Last Updated on: 28 May 2026, 06:40 AM
SSC CGL Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Notification, Syllabus & Salary
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most popular government exams in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for this exam to secure Group B and Group C posts in various central government departments. This SSC CGL all-in-one guide explains everything you need to know about the exam, starting from basics and ending with final selection.
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What is SSC CGL Exam?
SSC CGL is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India.
Why SSC CGL is a Popular Government Exam
- Central government job with job security
- Good salary and regular promotions
- Posting across India
- Respectable administrative and audit roles
SSC CGL Exam Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Posts | Group B and Group C |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| SSC CGL is conducted in multiple tiers | |
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
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Educational Qualification
- Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Final-year students can apply (subject to result declaration)
Age Limit
| Post Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Most Posts | 18 to 32 years |
| Inspector / Auditor | 18 to 30 years |
| Age relaxation applicable as per government rules | |
SSC CGL Selection Process
The SSC CGL selection process is designed to assess candidates at multiple levels, starting from basic aptitude to advanced subject knowledge. The process currently consists of two computer-based examinations followed by document verification. Final selection is made on the basis of merit.
🎯 Complete SSC CGL Selection Process (Tier 1 to Joining)
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Stages of SSC CGL Selection
- Tier-I: Computer Based Test (Qualifying for Tier-II)
- Tier-II: Computer Based Test (Merit Determining)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List and Service Allocation
Stage-wise Details of SSC CGL Selection Process
| Stage | Exam / Process | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Tier-I Examination | Screening test to shortlist candidates for Tier-II |
| Stage 2 | Tier-II Examination | Main examination for final merit |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification | Verification of eligibility and certificates |
| Stage 4 | Final Selection | Post allocation based on rank, preference, and vacancies |
| Final merit is prepared based on Tier-II marks only | ||
Important Points About SSC CGL Selection
- Tier-I is qualifying in nature but mandatory to clear
- Tier-II marks are used for final merit preparation
- Negative marking applies in both Tier-I and Tier-II
- Document verification is compulsory for final appointment
- Post allocation depends on rank, preferences, and category-wise vacancies
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
📥 Download Detailed SSC CGL Syllabus (Topic-wise PDF)
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Tier-I Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total: 100 Questions | 200 Marks | ||
Tier-II Exam Pattern
- Paper I: Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning
- Paper II: English Language and Comprehension
- Paper III: Statistics (for specific posts)
- Paper IV: General Studies (Finance & Economics)
SSC CGL Updated detailed Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Geometry and Mensuration
General Intelligence & Reasoning
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- Analogy
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
General Awareness
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Economy
- Science
- Current Affairs
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Improvement
- Active & Passive Voice
SSC CGL Official Previous Year Cut Off (Verified Data)
The SSC CGL cut-off marks are officially released by the Staff Selection Commission along with result PDFs. These cut-offs are normalized scores and vary based on category, post, and exam tier. Below are officially verified SSC CGL cut-off marks published through SSC result notices.
SSC CGL Tier-I Cut Off 2025 (Official – All Other Posts)
| Category | Tier-I Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 150.04936 |
| OBC | 145.93743 |
| EWS | 143.44441 |
| SC | 126.68201 |
| ST | 118.16655 |
| OH | 115.98466 |
| HH | 77.72772 |
| VH | 121.59698 |
| PwD (Other) | 57.45303 |
| Cut-off applicable for posts other than AAO and JSO as per official SSC result | |
SSC CGL Tier-I Cut Off 2024 – Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
| Category | Tier-I Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 167.02061 |
| OBC | 160.65216 |
| EWS | 161.73406 |
| SC | 143.53855 |
| ST | 135.23007 |
| OH | 133.35717 |
| HH | 95.45162 |
| VH | 122.51903 |
| Official Tier-I cut-off for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | |
SSC CGL Tier-I Cut Off 2024 – Statistical Investigator Grade-II
| Category | Tier-I Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 170.65672 |
| OBC | 161.13462 |
| EWS | 163.50858 |
| ST | 134.49545 |
| OH | 60.66162 |
| VH | 92.05218 |
| PwD (Other) | 40.30795 |
| Official Tier-I cut-off for Statistical Investigator Grade-II | |
SSC CGL Tier-II Final Cut Off 2024 (Official)
| Category | Tier-II Final Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 322.77346 |
| OBC | 306.27860 |
| EWS | 300.03797 |
| SC | 285.45888 |
| ST | 266.49545 |
| ESM | 202.28486 |
| OH | 258.66022 |
| HH | 181.89266 |
| VH | 219.45018 |
| PwD (Other) | 136.73346 |
| Final cut-off used for merit list and post allocation | |
Important Notes on SSC CGL Cut Off
- All cut-off marks are normalized scores released officially by SSC
- Tier-I cut-off is used only for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II
- Tier-II cut-off decides the final merit and service allocation
- SSC releases separate cut-offs for specific posts like AAO, JSO, and Statistical Investigator
- Candidates should always refer to SSC result PDFs for the most accurate data
Posts under SSC CGL Exam
List of Major Posts under SSC CGL
| Post Name | Department / Ministry | Post Category |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Central Secretariat Service / Various Ministries | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Inspector of Income Tax | Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Inspector (Examiner) | Customs Department | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Auditor | CAG / CGDA | Group C |
| Accountant | CAG / CGDA | Group C |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT / CBIC | Group C |
| Upper Division Clerk (UDC) | Various Ministries | Group C |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement | Group B (Gazetted) |
| Post allocation depends on rank, preferences, vacancies, and category | ||
Key Points About SSC CGL Posts
- Both Group B and Group C posts are offered through SSC CGL
- Most Group B posts are gazetted and supervisory in nature
- Posting can be anywhere in India depending on the department
- Promotion rules and career growth vary from post to post
SSC CGL In hand Salary, Grade Pay: Salary Structure
| Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 |
| Allowances like DA, HRA and TA are extra | |
SSC CGL Job Profile
The SSC CGL exam offers a wide range of job profiles across different central government departments. Each post has its own nature of work, responsibilities, work environment, and career growth. Understanding the SSC CGL job profile helps candidates choose the right post preference based on their interests and long-term goals.
SSC CGL Job Profile – Post-wise Overview
| Post Name | Department | Job Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Central Secretariat / Ministries | File work, drafting notes, policy implementation support, coordination between departments |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Assessment of income tax returns, verification, raids, surveys, and tax compliance |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | GST implementation, tax collection, inspections, anti-evasion duties |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Prevent smuggling, border and port duties, customs enforcement |
| Inspector (Examiner) | Customs Department | Examination of goods at ports, airports, and customs clearance |
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | CAG | Audit of government departments, financial inspections, reporting irregularities |
| Auditor | CAG / CGDA | Audit accounts, verify expenditure, prepare audit reports |
| Accountant | CAG / CGDA | Maintain accounts, process bills, financial record keeping |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT / CBIC | Data entry, tax processing, assisting inspectors in assessments |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | MoSPI | Data collection, surveys, analysis, report preparation |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Enforcement Directorate | Investigation of economic offences, money laundering cases |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI) | Central Bureau of Investigation | Investigation of criminal and corruption cases, field inquiries |
| Nature of work may vary depending on posting location and department workload | ||
Work Environment in SSC CGL Jobs
- Mostly desk-based work for administrative and audit posts
- Field work involved in inspection and enforcement posts
- Fixed office hours for most posts
- Some posts involve touring and inspections
Career Growth and Promotions
- Time-bound promotions through departmental exams
- Opportunities to reach senior administrative positions
- Some posts allow deputation to other ministries and organizations
- Regular salary increments and allowances
Who Should Choose SSC CGL Jobs?
- Candidates looking for stable central government jobs
- Aspirants interested in administrative, audit, or enforcement roles
- Those seeking long-term career growth with work-life balance
SSC CGL Preparation Strategy
- Understand syllabus and exam pattern clearly
- Focus on Tier-I speed and accuracy
- Practice mock tests regularly
- Revise formulas and static GK frequently
Common Mistakes SSC CGL Aspirants Make
- Ignoring syllabus boundaries
- Not practicing enough mocks
- Weak English preparation
- Poor time management
Conclusion
SSC CGL is a complete career-building examination that offers stability, growth, and respect. With the right understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy, clearing SSC CGL is achievable. This all-in-one guide can serve as a long-term reference for beginners as well as repeat aspirants.
Aspirants also read below articles ↓
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- 🛑 Strict SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria (Don't get rejected!)→
- 🎯 Complete SSC CGL Selection Process (Tier 1 to Joining)→
- 📥 Download Detailed SSC CGL Syllabus (Topic-wise PDF)→
- 📊 Shocking SSC CGL Previous Year Cut-Offs (Set your target)→
- 💡 High-Scoring Subjects in SSC CGL (Where to focus first)→
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Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is SSC CGL exam?
SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) is a national-level exam conducted to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various central government departments and ministries.
What is the eligibility criteria for SSC CGL exam?
The eligibility criteria for SSC CGL exam require a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Some posts may have specific educational requirements.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL exam?
The age limit for SSC CGL exam generally ranges from 18 to 32 years, depending on the post. Age relaxation is provided to reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the selection process of SSC CGL?
The selection process of SSC CGL includes Tier-I (Preliminary exam), Tier-II (Mains exam), followed by document verification and final merit list preparation.
How many tiers are there in SSC CGL exam?
There are two main tiers in the SSC CGL exam: Tier-I and Tier-II. Earlier tiers like Tier-III and Tier-IV have been removed as per the latest exam pattern.
What is the syllabus of SSC CGL exam?
The SSC CGL syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension.
Is SSC CGL exam conducted every year?
Yes, the SSC CGL exam is usually conducted every year. However, the exact notification and exam dates depend on the official SSC calendar.
What are the posts available through SSC CGL?
Posts available through SSC CGL include Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, and several other Group B and Group C posts.
What is the salary after clearing SSC CGL exam?
The salary after clearing SSC CGL exam ranges from approximately ₹25,500 to ₹47,600 basic pay, depending on the post, along with allowances like DA, HRA, and TA.
Is SSC CGL exam tough for beginners?
SSC CGL exam is competitive but not impossible for beginners. With a clear understanding of the syllabus, regular practice, and proper time management, beginners can successfully crack the exam.