SSC CGL 2025 Exam: Key Updates on Dates, Single-Shift Policy, and Normalisation for Fairness

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced significant updates for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2025, aiming to enhance fairness and efficiency amid rising candidate concerns.

According to the official notification released on September 3, 2025, the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is scheduled to run from September 12 to September 26, 2025. Approximately 27 to 28 lakh candidates are expected to compete for 14,582 vacancies across Group B and C central government posts including Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer, and Sub-Inspector (CBI).

In a major procedural reform, SSC Chairman S Gopalakrishnan announced the introduction of a new normalization formula for the Tier 1 exams. This move addresses long-standing candidate apprehensions concerning the variation in difficulty levels across multiple exam shifts. By enabling normalization, SSC aims to ensure a level playing field, where candidates’ scores are equitably adjusted irrespective of the exam slot they appear in.

Furthermore, the Tier 2 exam will now be conducted in a single shift, a shift from previous multi-shift schedules. This single-shift policy is designed to reduce logistical complications and candidate grievances related to varying exam conditions.

The exam will cover quantitative aptitude, general awareness, general intelligence and reasoning, and English language, with a total duration of 60 minutes for Tier 1. Admit cards and exam city slips are expected to be released 3-4 days and about 8-10 days before the exam, respectively.

The SSC’s rationalisation initiative reflects responsiveness to candidate feedback and a commitment to examination transparency. These reforms are timely given the scale of the examination and the crucial role SSC CGL plays in recruiting graduate-level government personnel.

Candidates are encouraged to visit the SSC official website (ssc.gov.in) regularly for further updates and detailed instructions, and to prepare accordingly for the forthcoming examination cycle.