SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam Pattern 2025: If you are aiming to work as a Preventive Officer under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) through the SSC CGL Exam 2025, then understanding the complete exam pattern is essential. The SSC CGL exam pattern helps you plan your preparation and know what to expect in each stage. Here, we will explain the SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam Pattern 2025 in detail, including all tiers, subjects, marking schemes, and more.
SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam Pattern 2025 consists of two main stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2, both conducted as Computer-Based Tests (CBT). SSC CGL Preventive Officer Tier 1 includes four sections—General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension—totaling 100 questions and 200 marks. Tier 2 Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates and includes modules on Mathematics, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a qualifying Data Entry Speed Test (DEST). After clearing Tier 2, candidates must undergo a Document Verification process followed by a Physical Test, as the Preventive Officer role involves field duties under the CBIC.
Check: SSC CGL Preventive Officer Syllabus
SSC CGL Preventive Officer Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 is the first step in the SSC CGL selection process. It is an objective-type computer-based exam that includes four subjects: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. This test is used to screen candidates for Tier 2 and is considered for merit ranking.
| SSC CGL Preventive Officer 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 |
SSC CGL Preventive Officer Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The Tier 2 exam is the most crucial stage for candidates aspiring to become Preventive Officers. This stage has sole weightage in the final merit list. The exam is conducted online and is divided into 2 papers. However, candidates applying for the SSC CGL Preventive Officer post are only required to appear in Paper I of Tier 2.
| SSC CGL Preventive Officer 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 |
- |
Marking Scheme for SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the marking scheme of the SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam is crucial for effective preparation and time management. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams follow an objective format with negative markings. Here's a breakdown:
| Marking Scheme for SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam |
|
Tier
|
Total Questions
|
Total Marks
|
Negative Marking
|
|
Tier 1
|
100
|
200
|
0.50 marks per wrong answer
|
|
Tier 2
|
Varies
|
Varies
|
1 mark per wrong answer in certain modules
|
|
DEST & Computer Proficiency
|
—
|
Qualifying Only
|
Not applicable
|
Important Points Regarding SSC CGL Preventive Officer Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Preventive Officers has some unique aspects that candidates must consider while preparing. Below are the key highlights:
- Selection Based on Tier 1 and Tier 2: Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 are essential for selection. Marks scored in Tier 1 are used for screening, while final merit is prepared based on Tier 2 performance.
- Tier 2 Paper 1 is Mandatory: Only Paper 1 of Tier 2 is required for Preventive Officer aspirants.
- DEST is Qualifying but Mandatory: Even though DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is qualifying in nature, it is compulsory to clear. Failure in DEST will disqualify you from the selection process, even if you score well in Tier 1 and Tier 2.
- Physical Standards are a Must: Since the Preventive Officer is a uniformed post under CBIC, Physical Standards and Fitness Tests are mandatory. Candidates who fail the physical test are not eligible for appointment, regardless of written exam performance.
- No Interview Stage: SSC CGL has no interview or personality test. Final selection is purely based on performance in Tier 2 and passing the physical test.
- All Exams are Online: Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 are Computer-Based Tests (CBTs), conducted online.
- Medium of Examination: The question papers are set in both English and Hindi, except for the English section, which is in English only.
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