Introduction
Ever felt the anxiety of waiting for an exam schedule that seems to get delayed… always? You’re not alone. SSC CGL candidates across India have been restless this year, repeatedly checking portals, news sites, and WhatsApp groups—only to find date updates shifting like quicksand. But here’s the good news (SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date India): after months of anticipation, the Tier 1 dates were finally locked, Tier 2 got scheduled, and even the much-dreaded DEST test has a date.
This guide unpacks every detail—with expert insights, timelines, and prep tips—all in a structure that’s both friendly and fact-rich. Whether you’re cramming at a Delhi library or studying between shifts in Mumbai, this is your go-to resource.
SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date: What Happened & What Was Expected
Official SSC Calendar
SSC’s 2024–25 exam calendar initially penciled in:
- Tier 1 CBT: September–October 2024
- Tier 2 CBT: December 2024
Why that’s important: This calendar sets expectations, letting aspirants plan travel, leave, and revision schedules.
Actual Exam Dates
- Tier 1: September 9–26, 2024, across four daily shifts
- Tier 2: January 18–20, 2025, shifted from the expected December slot
- DEST (Data Entry Speed Test): Originally on Jan 18, 2025, Shift 2, then postponed to January 31, 2025 post technical issues
Table Snapshot
| Stage | Expected Slot | Actual Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Sept–Oct 2024 | Sept 9–26, 2024 |
| Tier 2 | Dec 2024 | Jan 18–20, 2025 |
| DEST | — | Jan 31, 2025 |
Related Queries—Answering What You’re Googling
1. SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date Tier 1
Answer: Held from September 9 to 26, 2024, in four shifts each day. Admit cards went live about 10 days ahead.
2. SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date Tier 2
Answer: Confirmed for January 18–20, 2025, covering all compulsory papers. Admit cards dropped around Jan 8–10.
3. SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date Expected
Answer: Officially projected Tier 1 in Sept–Oct 2024 and Tier 2 in Dec 2024. The Tier 2 shift into January reflects real-world delays, which aspirants should account for.
Why the Tier 2 Delay?
- Logistics & capacity: High test-taker volume forced SSC to defer Tier 2 slots.
- Admit card alignment: Ensuring city intimation slips and venue coordination pushed dates.
- DEST hiccups: The rescheduling hints at technical clutter.
(Pro tip: sign up for SSC regional alerts and e-mail/SMS updates on SSC.gov.in)
Read More: NEET 2025 Exam Dates – UG: 4 May | PG: 3 Aug Updates
Prep & Planning—Tier-Wise
Tier 1 (Prelims): Sept 9–26, 2024
Focus areas:
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
- Logical Reasoning
Tips:
- Simulate 60-min tests—four sections, 25 Qs each.
- Follow-up with answer keys (released Oct 3) and objection window until Oct 8
- Revise GA daily (current affairs, budget, RBI rates).
Tier 2 (Mains): Jan 18–20, 2025
Paper I: Quant, GA, English, Computer Knowledge
Paper II: Statistics (for JSO posts)
Tips:
- Deep-dive into error analysis from Tier 1 attempts.
- Use sectional mock tests with timed modules (e.g., 2h15m per section + 40m computer knowledge)
- Practice typing for the DEST age—20000 key presses in 15 minutes.
DEST (Skill Test): Jan 31, 2025
- Prepare on speed-testing tools; mimic 20000 key-press targets.
- Use SSC’s official sample test (check SSC site around mid-January).
SSC CGL 2024 at a Glance
- Posts Available: ~17,727 Group B & C roles
- Eligiblity: Bachelor’s degree, age 18–32 (varies with post/reservations)
- Fee: ₹100 (exempted for SC/ST/PH/Women/Ex-servicemen)
- Exam pattern:
- Tier 1: 200 marks in 60 minutes
- Tier 2: Multiple papers—100–200 marks each, total 800+
- Cut-offs: Tier 1 is just qualifying (Sc: 30%, UR: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, others: 20%)
Real-Time Prep Story
Meet Anjali, 24, from Jaipur. She skipped her Best Elective Project to cover GA daily—because SSC dates looked locked in Sept. When Tier 2 slid to January, she pivoted:
- Focused on Computer Knowledge and practiced typing.
- Used the extra month for two full-length mains mock tests weekly.
Her payoff? A DEST passing speed of 90 wpm, and a Tier 2 quant score 25% above her mock average. Date flexibility turned into advantage.
FAQs: About SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date India
When was SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 held?
September 9–26, 2024.
What are the SSC CGL 2024 Tier 2 dates?
January 18–20, 2025
Why was Tier 2 delayed from December 2024?
Due to venue logistics, admit card timelines, and high candidate volume.
Conclusion
Here’s the bottom line (SSC CGL 2024 Exam Date India): SSC CGL 2024’s Tier 1 ran on Sept 9–26, Tier 2 settled Jan 18–20, 2025, and DEST is on the 31st of January. If you’ve adjusted your schedule and prep accordingly, you’re ahead of the game. And if you haven’t—there’s still time to recalibrate and come out stronger.
