SSC CGL Tier I 2025 Exam Guide: Dates, Pattern, Syllabus and Preparation Tips

The SSC CGL Tier I (CBT) 2025 exam, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, is scheduled from August 13 to August 30, 2025, offering approximately 14,582 vacancies across various government departments.

This computer-based test features 100 questions across four sections—General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension—with a total of 200 marks and a negative marking of 0.50 per wrong answer. To succeed, aspirants must follow a structured preparation strategy, understand the detailed syllabus, and stay updated with key dates and admit card releases via the official SSC portal (ssc.gov.in).

SSC CGL Tier I (CBT) 2025 Exam: Comprehensive Guide by AUBSP

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is set to conduct the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier I Examination 2025—a golden opportunity for thousands of government job aspirants across India. With over 14,000 vacancies up for grabs, the competition is expected to be intense.

This AUBSP-exclusive guide dives deep into everything you need to know—from exam dates and pattern to syllabus and preparation tips—to help you stay ahead and secure your dream job.

SSC CGL 2025 Tier I (CBT) – At a Glance

Before diving into the preparation, candidates should understand the key highlights of the examination. This snapshot includes vital information like exam mode, dates, duration, marking scheme, and the number of vacancies. It’s your one-stop summary of Tier I.

Stay updated via the official SSC portal and subscribe to AUBSP for real-time alerts and expert resources.

Detailed Tier I Exam Schedule and Shift Timings

Knowing your exam shift and reporting time helps you plan logistics effectively. The Tier I exam will be held in multiple shifts daily between August 13 and August 30, 2025. The shift details are crucial for ensuring timely arrival and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Each candidate’s exact exam date and shift will be printed on their admit card. Tentatively, the exam will be conducted in the following time slots:

• Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• Shift 2: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Shift 3: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

✅ AUBSP Tip: Reach the center at least 60 minutes in advance to complete biometric verification and other formalities smoothly.

SSC CGL Tier I Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the exam structure is half the battle won. SSC CGL Tier I is a computer-based test (CBT) with four sections, each equally weighted. Your goal should be to maximize accuracy while managing time wisely.

Although Tier I is only qualifying in nature, scoring high ensures your seat in Tier II. Note the 0.50 negative marking for every incorrect answer.

Comprehensive Syllabus for SSC CGL Tier I 2025

Mastering the syllabus is the key to success. The Tier I syllabus covers a wide range of topics that test your aptitude, awareness, and language proficiency. Let’s explore each section with targeted topic insights.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section measures your analytical and logical reasoning skills. Expect a mix of verbal and non-verbal questions that require attention to detail.

Key Topics:

• Analogies, similarities & differences
• Spatial visualization & orientation
• Problem-solving, judgment, decision-making
• Coding-decoding, syllogisms, number series
• Figural classification, statement conclusion

🔍 AUBSP Tip: Practice puzzles and reasoning sets daily to boost speed and accuracy.

General Awareness

Designed to evaluate your knowledge of current events and static GK, this section can be a game-changer if prepared well.

Focus Areas:

• History, Geography, Culture, Economic Scene
• General Policy & Scientific Research
• Indian Constitution, National & International Affairs
• Environmental Issues, Awards, and Sports

📰 AUBSP Tip: Regularly read newspapers, monthly current affairs PDFs, and follow AUBSP’s current affairs capsules.

Quantitative Aptitude

This section assesses your numerical ability and speed. A good grasp of basic maths can help you score high here.

Main Topics:

• Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Ratio & Proportion
• Algebra: Linear equations, identities
• Geometry: Circles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals
• Trigonometry: Heights & distances, basic ratios
• Data Interpretation: Pie charts, bar graphs, histograms

📈 AUBSP Tip: Solve mock tests and previous year papers to improve calculation speed.

English Comprehension

This section checks your command over grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Strong language skills can help you ace this part.

Essential Topics:

• Spotting errors, fill in the blanks, synonyms & antonyms
• Sentence improvement, idioms & phrases
• One-word substitution, spelling errors
• Reading comprehension passages

📚 AUBSP Tip: Read editorials, maintain a vocabulary journal, and revise grammar rules daily.

Admit Card and Pre-Exam Essentials

Your SSC CGL Tier I admit card is a must-have document for exam day. It will be released region-wise on the official SSC website in the first week of August 2025. Candidates must regularly check for the application status and exam city intimation prior to the admit card release.

What You Must Carry:

• Printed admit card
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
• Two recent passport-size photos

⚠️ AUBSP Reminder: Any mismatch in details should be immediately reported to your SSC regional office.

Cut-Off and Smart Preparation Strategy

The Tier I cut-off varies each year depending on vacancies, difficulty level, and candidate performance. Analyzing previous years’ cut-offs can guide your target score, but always aim well above the expected cut-off to be safe.

Strategic Tips for SSC CGL Tier I 2025

1. Build a balanced study plan covering all sections
2. Practice with mock tests and previous year papers
3. Focus on time management and accuracy
4. Don’t ignore revision and error analysis

💡 AUBSP Suggests: Dedicate your final 15-20 days to revising core concepts, strengthening weak areas, and taking daily full-length mocks.

FAQs on SSC CGL Tier I (CBT) 2025 Exam

What is the SSC CGL Tier I (CBT) 2025 exam?
It is the first stage of the SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination 2025, conducted online to shortlist candidates for Tier II and further selection rounds.

When will the SSC CGL Tier I 2025 exam be conducted?
The Tier I exam is scheduled to be held from August 13 to August 30, 2025.

Who conducts the SSC CGL exam?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC), a central government recruitment body, conducts the CGL exam every year.

How many vacancies are available in SSC CGL 2025?
Approximately 14,582 vacancies are expected to be filled through the SSC CGL 2025 recruitment process.

What is the mode of SSC CGL Tier I 2025 exam?
The exam will be conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

What is the duration of the Tier I exam?
The total duration of the SSC CGL Tier I exam is 60 minutes (1 hour).

How many questions are there in SSC CGL Tier I?
There are 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions in total.

What is the total mark of the SSC CGL Tier I exam?
The exam carries a total of 200 marks.

How many sections are there in the Tier I exam?
There are four sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier I?
Yes, 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

Is Tier I qualifying in nature?
Yes, Tier I is only a qualifying stage, and its marks are not considered in the final merit list.

What is the expected date for SSC CGL Tier I admit card release?
The admit card is expected to be released in the first week of August 2025.

Where can I download my SSC CGL Tier I admit card?
You can download it from the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in by logging in with your Registration ID and password.

Will I be informed about my exam city and date before the admit card release?
Yes, SSC usually activates an application status link and exam city intimation slip before releasing the admit cards.

What documents must I carry on the SSC CGL Tier I exam day?
You must carry a printed admit card, a valid original photo ID proof, and two passport-size photographs.

What is the exam shift timing for SSC CGL Tier I 2025?
There will be three shifts: Shift 1 (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM), Shift 2 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM), and Shift 3 (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM).

What is the syllabus for General Intelligence & Reasoning?
It includes analogies, classification, spatial visualization, coding-decoding, syllogisms, and logical reasoning topics.

What is covered under the General Awareness section?
Topics include history, geography, polity, economics, science, and current affairs related to India and the world.

What topics are included in Quantitative Aptitude?
It covers number systems, percentages, profit & loss, time & work, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation.

What does the English Comprehension section test?
It assesses grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, reading comprehension, and error spotting skills.

How can I prepare effectively for SSC CGL Tier I?
Follow a structured study plan, revise key topics, practice mock tests, and regularly analyze previous years’ question papers.

Is there a cut-off for SSC CGL Tier I?
Yes, SSC releases category-wise cut-offs each year, and candidates must score above it to qualify for Tier II.

What factors affect the SSC CGL Tier I cut-off?
The cut-off depends on the number of applicants, vacancies, difficulty level of the exam, and candidate performance.

Are Tier I marks counted in the final merit list?
No, only the marks obtained in Tier II and subsequent stages are considered in the final merit.

How can I avoid negative marking in SSC CGL Tier I?
Avoid guesswork, answer only the questions you’re sure about, and practice accuracy through regular mock tests.

Can I change my exam center after admit card release?
No, once the admit card is issued, the exam center cannot be changed.

Is there any sectional timing in SSC CGL Tier I?
No, the total time of 60 minutes is given for all four sections combined without sectional timing.

What is the best way to revise the General Awareness section?
Refer to current affairs magazines, static GK PDFs, government schemes, and regularly revise facts and data.

How can I download previous year SSC CGL Tier I papers?
Previous year papers are available on the SSC website and trusted educational platforms like AUBSP.com

Does SSC provide rough sheets for calculations in Tier I?
Yes, candidates are provided with rough sheets during the exam at the test center.

Is there any dress code for SSC CGL Tier I?
SSC advises avoiding accessories like watches, jewelry, or full-sleeve clothing to comply with security guidelines.

What is the qualifying mark for SSC CGL Tier I?
The qualifying mark varies each year; candidates must wait for official notification or analyze past cut-offs.

Can a final year student apply for SSC CGL 2025?
Yes, provided the candidate attains the required educational qualification before the cutoff date mentioned in the notification.

Will SSC send the admit card by post?
No, SSC does not send admit cards by post. Candidates must download it from the official website.

What happens if I miss the SSC CGL Tier I exam?
If you miss the exam for any reason, SSC will not provide a second chance or re-exam for individual cases.

The SSC CGL Tier I 2025 is not just an exam—it’s a career-defining opportunity. With a well-structured plan, disciplined preparation, and the right guidance from AUBSP, you can confidently walk into the exam hall.

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📬 Have Questions or Need Help?
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