The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced a significant shift in how the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam 2025 will be administered. The main news is that the Tier-1 test will now be administered in a single shift across the country, rather than different shifts. The SSC Chairman confirmed this adjustment. Who said that the modification is intended to make the test fairer and free of uncertainty? This is an extremely important update because millions of people apply for the SSC CGL exam each year. In this article, we are going to talk about the major reforms in this exam, how to apply, and who can apply.
Quick Facts about SSC CGL 2025
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 |
| Format Change | Single Shift Across India |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Centre Allocation | ssc. nic.in |
| Exam Dates (Expected) | September 12 to September 26, 2025 |
| Official Website | ssc.nic.in |
Why This Reform Matters
Many applicants have claimed throughout the years that the normalization procedure has resulted in unfair marking. This occurs when students take tests during various shifts and on separate days. And the difficulty level is not always consistent. SSC would then “normalize” the results. This frequently resulted in misunderstanding and dissatisfaction among candidates.
Other major Changes
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Single Shift Exam | Tier-1 will be held in one shift across the country to ensure fairness. |
| No Normalization | Since only one shift is used, score normalization is no longer required. |
| Centres Within 100 km Radius | Exam centers will be allotted within 100 km of the candidate’s location. |
| Aadhaar Verification Streamlined | Biometric authentication will be improved and made quicker at centers. |
| Four Agency Involvement | SSC has assigned separate agencies for applications, centers, security, and paper creation to improve exam quality. |
Who can apply?
Here is the eligibility criteria: who can apply.
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Requires a graduate degree from a reputable university.
- Age limit ranges from 18 to 32 years (varies per post).
- Age relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, PWD, and other restricted groups.
- Some positions may demand specialized disciplines or other qualifications.
- Some occupations may need basic computer skills.
- Physical requirements for positions such as Inspector or Sub-Inspector (where applicable).
How to apply?
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply.
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
- The age restriction often spans from 18 to 32 years (varies per post).
- Age relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and other restricted groups.
- Some positions may need specialized topics (e.g., Statistics or Commerce).
- Certain occupations may have physical requirements (e.g., Inspector/Sub-Inspector positions).
- Final-year students can apply if they satisfy all the requirements before the document verification stage.
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: Expected by June 2025
- Application Start Date: June 2025
- Last Date to Apply: July 2025
- City Intimation Slip: September 1st week, 2025
- Admit Card Release: 2–3 days before your exam date
- Tier-1 Exam Dates: September 12 to 26, 2025 (Single Shift Daily)
- Result Declaration: October or November 2025
I’m Peter, an education content creator focused on schools and colleges. I share news, tips, and insights that help students, parents, and educators stay informed and inspired. My goal is to make learning resources accessible, engaging, and useful for everyone in the academic community.