Get comprehensive details about the SSC CGL exam. Learn about eligibility criteria, vacancies, application process, syllabus, and exam pattern for various government posts.
Conducted by: SSC
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination annually to select eligible candidates for diverse Group 'B' and Group 'C' non-gazetted and gazetted posts across numerous central government departments, ministries, and subordinate offices. This examination offers a gateway to stable and respectable careers within the Indian bureaucracy, attracting hundreds of thousands of applicants each year. Posts range from Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Section Officer to Income Tax Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, and Tax Assistant. The primary purpose of the SSC CGL exam is to streamline the recruitment process for a wide array of graduate-level positions, ensuring that qualified individuals are selected through a fair and transparent competitive process. The exam is structured into multiple tiers to test candidates' aptitude, knowledge, and writing skills, progressively narrowing down the pool of aspirants to the most meritorious ones. Successful candidates are placed in various cities across India, depending on their rank, preference, and availability of vacancies. Vacancies for SSC CGL posts are announced with each notification, varying annually based on the requirements of participating ministries and departments. The career prospects for SSC CGL qualifiers are excellent, offering opportunities for promotions, increment in pay, and lateral mobility across departments. Employees enjoy a secure job environment, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement plans, making it a highly sought-after career path for graduates in India. The CGL exam is a significant opportunity for young graduates looking to contribute to public service and build a rewarding career in the central government. It provides a platform for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to secure positions that play a crucial role in the administration and development of the nation.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 2026-08-01 |
| Application End | 2026-08-31 |
| Tier I Exam | 2026-10-15 |
Nationality: A candidate must be either: A citizen of India A subject of Nepal A subject of Bhutan A Tibetan refugee who came over to India, before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Age Limit: Age limits vary for different posts, generally ranging from 18 to 32 years as on the specified cut-off date. Age relaxation is provided as per government rules: SC/ST: 5 years OBC: 3 years PwBD (Unreserved): 10 years PwBD (OBC): 13 years PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age. Other categories as per government norms. Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. Specific posts may require additional qualifications: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th standard OR Bachelor's Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level. Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO): Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University. Desirable Qualification: Chartered Accountant or Cost & Management Accountant or Company Secretary or Masters in Commerce or Masters in Business Studies or Masters in Business Administration (Finance) or Masters in Business Economics. For all other posts: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the SSC CGL exam within the prescribed age limit.
| Stage | Type | Duration | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-I (Computer Based Examination) | MCQ | 1 hour | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension | 200 (50 marks per section) |
| Tier-II (Computer Based Examination) | MCQ | 2 hours per paper | Paper-I: Quantitative Abilities, Paper-II: English Language & Comprehension, Paper-III: Statistics (for JSO), Paper-IV: General Studies (Finance & Economics for AAO) | Paper-I: 200, Paper-II: 200, Paper-III: 200, Paper-IV: 200 |
| Tier-III (Descriptive Paper) | Descriptive | 1 hour | English/Hindi (Essay, Precis, Letter/Application Writing) | 100 |
| Tier-IV (Data Entry Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test) | Skill Test (Qualifying) | Varies | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) or Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) for specific posts | Qualifying |
Registration: Visit the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in) and click on the 'Register Now' link under the 'Login' section. Fill in basic details like name, parent's name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. Create a unique username and password. Fill Online Application Form: Log in using the registration details. Click on the 'Apply' link for the 'Combined Graduate Level Examination'. Fill in all required personal, educational, and communication details accurately. Upload Documents: Upload a scanned copy of a recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the specified format and size. Ensure the photograph is clear and taken recently (within three months). Select Preferences: Choose your examination centers from the available options. Carefully select your post preferences based on eligibility and interest. Review and Submit: Thoroughly review all the entered information before final submission. Make any necessary corrections. Payment of Application Fee: Pay the application fee online through methods like Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. Women candidates, SC/ST, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from paying the fee. Print Application Form: After successful submission and payment, download and print a copy of the application form for future reference.
A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent is the minimum educational qualification for most posts. Some specific posts like JSO and AAO may require additional subject-specific qualifications.
Yes, there is negative marking in Tier-I and Tier-II examinations. The penalty is typically 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Tier-I and 0.50 marks in Paper-II (English Language & Comprehension) of Tier-II, and 0.25 marks in Paper-I, Paper-III & Paper-IV of Tier-II.
Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor's degree can apply, provided they possess the essential qualification on or before the cut-off date specified in the official notification.
The SSC CGL exam typically comprises four tiers: Tier-I (Preliminary), Tier-II (Mains), Tier-III (Descriptive Paper), and Tier-IV (Data Entry Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test for specific posts).
Yes, age relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10-15 years), and Ex-Servicemen, as per Government of India rules.
After clearing all examination tiers, candidates are subjected to document verification. A final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative scores in Tier-I, Tier-II, and Tier-III (Tier-IV is qualifying), and candidates are allotted posts based on their merit, preference, and eligibility.
Yes, the Tier-III descriptive paper is compulsory for all candidates who qualify for it, as it evaluates writing skills in English or Hindi and contributes to the final merit.