SSC JE Exam Pattern 2025: Check Subject-wise Pattern for Paper 1 & 2

Staff Selection Commission Junior Engineer Exam 2025 ( SSC JE )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 30 Jun '25 - 21 Jul '25

Shikha Goyal
Updated on May 26, 2025 13:49 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

SSC JE Exam Pattern 2025: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) prescribes the exam pattern for the SSC JE exam. The SSC JE exam pattern will be released along with the notification of the SCC JE exam 2025. Candidates preparing for the SSC JE exam must go through the exam pattern on the page to get a better understanding of the SSC JE 2025. The candidates should see the previous year's SSC JE question paper to understand the exam pattern of each stage fully.

SSC JE 2025 contains two papers - I and -II. The SSC JE Paper 1 is an objective-based examination consisting of 200 questions of one mark each. The duration of completing the examination is two hours. Also, a 0.25 negative marking is applicable for every incorrect answer in Paper I. On the other hand, SSC JE Paper 2 consists of 100 objective questions from the specific discipline chosen by candidates. For each correct answer, 3 marks will be awarded to the candidates and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. The duration of the exam will be two hours. For unattempted questions, no marks will be deducted. Continue reading more about SSC JE 2025 Exam pattern in detail. 

Q:   How do I prepare for the SSC JE (civil)?
A: 
For the purpose of hiring junior engineers for various government departments, the SSC JE exam is held. To prepare for the SSC JE (civil), you can follow the given strategy: 1. Begin your preparation by looking over the syllabus and choosing your study materials. 2. After that, make a study schedule based on the amount of time you have before the exam cycle. 3. For SSC JE Paper 1 preparation, you can choose books by Martin Hewings, SP Bakshi, and R. S. Agrawal. 4. Your course materials for civil engineering can help you prepare for Paper 2. 5. Make use of YouTube to learn intricate subjects like the Number System. 6. Do complete the ESE previous-year Sets since some of the questions are drawn from this exam. 7. Memorize all the crucial formulas, short ticks, and tips for the questions. 8. Since you have to qualify for two papers, spend the last two months practicing time management. 9. Examine each mock to identify the subject that requires more of your attention. 10. To improve your score, keep revising your notes after each mock exam.
Q:   What is the exam pattern for SSC JE exam?
A: 

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Junior Engineer (JE) examination to recruit candidates for various engineering positions in government departments and organizations. However, please note that the exam pattern may have been subject to changes since then. It's always advisable to refer to the official SSC website or the latest notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The general exam pattern followed for the SSC JE exam has been given below:

  • Paper-I: Computer-Based Examination (Objective Type)
    • The Paper-I is divided into three sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and General Engineering.
    • The General Intelligence and Reasoning section tests your analytical and logical reasoning abilities.
    • The General Awareness section examines your knowledge of current affairs, general science, and other subjects.
    • The General Engineering section focuses on your understanding of the core engineering discipline you have applied for (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.).
    • Each section typically consists of 50 questions, carrying 1 mark each, resulting in a total of 200 marks.
    • There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
  • Paper-II: Descriptive Examination
    • Paper-II is an objective examination conducted in computer based mode.
    • It tests your technical knowledge in the specific engineering discipline you have applied for.
    • The paper typically consists of questions related to your field of engineering.
    • For Paper-II, each correct answer will award 3 marks to candidates and 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

Candidates who qualify in both Paper-I and Paper-II are eligible for the next stage of the selection process, which includes document verification and medical examination.

 

Q:   What is the duration of SSC JE Paper 2 exam?
A: 

The SSC JE Paper 2 exam is conducted for 2 hours, However, for the scribe candidates it is conducted for 2 hours and 40 minutes. The paper 2 is conducted for 200 marks. The complete pattern of the exam has been given below:

  • Paper 2 is an objective paper conducted in computer based mode
  • Candidates have to attempt a question paper of 300 marks in 2 hours
  • Paper 2 is a conventional type exam, candidates have to choose the subject from Part A- Civil & Structural Engineering, Part B- Electrical Engineering or Part C- Mechanical Engineering
  • 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Q:   What is the certificate regarding the physical limitation in SSC JE exam?
A: 

The candidates who applies in the category of scribe have to present physical limitation certificate infront of the examniation authority approved by the Chief Medical Officer, Civil Surgeon, Medical Supritendent of Government health care instituition. The candidates have to prepsent the certificate in a specific manner. The photograph of the certificate has been given beow as a reference for the candidates:

SSC JE, SSC JE Certificate

 

Table of content
  • SSC JE Exam Pattern Highlights 2025
  • SSC JE Exam Pattern 2025 (Paper-1)
  • SSC JE Exam Pattern 2025 (Paper 2)
SSC JE Logo

SSC JE Exam Pattern Highlights 2025

Check the major highlights of the SSC JE exam below:

Particulars

SSC JE Paper-I Highlights

SSC JE Paper-II Highlights

Exam mode

Online (computer-based test)

Online (computer-based test)

Number of sections & subjects

3 [General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness and General Engineering (Civil & Structural/Electrical/Mechanical)]

1 General Engineering (Civil & Structural/Electrical/Mechanical)

Type of questions

MCQs; 4 options with 1 correct option

MCQs

Exam duration

2 hours (120 minutes)

2 hours (120 minutes)

Number of questions

200

100

Total marks

200

300

Language of paper

English and Hindi 

English and Hindi  

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the passing marks for SSC JE exam?
A: 

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has determined the passing marks for the SSC JE exam based on various factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of the candidates. The passing marks or the minimum qualifying marks may vary from year to year and are decided by the SSC. In the SSC JE exam, candidates are required to secure both sectional cutoff marks and overall cutoff marks to qualify for the next stage of the selection process. The cutoff marks are determined separately for Paper-I (Computer-Based Examination) and Paper-II (Descriptive Examination).

The SSC announces the cutoff marks along with the result declaration. The cutoff marks are based on factors such as the number of vacancies, the performance of the candidates, and the normalization process if applicable. It is important to note that the passing marks or cutoff marks for the SSC JE exam can vary for different categories (General, SC, ST, OBC, etc.) as per the reservation norms and category-wise vacancies.

Q:   What are the best resources to prepare for SSC JE civil?
A: 

Books you can refer for different sections are: 1. Quantitative Aptitude: Reasoning & Aptitude 2023 for GATE IES and PSU Examinations Logical Reasoning Fast Track Objective Arithmetic Book Quicker Maths Analytical Reasoning Book A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - RS AGARWAL 2. English & Reasoning: Raymond Murphy or Martin Hewings Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis Wren and Martin High School Grammar. Essential English Grammar with Answers Objective General English by SP Bakshi 3. General Knowledge: Manorama Yearbook 2023.

Q:   What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply for SSC JE exam?
A: 

The minimum educational qualification for the SSC JE (Junior Engineer) exam can vary depending on the post applied for. Generally, the educational qualification required for SSC JE is a three-year diploma in Engineering (Civil/Electrical/Mechanical) from a recognized university or institute.

Here are the specific educational qualifications for different streams:

  • Junior Engineer (Civil):
    • A three-year diploma in Civil Engineering from a recognized University/Institute, or
    • A qualification equivalent to a diploma in Civil Engineering from the Armed Forces.
  • Junior Engineer (Electrical):
    • A three-year diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognized University/Institute, or
    • A qualification equivalent to a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Armed Forces.
  • Junior Engineer (Mechanical):
    • A three-year diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized University/Institute, or
    • A qualification equivalent to a diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Armed Forces
SSC JE Logo

SSC JE Exam Pattern 2025 (Paper-1)

As mentioned above, SSC JE paper 1 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that contains objective-type Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). There are three sections in the exam. The third section is further divided into three parts - Civil & Structural, Electrical and Mechanical. Candidates have to attempt questions from any one part only. The total duration of the exam is two hours. The question paper is set in both English and Hindi languages.

SSC JE Paper-I Sections/Subjects Number of Questions in SSC JE Paper-I Total Marks in SSC JE Paper-I
General Intelligence & Reasoning 50 50
General Awareness 50 50
General Engineering (Civil & Structural or Electrical or Mechanical) 100 100
Total 200 200

SSC JE Paper-I Marking Scheme

One mark is awarded for each correct answer in the paper. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

Get the Top Score in DI and Logical Reasoning section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

Click Here
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the minimum percentage required to apply for SSC JE exam?
A: 
Eligibility criteria is divided into various sub sections like educational qualifications, age limit and nationality and eligibility varies from position to position. I would recommend you to go through the eligibility criteria for SSC JE exam once. Please click the link below to know more about the same: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/ssc-je.
Q:   What are the sectional cut off marks for SSC JE exam?
A: 

The sectional cutoff marks for Paper-I and Paper-II of the SSC JE exam can vary from year to year and are determined by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The cutoff marks are based on factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of vacancies, and the performance of the candidates. It is advised to visit the official SSC website or refer to the latest notification released by the SSC to get  information on the sectional cutoff marks for Paper-I and Paper-II of the SSC JE exam.

Q:   Is SSC JE Grade A or Grade B post?
A: 

The SSC JE (Junior Engineer) examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission is for the recruitment of junior engineers in various government departments and organizations. The posts offered through the SSC JE exam are generally classified as Group-B (Non-Gazetted) posts.

To be more specific, the SSC JE posts are considered as Group-B (Non-Gazetted), Non-Ministerial posts. The selected candidates are appointed as junior engineers in different engineering disciplines such as Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Quantity Surveying and Contract.

It's worth noting that the SSC JE posts are not categorized as Grade A or Grade B. The grade system is typically used for categorizing posts in other examinations or job profiles. In the case of the SSC JE exam, the posts fall under Group-B (Non-Gazetted) classification.

Q:   Is there any negative marking in SSC JE exam?
A: 

Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in SSC JE paper 1. The quantum of negative marking in the SSC JE exam is the one fourth. It implies that for each incorrect answer, the Commission will deduct one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question. It also means that four incorrect answer can eat up the marks scored in one correct answer. On the other hand, in Paper 2 one mark is deducted for incorrect answer. I means that if a candidate have scored 3 marks in the exam and have give three incorrect answers then the he/she will secure zero marks in the paper 2. 

SSC JE Logo

SSC JE Exam Pattern 2025 (Paper 2)

SSC JE paper 2 is also an objective test conducted in online CBT mode (Computer Based Test). Candidates have to attempt questions from any one section - General Engineering (Civil & Structural), General Engineering (Electrical), and General Engineering (Mechanical). The questions are set in both English and Hindi languages. Candidates can attempt questions in any one language. The total duration of the exam is two hours.

SSC JE Paper-II Subjects Number of Questions Total Marks in SSC JE Paper-II
General Engineering (Civil & Structural or Electrical or Mechanical) 100 300

SSC JE Paper 2 Marking Scheme

One mark is awarded for each correct answer in the paper. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.

Read More: SSC JE syllabus 2025

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the in-hand salary for an SSC JE?
A: 
Basic Pay for SSC Junior Engineers: INR 35,400 - INR 1,12,400 SSC Junior Engineer Salary in hand: INR 44,000 (Inclusive of all benefits) SSC JE Salary Structure: Pay scale: INR 35,400 to INR 1,12,400 Grade Pay: 4200 Basic pay: INR 35,400 HRA (as per the city) 1- X cities (24%): 8,496 2- Y cities (16%): 5,664 3- Z cities (8%): 2,832 DA (Current- 17%): 6,018 Travel Allowance: Cities- 3600, Other Places- 1800 Gross Salary Range (approximately) for X Cities: INR 53,514 Y Cities: INR 50,682 Z Cities: INR 46,050 SSC JE Exam is conducted for the recruitment of eligible students for various Group B (Non-Gazetted) posts of Junior Engineers in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Quantity Surveying, and contract Posts for recruitment in various Organizations, Ministries, Departments in the GOI (Government of India). I hope this will help you.
Q:   Which is better RRB JE or SSC JE?
A: 

Both jobs are for government junior engineer posts. The pay level for both jobs are similar.

  • The RRB JE works for the ministry of railways, and the SSC JE works for various organizations such as BRO.
  •  If you are posted near your city in RRB JE you have a better chance of staying in your hometown.
  •  The transfer policy of SSC JE is better than that of RRB as you have a high chance of getting a favorable posting.
  •  Also, SSC JE will have more powers than RRB JE due to the nature of their work.
  •  You will get promoted comparatively earlier than RRB JE.

Therefore, the SSC JE has a better career than the RRB JE. 6. Also, RRB JE is a group C job, whereas SSC JE is a group B post. Hence, it could be said that SSC JE is better than RRB JE

Q:   In how many shifts SSC JE exam is conducted?
A: 
The SSC JE Paper 1 is conducted in three shifts on a single exam day. The SSC JE Shift 1 is conducted from 9:00 to 11:00 am, the Shift 2 is from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and Shift 3 is from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The exact shift timing is mentioned on the SSC JE admit cards of candidates.
Q:   How many attempts are allowed at SSC JE exam?
A: 
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the SSC JE exam. Candidates can apply for the SSC JE till they attain the maximum age limit mentioned in the official notification for their category. The Commission also provides the age relaxation to certain categories. Candidates should check the official notification to know about all such relaxations. You can appear for the exam as many times you want if you meet the SSC JE eligibility criteria.

Sarkari Exams exams whose registrations are closing soon

Register now and prepare to increase your chances at top colleges which accept these exams

Registration ends soon
Exam D-day soon
OTET Notification

9 May '25

View allSarkari Exams exams

Get all exam details, important updates and more

Download Important Dates for Sarkari Exams Exams
qna

SSC JE Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

The Staff Selection Commission has introduced new SSC normalization formula for all the exams including- SSC CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS, JE, CPO, etc. This SSC normalization of marks formula is valid for exams notified from June 2025. Here is the SSC marks normalization formula:

Normalization Formula for SSC Exams  

R

Ranjeeta Srivastava

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

The SSC JE 2025 Tier Answer Key will be released on the official website after the conduction of a Tier 1 exam. The Tier 1 exam is tentatively scheduled to be conducted from October 27 to 31, 2025. The answer key will be released in the form of a PDF, along with the question papers and candidates'

...Read more

J

Jasleen Jain

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

The commission will release the SSC JE 2025 Paper 1 answer key on the official website at ssc.gov.in. It will be released in the form of a PDF. Along with the answer key, SSC JE question papers and candidates response sheets will also be made available on the official website. 

V

Virajita Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

The SSC JE paper 1 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that comprises objective-type Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). The total duration of the exam is two hours. There are three sections in the exam. The third section is further divided into three parts - Civil & Structural, Electrical and Mechanical.

...Read more

G

Gunjan Majumder

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

As per the annual calendar released on the official website, the SSC JE 2025 Tier 1 exam will be conducted from October 27 to 31, 2025. The commission will provide the additional details regarding the Tier 1 exam, including the admit card, schedule, etc.

N

Nitesh Pruthi

Beginner-Level 5

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

CSIR NET 2025 June Application Form 3 Jun '25 - 23 Jun '25
SSC CHSL 2025 Notification 23 Jun '25
RRB NTPC 2025 Exam Dates for Graduate Posts 5 Jun '25 - 24 Jun '25
RRB NTPC Exam Date Graduate Posts 5 Jun '25 - 24 Jun '25
TSTET Exam Date 15 Jun '25 - 30 Jun '25

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News