SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper I is compulsory for all posts and runs in two sessions on the same day. Session I contains Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge; Session II contains the 15-minute DEST. Paper II Statistics and Paper III Finance and Economics apply only to shortlisted candidates for specified posts.
Tier 2 Paper I marks and questions
| Part | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes within Section I |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes within Section I |
| English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes within Section II |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes within Section II |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes |
| DEST | One data-entry task | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Session I lasts 2 hours 15 minutes. After re-registration, Session II contains DEST for 15 minutes.
How the sectional timers work
Section I gives one hour: 30 minutes for Mathematical Abilities followed by 30 minutes for Reasoning. Section II gives one hour: 40 minutes for English followed by 20 minutes for General Awareness. Each timed part closes automatically before the next begins. Computer Knowledge then runs for 15 minutes.
Practising only unrestricted two-hour mocks hides this constraint. Use separate timed blocks before combining them into a full Paper I simulation.
Paper II and Paper III
Paper II Statistics has 100 questions for 200 marks and two hours. It is only for candidates shortlisted for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade II. Paper III General Studies (Finance and Economics) also has 100 questions for 200 marks and two hours, and applies only to Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer candidates.
Check the target-post guide before allocating preparation time to either specialist paper.
Negative marking and qualifying rules
Paper I Sections I, II and III deduct one mark for each wrong answer. Papers II and III deduct 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Candidates must qualify all four Paper I sections separately. Computer Knowledge and DEST are qualifying, with higher standards for the posts identified in the notice.
The minimum qualifying marks stated in the selection section are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS and 20% for other categories, but these are minimums rather than a prediction of competitive cut-offs.
DEST pattern within Tier 2
DEST uses a passage of about 2,000 key depressions for 15 minutes. It is mandatory for all posts, subject to limited notified exemptions, and is qualifying in nature. Higher standards apply to specified posts.
Practise the same duration using the 15-minute mock, then review the DEST rules guide. Do not substitute a one-minute WPM score for a complete test.
Build preparation around the actual sequence
- Train Maths and Reasoning as separate 30-minute blocks.
- Train English for 40 minutes and GA for 20 minutes.
- Add a 15-minute Computer Knowledge set.
- Take the break, then complete a 15-minute DEST.
- Review wrong answers using the correct one-mark penalty.
This sequence exposes stamina and switching problems that ordinary topic quizzes do not show. Pair it with the full syllabus.
Common questions
Is Tier 2 Paper I compulsory for all SSC CGL posts?
Yes. The 2026 notice says Paper I is compulsory for all posts.
How many marks are in SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper I?
The objective Sections I, II and III total 450 marks. DEST is a separate qualifying data-entry task.
Can I move unused time between Tier 2 subjects?
No. The official scheme uses sectional timers and each part closes automatically at the end of its allotted time.
Sources, scope and author
This guide is based on the official SSC material linked below. Rules can change through later notices or corrigenda, so verify time-sensitive decisions on ssc.gov.in.