The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier-I Examination 2025 has begun on September 12 and will continue through September 26, 2025.
Key details
Duration: The computer-based exam is scheduled to run for 15 consecutive days, from September 12 to September 26, 2025.
Applicants: Over 28.14 lakh candidates have registered for the Tier-I exam.
Vacancies: The examination aims to fill 14,582 Group B and C posts across various government ministries and departments.
Exam centers: The test is being held in 260 centers across 129 cities nationwide.
Modernization efforts: In a new initiative for select centers in Kolkata, the exam is being conducted on laptops to modernize the process.
Exam structure and timing
Format: The Tier-I exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Sections: The paper is divided into four sections:
General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions)
General Awareness (25 questions)
Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions)
English Comprehension (25 questions)
Scoring: Each question is worth 2 marks, for a total of 200 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer.
Duration: Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the exam.
Shifts: The exam is being held in multiple shifts each day. Standard shift timings are:
Shift 1: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Shift 2: 11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Shift 3: 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Shift 4: 5:15 PM–6:15 PM (Optional at some centers)
Reporting time: Candidates must report to their exam centers well before their scheduled shift begins, as entry gates close 30 minutes prior to the exam start time.
Admit card and guidelines
Admit card: The SSC CGL Tier-I admit card was released on the official website, ssc.gov.in. Candidates can download it using their registration number and password.
Important documents: Candidates must bring the following to the exam center:
A printed copy of their admit card
A valid, original photo ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)
Two passport-sized photographs
Security and fairness measures
The Staff Selection Commission has implemented new technologies to ensure fairness and prevent malpractice, including:
Remote control of examination computers to prevent hacking.
Biometric and facial recognition for identity verification.
CCTV surveillance to monitor for cheating