Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is set to conduct the SSC CGL 2025 tier 2 examination on 18th and 19th January 2026. According to official details, over 1.39 lakh candidates will apply for this important stage of the combined graduate’s level (CGL) recruitment process. Candidates who have qualified for the tier 1 exam are eligible to take their 2 examinations.
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 admit card has been released and is available on the official website. Candidates are advised to download and check their admit card carefully for exam dates, shift timings, exam centre address, and important instructions.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Structure
The SSC CGL Tier 2 exam will be conducted for two papers, namely Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- Paper 1 is completely for all candidates irrespective of the post applied for.
- Paper 2 is conducted only for candidates who have applied for the posts of junior statistical officer (JSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation.
- Apart from the written test, Paper 1 also includes a data entry speed test, DEST, which is qualifying in nature.
SSC CGL Tier 2 DEST: Important Rules
The data entry speed test (DEST) is conducted to assess candidates’ data entry skills. It is an important component of the tier 2 examination for specific posts.
- The DEST will consist of one data entry task.
- The tests will be held for 15 minutes each for sections 3 and 4.
- Candidates eligible for a scribe will be given 20 minutes to complete the DEST.
- SSC has issued a separate admit card for candidates appearing for DEST on 18th January 2026. Candidates ensure they carry the correct admit card for the DEST.
- Candidates must strictly follow the instructions provided by the commission during the DEST, as any violation may lead to disqualification.
SSC CGL TIER 2 EXAM ON 19th January: Paper Pattern:
SSC CGL TIER 2 exam on 19th January will consist of three sections:
- Paper 1: Mathematics Ability and Reasoning, and General Intelligence
- Paper 2: English language, comprehensive, and general awareness
- Paper 3: Computer Knowledge Test
Candidates should prepare all sections thoroughly as Paper 1 plays a key role in final merit preparation.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Day Guidelines
SSC has issued several important instructions that candidates must strictly follow on the exam day. These guidelines apply to both January 18 and January 19 examinations.
- Candidates must carry an original photo identity card with the same date of birth as printed on the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 admit card.
- If the photo ID does not mention the date of birth, candidates must carry an additional original certificate as proof of date of birth.
- Candidates should not write anything on the admit card before reaching the exam centre. Writing on it beforehand may result in denial of entry.
- The required space on the admit card must be filled only in the presence of the invigilator after the first login.
- Candidates must ensure that the barcode area on the admit card is not folded, damaged, or distorted.
- Candidates who did not complete Aadhaar verification during registration must report to the exam centre two hours before the scheduled exam time for verification.
- After completing the exam, candidates must ensure proper exit verification before leaving the examination hall. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of candidature.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Day Checklist
To avoid last-minute issues, candidates should keep the following checklist ready:
Printed copy of the SSC CGL 2025 tier 2 admit card.
- Original photo ID proof
- Date of birth proof (if required)
- Passport-size photographs (as per SSC instructions)
- Reach the exam centre well before reporting time.
- Follow all instructions given by the invigilators and SSC authorities.
Finale Advice for Students
THE SSC CGL Tier 2 exam is a very important stage of the selection process. Candidates should remain calm, carefully read all the instructions, and manage their time well while answering the questions. They should also ensure accuracy and strictly follow all exam day rules and DEST guidelines, as even small mistakes can lead to disqualification. For the latest updates and official notices, candidates are advised to regularly check the SSC official website.
