EXAM PATTERN SSC CGL 2020-21

EXAM PATTERN SSC CGL 2020-21

Staff Selection Commission conducts SSC CGL examination in 4 stages (known as tiers). All the four tiers namely tier-1, tier-2 , tier-3 and tier-4 test the proficiency level of the candidates in different forms. It is to be noted that tier-1 and tier-2 are conducted online whereas tier-3 is conducted in pen and paper mode. Tier-4 tests the Typing and practical knowledge relating to computers. There is no interview or face to face assessment involved at any level but a student has to clear the minimum cut-offs fixed by the SSC at each level to ace to the next level.

Mentioned below are the in-depth details of the pattern of the examination of SSC CGL 2020-21

Kindly note that SSC releases the answer keys of the examination within 10-15 days after successfully completing the examination. So, students check their respective answer keys and calculate their approximate marks, but the catch here is the fact that Lakhs of students appear for the examination of SSC CGL, therefore the examination is conducted in multiple shifts on several days , so, In order to maintain a fair system for each candidate, SSC normalizes the score keeping in mind various factors and those normalized score are considered final for the final selection of the candidate.

TIER-1 SSC CGL EXAM PATTERN

SSC conducts the Tier-1 of SSC CGL  in multiple shifts . There are 4 sections in the examination comprising 25 questions each of Mathematics, English, Reasoning and General Awareness. Each section carries 50 marks which totals to the maximum score of 200 marks. The total duration of the examination is 60minutes

The 4 section of SSC test the knowledge of candidates in following 4 parameters:

• Quantitative Aptitude
• General Intelligence and Reasoning
• English Language & Comprehension
• General Awareness

MARKS DISTRIBUTION OF SSC CGL Tier-1

NEGATIVE MARKING : Each correct answer fetches +2 marks whereas there is a negative marking of -0.5 marks for each wrong answer. However, an unattempted question or a blank answer doesn’t deduct any marks.

TIER-2 SSC CGL EXAM PATTERN

SSC conducts the Tier-2 of SSC CGL  in multiple shifts too . The exam comprises 4 papers namely Quantitative Ability, Statistics, General Studies (Economics & Finance) Each section carries 200 marks .The total duration of the each examination is 120 minutes

NOTE: For some exceptional posts only like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Assistant Audit Officer, separate examinations of paper -3  ( Statistics) and paper-4 (General studies Finance & Economics) are conducted.

Paper of ssc cgl TIER-2(Mains) constitutes of following subjects:

• Quantitative Ability
• English Language & Comprehension
• Statistics
• General Studies ( Finance & Economics)

MARKS DISTRIBUTION OF SSC CGL Tier-2

NEGATIVE MARKING : In paper 1,3 and 4 , Each correct answer fetches +2 marks whereas each wrong answer deducts -0.5 marks.

While in paper 2 ( English Language & Comprehension), Each correct answer fetches +1 marks whereas each wrong answer deducts -0.25 marks.

TIER-3 SSC CGL EXAM PATTERN

The third tier of SSC CGL is a descriptive test which is conducted both in English and Hindi language. A candidate can choose their preferred language. The total duration of the examination is 60 minutes. 

TIER-4 SSC CGL EXAM PATTERN

The fourth level tests the Typing and practical knowledge relating to computers. There is no interview or face to face assessment involved at any level.

For more detailed information of tier-4, click here for more detail information, log on to