SSC Tiers, Typing Tests and Physical Tests

SSC exams screen candidates in tiers. Knowing which tier counts for merit tells you where to spend your preparation time.

Tier I

A computer based objective exam with four areas: general intelligence and reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English comprehension. In the graduate and higher secondary level exams it is qualifying: it decides who sits Tier II, and its marks are not carried forward.

Tier II

The exam that decides merit in CGL and CHSL. It is held in sessions and includes mathematical abilities, reasoning, English, general awareness and a computer knowledge module that is qualifying. Some posts have an additional paper, such as statistics for statistical posts.

Skill tests

• Typing test for clerical posts: a minimum speed in English or Hindi on a computer, qualifying in nature.
• Data entry speed test for data entry and some CGL posts: a set number of key depressions in a fixed time.
• Stenography test: dictation at the prescribed speed followed by transcription on a computer.

Errors beyond the permitted percentage mean disqualification even if the speed is achieved, so practise accuracy first.

Physical tests

GD Constable and CPO include a physical efficiency test (a timed run and, for some posts, jumps) and a physical standard test (height, chest and weight), followed by a detailed medical examination. Standards differ for men and women and are relaxed for certain regions and categories.

Scoring rules to remember

• Negative marking applies in the objective papers; the amount is stated for each section.
• Scores are normalised across shifts.
• Minimum qualifying marks are set category-wise.

After each tier, the provisional key appears on the answer keys page and marks on the results page.