What is the highest raw score in SSC CGL?

The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is a highly competitive exam that attracts thousands of candidates each year. One common question candidates have is, “What is the highest raw score in SSC CGL?” The raw score is crucial as it directly reflects a candidate’s performance. Let’s explore this topic and understand the scoring system in SSC CGL in the Article below.

What Is a Raw Score?

A “raw score” refers to the actual marks a candidate scores in the exam out of the total possible marks. For SSC CGL, which includes two key computer-based tests—Tier 1 (Preliminary) and Tier 2 (Mains)—raw scores show the candidate’s performance before any adjustments or normalization are made.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern for both Tier 1 and Tier 2

As we know that raw scores are the actual marks scored by the candidates in the examination out of the total possible marks, let’s explore the exam pattern for SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 to determine the highest possible raw score that can be achieved in SSC CGL Examination.

Tier 1 (Preliminary):

Total Marks: 200
Number of Questions: 100
Duration: 60 minutes
Subjects Covered: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
Each correct answer in Tier 1 gives 2 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.50 marks.

Tier 2 (Mains Examination)

The SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) Tier 2 examination consists of a total 130 questions worth 390 marks, with each question carrying 3 marks. Additionally, there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for every incorrect answer. The detailed breakup of the subjects, number of questions, and durations is tabulated below.

Note – The computer Knowledge Test is qualifying in nature so its marks will not be included in the preparation of the merit.

The Highest Possible Raw Score for SSC CGL

The highest raw score depends on several factors, including how the candidate performs across both tiers of the exam. However, if a candidate scores 100% in the examination, the possible highest raw score can be determined. In Tier 1, the maximum possible raw score can be 200 marks, while in Tier 2, the highest achievable raw score can be 390 marks.

Normalization in SSC CGL

As we know that highest raw scores for SSC CGL examination can be 200 for Tier 1 and 390 for Tier 2 , but  SSC CGL is conducted in multiple shifts with varying difficulty levels, the raw scores are subjected to normalization. This process adjusts the scores to account for any differences in difficulty across shifts, ensuring that candidates are evaluated fairly.

For example, a candidate scoring 160 raw marks in a relatively tough shift may have their score increased after normalization, while a candidate scoring the same raw marks in an easier shift might see little to no change.

While raw scores provide an initial understanding of a candidate’s performance, the final selection is based on the normalized scores. Even if two candidates have identical raw scores, their normalized scores may differ based on the shift they appeared in. Therefore, while aiming for a high raw score is essential, because normalization is done on the raw scores, if your score good raw marks then there are very high chances that your will get edge in the normalization process.