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The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India. It is held as a computer-based examination in two tiers.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 1 hour |
Note: Objective multiple-choice questions with a sectional timer for each subject. 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Quantitative Aptitude is set at 10th-standard level and the other parts at graduation level.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I A: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section-I B: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section-II A: English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| Section-II B: General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes |
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 450 | 2 hours 15 minutes (Session-I) |
| Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying, Session-II) | One task | — | 15 minutes |
Note: Each question carries 3 marks; 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III. The Data Entry Speed Test is a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes, held in Session-II on the same day.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-II: Statistics (JSO / Statistical Investigator Grade-II) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-III: General Studies – Finance & Economics (Assistant Audit / Accounts Officer) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Note: Each question carries 2 marks; 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Exam pattern and selection process may vary by recruitment notification. Candidates should check the latest official notification. This pattern is from the SSC Notice of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (21.05.2026).
Tap a subject to see its chapters, which tier tests it, a preparation tip and links to practice. Chapter names follow the syllabus in the official notification; the topics under them are a study breakdown.
Called Quantitative Aptitude in Tier-I and Mathematical Abilities in Tier-II. It tests number sense, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data from tables and graphs.
Preparation tip: Build calculation speed first, then practise mixed arithmetic and geometry questions under timed conditions.
Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematical Abilities BITS (525) → Quantitative Aptitude Exam → Quantitative Aptitude formulas & study material →
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning in both tiers (General Intelligence in CHSL Tier-I; Reasoning and General Intelligence in Tier-II).
Preparation tip: Focus on the common question patterns first, then improve speed through timed practice.
General Intelligence & Reasoning BITS (200) → Reasoning Ability BITS (150) → Reasoning Ability Exam → Reasoning study material →
Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and comprehension (English Comprehension / English Language in Tier-I).
Preparation tip: Combine grammar fundamentals with daily reading for comprehension and vocabulary practice.
English Language & Comprehension BITS (100) → English Language Exam → English grammar & vocabulary →
Awareness of the environment and its application to society, current events, and everyday science, with emphasis on India and its neighbouring countries.
Preparation tip: Revise static GK subject by subject and follow current affairs month by month.
General Awareness BITS (939) → General Science BITS (229) → General Awareness Mock 1 → General Knowledge study material →
Also study: Current AffairsCurrent Affairs QuizGeneral Science
A qualifying section of Tier-II, compulsory for all candidates.
Preparation tip: Learn computer basics, MS Office features and keyboard shortcuts, then practise short timed sets.
Computer Knowledge Test BITS (376) → Computer Knowledge Exam →
Only for candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
Preparation tip: Work through each chapter with solved numerical problems; the paper is at graduation level.
Only for candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer. Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks); Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks).
Preparation tip: Revise accounting basics alongside Indian economy, public finance and governance topics.
Free timed subject tests with instant results. Taking a test needs a free account.
The 2011 Tier-I followed the older 200-question pattern (50 questions each on Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English). Papers are reproduced for candidates' study and reference only; no answer key is published.
Two. Tier-I is a computer-based exam used for shortlisting, and Tier-II (Paper-I for all posts, plus Paper-II or Paper-III for specific posts) decides the merit.
Under the 2026 notice, Tier-I has 100 questions for 200 marks in 1 hour: 25 questions each on General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension, with a 15-minute sectional timer for each.
No. Tier-I is used to shortlist candidates for Tier-II. The final merit is prepared on the basis of Tier-II only.
Section-I: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning (30 questions each); Section-II: English Language and Comprehension (45) and General Awareness (25); Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (20, qualifying); and Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying). Each question carries 3 marks.
Yes. 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Tier-I, 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I–III of Tier-II Paper-I, and 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III.