SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024: Detailed Overview of Tier 1 and Tier 2, Marking Scheme, and DEST
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the SSC CGL Exam 2024, aiming to recruit 17,727 candidates for Combined Graduate Level (CGL) posts. This year, the exam pattern has seen some significant changes, including the removal of Tier 3. Understanding the SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 is crucial for effective preparation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the exam pattern, marking scheme, and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) details.
SSC CGL Exam Stages and Overview
The SSC CGL 2024 is conducted in two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both tiers are computer-based exams, with Tier 1 being objective type and qualifying in nature, and Tier 2 comprising multiple papers and modules. Here's a detailed breakdown of each tier:
Tier 1: Preliminary Exam
The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam consists of 100 objective-type questions, with a total of 200 marks. The exam is qualifying in nature, meaning the scores are used to determine eligibility for Tier 2 but do not count towards the final selection. The exam is 60 minutes long, with an additional 20 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe. The questions are divided into four sections:
- General Knowledge (25 questions, 50 marks)
- Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks)
- General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks)
- English Comprehension (25 questions, 50 marks)
Each section has 25 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.
Tier 2: Main Exam
The SSC CGL Tier 2 exam is divided into three papers, each serving different purposes:
- Paper I: Compulsory for all posts
- Paper II: For candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts
- Paper III: For candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) posts
Detailed Breakdown of Tier 2
Paper I:
- Section 1:
- Module I: Mathematical Ability (30 questions, 90 marks)
- Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks)
- Section 2:
- Module I: English Language and Comprehension (45 questions, 135 marks)
- Module II: General Awareness (25 questions, 75 marks)
- Section 3:
- Computer Knowledge Test (20 questions, 60 marks, qualifying in nature)
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
Each section has specific modules with varying weightage. The duration for Paper I is 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is mandatory to qualify in all sections of Paper I to proceed further.
Paper II: For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) posts, consisting of 100 questions on Statistics, with a total of 200 marks and a duration of 2 hours.
Paper III: For Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) posts, consisting of 100 questions on General Studies (Finance and Economics), with a total of 200 marks and a duration of 2 hours.
There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I, and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III.
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
The DEST is a crucial component of the SSC CGL exam for Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts. It is included under Module-II of Section-III of Paper-I and is qualifying in nature. The test evaluates the typing speed and accuracy of candidates, requiring them to type a passage of about 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Detailed instructions and evaluation criteria are provided by the regional offices of the Commission and are available on SSC’s website.
Important Points to Note:
- The questions in Tier 2 will be set in both English and Hindi, except for the English Language and Comprehension module.
- Normalization will be applied if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts to ensure fairness.
- Candidates must qualify in all sections of Paper-I to be eligible for further evaluation.
- The DEST is mandatory for all posts and must be cleared to be considered for final selection.
Conclusion
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2024 has been designed to test the comprehensive abilities of candidates across various domains. With the removal of the descriptive paper, the focus is now on objective-type questions and skill tests. Proper understanding and strategic preparation according to the detailed exam pattern can significantly enhance the chances of success in the SSC CGL 2024 examination. Prepare diligently, focus on the marking scheme, and practice extensively for the DEST to secure a position in the SSC CGL 2024 recruitment drive.