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SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers, Sample Papers, and Mock Tests

SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers, Sample Papers, and Mock Tests

Posted On 2025-07-28

What is SSC CGL?

SSC CGL refers to Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level Exam. This exam is very competitive and also one of the largest recruitment exams. Every year in India, this exam is being conducted by Staff Selection Commission or SSC. It is a government body, and works under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. It was set up in 1975 for hiring people in government offices. SSC conducts this exam for selecting good candidates for Group B and Group C jobs in the various Ministries and Departments of the GOI and its subordinate offices.

Why Is SSC CGL Important?

Stable Government Job: SSC CGL offers permanent central government jobs with good salary, allowances, and promotion.
Wide Range of Posts: From Income Tax Inspector to Assistant in Ministry of External Affairs – there are over 30 job profiles.
Pan-India Recruitment: Candidates from any state can apply.
Annual Vacancies: More than 10,000+ vacancies are released yearly.
No Interview for Most Posts: Only written exams and document verification.

A successful SSC CGL selection can change your career and life. That’s why millions of students prepare for it seriously every year.

Types of Posts Offered via SSC CGL

Candidates are being recruited through the SSC CGL exam into Group B (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) and Group C (Non-Gazetted) roles. These are mostly desk jobs involving clerical, audit, administration, tax-related, or policy implementation work. Some popular posts under SSC CGL include:

Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
Income Tax Inspector
Central Excise Inspector
Preventive Officer
Assistant Enforcement Officer
Auditor/Accountant
Junior Statistical Officer

SSC CGL 2025: Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release	9th June, 2025
Application Start Date	9th June, 2025
Last Date to Apply	4th July, 2025
Tier-I Exam Date	Tentatively between August 13–30, 2025
Tier-II Exam Date	Tentatively in October 2025

What is the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam and Tier 2 Exam?

There are different levels in which SSC CGL exam happens. But, Tier 1 and Tier 2 are most important. Tier 1 being the initial stage is used to select students for the next round. Tier 1 exam is conducted online. It has 100 questions in the MCQ format. There are four subjects which you have to prepare – General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

Tier 2 is the main stage of the SSC CGL exam. It is very important because it decides your final selection based on ranking and marks. Tier 2 also happens online and has up to three papers. Paper 1 is for all students and has 450 marks. It has advanced questions from Maths, Reasoning, English, GK, and Computer. Paper 2 is only for students who apply for JSO (Junior Statistical officer) post, and it has Statistics questions. Paper 3 is for AAO or Assistant Audit Officer post and has questions from Finance and Economics.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern (Tier I and Tier II)

Tier I: (Computer Based, Objective)

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Time
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
English Comprehension	25	50
Total	100	200	60 minutes

Negative marking: –0.5 marks per wrong answer.

Tier II: (Advanced – Computer Based)

Paper 1: Compulsory for all

Quantitative Ability, Reasoning, English, GK, Computer

Paper 2: Only for Junior Statistical Officer

Paper 3: Only for Assistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer

SSC CGL Syllabus (Tier I & Tier II)

1. Quantitative Aptitude

Number System
Percentages
Profit & Loss
Time, Work, and Distance
Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration
Trigonometry
Data Interpretation (Pie Chart, Bar Graphs)

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning

Analogies
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Direction Test
Venn Diagrams
Puzzle Test
Number/Letter Series
Clock and Calendar

3. General Awareness

Current Affairs (last 6–12 months)
Static GK (History, Polity, Geography)
Indian Economy
Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)
Awards, Books, Sports, Days

4. English Comprehension

Grammar: Error Detection, Sentence Improvement
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms
Comprehension
Cloze Test
One-word Substitution
Idioms and Phrases

5. Computer Knowledge (Tier II)

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Internet, Email
Computer Basics (Hardware/Software)
Data Entry Skills

What Are PYQs (Previous Year Question Papers)?

PYQs are real SSC CGL exam papers from previous years. These contain actual questions asked by SSC in the past exams.

Why PYQs Are Extremely Important:

Real Exam Exposure: You get used to the actual type and style of questions SSC asks.
High Repetition Rate: Many SSC questions get repeated directly or with slight changes.
Trend Analysis: You learn which topics are asked more frequently, and which are less important.
Time Management Practice: Solving past papers under a timer helps you build exam strategy.
Confidence Boosting: Once you solve real questions, your fear of the exam disappears.
Better Than Random Books: Unlike some guidebooks, PYQs are 100% reliable as they are official.
Concept Application: You learn how to apply what you studied by seeing actual implementation in real questions.
Mental Conditioning: You become mentally familiar with the way SSC frames confusing questions.

What Are Mock Tests?

Mock tests are simulated tests designed just like the real SSC CGL exam. You attempt them online with timers, just like the real exam hall.

Advantages of Solving Mock Tests:

Develop Stamina for Exam: Solving 100 questions in 60 minutes will help you get used to the exam pressure.
Time Tracking: Supports better time distribution across sections
Self-Analysis: You get a scorecard after the competion of the test. It shows your strong and weak areas.
Improving the Performance: Every test helps you get better and more accurate.
Speed + Accuracy: Both are needed for SSC CGL. Mocks help improve both.
Cutoff Practice: You learn how to consistently score above the expected cutoffs.
Benchmarking: Many test series show your All-India Rank (AIR) – see how you compare to others.

What Are Sample Papers?

Sample papers are expert-made question sets that follow the latest SSC pattern but are not actual PYQs.

Why Solving Sample Papers Helps:

Practice With Fresh Questions: These are designed by experts with new and expected questions.
Topic-Wise Strengthening: Solve separate sample papers for each subject or topic.
Avoid Boredom: Trying only PYQs or mocks can get repetitive – sample papers add variety.
Updated Trend Reflection: Sample papers may include expected trends before they appear in real exams.
Easy To Print & Practice Offline: Great for students who prefer pen-and-paper practice.

Strategy to Use PYQs, Mocks & Sample Papers

Here’s a 6-step plan to use all three resources effectively:

1. Week 1–2: Understand Syllabus and Concepts

Read NCERTs or standard books.
Don’t jump to questions without understanding the basics.

2. Week 3–4: Start PYQs

Solve 1 PYQ paper every 2–3 days.
Focus on solving with accuracy.
Highlight weak areas.

3. Week 5–8: Start Mock Tests

Begin with 1 mock per week.
Analyze every mock: check time wasted, wrong answers.
Keep a notebook of mistakes.

4. Week 9–12: Increase Practice

Solve at least 3 mocks per week.
Continue PYQs (recent years).
Start full-length sample papers.

5. Last Month: Focus on Accuracy & Speed

Solve mocks daily.
Revisit previous mistakes.
Time yourself in every paper.

6. Last Week: Final Revision

Do short topic-wise sample papers.
Revise current affairs.
Avoid learning new topics now.

What Is the Tier I Cut-off for SSC CGL?

SSC CGL Tier I that is needed to qualify for Tier II varies by category and depends on exam difficulty, number of vacancies, and candidate performance. The cut-off usually changes every year. Please find below the actual cut-off data from 2024 and expected ranges for SSC CGL Tier I exam 2025.

Tier I Cut-off - Actual 2024

For most posts other than JSO or AAO, the 2024 Tier I cut-offs were approximately:

Unreserved (General): ~153.2 marks
OBC: ~146.3 marks
EWS: ~142.0 marks
SC: ~126.5 marks
ST: ~111.9 marks

Tier I Cut-off - Expected 2025

Based on trends and expert projections, the estimated cut-offs for 2025 are:

General (UR): 155–165
OBC: 145–155
SC: 120–130
ST: 110–120

Source: Times of India

Cut-off for SSC CGL Tier 2:

Yes — Tier 2 cut-off is extremely important, as these marks are included in the final merit list and determine which candidates qualify for document verification and final selection.

Key Points:

Tier 2 cut-offs differ by specific post (e.g. AAO, JSO, Statistical Investigator).
They also vary by category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS).
Factors influencing cut-off include difficulty of Tier 2, vacancy count, and candidate performance.
Cut-offs are calculated out of aggregate marks including Tier 1 + Tier 2 in some cases, but Tier 2 alone is often used for final merit for certain posts.

Tier 2 / Final Cut-off Trends – 2024

For All Posts (Except AAO & JSO):

General (UR): ~322.77
OBC: ~306.28
EWS: ~300.04
SC: ~285.46
ST: ~266.50

For JSO (Junior Statistical Officer):

UR: ~457.05 marks (aggregate Tier I + Tier II)
OBC: ~442.92
SC: ~414.33
ST: ~401.66

For Statistical Investigator Grade II:

UR: ~438.47
OBC: ~418.02
SC/ST/EWS: Between ~372–423

Section-Wise Weightage & Time Allocation – SSC CGL Tier I

The SSC CGL Tier I exam consists of 4 sections, each with 25 questions and 50 marks. You have a total of 60 minutes (1 hour) to solve 100 questions (200 marks).

Below is the optimal time distribution with section-wise tips:

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Time	Purpose
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50	14–15 mins	High accuracy, pattern-based logic
General Awareness	25	50	7–8 mins	Fast recall, no calculations
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50	16–18 mins	Time-consuming, needs calculation
English Comprehension	25	50	13–14 mins	Fast reading + grammar-based questions
Total	100	200	60 mins

Reasoning (14–15 mins)

Best section to score high with less risk.

Focus on:

Series (Number/Alphabet)
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations, Directions
Venn Diagram/Puzzles

Tip: Don’t overthink puzzles. If stuck >40 seconds, skip and return later.

General Awareness (7–8 mins)

All MCQs, no calculation.

Focus areas:

Static GK (Polity, Geography, History)
Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
Science basics

Tip: Read the question carefully once. Don’t waste time second-guessing.

Quantitative Aptitude (16–18 mins)

Most time-consuming section.

Common topics:

Simplification, Percentages, Time & Work
Geometry, Trigonometry
DI (Pie Chart, Bar Graph)

Tip: Skip long DI first. Target simple arithmetic, then go back.

English Comprehension (13–14 mins)

Focus on:

Grammar (Error spotting, Fill in the blanks)
Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)
Comprehension (short passage)

Tip: Read options first in the cloze test. That saves time.

Pro Mock Strategy

“Reasoning + Maths = 50 Qs → ~27 mins. English + GK = 50 Qs → ~33 mins”

This timing allows you to:

Maximize marks in Reasoning + English (usually scoring sections)
Be fast in GK (no solving needed)
Use remaining time for Maths (slower but scoring)

Best Websites & Apps to Solve SSC CGL Papers

Here are the best platforms and apps to solve SSC CGL sample papers, PYQs and mock tests:

Websites:

Testbook.com – PYQs, mocks, PDFs, topic-wise quizzes.
Careerera – Solve mock tests, previous year papers, and practice sets with answers. Provide performance reports to help improve weak areas.
Adda247 – Bilingual tests (Hindi & English), live classes.
Career Power – Test series, solutions, expert tips.
SSC Official Site (ssc.gov.in) – Get official notices, exam pattern.
KD Campus Live – Hundreds of free mock tests and daily quizzes.

Apps:

Abhinay Maths App – Advanced Maths PYQs, topic-wise videos.
Oliveboard – All-India ranking, detailed analytics.
Gradeup (BYJU’s Exam Prep) – Daily quizzes + full-length mocks.
Unacademy – Free & paid courses, mock series.
Testbook App – High-quality PYQs and free daily tests.

FAQs

Q1. How many previous year papers should I solve for SSC CGL?

You should solve at least 5–7 years of PYQs. Focus more on recent 3 years as the pattern has changed slightly.

Q2. When should I start mock tests?

Start mock tests after completing 60–70% syllabus. This is usually in Week 4–5 of your prep.

Q3. Are mock tests better than PYQs?

Both are important. PYQs show the real pattern, mock tests improve your timing and strategy. Use both.

Q4. What is the ideal number of mock tests before the SSC CGL exam?

At least 30–40 full mock tests before the real exam is a good target.

Read Also: Attempt SSC PYQ and Sample Papers

Conclusion

Cracking SSC CGL is not only about knowledge. It's about strategy, intelligent practice, and day-to-day commitment. Let’s remember:

PYQs = Learn actual paper
Sample Papers = Practice topic-wise
Mock Tests = Last-minute preparation tool
Strategy = Smart work beats hard work

The success you are seeking is a result of daily practice, frequent revisions, and taking tests strategically. Start today, remain determined, and your dream of a government job will be an achievable reality.