Home / Compare exams / SSC CGL vs SSC GD
SSC CGL vs SSC GD
SSC CGL: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes. SSC GD: 80 questions, 160 marks, 60 minutes. Both test Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, English, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
| SSC CGL Tier 1 | SSC GD CBE | |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission | Staff Selection Commission |
| Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Marks | 200 | 160 |
| Time | 60 min | 60 min |
| Seconds a question | 36 | 45 |
| Marking | +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi. | +2 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Part D can be taken in English or Hindi; our mocks use English. |
| Sections | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English / Hindi |
| Languages | English, Hindi | English, Hindi |
| Age (UR) | 18–27 | 18–23 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent. | Matriculation (Class 10) pass from a recognised board/university on or before 01-01-2026. |
| Next exam | Not announced | January – March 2027 (notification awaited) (tentative) |
| Last cut-off (UR) | 136.4 / 200 (SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 cutoff (all other posts), UR) | 122.41 / 160 (SSC GD Constable 2025 CBE cutoff, Uttar Pradesh (male, general area), UR) |
| Mocks on RankVyuh | 9 full (2 free) | 8 full (2 free) |
Which should you prepare for?
- Both test Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, English, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
- Age: SSC CGL allows up to 27 (unreserved), SSC GD up to 23. Past 23, only SSC CGL stays open without relaxation.
- Qualification: SSC CGL needs bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent; SSC GD needs matriculation (class 10) pass from a recognised board/university on or before 01-01-2026.
- Speed: SSC CGL gives 36 seconds a question against 45 in SSC GD. Practise SSC CGL with a stricter clock.
Neither is "easier": cut-offs move with vacancies and candidates every year. Take a free mock of each and compare your two reports; the gap to each exam's last cut-off is the honest answer.
FAQ
- Can I prepare for SSC CGL and SSC GD together?
- Yes. Both test Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, English. Prepare those once, then the sections only one of them has.
- Which has negative marking, SSC CGL or SSC GD?
- SSC CGL: +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi. SSC GD: +2 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Part D can be taken in English or Hindi; our mocks use English.
- What are the age limits for SSC CGL and SSC GD?
- SSC CGL: 18 to 27 for unreserved candidates (as on 2026-08-01). SSC GD: 18 to 23 (as on 2026-01-01). Category relaxations apply; check with the age-limit calculator.
Sources: official notifications of Staff Selection Commission (website ) and Staff Selection Commission (website ); SSC Notice, Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026, F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, published 21-05-2026; SSC Notice, Constable (GD) in CAPFs and SSF, and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles Examination 2026, F. No. HQ-C-3007/10/2025-C-3, published 01-12-2025 (applications 01-12-2025 to 31-12-2025). Age-limit calculator · All comparisons