SSC CGL Exam Pattern (20212022)

Introduction

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most soughtafter national level recruitment tests in India. It selects candidates for a wide range of GroupB and GroupC posts in ministries, departments and attached offices of the Government of India. The exam is conducted in four stages (TierI, TierII, TierIII and TierIV). This page summarises the pattern, marking scheme and key changes that were applicable in the 2021 and 2022 cycles.

TierI Preliminary Exam

TierI is an objectivetype test administered online (ComputerBased Test). All candidates who qualify TierI are eligible to sit for TierII.

Structure

Key Features

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• No sectional cutoff; overall score decides shortlisting.
• Questions are presented in a random order for each candidate.

TierII Mains Exam

TierII is also a computerbased test but with a mix of objective and descriptive sections. It is the decisive stage for the final merit list.

PaperI Quantitative Abilities (Objective)

• 40 questions, 2 marks each (80 marks total).
• Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
• Duration: 60 minutes.

PaperII English Language & Comprehension (Objective)

• 40 questions, 2 marks each (80 marks total).
• Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
• Duration: 60 minutes.

PaperIII Statistics (Objective) Only for posts requiring statistical knowledge

• 50 questions, 2 marks each (100 marks total).
• Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
• Duration: 60 minutes.

PaperIV General Studies (Descriptive)

• 100 marks; answer written in Hindi or English.
• 10minute reading time + 100minute answer writing.
• No negative marking.

Overall Scoring

Maximum attainable marks in TierII = 440 (including PaperIV). The final merit list is prepared by adding TierI marks (scaled to 200) and TierII marks (scaled to 200). The combined score out of 400 determines selection for TierIII.

TierIII Descriptive Paper (Skill Test)

TierIII evaluates the candidates writing ability, analytical skills and subject knowledge. It is offline (penandpaper) and conducted at designated test centres.

Pattern

• Two compulsory sections:
• Essay / Letter / Application (English)
• Essay / Letter / Application (Hindi)
• Each section carries 100 marks (total 200 marks).
• Time allotted: 150 minutes.
• No negative marking.

Evaluation

Answers are assessed against content, language, structure, coherence and relevance. The total marks obtained in TierIII are added to the combined TierIII score for the final ranking.

TierIV Document Verification / Medical Test

TierIV is not a written exam. Candidates who clear TierIII are called for document verification and a routine medical examination. Only after successful clearance are appointment letters issued.

What Changed in 20212022?

• PaperIII (Statistics) became mandatory for all nontechnical posts, whereas earlier it was optional.
• The negative marking in TierI and TierII remained at 0.25 per wrong answer, but the number of questions was slightly increased in TierI (from 100 to 110).
• The duration of TierIII was increased from 120 minutes to 150 minutes to give candidates more time for both language sections.
• PaperIV (General Studies) introduced a new weighting: content carries 70% and language 30% of the total marks.
• Use of computerbased testing (CBT) was expanded to all centres for TierI and TierII, keeping the interface uniform across the country.

Preparation Tips for 20212022 Pattern

• Time Management Practice fulllength mock tests to become comfortable with the 60minute limits of TierI and TierII papers.
• Negative Marking Strategy Answer only when you are at least 70% sure; guesswork can cost valuable marks.
• PaperIII Focus For nontechnical candidates, prioritize basic statistics topics (mean, median, standard deviation, probability).
• Descriptive Writing Build a bank of essay outlines in both English and Hindi. Practice writing within the 100minute limit.
Use previous years question papers to understand the pattern and difficulty level.
• General Awareness Follow a daily news roundup, focus on static GK (Indian polity, awards, sports records).
• Revision Allocate the last 2 weeks before the exam for quick revision of formulas, vocabulary and essay templates.