SSC CGL Selection Process: Tier I And Tier II

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, this examination opens doors to various prestigious job opportunities in government departments and ministries. 

The Staff Selection Commission through its official SSC exam calendar has announced the date for SSC CGL 2023 recruitment. To crack SSC CGL, it is essential to understand the selection process, which comprises of stages designed to assess candidates’ aptitude, knowledge and skills. In this article, we will delve into the selection process of SSC CGL and shed light on each stage.

Aspirants can go through the detailed information on SSC CGL Notification on the given link.

SSC CGL Selection Procedure 2023

The selection process for SSC CGL 2023 has been modified to a two-tier system by the Staff Selection Commission. This change was implemented in 2022, replacing the previous four-tier selection process. The SSC organises the CGL examination to fill graduate-level positions in diverse government departments. The notification for the 2023 CGL examination, which follows the two-tier selection process, was released on April 3, 2023. To secure their desired position, candidates must successfully navigate through all stages of the examination. It is imperative for candidates to familiarise themselves with the selection process and exam pattern for SSC CGL Recruitment 2023.

The selection process for SSC CGL 2023 comprises two Tiers of a Computer-Based exam followed by a Document Verification process. To progress to Tier 2, candidates must clear the Tier 1 exam. Let’s explore each stage of the selection process in detail in the following post.

For more details on other SSC Exams, refer to the linked article. 

SSC CGL Selection Process 2023: Tier 1 Exam

The Tier 1 exam is a computer-based test and serves as the initial stage of the selection process. To qualify, candidates must score equal to or above the prescribed SSC CGL Cut Off. The new SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 1 is given below:

Here are the details of the Tier 1 exam:

• A negative marking of 0.50 marks is applicable for each incorrect answer.
• Each section consists of 25 questions, with 2 marks assigned to each question, resulting in a total of 50 marks per section.
• Except for the English section, the question paper is provided in both English and Hindi.
• The exam comprises objective-type multiple-choice questions.
• The minimum qualifying mark for Tier 1 is 30% for candidates in the UR category.
• The Tier 1 exam consists of four sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language, following the latest SSC CGL syllabus.
• The time duration for the Tier 1 exam is 1 hour, while scribe-eligible candidates have an extended time duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Understanding the SSC CGL Selection Process 2023, including the exam pattern and SSC CGL Eligibility, is crucial for aspiring candidates to prepare effectively and increase their chances of success.

SSC CGL Selection Process 2023: Tier 2 Exam

The Tier 2 stage of the SSC CGL Selection Process holds significant importance in determining the fate of aspirants. The marks obtained in this stage play a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for the final merit list. The new SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 2 is given below:

Let’s delve into the details of the Tier 2 stage:

• Computer Knowledge Test: Module-I of Section III in Paper 1 comprises a mandatory but qualifying Computer Knowledge Test.
• Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): Module II of Section III in Paper 1 involves the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), which is mandatory and qualifying for all SSC CGL posts. The DEST/Skill Test is a 15-minute computer-based assessment, that evaluates candidates based on their ability to perform 2,000 key depressions.
• Language Medium: While English Language and Comprehension in Section II of Paper 1 is only available in English, the remaining questions are provided in both English and Hindi.
• Negative Marking: For Paper 1, incorrect answers in Section-I, Section II and Module-I of Section III result in a deduction of one mark, whereas Paper 2 and Paper 3 incur a deduction of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
• Paper Distribution: Paper 1 is mandatory for all posts, Paper 2 is specific to those applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) position and Paper 3 is exclusively for candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer roles.
• Paper Structure: SSC CGL Tier 2 consists of Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3, with multiple shifts/sessions per day. Paper 1 has two sessions on the same day, and candidates must qualify in all sections. All three papers in Tier 2 comprise Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions, except for Module II of Section III in Paper 1.

Understanding the dynamics of the SSC CGL Selection Process 2023 Tier 2 stage is vital for aspirants. This stage demands comprehensive preparation and a strategic approach as it significantly contributes to the final selection and inclusion in the coveted merit list. Aspirants can check the following links for comprehensive preparation-

• Current Affairs
• SSC General Awareness
• SSC CGL Syllabus

SSC CGL Selection Process: Tie-Breaking Criteria

In the selection process of SSC CGL, there may arise scenarios where multiple candidates achieve the same score. To ensure a fair and transparent selection, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has established tie-breaking criteria. When candidates secure identical marks in Tier 2 of the exam, the following methods are utilized to determine the final merit list:

• The total marks obtained in Paper-II & Paper-III of Tier-II Exam for JSO and AAO posts (if applicable) are taken into account.
• The total marks obtained in Section-I of Paper-I of Tier-II Exam are considered.
• The date of birth is taken into consideration, with preference given to older candidates.
• The alphabetical order of name initials is also considered.

These tie-breaking criteria are implemented by the SSC to address situations where candidates have the same scores, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the selection process.

Check SSC CGL exam dates for detailed information on new exam dates.

SSC CGL Selection Process – Document Verification

Required Documents for Photo ID Proof Verification: As part of the SSC CGL Selection Process, candidates are required to provide original documents for verification, including a Photo ID proof that matches the date of birth provided on the Admission Certificate. The following original documents can be presented for verification:

• Aadhar Card/E-Aadhar printout
• Any other photo ID Card issued by the Central/State Government
• Driving License
• Employer ID Card (Government/PSU)
• Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book issued by the Ministry of Defence
• Official ID Card of School/College/University
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Voter’s ID Card

Since the Tier I exam for SSC CGL 2022 is successfully completed, aspirants for the Combined Graduate Level examination can check the detailed SSC CGL Exam Analysis to understand the scope and difficulty level of the exam. 

The document verification (DV) round serves as the final step in the SSC CGL Selection Process. Candidates who have cleared both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams are required to participate in this stage. During DV, candidates must present the original documents along with photocopies, which were submitted during the SSC CGL Application Process. It is important to note that reserved category candidates need to provide supporting documents for quota reservation; otherwise, they will be considered under the Unreserved/General category. The list of documents required for the SSC CGL Document Verification stage is as follows:

• Applicable documents related to name change after matriculation due to marriage/remarriage/divorce, etc.
• Caste or Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Central Government Civilian Employees Certificate
• Certificates for Ex-Servicemen – Serving Defence Personnel (if applicable), Undertaking, and Discharge (if discharged from Armed Forces)
• Copy of Matriculation or Secondary Certificate
• Educational Qualification Certificate
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) if already employed in Government or Govt. undertakings
• Original Photo ID proof
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities Certificate (if applicable)
• Relevant Age Relaxation certificate (if applicable)
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs
• Any other document(s) specified in the Admission Certificate for the DV round.

Candidates can check SSC CGL Previous Year Question Paper for a thorough understanding of the level and scope of SSC CGL exam and for revision of their learnings.

SSC CGL Selection Procedure: Conclusion

The selection process of the SSC CGL exam is briefly given below:

• Online Application: Candidates are required to complete an electronic application form, providing personal information and educational qualifications, to meet the eligibility criteria for the examination.
• Tier 1 Exam: Tier 1 is an obligatory examination with objective questions, designed to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension Skills. This computer-based test serves as the initial phase of the selection procedure.
• Tier 2 Exam: Tier 2 comprises three papers: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. While Paper 1 is mandatory for all participants, the other two papers assess specific knowledge domains, such as Quantitative Abilities, English Language & Comprehension, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics). Tier 2 is also administered via a computer-based platform.
• Document Verification: Candidates who successfully clear both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations proceed to the ultimate phase, which entails the verification of documents. This process determines the final list of deserving candidates.
• Final Merit List: A conclusive merit list is prepared based on the performance in Tier 1 and Tier 2, thereby determining the selection of candidates for SSC CGL 2023.

Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL exam can visit the SSC CGL mock test page and get free mock tests based on the latest exam pattern and prepare for the exam accordingly.