SSC CGL Preparation
SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination. Graduate-level recruitment to Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries and departments.
- Previous year papers
- 8
- 2023–2026
- Mock tests
- 10
- Practice questions
- 712
- Stages
- 2
- Tier 1, Tier 2
About SSC CGL
The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit graduates to posts such as Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, Central Excise, Preventive Officer), Auditor, Accountant and Tax Assistant.
The examination is held in two computer-based tiers. Tier 1 is an objective screening test. Tier 2 decides the final merit and includes mathematical abilities, reasoning, English, general awareness and a computer knowledge module.
SSC CGL exam pattern
Pattern used for online practice on SSC Rank. Confirm the current pattern in the official notification.
Tier 1
Objective screening test of 100 questions carrying 200 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes. Each wrong answer costs 0.50 marks.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total (60 minutes) | 100 | 200 |
Tier 2
Paper I, Session I: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English and General Awareness, 3 marks per question with a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer. The Computer Knowledge module and the typing test are held separately and are not part of the online practice papers here.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 90 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 90 |
| English Language | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Total (135 minutes) | 130 | 390 |
SSC CGL eligibility
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university is the basic requirement. The age limit generally falls between 18 and 32 years depending on the post. Exact vacancies, age limits and relaxations change with every cycle — always confirm them in the official notification on ssc.gov.in.
SSC CGL syllabus
Reasoning: analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, ranking, syllogism, Venn diagrams and non-verbal reasoning.
Quantitative Aptitude: number system, percentage, ratio and proportion, average, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time-speed-distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data interpretation.
English: vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms), spotting errors, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, cloze test and reading comprehension.
General Awareness: history, geography, polity, economy, general science, static GK and current affairs.
SSC CGL previous year papers
8 papers available for 2026, 2024 and 2023.
SSC CGL 2024 Tier 2 Question Paper — 18 January, Shift 1
SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Question Paper — 10 September, Shift 1
SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Question Paper — 9 September, Shift 1
SSC CGL mock tests
SSC CGL Tier 1 Full Mock Test 1
A full-length test on the Tier 1 pattern: 100 questions across four sections in 60 minutes.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Full Mock Test 2
A second full-length Tier 1 test with a fresh set of questions.
Subjects and important topics
Practise topic-wise questions with answers and explanations.
SSC CGL guides and resources
SSC CGL FAQs
What is the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam pattern?
SSC CGL Tier 1 has 100 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. Each question carries 2 marks, and 0.5 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. The sections are General Intelligence and Reasoning (25), General Awareness (25), Quantitative Aptitude (25) and English Language (25).
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. In Tier 1, 0.5 marks are deducted for every wrong answer, while unattempted questions are not penalised. Online practice on SSC Rank applies the same deduction.
Which SSC CGL previous year papers are available here?
There are 8 papers from 2026, 2024 and 2023. Each paper can be attempted online with a timer, and papers with a PDF can be previewed or downloaded.
Who is eligible for SSC CGL?
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university is the basic requirement. The age limit generally falls between 18 and 32 years depending on the post. Exact vacancies, age limits and relaxations change with every cycle — always confirm them in the official notification on ssc.gov.in.