The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination is one of India’s most sought-after competitive examinations, offering opportunities to serve in Group B and Group C posts across central government departments and organisations. Cracking this examination requires more than hard work: it calls for the right guidance, a focused strategy and consistent practice. At Educrat IAS Academy, aspirants receive structured preparation, expert mentorship and a focused learning environment to help them prepare for both computer-based tiers. With comprehensive coverage and exam-oriented practice, Educrat IAS supports students in building the confidence and skills needed to pursue their SSC CGL goals.
| Feature | Tier I details |
| Total questions | 100 |
| Maximum marks | 200 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Marks per correct answer | 2 |
| Negative marking | 0.50 marks for each wrong answer |
| Question format | Objective multiple-choice questions |
Age will be calculated as on 01-08-2026. The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation or Secondary Examination Certificate will be treated as final.
| Age Limit (Post-wise) | Date of Birth Range (Both Inclusive) |
| 18 to 27 years | 02-08-1999 to 01-08-2008 |
| 20 to 30 years | 02-08-1996 to 01-08-2006 |
| 18 to 30 years | 02-08-1996 to 01-08-2008 |
| 18 to 32 years (JSO) | 02-08-1994 to 01-08-2008 |
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Citizen of India, or subjects/persons of specified neighboring and migrated countries as permitted under Government of India rules, with eligibility certificate wherever required. |
| Essential Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or equivalent for most posts. |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level; or Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level. |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence. |
| Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | Bachelor’s Degree is essential. Desirable qualifications include CA, CMA, CS, M.Com, MBA (Finance), or M.B.E. |
| Appearing Candidates | Final year candidates may apply, but they must possess the essential qualification on or before 01-08-2026. |
| Distance Learning Degrees | Accepted only if approved by Distance Education Bureau, UGC, for Central Government employment. Proof must be produced at document verification. |
| BRO Posts | Only male candidates are eligible for vacancies reported in Border Roads Organization. |
Tier I has four sections, with a separate 15-minute timer for each. Questions are set in English and Hindi, except for English Comprehension.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| 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 | 60 minutes |
Candidates eligible for a scribe receive the additional time and sectional timings prescribed in the official notification.
Tier II
Paper I is compulsory for all posts. It is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Candidates must qualify each section of Paper I separately.
| Paper I section | Questions or task | Marks | Time |
| Section I: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section I: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Section II: English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes |
| Section II: General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes |
| Section III: Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| Section IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | One data-entry task | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
| Paper | For candidates shortlisted for | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper II: Statistics | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper III: General Studies (Finance and Economics) | Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Paper II and Paper III are conducted in separate shifts or on separate days, as scheduled by SSC.
Tier II negative marking: One mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Paper I. In Paper II and Paper III, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. The Computer Knowledge Test and DEST are qualifying in nature, with higher qualifying standards applicable to certain posts.
Candidates eligible for a scribe receive additional time as specified in the notification. This includes extended sectional or paper timings for Paper I and up to 2 hours 40 minutes for Papers II and III.
| Paper / Section | Key Topics |
| Tier-I: General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, similarities, space visualization, problem solving, arithmetic reasoning, number series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, social intelligence |
| Tier-I: General Awareness | Current events, India and neighbouring countries, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research |
| Tier-I: Quantitative Aptitude | Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio, averages, SI/CI, profit & loss, discount, time & work, time & distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, bar charts, pie charts |
| Tier-I: English Comprehension | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, writing ability |
| Tier-II Paper-I Sec-I: Mathematical Abilities | Number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics & probability |
| Tier-II Paper-I Sec-II: English Language & Comprehension | Vocabulary, grammar, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, sentence improvement, comprehension passages (current affairs + editorial based) |
| Tier-II Paper-I Sec-III: Computer Knowledge | Computer basics, MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint), Internet & e-mail, networking & cybersecurity basics |
| Tier-II Paper-II: Statistics | Data collection, frequency distribution, central tendency, dispersion, correlation, regression, probability, sampling theory, statistical inference, ANOVA, time series, index numbers |
| Tier-II Paper-III: General Studies (Finance & Economics) | Part A (Finance & Accounts, 80 marks): Financial accounting, GAAP, books of accounts, depreciation, bank reconciliation. Part B (Economics & Governance, 120 marks): Economic concepts, Indian economy, governance, financial markets, budget basics |
Personalised mentorship with strategic guidance for different stages of preparation.
Structured coverage of the syllabus, from foundational concepts to exam-focused revision.
Regular doubt-clearing sessions to strengthen conceptual understanding.
Guided discussion and academic support to maintain consistent preparation.
Sectional tests and full-length mock tests to improve speed, accuracy and time management.
Current affairs coverage focused on issues relevant to the examination.
Small batches that support interaction, individual attention and meaningful feedback.
Lessons link UPSC GS subjects to SSC CGL subjects.
Topic practice reinforces learning across CGL sections.
Educrat IAS Academy’s SSC CGL Foundation Course is designed to help aspirants prepare across the subjects and stages of the examination. The programme focuses on reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English for Tier I, along with the broader requirements of Tier II, including mathematical abilities, computer knowledge and data entry practice. Candidates preparing for additional papers can also focus on Statistics or Finance and Economics, as applicable to their chosen posts.
Structured classes, revision and exam-oriented practice help candidates build familiarity with the paper and use their preparation time effectively.
Educrat IAS Academy’s SSC CGL Test Series is designed to help aspirants practise the computer-based examination format and assess their preparation. Sectional and full-length tests provide opportunities to work on accuracy, time management and question selection. Reviewing performance after each test can help candidates identify gaps and plan focused revision.
Preparing for SSC CGL means managing different subjects, exam stages and time limits. A clear study plan, regular revision and consistent testing can help aspirants prepare systematically.
Educrat IAS Academy offers structured guidance and exam-focused practice to help aspirants strengthen concepts, assess their progress and address areas that need more attention.
SSC CGL rewards consistent preparation across subjects and stages. Build strong fundamentals, practise under time limits and review your progress regularly.
Build your preparation with a clear plan. Contact Educrat IAS Academy to learn more.
