SSC (CGL) Exam Study Materials and Study Notes available

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination in four Tiers namely Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4. While SSC CGL Exam Pattern Tier-1 and Tier-2 are conducted in Online Mode on other hand SSC CGL exam pattern Tier-3 is conducted in Pen and Paper mode and SSC CGL Exam pattern Tier-4 in Computer Skill Test which is conducted on Computer. Candidates can go through this article for more information about the different tiers of the SSC CGL Exam Pattern. This article also explains each tier of SSC CGL.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the final result of the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE), 2023. The result of the Tier-II examination is out now, and the examination was held in Computer-Based Mode on October 26 and 27, 2023. Students who have appeared for the Tier-II examination can check their results on the official website, ssc.nic.in. Earlier, the board declared the result of the Tier-I results on September 19, 2023.
According to the examination guidelines, candidates were shortlisted for further evaluation, as per the aggregate performance in Section I and Section II of Paper I of the Tier-II Exam.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) every year in four levels for various posts. Exam Pattern - The Examination will be conducted in four tiers as indicated below:

Tier	Type	Mode
Tier – I	Objective Multiple Choice	Computer Based (online)
Tier – II	Objective Multiple Choice	Computer Based (online)
Tier – III	Descriptive Paper in English/Hindi	Pen and Paper mode
Tier – IV	Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test	Wherever Applicable

Before beginning the SSC CGL preparation, it is important to make note of changes in exam pattern and syllabus. The modifications to SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 1 & 2 are given below:

• Introduction of a descriptive paper of 100 marks within 60 minutes in pen and paper mode.

• Reduction in time limit for examination of Tier -I from 75 minutes to 60 minutes.

This is an objective exam which will be conducted online. There are 4 sections in the Tier 1 exam of SSC CGL 2017, with 100 questions which account for a total of 200 marks. The time duration of Tier-1 will be 60 minutes. The subject-wise details are given below:

Section	Subject	No of Questions	Max Marks	Time
1	General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50	60 minutes
2	General Awareness	25	50
3	Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
4	English Comprehension	25	50
Total		100	200

English Language : The English Language section of SSC CGL Tier 1 exam 2017, surprised many candidates with its twisted questions and arduous language. There was not a single question from reading comprehension and it shocked many students. There was a cloze test question (cloze tests were not seen in CGL exams in last 2-3 years). Para Jumble was a new introduction this year.

Quantitative Aptitude : The questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the examination was of moderate level. Questions from Tabular DI were asked and there were six questions of simple interest and compound interest and profit and loss. There were 2-3 questions from trigonometry and 2-3 from algebra.

General Intelligence : The questions of General Intelligence (Reasoning) were quite easy. Many questions were from series and analogy. There were no questions from mathematical operations and one question from blood relation.

General Awareness : General Awareness (GA) questions were from all aspects of the syllabus, and especially from science section. Anyone having the basic knowledge of science will have advantage in this section. There were 3-4 questions from current affairs. Maximum questions were from history (5-6), polity (5-6) and science (7-8 questions). The level was easy-moderate.

• There is negative marking in SSC CGL 2017 Tier 1 Exam. Giving a wrong answer to a question will lead to a penalty of 0.5 marks in all sections.

• The exam duration is 80 minutes for candidates who are visually handicapped.

Penalty of Wrong Answer: There is a negative marking of 0.50 Marks for each wrong answer. There is no sectional cut off. No point will be deducted if the question is left blank or unattempted by a candidate.

SSC CGL Tier II Syllabus

This is an objective exam which will be conducted online. There are 4 sections in the Tier 2 exam of SSC CGL 2017, with 100 questions which account for a total of 200 marks. The subject-wise details are given below:

Paper	Subject	No of Questions	Max Marks	Time
1	Quantitative Abilities	100	200	2 Hours
2	English Language and Comprehension	200	200	2 Hours
3	Statistics	100	200	2 Hours
4	General Studies (Finance & Economics)	100	200	2 Hours

• Paper-3 is only for the post of “Statistical Investigator Gr. II” & “Compiler”

• There is negative marking in SSC CGL 2017 Tier 2 exam. Giving a wrong answer to a question will lead to a penalty of 0.5 marks in Paper-1,3,4 and 0.25 marks in Paper-2.

• Questions in Paper-I will be of 10th standard level, Paper-2 of 10+2 level and Paper-3 & 4 of graduation level.

• The computer will be provided by the Commission at the Centre/venue notified for the purpose. Candidates shall not be allowed to bring their own Key-board.

• The exam duration is 2 Hours and 40 Minutes for candidates who are visually handicapped.

Penalty of Wrong Answer: There is a negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer in Paper-II (English Language and Comprehension) and of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I, Paper-III and Paper-IV.

SSC CGL Tier III Exam Syllabus

This is a descriptive exam that is designed to test the written skills of the candidates in English/Hindi. It is conducted offline and candidates need to write Essay/Letter/Application/Precis. The best way to prepare for the same is to read lots of articles from various newspapers. Apart from this, you need to be well aware of the pattern of Letter and Application.

• The exam duration is 80 minutes for candidates who are visually handicapped or suffer from cerebral palsy.

SSC CGL Tier IV Exam Syllabus

SSC CGL Tier-4 Exam is a Computer Skill Test. It will be conducted in two steps: DEST Test & CPT Test. The Tier 4 of SSC CGL Exam comprises of a couple of skill tests which are required for certain government posts.

1. DEST (Data Entry Speed Test): This skill test is of qualifying nature for all the posts, other than Compiler, and is used to check the typing speed of the candidate. The candidates are given printed matter in English which they must accurately type on a computer with a minimum of 2000 (two thousand) key depressions in a duration of 15 (fifteen) minutes.

2. CPT (Computer Proficiency Test): The Commission will hold CPT, comprising three modules - Word Processing, Spread Sheet and Generation of Slides, for applicants for the post of Assistants of CSS(Assistant), MEA(Assistant), Inspector (Central Excise) [CBEC], Inspector (Preventive officer)[CBEC] & Inspector (Examiner)[CBEC]. CPT will be of a qualifying nature.