Your Complete Roadmap to Cracking Competitive Exams
Eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process — everything you need for SSC and IIT JEE exams, all in one place.
Overview
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries, departments, and organisations. It is one of the most sought-after government exams in India, offering roles in taxation, audit, investigation, and administration. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for CGL, making it both highly competitive and highly rewarding.
Key Highlights
Age Limit
18 – 32 years
Education
Graduation
Salary Range
₹25,500 – ₹1,42,400
Post Categories
37+
Nationality
Indian citizen. Subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1st January 1962 are also eligible.
Education
Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Some posts require specific qualifications (e.g., CA, MBA, Statistics degree).
Age Limit
18 – 32 years (varies by post: 18-27 for some, 20-30 for others). Age relaxation available for reserved categories:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwD + SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years (after deduction of military service) |
Tier 1 – Preliminary Exam
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier 2 – Mains Exam
Session I
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
Session II
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 hour |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 30 min |
Session III
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 | 15 min |
Negative marking: 1.00 mark per wrong answer for Maths & Reasoning; 0.50 for English, GA, and Computer Knowledge.
Tier 1 – Computer Based Exam
Objective MCQs across 4 sections. Qualifying + merit-based shortlisting for Tier 2.
Tier 2 – Computer Based Exam
Multiple sessions with higher-level questions. Final merit is based on Tier 2 scores.
Document Verification
Verify original certificates, identity, caste, and education documents.
Final Allocation
Posts allocated based on merit, preference, and vacancy availability.
CGL posts offer salaries under the 7th Pay Commission. In-hand salary varies based on posting city (X, Y, Z category) due to HRA and DA components.
| Post | Pay Level | Salary (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Audit / Accounts Officer | Level-8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
| Income Tax Inspector | Level-7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Inspector (Central Excise / Preventive Officer) | Level-7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Sub-Inspector in CBI | Level-7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Assistant in MEA / CSS | Level-6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Divisional Accountant | Level-6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Auditor / Accountant | Level-5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Tax Assistant | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Upper Division Clerk (UDC) | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
Visit SSC Official Website
Go to ssc.gov.in and register with a valid email and mobile number.
Complete Registration
Fill in personal details, education, and category information to generate your registration ID.
Fill Application Form
Log in with your registration ID. Choose exam centres, upload photo and signature in the prescribed format.
Pay Application Fee
Pay online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Fee is ₹100 (waived for female / SC / ST / PwD / Ex-Servicemen candidates).
Download Confirmation
Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference. Download your admit card when released.