What is SSC CGL Exam and how to prepare for it

What is SSC CGL Exam

Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level Examination, often referred to as SSC CGL is an examination conducted to recruit staff to various posts in ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India. It is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for selecting staff for various Group B and Group C posts. The Staff Selection Commission was established in 1975.

 

Basic Criteria

Candidates applying for the various posts need to have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university at the time of applying. The age requirements are between 20 and 30 years.The age limits may vary depending on the position applied. All women candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Physically Handicapped, and Ex-Servicemen eligible for reservation are exempted from paying application fee.

 

Exam Structure 

The examination has several Tiers which are conducted over different days with results posted after each Tier. There are four major tiers for the exam.

 

Tier I: Preliminary

The Tier I exam consists of a written objective multiple-choice exam with four sections, covering the subjects of:

1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
2. General Awareness
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. English Comprehension

The exam was typically scored with maximum 50 Marks per section for a total of 200 Marks.

Based on results from Tier I, qualified candidates can then take the Tier II and Tier III exams.

 

Tier II: Mains Exam

Also known as the Mains Exam, the Tier II exam consists of written objective multiple-choice exam, in four sections (also called "Papers"), covering the subjects of:

1. Quantitative Aptitude
2. English Language and Comprehension
3. Statistics
4. General Studies, which is subdivided into:
   1. Finance & Accounting
   2. Economics & Governance.

The exam was typically scored with maximum 200 Marks per section. Most positions required the candidate to take only the first two sections (Paper-I: Quantitative Aptitude, Paper-II: English Language and Comprehension), but certain positions require the third or fourth section.

 

Tier III exam: Descriptive Paper

A pen-and-paper "offline" exam in which candidates are to do writing in the form of essay writing and letter writing, and sometimes précis and application writing. The exam can be done in English or Hindi.

 

Tier IV exam: Data Entry Skill Test / Computer Proficiency Test

With two possible exams depending on the positions applied:

1. Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): candidates enter data at the rate of 2000 key presses in 15 minutes. This is mainly for positions such as Tax Assistant. (Central Excise & Income Tax)
2. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): covering the topics of word processing, spreadsheets, and making slides.

 

Other exams

Other exams are required for certain positions. The types included:

• Personality Test / Interview (discontinued starting 2016)
• Physical Endurance Test / Medical Examination for Central Police Organization (CPO)