SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern 2025, Stage Wise Exam Pattern
Parul Rishi8 Sept, 2025
SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern 2025: SSC CGL examination every year to recruit candidates for various Group B and C posts under the Central Government. Among these, the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post stands out due to its specialized nature and requirement of statistical knowledge. Candidates aiming to secure this post must clearly understand the SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern 2025, which includes both common and technical stages of assessment.
SSC CGL Junior Statistical Officer Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL JSO 2025 selection process consists of two main tiers, both of which are conducted in an online computer-based mode. Each tier assesses different skills and knowledge areas required for the position.
Tier 1 – Preliminary Examination: This is a common examination for all SSC CGL aspirants, regardless of the post they have applied for. It includes questions from subjects such as General Awareness, English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Tier 2 – Mains Examination: Candidates who qualify for the Tier 1 exam appear in the Tier 2 exam. For JSO, in addition to the Paper 1, candidates must appear for a dedicated Paper 2 on Statistics.
Check SSC CGL Junior Statistical Officer Exam Pattern for each exam stage below.
SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC CGL JSO Exam is structured into two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2, both assessing candidates in Mathematics, English, General Awareness, and Reasoning. Tier 1 serves as a qualifying stage, meaning its marks are not counted in the final merit list. Candidates must clear this stage to proceed to Tier 2. Tier 2 is the most crucial stage and consists of two papers from which Paper 1 is mandatory for all candidates. The final SSC CGL JSO selection is based on Tier 2 scores, making it the deciding factor in recruitment.
Check: SSC CGL JSO Eligibility
SSC CGL JSO Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The Tier 1 exam includes four sections, each consisting of 25 questions. Every question carries 2 marks, making the total marks 200. The duration of the exam is 60 minutes for all candidates. Each correct answer awards 2 marks. 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. The paper is conducted online (CBT mode). Although Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, securing a high score is crucial due to cut-offs for further selection. Here is a breakdown of the Tier 1 exam:
| SSC CGL JSO Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025 | |||
| Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | |
Check: SSC CGL JSO Salary
SSC CGL JSO Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 is the most important stage for JSO aspirants, as it contains the specialized paper on Statistics. Unlike other posts, JSO candidates must appear for two papers: Paper I and Paper II.
SSC CGL JSO Paper I – Common for All Posts
This paper is mandatory for all SSC CGL posts. It assesses maths, reasoning, english, general awareness and computer along with typing skills through DEST.
SSC CGL JSO Paper II – Statistics
This paper is specifically designed for candidates applying for the JSO post. It includes in-depth questions from graduation-level statistics topics.
| SSC CGL JSO Tier 2 Pattern | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Session | Section | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed |
| Paper-I | Session-I (2 hours and 15 minutes) | Section-I | Module-I: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60*3 = 180 | 1 hour, (2 hours and 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribes as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) |
| Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | |||||
| Section-II | Module-I: English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 70*3 = 210 | 1 hour, (2 hours and 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribes as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) | ||
| Module-II: General Awareness | 25 | |||||
| Section-III | Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module | 20 | 20*3 = 60 | 15 Minutes (for each module) 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribes as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 | ||
| Session-II (15 minutes) | Section-III | Module-II: Data Entry Speed Test Module | One Data Entry Task | - | ||
| Paper II | - | - | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 Hrs |
Important Points Regarding SSC CGL JSO Tier 2 Exam Pattern
1. Paper I is compulsory for all SSC CGL candidates: Paper I of the SSC CGL Tier 2 examination is mandatory for every candidate who qualifies the Tier 1 stage—regardless of the post they have applied for. Since it is common for all posts, performing well in Paper I is crucial for overall merit.
2. Paper II is mandatory only for those applying for the Junior Statistical Officer post: Paper II of the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam is exclusively designed for candidates who have opted for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. This paper focuses on Statistics, covering key concepts like probability, sampling theory, regression, correlation, and time series analysis. It evaluates a candidate’s technical knowledge in the subject, which is essential for the statistical duties associated with the JSO role. Candidates not applying for the JSO post are not required to appear in this paper.
3. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in Paper I and 0.50 marks in Paper II: The SSC CGL Tier 2 examination includes a negative marking scheme, which plays a significant role in the final score. In Paper I (Quantitative Abilities), 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in certain sections. This means candidates need to be cautious while attempting questions and avoid guesswork if they are unsure. In Paper II (Statistics), the penalty for wrong answers is 0.50 marks.
4. All papers are conducted in online mode: Both Paper I and Paper II of the SSC CGL Tier 2 examination are conducted through the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates answer the questions using a computer terminal at designated SSC exam centers. This digital format ensures quicker evaluation and uniformity across all testing locations.
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL JSO Exam 2025
The SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern 2025 is structured to assess both general aptitude and domain-specific knowledge in Statistics. With competition increasing each year, a thorough understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation approach is essential. Check the strategy and preparation tips for the SSC CGL JSO Exam 2025 below:
- Understand Exam Pattern Thoroughly: Before starting your preparation, go through the detailed exam pattern, SSC CGL JSO syllabus, and weightage of each paper.
- Make a Structured Study Plan: Allocate separate time for Statistics. Dedicate more time to Statistics since it is the key paper for the JSO role.
- Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Solving SSC CGL previous years’ papers for JSO will help you understand the exam trend and improve speed and accuracy.
- Use Formula Sheets for Quick Revision: Keep separate notes for formulas and important concepts to revise regularly.
- Attempt Mock Tests Weekly: Mock tests simulate real exam conditions and help you manage time efficiently.
- Stay Updated with Official SSC Notifications: Follow the SSC website for changes in exam dates, pattern updates, and syllabus revisions.
PW provides SSC exam content, including SSC Exam Blogs, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching for preparation.
SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern FAQs
What are the subjects included in the SSC CGL JSO Exam Pattern?
Is there a negative marking in the SSC CGL JSO exam?
Can arts or commerce students apply for JSO post?
Is Paper II of SSC CGL Tier 2 compulsory for all candidates?
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