If you’re planning to appear for the SSC Selection Post exam, understanding the exam pattern is your first step to cracking it. With various posts across different levels and departments, the exam pattern plays a critical role in shaping your strategy and preparation. This guide to SSC breaks down all you need to know — from eligibility and syllabus to the latest updates — while keeping the exam pattern at the core of every section.
What is the SSC Selection Post Exam?
The SSC Selection Post exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for multiple posts across ministries, departments, and organizations. Knowing the exam pattern in advance helps you prioritize the right subjects and allocate time smartly across sections.
Guide to SSC Selection Post Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for SSC Selection Post consists of a single Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by document verification. The CBT has the following structure:
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.50 for each wrong answer
The paper is divided into four sections, each aligned with the exam pattern:
- General Intelligence – 25 questions
- General Awareness – 25 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic) – 25 questions
- English Language (Basic Knowledge) – 25 questions
Understanding this exam pattern is key to building a time-bound preparation strategy that ensures accuracy and speed.
Eligibility Criteria for Guide to SSC Selection Post
The eligibility for SSC Selection Post varies based on the post level (Matriculation, 10+2, or Graduation). However, regardless of level, candidates should understand the exam pattern to know what standard of questions will be asked.
General Eligibility Highlights:
- Age Limit:
| Post Level | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Common Posts (Examples) |
| Matriculation (10th) | 18 years | 25 years | MTS, Laboratory Attendant, Helper |
Higher Secondary (10+2) | 18 years | 27 years | Data Entry Operator, Clerk, Store Keeper |
Graduation & above | 18 years | 30 years | Junior Engineer, Scientific Assistant, Technical Officer |
- Educational Qualification: Matric/Intermediate/Graduate as per the post
- Nationality: Indian citizens only
- Age Relaxation (Category-Wise) :
| Category | Relaxation | Minimum age after Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 Years | Up to 33 years |
| SC/ST | 5 Years | Up to 35 years |
| PWD ( General ) | 10 Years | Up to 40 years |
| PWD ( OBC ) | 13 Years | Up to 43 years |
| PWD ( SC/ST ) | 15 Years | Up to 45 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR) | 3 years after deduction of military service | Up to 30–33 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 6 years after deduction of military service | Up to 33–36 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years after deduction of military service | Up to 35–38 years |
Before applying, match your qualifications with the post-specific details and prepare based on the corresponding exam pattern.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown – SSC Selection Post
Once the exam pattern is clear, your next step is understanding the syllabus. Here’s a section-wise breakdown to align your study plan:
1. General Intelligence (25 Questions)
This section follows a logical-reasoning focused exam pattern and is common across all levels (Matric, 10+2, Graduate). Questions are designed to assess the candidate’s analytical and logical thinking.
Key Topics:
- Analogies
- Similarities and Differences
- Space Visualization
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Discriminating Observation
- Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Verbal and Non-verbal Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Figural Classification
- Number and Letter Series
The exam pattern for this section generally maintains an easy to moderate level, but accuracy is essential.
2. General Awareness (25 Questions)
According to the SSC Selection Post exam pattern, this section is knowledge-intensive and checks a candidate’s awareness of both current and static topics. It is not time-consuming but requires thorough preparation.
Key Topics:
- Indian History and Culture
- Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Economy
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology – up to 10th level)
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Books and Authors
- Awards and Honours
- Sports
- Important Dates and Days
- Government Schemes
- Current Affairs (National & International Events of the last 6–8 months)
This section in the exam pattern often helps high-scorers boost their overall marks with the right revision.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions)
The SSC’s exam pattern for this section focuses on basic numerical ability. It requires both speed and accuracy. Most of the questions are based on high-school-level mathematics.
Key Topics:
- Number System
- Simplification
- HCF and LCM
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Algebra (Basics)
- Mensuration (2D and 3D)
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables)
- Geometry and Trigonometry (basic level)
As per the exam pattern, these questions are usually moderate in difficulty and calculation-oriented.
4. English Language (25 Questions)
The English section is framed in line with a language skills-based exam pattern, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Key Topics:
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Spellings / Detecting Misspelled Words
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Completion
The exam pattern here tests both vocabulary strength and grammatical accuracy, a well-practiced section for scoring high.
CONCLUSION
Whether the application is for a Matriculation-level role or a Graduate-level position, a strong grasp of the exam pattern and guide to SSC Selection Post serves as the foundation for effective preparation. A clear understanding of the exam pattern minimizes uncertainty on exam day and enhances strategic confidence.
The ideal approach begins with a thorough analysis of the exam pattern, followed by structured study aligned with the latest syllabus. Practicing through mock tests that reflect the real exam pattern allows aspirants to build speed and accuracy. Consistency, awareness of updates, and exam-focused preparation remain key to success under the defined exam pattern of SSC Selection Post.