What is SSC CGL Exam? All You Need to Know!

January 29, 2025

The SSC CGL exam (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) is among the most prestigious competitive exams taken in India. It provides the candidate with numerous elite government jobs and is highly sought after for recruitment. Each year, millions of aspirants prepare for the exam to join the public sector as a stable and rewarding career. In this blog, let’s have a look at everything you need to get started about the SSC CGL exam.

What is the SSC CGL Exam?

The SSC CGL exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C positions in various government ministries, departments, and organizations. Some prominent positions include:

  • Assistant Section Officer
  • Inspector of Income Tax
  • Sub Inspector (CBI and NIA)
  • Auditor (CAG and other organizations)
  • Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

Most importantly, this exam is not just a gateway to a government job but it is also a benchmark for job security, growth, and respect in Indian society.

Eligibility Criteria for SSC CGL 

Firstly, to appear for the SSC CGL exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

CriteriaDetails
Age LimitGeneral category: 18 to 30 years (varies by post).
Relaxations: SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwD: 10 years.

For more detailed information check – SSC CGL Age Relaxations
Educational QualificationsBachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Specific qualifications for certain posts like:
• Junior Statistical Officer: Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% in Mathematics at the 12th level.
• Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer: Preference for candidates with CA, CMA, or MBA in Finance.
CitizenshipMust be an Indian citizen or fulfill other criteria as specified by the SSC.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern

The exam consists of four tiers, each designed to test different skills and competencies:

TierModeDetails
Tier IComputer-Based (CBE)• Duration: 60 minutes.
• MCQs on General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English.
• Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Tier IIComputer-Based (CBE)• Duration: 2 hours per paper.
• Papers include: Quantitative Abilities, English Comprehension, Statistics (for specific posts like JSO), General Studies (Finance & Economics) for AAO posts.
• Negative marking varies: 0.50 marks for most papers; 0.25 for English Comprehension.
Tier IIIPen-and-Paper• Duration: 60 minutes.
• Writing essays, letters, or applications in English or Hindi.
• Mixing languages or leaving information incomplete results in zero marks.
Tier IVSkill Test/Verification• Tests like Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) for specific posts.

For more detailed information check – SSC CGL Pattern

SSC CGL Syllabus

Here’s a breakdown of the syllabus for each tier:

  1. Tier I:

General Intelligence & Reasoning

General Awareness

Quantitative Aptitude

English Comprehension

  1. Tier II:

Advanced quantitative topics, higher-level English comprehension, and post-specific subjects like Statistics and Finance.

  1. Tier III:

Focus on writing skills through essays and formal letters.

  1. Tier IV:

Proficiency in computer skills and typing speed.

For more detailed information check –SSC CGL Syllabus

Important Dates & Notifications:

Missing deadlines is not an option! 

It’s crucial to keep track of:

  • Registration start and end dates.
  • SSC CGL Exam schedule for each tier.
  • SSC CGL Exam and Result declaration dates.

Stay updated with the latest SSC CGL notifications through:

Official SSC website: ssc.nic.in 

Official SSC CGL website : scc-cgl-exam

Subscribe to government job portals like ncs.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the application fee for SSC CGL?
The application fee is typically INR 100. However, SC/ST/PwD and female candidates are exempted from the fee.

Q2. Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, provided they can submit proof of their degree before the specified deadline.

Q3. How many vacancies are released every year for SSC CGL?
The number of vacancies varies annually. For example, in 2024, around 7,500 vacancies are expected, but candidates should refer to the official notification for the exact number.

Q4. What is the salary range for SSC CGL posts?
The salary ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 1,51,000 per month, depending on the post, pay level, and allowances.

Q5. Are there any interview rounds in SSC CGL?
No, the SSC CGL exam does not include an interview stage. Selection is based on performance in the four tiers and document verification.

In conclusion, The SSC CGL exam is a stepping stone for aspirants aiming for prestigious government positions. With proper preparation and consistent practice, success is within reach. 

Start your revision journey today with our app, NetPractice because it is your ultimate companion for making SSC CGL exam preparation both fun and effective!

Success is just a step away—let’s take it together!

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