SSC CGL 2021 Exam pattern 1,2,3 & 4: Check marking scheme, type of questions and section wise paper analysis
Updated On -
Jan 21, 2021
SSC CGL 2021 is conducted in 4 levels i.e Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. There is a set syllabus for the entrance exam that candidates need to follow thoroughly. 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 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.
Get FREE SSC CGL 2021 Mock Tests, Sectional Quiz, Previous Years Papers. Click Here
SSC CGL syllabus is different for all the tiers. Tier 1 & 2 are computer-based papers with objective type questions. The major section of these two tiers is a quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, English comprehension, statics, and general studies.
Highlights of SSC CGL Exam Pattern
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 is different for every exam. The marking scheme and syllabus differ from exam to exam.
- Tier 1 exam- 100 questions from General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness/ General knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. 60 minutes duration with negative marking for an incorrect response.
- Tier 2 exam- This has 4 papers viz., Quantitative Ability, English Language and Comprehension, Statistics (only for the post of Statistical Investigator Gr. II & Compiler), General Studies of Finance and Economics (Only for the post of Assistant Audit Officer). 200 marks for each paper is allotted with a duration of 2 hours. Negative marking is applicable.
- Tier 3 exam- Descriptive paper for Essay Writing, Letter/Application Writing, Passage Writing. The paper is conducted for a duration of 1 hour for 100 marks.
- Tier 4 exam- Data Entry Skill Test/ Computer Proficiency Test for 15 minutes. This exam is qualifying in nature. No negative marking and no marks allotted.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 in Detail
As per the latest notifications by SSC, SSC CGL exam now has four levels of exams.
- Tier-1 & 2: Objective Type – Computer Based Examination
- Tier-3: Written Examination (Descriptive Type)
- Tier-4: Computer Test / Skill Test (wherever applicable)
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 is given in detail for the convenience of the aspiring candidates.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2021 for Tier-I
| Number of Papers | 1 |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Sections | 4 |
| Sections | General Intelligence and Reasoning General Awareness/ General knowledge Quantitative Aptitude English Comprehension |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Total Time | 60 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
| Mode | Online |
| Question Type | Objective |
Read Tips to Solve Quantitative Aptitude
SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Pattern 2021
- Tier II comprises four papers – Paper 1, 2, 3, 4.
- Paper 1 & 2 mandatory for all posts.
- Paper 3 is valid only for candidates who have applied for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and shortlisted in tier-I for this post/ paper.
- Paper 4 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
| Number of Papers | 4 |
| Subjects | Paper- 1: Quantitative Ability Paper-2: English Language and Comprehension Paper-3: Statistics (only for the post of Statistical Investigator Gr. II & Compiler Paper-4: General Studies (Finance and Economics) (Only for the post of Assistant Audit Officer) |
| Total Marks | 800 (200 in each paper) |
| Total Time | 2 hours for each paper |
| Negative Marking |
Paper 1, 2, 4: 0.50 Paper 3: 0.25 |
| Mode | Online |
| Question Type | Objective |
SSC CGL Tier-3 Exam Pattern 2021
| Number of Papers | 1 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Sections | Essay Writing Letter/Application Writing Passage Writing |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
Solve Mock Tests (2) for free before appearing for SSC CGL 2021 Exam
SSC CGL 2021 Tier-4 Exam Pattern
| 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 the post of Tax Assistants (Central Excise & Income Tax), can apply 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 |
SSC CGL 2021 Marking Scheme
SSC CGL 2019 has both online and offline based tests. While Tier 1, 2 and 4 are an online computer-based exam, Tier 3 is a descriptive written pen and paper examination. Tier 4 is the final qualifying round where document verification is also done. No personal interviews will be conducted in SSC CGL 2016 onwards.
| SSC CGL Exam Tiers | Sections | Total Marks | Marking Scheme | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | General Intelligence and Reasoning General Awareness/ General knowledge Quantitative Aptitude English Comprehension |
200 marks | Each question carries 2 mark | -0.50 for each wrong answer |
| Tier 2 | Paper 1: Quantitative Ability Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension Paper 3: Statistics Paper 4: General Studies (Finance and Economics) |
Paper 1: 200 Paper 2: 200 Paper 3: 200 Paper 4: 200 |
Paper 1, Paper 3, Paper 4: Each question carries 2 marks Paper 2: Each question carries 1 mark |
Paper 1, Paper 3, Paper 4: -0.50 for each wrong answer Paper 2: -0.25 for each wrong answer |
| Tier 3 | Essay, Application, Passage Writing | 100 marks | Minimum qualifying marks 33% | |
| Tier 4 | Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)/Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) (whichever applicable) | Qualifying in nature |
To Practice General Studies Sample Papers before the SSC CGL exam, click here.
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
Know About SSC CGL Coaching Centers
SSC CGL 2021- Important Books for Preparation
Listed below are few important books that a candidate can prepare from for all the 4 tiers of SSC CGL 2020:
| Subject | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| English | English for General Competitions: from Plinth to Paramount (Volume – 1) | Neetu Singh (KD Publications) |
| English | English for General Competitions: (Volume – 2) | Neetu Singh (KD Publications) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Advance maths for General Competitions | Rakesh Yadav (KD Publications) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic for General Competitions | Neetu Singh (KD Publications) |
| Reasoning | A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal & Non-Verbal | BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali (Arihant) |
| General Awareness | India Year Book | Various Authors |
| All Subjects | Kiran’s SSC CGL Combined Graduate Level Exams Question bank 1999-2016 | Kiran Publications |
| Tier 1 Comprehensive Guide | Master Guide SSC Combined Graduate Level Tier-I Examination | Arihant Experts |
| Tier 2 Comprehensive Guide | SSC CGL Staff Selection Commission Combined TIER-II Exam Practice Work Book Including Solved Papers | Kiran Publication |
Improve your knowledge in Reasoning before appearing for SSC CGL exam, click here
Important Instructions for Candidates
Following instructions should be kept in mind while preparing for SSC CGL 2021:
- Candidates should practice “mock tests” to get an idea of the computer-based exam for Tier 1 and Tier 2. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 GK section, that one should know?
Ans. To prepare for 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 of 4 papers namely,
Paper 1: Quantitative Ability
Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension
Paper 3: Statistics
Paper 4: General Studies (Finance and Economics)
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.