SSC CGL exam pattern 2023 was released by the Staff Selection Commission for the CGL exam along with the official notification on 17 September 2022. It is important for the candidates going to appear for the exam to go through the latest SSC CGL exam pattern and make appropriate changes needed in their study plan. SSC CGL is a national-level exam that is conducted every year to recruit candidates eligible for the Group B and Group C posts in various ministries of the Government of India.
- The new SSC CGL exam pattern comprises 2 stages – Tier 1 and Tier 2. While Tier 1 contains multiple-choice questions (MCQ), the Tier 2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. It will be mandatory for the candidates to appear for Paper 1, whereas Papers 2 and 3 will be for selective posts only. In this post, we have explained the SSC CGL revised exam pattern, marking scheme, and more to help candidates prepare optimally.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023
- SSC CGL exam pattern 2023 consists of 2 tiers designed to test the candidates on various aspects of knowledge and their abilities. There are two stages of the SSC CGL exam i.e. Tier 1 and Tier 2 which are further categorized into different papers. Candidates need to appear for both tiers to proceed to the final stage. The Tier 1 exam will be a Computer Based Test, whereas Tier 2 is a CBT + Skill Test. Here, we have shared the SSC CGL pattern for all stages.
- Candidates should take the SSC CGL paper pattern into consideration while preparing. It is the blueprint on which the SSC CGL question paper will be based. Additionally, it also acquaints candidates with SSC CGL markings such as total marks and negative markings which help candidates be mindful during the exam. Let us check the new SSC CGL exam pattern for each tier separately below.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern Tier 1 2023
- The SSC CGL exam pattern for Tier 1 comprises four sections that are divided into 25 questions each. These subjects are – English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness. The exam consists of 100 questions, with each question carrying two marks, and there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. Candidates need to attempt all four sections within 60 minutes.
The complete exam pattern of SSC CGL Tier 1 is tabulated below for your better understanding.
| SSC CGL Exam Pattern Tier 1 2023 | |||
| Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes or 80 minutes disabled |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | |
Note: For candidates who suffer from cerebral palsy or are visually challenged, the time limit is 80 minutes.
The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is a screening test, and the candidates who qualify in this stage are eligible to appear for the subsequent stages of the selection process.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023 Tier 2 (Revised)
- Candidates who clear the Combined Graduate Level Tier 1 exam will be asked to appear for Tier 2. This exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper 1 will be compulsory for all the posts, whereas, Paper 2 will be mandatory for the candidates who applied for Junior Statistical Officer and Paper 3 for Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.
| Papers | Time Duration |
| Paper-1: (Compulsory for all posts) | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Paper-2: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 2 hours |
| Paper-3: Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer | 2 hours |
- Going by the revised SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern 2023, Paper 1 has to be completed within the timeframe of one hour i.e., 60 minutes, and Paper 2 & 3 in 2 hours each. Check out the SSC CGL exam pattern for Tier 2 below:
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023 Tier 2: Paper 1
- SSC CGL Tier 2 is divided into 3 sections, further categorized into 2 modules each. There will be a total of 150 questions that candidates need to attempt within the stipulated time. In section 1, there will be 60 questions carrying the weightage of 3 marks each, and 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
| Sections | Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allotted |
| Section 1 | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | ||
| Section 2 | Module-I | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 hour |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | ||
| Section 3 | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test | 2000 Key Impressions | 15 minutes | ||
| Total | 150 | 450 | |||
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern: Papers 2 & 3
| Paper | Section | No. of question | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper II | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern: DEST
- Candidates who clear Paper 1 of SSC CGL Tier 2 will be qualified to take the Data Entry Test and Computer Proficiency Test. This is a skill test designed to evaluate the computer proficiency skills of the candidate. This exam is conducted for certain posts only. It is qualifying in nature, which means, the marks obtained in the skill test are not included in the final merit list, but candidates must qualify it to be considered for the post. The detailed SSC CGL Exam pattern for the Skill test is explained below.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
- As per the revised SSC CGL paper pattern, this test evaluates candidates’ typing skills and ability to work efficiently with computers. It is conducted for those aiming at the post of Tax Assistant (Central Excise and Income Tax). In this test, candidates are given a passage to type on a computer within a specific time duration in either English or Hindi languages. To clear this stage, they must have a typing speed of 2000 keystrokes in 15 minutes.
- Candidates are required to type the given passage accurately without any errors within the given time limit. The typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), and the accuracy is measured in terms of the number of errors made while typing. The final score of the candidate is based on the speed and accuracy of typing.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023 Marking Scheme
- Candidates apart from the exam pattern should also be well acquainted with the SSC CGL marking scheme to attempt the Tier efficiently. Being aware of how the SSC CGL marking is done will allow candidates to attempt questions mindfully. As there are various tiers involved in this exam, knowing the total marking for each along with negative marking is essential to score well. We have provided an overview below to help candidates gain useful insights into the SSC CGL exam pattern and marking.
| SSC CGL Marking | |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Total Marks | 200 Marks |
| SSC CGL Total Marks for Tier 2 | Paper 1: 450 Paper 2 & 3: 200 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | Tier 1: 2 Marks Tier 2: Paper 1-3 Marks Tier 2: Paper 2 & 3 – 2 Marks |
| SSC CGL Negative Marking | Tier 1: 0.50 Mark Tier 2: Paper 1 – 1 Mark Tier 2: Paper 2 & 3 – 0.50 Marks |
| Deduction for Unattempt Questions | None |
FAQs on the SSC CGL Exam Pattern
Question – What is the SSC CGL Exam Pattern?
Answer – The SSC CGL exam pattern 2023 is divided into 2 tiers. As per the revised SSC CGL paper pattern, tier 1 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted to test candidates’ knowledge in specific domains like Mathematics, Reasoning, Basic English, Economics, etc. Tier 2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. It will be mandatory for the candidates to appear for Paper 1, whereas Papers 2 and 3 will be conducted for the selective posts only.
Question – Has the SSC CGL exam pattern changed?
Answer – Yes, the Staff Selection Commission has changed the exam pattern of the SSC CGL examination this year. As per the SSC CGL new pattern, there will be only 2 tiers, instead of 4. The Tier 1 will be CBT, however, the Tier 2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. It will be mandatory for the candidates to appear for Paper 1, whereas Paper 2 and 3 will be for the JSO and Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.
Question – Is there any SSC CGL negative marking in the exam?
Answer – As per the latest SSC CGL exam pattern shared by the commission, 0.50 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer in Tier 1. In Tier 2, 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer marked while attempting Paper 1, whereas 0.50 marks will be deducted for incorrect answers marked in papers 2 & 3 of SSC CGL Tier 2.
Question – What is SSC CGL’s new pattern?
Answer – Authorities have released the SSC CGL new pattern according to which there will be only 2 tiers. Tier 1 will be CBT. Tier 2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper 1 is compulsory for all whereas Paper 2 and 3 will be for selective posts only.
Question – What is the SSC CGL exam pattern for Tier 2?
Answer – As per the revised SSC CGL exam pattern, the Tier 2 exam will be conducted in 3 phases. Paper 1 of SSC CGL Tier 2 is a computer-based test and is divided into four sections- Quantitative Abilities, English, Reasoning, and General Awareness. It will also comprise of Data Entry Test and a Computer Proficiency Test. Paper 2 and Paper 3 of SSC CGL Tier 2 will comprise of 100 questions on Statistics and General Studies, respectively.
Question – How many stages are there in the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2023?
Answer – The SSC CGL exam pattern includes 2 stages: Tier 1 & Tier 2. Tier 2 is further categorized into 4 sections: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. The details about the revised SSC CGL exam pattern are mentioned in this post.
Question – How many subjects are there in the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern?
Answer – There are six subjects in the SSC CGL paper pattern of Tier 2 which are as follows: English Language and Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics). 100 questions will be asked from Statistics and General Studies each that need to be completed in 2 hours.
Question – What is the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern?
Answer – The exam pattern of SSC CGL Tier 1 consists of 100 questions from 4 different subjects, 25 questions from each subject. The subjects include Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Candidates have to solve all the questions within a time frame of 60 minutes.
Question – What is the SSC CGL exam pattern for AAO?
Answer – The SSC CGL exam pattern for AAO consists of two exams. The Tier 1 exam consists of 4 subjects and is common for all posts. However, the Tier 2 exam for SSC CGL AAO consists of an additional Paper 3 which has a weightage of 200 marks. This paper has two parts: Finance and Accounts and Economics and Governance.
Question – What are SSC CGL total marks?
Answer – SSC CGL total marks for Tier 1 are 200 marks. For tier 2, the total marks for Paper 1 are 450 whereas the total marks for Paper 2 and 3 are 200 each.
Question – What is the SSC CGL exam pattern for Income Tax Inspectors?
Answer – The SSC CGL exam pattern for Income Tax Inspectors consists of two CBT exams. Tier 1 exam is common for all posts. For tier 2 exam, is an Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for Module II of Section III of Paper-I.
Question – Where can I find the SSC CGL new exam pattern PDF?
Answer – SSC CGL’s new exam pattern PDF has been released in the official notification. However, we have explained the SSC CGL exam pattern here in detail so, that candidates can have all the information about it in one place in a concise manner.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2023
To scale SSC CGL 2023, candidates must know the syllabus for each section asked in the exam along with the exam pattern. Knowledge of the SSC CGL Syllabus will enable you to prepare well and systematically for the upcoming SSC Exams. The updated and revised SSC CGL Syllabus as released by SSC has been discussed in detail in the article.