Statistics. Check the notification for the current scheme.
SSC CGL syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies and classification
- Coding–decoding
- Series
- Blood relations and directions
- Syllogism
- Puzzles and non-verbal reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number system
- Percentages, ratio and averages
- Profit and loss, interest
- Time and work, time and distance
- Algebra
- Geometry and mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data interpretation
English Comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Error spotting
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Idioms and one-word substitution
- Active/passive voice and narration
General Awareness
- Current affairs
- Indian history and culture
- Geography
- Polity
- Economy
- General science
- Static GK
SSC CGL eligibility
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university by the cut-off date in the notification. Some posts need specific subjects — for example Mathematics or Statistics for Junior Statistical Officer.
- Age limits vary by post (commonly 18–27, 20–30 or 18–32 years), with relaxations for reserved categories.
How to prepare for SSC CGL
- 1Tier 1 is about speed: 100 questions in 60 minutes. Practise sectional drills against the clock.
- 2Quantitative Aptitude and English drive Tier 2 scores — give them the most practice time.
- 3Revise static GK and the last 6–8 months of current affairs regularly.
- 4Wrong answers cost 0.50 marks in Tier 1, so avoid blind guesses.
SSC CGL FAQs
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 counted in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 is a screening test; the final merit is based on Tier 2.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. In Tier 1, each wrong answer costs 0.50 marks. Tier 2 sections also have negative marking, as set out in the notification.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL?
It depends on the post — commonly 18–27, 20–30 or 18–32 years — with relaxations for reserved categories.
Is there an interview in SSC CGL?
No. Selection is based on the written tiers plus any skill tests and document verification required for the post.
What is the qualification for SSC CGL?
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline, though a few posts need specific subjects.
Practise SSC CGL on GyanBook
Timed quizzes and mock tests that follow the real marking scheme, instant scores with step-by-step solutions, and progress tracking for every subject. Free to start.
Related exams
GyanBook India is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with the body that conducts SSC CGL. These details were checked against official sources on 13 October 2026. Exam dates, eligibility rules and patterns can change — always confirm them on the official website (ssc.gov.in) before you apply.