The SSC CGL or Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level exam is one of the most popular and competitive exams in India. It is conducted to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different ministries, departments, and organizations of the government of India. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for this exam, but only a few are able to crack it and secure their dream jobs. If you are planning to appear for the SSC CGL exam, you might have some questions or doubts regarding the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, selection process, etc. In this article, we will try to answer some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the SSC CGL exam. Let’s begin!
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Q: Does SSC CGL exam happen every year?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam is conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission. The notification for the exam is usually released in December or January, and the online application process starts soon after. The exam is held in four tiers: Tier 1 (Computer Based Test), Tier 2 (Computer Based Test), Tier 3 (Descriptive Paper), and Tier 4 (Skill Test/Document Verification). The dates for each tier are announced by the SSC on its official website.
Q: Does SSC CGL have interview?
A: No, the SSC CGL exam does not have an interview round. The final selection of the candidates is based on their performance in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 exams. However, some posts require candidates to appear for a skill test or a computer proficiency test in Tier 4. These tests are qualifying in nature and do not affect the final merit list.
Q: Does SSC CGL have negative marking?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam has negative marking for wrong answers. In Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams, there is a penalty of 0.5 marks for each wrong answer. In Tier 3 exam, there is no negative marking for descriptive paper.
Q: Does SSC CGL have sectional cut off?
A: No, the SSC CGL exam does not have sectional cut off. The candidates have to qualify in each tier separately by securing the minimum qualifying marks decided by the SSC. The cut off marks for each tier are determined by the SSC based on various factors such as number of vacancies, number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, etc.
Q: Does SSC CGL have sectional timing?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam has sectional timing for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. In Tier 1 exam, there are four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section has 25 questions and carries 50 marks. The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes and each section has to be attempted within 15 minutes. In Tier 2 exam, there are four papers: Paper 1 (Quantitative Abilities), Paper 2 (English Language and Comprehension), Paper 3 (Statistics), and Paper 4 (General Studies – Finance and Economics). Each paper has different number of questions and marks. The total duration of each paper is 120 minutes and each paper has to be attempted within that time limit.
Q: Does SSC CGL questions repeat?
A: No, the SSC CGL questions do not repeat exactly in the same form. However, some topics or concepts may be repeated or asked in a different way. Therefore, it is advisable to practice previous year papers and mock tests to get familiar with the type and pattern of questions asked in the exam.
Q: Does SSC CGL have maths?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam has maths as one of the subjects in Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. In Tier 1 exam, Quantitative Aptitude section covers topics such as Number System, Simplification, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, etc. In Tier 2 exam, Paper 1 (Quantitative Abilities) covers topics such as Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, etc. The level of difficulty and number of questions vary for each paper. The candidates have to solve the questions using basic mathematical concepts and formulas.
Q: Does SSC CGL have physical test?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam has physical test for some posts such as Inspector (Central Excise/Examiner/Preventive Officer), Inspector & Sub-Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics), and Sub-Inspector (CBI). The physical test consists of physical standards test (PST) and physical endurance test (PET). The PST checks the height, chest, and weight of the candidates. The PET checks the running, jumping, and cycling abilities of the candidates. The candidates have to qualify both the PST and PET to be eligible for these posts.
Q: Is SSC CGL difficult to crack?
A: The SSC CGL exam is considered to be one of the most difficult exams in India. The level of competition is very high as lakhs of candidates apply for a limited number of vacancies. The exam also tests the candidates on various subjects and skills across four tiers. The candidates have to prepare well and practice regularly to crack the exam. They also have to manage their time and accuracy in the exam.
Q: Is SSC CGL easier than UPSC?
A: The SSC CGL exam and the UPSC exam are two different exams with different objectives, syllabus, pattern, and difficulty level. The UPSC exam is conducted to recruit candidates for the civil services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. The UPSC exam has three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. The UPSC exam covers a wide range of topics such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs, etc. The UPSC exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams in the world. The SSC CGL exam is conducted to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in the government of India. The SSC CGL exam has four tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. The SSC CGL exam covers topics such as General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, Statistics, General Studies – Finance and Economics, etc. The SSC CGL exam is considered to be one of the most competitive exams in India. It is not possible to compare the two exams as they have different parameters and expectations. However, both the exams require hard work, dedication, and smart strategy to crack them.
Q: Is SSC CGL exam online or offline?
A: The SSC CGL exam is online or computer based for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. The candidates have to answer the questions on a computer screen using a mouse and a keyboard. The Tier 3 exam is offline or pen and paper based. The candidates have to write an essay or a letter or an application or a précis on a given topic in English or Hindi language. The Tier 4 exam is also offline or pen and paper based for some posts that require skill test or computer proficiency test.
Q: Is SSC CGL good for female?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam is good for female candidates as it offers various opportunities and benefits for them. Some of the benefits are:
- There is no gender discrimination in the selection process or the salary structure of the SSC CGL posts.
- There are some posts that are reserved or preferred for female candidates such as Assistant Section Officer (CSS), Assistant Audit Officer (CAG), Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED), etc.
- There are some posts that provide flexible working hours or work from home options for female candidates such as Assistant Section Officer (MEA), Assistant Section Officer (AFHQ), etc.
- There are some posts that provide good facilities or perks for female candidates such as Inspector (Income Tax), Inspector (Central Excise/Examiner/Preventive Officer), etc.
- There are some posts that provide good career growth or promotion prospects for female candidates such as Assistant Section Officer (CSS), Assistant Audit Officer (CAG), Inspector (Income Tax), etc.
Q: Is SSC CGL government job?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL exam is conducted to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different ministries, departments, and organizations of the government of India. These posts are considered as government jobs as they provide security, stability, prestige, and respect to the candidates.
Q: Does SSC CGL officer gets a car?
A: No, the SSC CGL officer does not get a car as a part of their official entitlement. However, some posts may provide transport allowance or reimbursement for official travel purposes. Some posts may also allow the use of official vehicles for official duties.
Q: Does SSC CGL officer gets a house?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL officer gets a house or accommodation facility as a part of their official entitlement. However, the type and location of the house may vary depending on the post, grade pay, and availability. Some posts may provide government quarters or flats in the city or town of posting. Some posts may provide rented accommodation or house rent allowance (HRA) as per the norms.
Q: Is SSC CGL job transferable?
A: Yes, the SSC CGL job is transferable as the candidates may be posted anywhere in India or abroad depending on the post, department, and requirement. However, some posts may have less or more chances of transfer than others. Some posts may also allow the candidates to apply for transfer or mutual exchange with other candidates.
Q: Is SSC CGL job stressful?
A: The SSC CGL job may or may not be stressful depending on the post, department, and work profile. Some posts may have more workload or pressure than others. Some posts may have more public dealing or field work than others. Some posts may have more responsibility or accountability than others. However, the candidates can also enjoy the benefits and perks of the SSC CGL job such as salary, allowances, leave, pension, etc. The candidates can also balance their personal and professional life by managing their time and stress effectively.
Final Words!
We hope that this article has helped you to clear your doubts and queries about the SSC CGL exam. The SSC CGL exam is a golden opportunity for graduates to get a prestigious and secure government job. However, it is also a challenging and competitive exam that requires proper preparation and strategy. Therefore, we advise you to follow the official notification and syllabus of the SSC CGL exam, practice previous year papers and mock tests, revise important topics and formulas, and stay updated with current affairs. We wish you all the best for your SSC CGL exam preparation and success.
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