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Exam Date: August 17, 2025
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) of India. It is held to recruit eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
SSC CGL is considered one of the most sought-after exams for graduates aiming to secure prestigious government jobs.
Key Features of SSC CGL Exam
• Conducting Body : Staff Selection Commission ( ssc)
• Exam Frequency: Annually
• Eligibility Criteria: bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
• Exam Levels: Tier 1, Tier 2 , Tier 3 , Tier 4
• Job Categories: Group B and Group C Posts
• Official website : ssc.nic.in
Posts Offered Through SSC CGL
• The SSC CGL exam recruits for a variety of posts such as:
• Assistant Audit Officer
• Assistant Section Officer
• Inspector of Income Tax
• Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer)
• Assistant Enforcement Officer
• Sub Inspector (CBI)
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II
• Junior Statistical Officer
• Tax Assistant
• Auditor
• And many other Group B and C posts in central government departments
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Indian citizen, OR
Nepal/Bhutan citizens, OR
Tibetan refugees settled in India before 1962, OR
Persons of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc.
2. Educational Qualification
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
Specific posts may require additional qualifications like Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Company Secretary (CS), etc.
3. Age Limit
Usually between 18 and 32 years.
Age relaxation applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PH/Ex-servicemen) as per government rules.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern (as per 2025)
Tier 1 – Preliminary Exam (Computer-Based Test)
Type: Objective multiple-choice
Sections:
General Intelligence & Reasoning – 25 Qs (50 marks)
General Awareness – 25 Qs (50 marks)
Quantitative Aptitude – 25 Qs (50 marks)
English Comprehension – 25 Qs (50 marks)
Total: 100 questions, 200 marks
Duration: 60 minutes
Negative marking: 0.50 for each wrong answer
Tier 2 – Mains Exam (Computer-Based Test)
Type: Objective multiple-choice
Paper I: Compulsory for all posts
Sections:
Quantitative Abilities – 30 Qs (90 marks)
English Language & Comprehension – 45 Qs (135 marks)
General Awareness – 25 Qs (75 marks)
Reasoning – 30 Qs (90 marks)
Computer Proficiency – 20 Qs (60 marks)
Total: 150 questions, 450 marks
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Negative marking: 1 mark for each wrong answer
Paper II (Statistics): For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) – 100 Qs, 2 hours
Paper III (General Studies - Finance & Economics): For Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer – 100 Qs, 2 hours
Tier 3 – Descriptive Paper
Type: Pen & Paper (offline)
Topics: Essay / Letter / Precis / Application in English or Hindi
Marks: 100
Duration: 60 minutes
Qualifying in nature
Tier 4 – Skill Test (If applicable)
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): For Tax Assistant
8,000 key depressions/hour
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): For selected posts
Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint
Detailed Syllabus
Tier 1 Syllabus:
• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, coding-decoding, puzzles, series, blood relations, directions, syllogism, etc.
• General Awareness: Current events, history, geography, polity, economy, science & technology.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, percentages, ratio & proportion, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics.
• English Comprehension: Grammar, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms, sentence correction, comprehension.
Tier 2 Syllabus:
• Quantitative Abilities: Higher-level maths topics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry.
• English Language & Comprehension: Advanced grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary.
• Statistics: Collection, classification, representation of data, measures of central tendency, probability.
• General Studies (Finance & Economics): Basic economics, government schemes, budgeting, finance principles.
Application Fees
Category Fee
General/OBC ₹100
SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Women No Fee
Selection Process
Candidates must clear all four tiers.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 are qualifying in nature with minimum cut-offs.
Final merit list is based on the combined performance of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
Tier 4 is qualifying (skill test/computer proficiency test).
Document verification and medical examination are the last stages.
Salary and Benefits
SSC CGL jobs come with attractive pay scales under the 7th Pay Commission:
Pay Level varies between ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 per month (Grade Pay + Basic Pay)
DA, HRA, Travel Allowance
Pension and other government perks
Job security and career growth opportunities
Preparing for the SSC CGL exam can be a challenging journey, but with the right strategy and dedication, success is within your reach. Our Just My IQ experts have curated this detailed preparation guide to help you crack SSC CGL confidently.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly
Get familiar with the 4-tier exam structure (Tier 1 to Tier 4).
Break down the syllabus for each tier topic-wise.
Know the weightage of each section to prioritize your preparation.
Download and study the official SSC CGL syllabus from SSC official website.
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan
Divide your preparation into daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
Allocate time based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Include all four subjects in your schedule: Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, English Language, and General Awareness.
Set aside specific hours for revision and practice tests.
3. Strengthen Your Basics
Build a strong foundation in mathematics (arithmetic, algebra, geometry).
Work on basic grammar rules and vocabulary for English.
Improve logical reasoning skills by practicing puzzles and reasoning questions.
For General Awareness, focus on current affairs, static GK, and government schemes.
4. Practice Previous Years’ Question Papers
Solving past SSC CGL papers helps understand the exam pattern and question trends.
It improves time management skills during the exam.
Identify frequently asked topics and question types.
Analyze your performance to work on weak areas.
5. Take Regular Mock Tests
Attempt full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions.
Evaluate your accuracy and speed after each test.
Work on mistakes and revise concepts where needed.
Use online platforms or mobile apps that offer SSC CGL mock tests.
6. Focus on Time Management
Learn to allocate time wisely to each section during the exam.
Practice solving questions quickly and accurately.
Avoid getting stuck on difficult questions; move on and return later if time permits.
7. Improve Reading and Writing Skills for Tier 3
Practice writing essays, letters, and applications regularly.
Enhance your vocabulary and grammar.
Read newspapers, editorials, and official reports to improve writing style.
Keep your answers clear, concise, and to the point.
8. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Follow daily current affairs from reliable sources (newspapers, websites, apps).
Focus on national and international news, awards, sports, science, and government policies.
Make short notes or flashcards for quick revision.
9. Take Care of Your Health and Stay Motivated
Maintain a balanced diet and regular sleep schedule.
Take short breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout.
Stay positive and motivated by setting small rewards for achieving goals.
Join online or offline study groups for peer support and motivation.
10. Use Quality Study Material
Refer to recommended SSC CGL preparation books.
Follow trusted online coaching classes or YouTube channels.
Avoid cluttering with too many books; focus on quality over quantity.
• Notification Release: Usually February-March
• Application Start Date: February/March
• Application End Date: March/April
• Tier 1 Exam Date: May/June
• Tier 2 Exam Date: September
• Tier 3 Exam Date: October/November
• Result Declaration: January/February (Next year)
• Note: Always check official SSC notifications for exact dates.
Yes, final year students are eligible to apply, but they must produce proof of passing the degree at the time of document verification.
SSC CGL is mainly conducted online (Computer Based Test). Only Tier 3 (Descriptive) is offline.
Yes, candidates can attempt SSC CGL till the upper age limit prescribed.
Practice daily, solve previous year papers, take mock tests, and keep up with current affairs.
