SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 Tier I, II, III & IV: Check Marking Scheme
Updated On -
May 1, 2021
SSC CGL 2021 is conducted in 4 levels i.e Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV. The first two Tiers are held in online mode, whereas the Tier III exam is commenced in offline mode (that is pen and paper based test). Download SSC CGL Question Papers.
On the other hand, Tier IV is a computer proficiency test or data entry skill test (wherever applicable). Candidates must note that the score for SSC CGL Tier-I & Tier-II exam will be normalized if it is conducted in multiple shifts.
The normalization score will be decided by SSC and it will be considered final for selecting candidates for the further rounds (Tier-III & Tier-IV) of SSC CGL Exam 2021. Tier IV is the final round for cracking the exam. No interviews will be conducted as notified from the year 2016. Candidates can prepare from important books mentioned in the article below.
Highlights of SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 is different for every exam. The marking scheme and syllabus differ from exam to exam.
| Particulars | SSC CGL Exam Highlights |
|---|---|
| Number of tiers | 4 |
| Exam mode | Tier-I: Online; Tier-II: Online Tier-III: Offline; Tier-IV: Computer proficiency test/skill test/document verification |
| Exam duration | Tier-I: 60 minutes; Tier-II: 120 minutes for each paper Tier-III: 60 minutes; Tier- IV: 15 minutes for each module |
| Number of questions | Tier-I: 100 Tier-II: 500 Tier-III: 1 |
| Type of questions | Tier-I: MCQs Tier-II: MCQs Tier-III: Descriptive |
| Total marks | Tier-I: 200; Tier-II: 800 Tier-III: 100; Tier - IV - Qualifying in nature |
| Language of paper | Tier-I: English and Hindi Tier-II: English and Hindi Tier-III: English and Hindi |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 in Detail
As per the latest notifications by the commission, SSC CGL exam now has four levels of exams.
- Tier-I & II: Objective Type – Computer Based Examination
- Tier-III: Written Examination (Descriptive Type)
- Tier-IV: Computer Test / Skill Test (wherever applicable). Check Upcoming SSC Exam Dates 2021, read the news here.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 is given in detail for the convenience of the aspiring candidates.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 for Tier-I
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
|
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
- In Tier I exam, the aspirants have to answer multiple choice questions and the questions will be in Hindi and English (except for English Comprehension).
- In Tier I exam, the aspirants will get a deduction of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer.
- The aspirants should get the minimum qualifying SSC CGL Cutoff marks to appear for the Tier II exam.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern Tier II 2021
- Tier IIcomprises four papers – Paper I, II, III, IV.
- Paper I&IImandatory for all posts.
- Paper IIIisvalid only for candidates who have applied for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and shortlisted in Tier-I for this post/ paper.
- Paper IV is valid only for candidates who have applied for the post of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer and shortlisted in Tier-I for this post/ paper
- In Tier II, the aspirants will get a deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in paper II (English Language and Comprehension) and of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer in Paper I, III and IV.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: Quantitative Abilities | 100 | 200 |
|
| Paper II: English Language and Comprehension | 200 | 200 | |
| Paper III: Statistics | 100 | 200 | |
| Paper IV: General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern Tier III 2021
| Number of Papers | 1 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Descriptive (Pen and paper based) |
| Sections | Essay Writing Letter/Application Writing Passage Writing |
| Duration |
|
| Exam Mode | Offline |
- The Tier III paper will be answered either in Hindi or in English.
- The candidates have to write their correct roll number to the prescribed places on the cover page of the Answer Book.
- The candidates also need to affix the left-hand thumb impression and signature in the relevant column of the answer book.
- The answer books containing the Roll number, signature and left thumb impression will be awarded as zero marks.
- The candidates should not reveal their personal identity such as name, mobile number or address inside the answer books.
Also Check SSC CGL Important Books
SSC CGL 2021 Exam Pattern Tier IV 2021
| Total Marks | Qualifying in Nature |
| Time Duration | 15 minutes |
| Tests | Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)/Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) | Only for candidates applying for the post of Tax Assistants (in Central Excise and Income Tax) Criteria: 8000 key depression per hour |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | Only for candidates applying for the post of Assistant Section Officer Three modules: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Generation of Slides |
SSC CGL Data Entry Skill Test
The aspirants, who are willing to apply for the post of Tax Assistants (Central Excise & Income Tax), can apply for the test. As per the regulations, the aspirants should have the capability of typing 8000 key Depressions in each hour (on the computer). On the other hand, as per the skill test, the candidates should type 2000 Key Depressions in 15 minutes.
SSC CGL Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Read the below-mentioned content to understand, who are eligible to apply for the same:
- Assistant Section Officer in CSS MEA and AFHQ.
- Assistant in Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Inspector (Central Excise)
- Inspector (Examiner) in CBEC
- Assistant (GSI) in Ministry of Mines
- Inspector (Preventive Officer)
SSC CGL Document Verification (DV)
| Matriculation/secondary certificate | Educational qualification certificate |
| Caste/category certificate, if applicable | PwD certificate, if applicable |
| Mark sheets of all the three years of graduation | Provisional certificate/ certificate of graduation |
| Two passport-size colored photos | ID proof |
| Relevant certificate if seeking any age relaxation | Relevant documents for Ex-Servicemen |
| No Objection certificate, in the case already employed in Government/Government undertakings | Any other document specified in admit card |
Go through the following quick links:
| SSC CGL Exam Centres | SSC CGL Job Profile | |
| SSC CGL Salary | One word Substitution Quiz for SSC CGL 2020-21 Exam | SSC CGL Result and Counselling |
SSC CGL 2021 Marking Scheme
SSC CGL has both online and offline based tests. While Tier I, II and IV are an online computer-based exam, Tier III is a descriptive written pen and paper examination. Tier IV is the final qualifying round where document verification is also done. No personal interviews will be conducted in SSC CGL 2016 onwards.
SSC CGL Marking Scheme for Tier I
| Marks Awarded Per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|
| +2 | -0.50 |
SSC CGL Marking Scheme for Tier II
| SSC CGL Tier-II Papers | Marks Awarded per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| I | 2 marks | 0.50 marks |
| II | 1marks | 0.25 marks |
| III | 2marks | 0.50marks |
| IV | 2marks | 0.50marks |
SSC CGL 2021 Syllabus
SSC CGL syllabus is different for four Tiers of the exam. Both Tier I and II, the online exams, are consisting of different subjects. On the other hand, the Tier III exam is a descriptive type of paper, which can be answered both in English and Hindi language. The Tier I section is consisting of General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, General Intelligence and Reasoning.
Check Detailed SSC CGL Syllabus
Important Instructions for Candidates
Following instructions should be kept in mind while preparing for SSC CGL exam 2021:
- Candidates should practice “mock tests” to get an idea of the computer-based exam for Tier I and Tier II. Online tests for the same must be attempted.
- Mock tests are available on the official website of the SSC as well as the regional office websites.
- Time management is very important.
- Be careful of negative marking. Answer only those questions which you are sure of.
CGL FAQs
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 FAQs
Ques. What is the time allotted to attempt each section of SSC CGL 2021 Tier I?
Ans. There is no time limit to attempt Tier I sections, however, cumulative time of 60 minutes is there to attempt 100 objective type questions. Each question will carry 2 marks and for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
Ques. What are the topics under the GK section, that one should know?
Ans. To prepare for the GK section, you should focus on daily current affairs, GK quiz, study about History. Geography, Economic Scene, Culture, General Policy & Scientific Research.
Ques. How many attempts are allowed in SSC CGL examination?
Ans. There is no limitation on the number of attempts for SSC CGL, however, there is an age limit for different category candidates.
Ques. What are the sections in SSC CGL Tier-II?
Ans. SSC CGL Tier-II comprises 4 papers namely,
Paper I: Quantitative Ability
Paper II: English Language and Comprehension
Paper III: Statistics
Paper IV: General Studies (Finance and Economics)
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.