The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of India's most prestigious and competitive examinations for recruiting candidates to various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
The SSC CGL examination is conducted in multiple tiers, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's knowledge and skills. The multi-tier structure ensures a comprehensive assessment of candidates' abilities, from basic knowledge to advanced problem-solving skills and communication abilities.
Key Features:
- Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Exam Mode: Computer-based (Tier 1 & 2), Pen & Paper (Tier 3), Skill Test (Tier 4)
- Exam Level: National Level
- Frequency: Annual
- Language: English and Hindi (except for English Comprehension section)
Detailed Exam Pattern
Tier 1 - Preliminary Examination (Computer Based)
| Aspect |
Details |
| Duration |
60 minutes |
| Total Questions |
100 questions |
| Total Marks |
200 marks |
| Marking Scheme |
+2 marks for correct answer |
| Negative Marking |
-0.50 marks for wrong answer |
| Exam Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Qualifying Nature |
Yes (Shortlisting for Tier 2) |
Subject-wise Distribution - Tier 1
| Subject |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning |
25 |
50 |
15 minutes |
| General Awareness |
25 |
50 |
15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
25 |
50 |
15 minutes |
| English Comprehension |
25 |
50 |
15 minutes |
| Total |
100 |
200 |
60 minutes |
Tier 2 - Mains Examination (Computer Based)
Paper 1: Quantitative Abilities
| Aspect |
Details |
| Duration |
120 minutes |
| Total Questions |
100 questions |
| Total Marks |
200 marks |
| Marking Scheme |
+2 marks for correct answer |
| Negative Marking |
-0.50 marks for wrong answer |
| Exam Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension
| Aspect |
Details |
| Duration |
120 minutes |
| Total Questions |
200 questions |
| Total Marks |
200 marks |
| Marking Scheme |
+1 mark for correct answer |
| Negative Marking |
-0.25 marks for wrong answer |
| Exam Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
Paper 3: Statistics (For specific posts only)
| Aspect |
Details |
| Duration |
120 minutes |
| Total Questions |
100 questions |
| Total Marks |
200 marks |
| Marking Scheme |
+2 marks for correct answer |
| Negative Marking |
-0.50 marks for wrong answer |
| Applicable Posts |
Statistical Investigator Grade II & Compiler |
Paper 4: General Studies (Finance and Economics)
| Aspect |
Details |
| Duration |
120 minutes |
| Total Questions |
100 questions |
| Total Marks |
200 marks |
| Marking Scheme |
+2 marks for correct answer |
| Negative Marking |
-0.50 marks for wrong answer |
| Applicable Posts |
Assistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer |
Tier 3 - Descriptive Paper (Pen and Paper Mode)
| Aspect |
Details |
| Duration |
60 minutes |
| Total Marks |
100 marks |
| Exam Mode |
Pen and Paper |
| Language |
English or Hindi |
| Qualifying Marks |
33% (minimum) |
| Paper Type |
Descriptive |
Components of Tier 3
| Component |
Word Limit |
Marks |
| Essay Writing |
200-250 words |
20-30 marks |
| Letter/Application Writing |
150-200 words |
20-30 marks |
| Précis Writing |
1/3 of original passage |
20-30 marks |
Tier 4 - Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test
| Test Type |
Applicable Posts |
Requirements |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) |
Tax Assistant, DEO |
2000 key depressions per hour |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) |
All posts with CPT requirement |
MS Office, Database management |
| Document Verification |
All selected candidates |
Original documents verification |
Comprehensive Syllabus
Tier 1 Syllabus
General Intelligence and Reasoning
| Topics |
Sub-topics |
| Verbal Reasoning |
Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Syllogism |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Pattern Completion, Figure Classification, Mirror Images, Water Images, Embedded Figures |
| Logical Reasoning |
Statement and Assumptions, Statement and Conclusions, Cause and Effect, Course of Action |
| Analytical Reasoning |
Seating Arrangement, Ranking, Number Series, Letter Series, Coding-Decoding |
| Problem Solving |
Mathematical Operations, Venn Diagrams, Cubes and Dice, Clock and Calendar |
General Awareness
| Subject Area |
Topics Covered |
| History |
Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Indian National Movement, World History |
| Geography |
Physical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, Economic Geography, Environmental Issues |
| Indian Polity |
Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Parliament, Judiciary, Executive, Federalism |
| Economics |
Basic Economic Concepts, Indian Economy, Economic Development, Banking, Financial Institutions |
| Science |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Space Technology |
| Current Affairs |
National and International Events, Sports, Awards, Books and Authors, Important Days |
Quantitative Aptitude
| Mathematical Areas |
Topics |
| Arithmetic |
Number System, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Partnership |
| Algebra |
Basic Algebraic Identities, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Graphs |
| Geometry |
Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons |
| Mensuration |
Area and Perimeter, Surface Area and Volume, 2D and 3D Figures |
| Trigonometry |
Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances, Complementary Angles |
| Statistics |
Data Interpretation, Charts and Graphs, Mean, Median, Mode |
English Comprehension
| Language Skills |
Components |
| Vocabulary |
Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases |
| Grammar |
Tenses, Voice, Narration, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions |
| Sentence Structure |
Subject-Verb Agreement, Sentence Improvement, Error Spotting |
| Reading Comprehension |
Passage Reading, Inference, Main Idea, Supporting Details |
| Writing Skills |
Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Test |
Tier 2 Syllabus
Paper 1: Quantitative Abilities (Detailed)
| Topic |
Sub-topics |
Weightage |
| Number System |
HCF-LCM, Divisibility Rules, Remainder Theorem, Prime Numbers |
8-10 questions |
| Algebra |
Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions |
15-20 questions |
| Geometry |
Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Coordinate Geometry |
15-18 questions |
| Mensuration |
2D and 3D Figures, Surface Area, Volume |
8-12 questions |
| Trigonometry |
Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances |
8-10 questions |
| Statistics & DI |
Data Interpretation, Charts, Graphs, Statistical Measures |
15-20 questions |
Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension (Detailed)
| Section |
Topics |
Question Types |
| Vocabulary |
Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution |
25-30 questions |
| Grammar |
Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks |
40-50 questions |
| Reading Comprehension |
Passage-based Questions, Inference, Main Idea |
50-60 questions |
| Sentence Structure |
Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Test |
30-40 questions |
Tier 3 Syllabus (Descriptive Paper)
| Component |
Skills Tested |
Evaluation Criteria |
| Essay Writing |
Analytical thinking, Expression, Current affairs knowledge |
Content, Language, Structure, Relevance |
| Letter Writing |
Formal communication, Proper format, Clarity |
Format, Language, Tone, Completeness |
| Précis Writing |
Comprehension, Summarization, Conciseness |
Accuracy, Brevity, Coherence, Grammar |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit Structure
| Category |
Age Limit |
Relaxation |
| General/EWS |
18-32 years |
No relaxation |
| OBC |
18-35 years |
3 years |
| SC/ST |
18-37 years |
5 years |
| PwD (General) |
18-42 years |
10 years |
| PwD (OBC) |
18-45 years |
13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) |
18-47 years |
15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen |
18-37 years |
5 years |
Educational Qualification
| Requirement |
Details |
| Minimum Qualification |
Bachelor's degree from recognized university |
| Final Year Students |
Can apply (degree must be completed before document verification) |
| Professional Degrees |
Engineering, Medical, Law degrees accepted |
| Distance Education |
Degrees from UGC recognized institutions accepted |
Physical Standards (For specific posts)
| Post Category |
Physical Requirements |
| Customs/Excise Officers |
Medical fitness, Vision requirements |
| Narcotics Officers |
Height, Chest measurements |
| Border Security Posts |
Physical endurance tests |
Posts and Pay Scale
Group B Posts (Gazetted)
| Post |
Pay Level |
Monthly Salary |
Allowances |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
Level-7 |
₹44,900-1,42,400 |
DA, HRA, TA |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer |
Level-7 |
₹44,900-1,42,400 |
DA, HRA, TA |
| Assistant in Other Ministries |
Level-7 |
₹44,900-1,42,400 |
DA, HRA, TA |
Group C Posts (Non-Gazetted)
| Post |
Pay Level |
Monthly Salary |
Department |
| Income Tax Inspector |
Level-6 |
₹35,400-1,12,400 |
Income Tax Department |
| Central Excise Inspector |
Level-6 |
₹35,400-1,12,400 |
Central Board of Excise |
| Preventive Officer |
Level-6 |
₹35,400-1,12,400 |
Customs Department |
| Examiner (Customs) |
Level-6 |
₹35,400-1,12,400 |
Customs Department |
| Sub Inspector (CBI) |
Level-6 |
₹35,400-1,12,400 |
Central Bureau of Investigation |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant |
Level-5 |
₹29,200-92,300 |
Various Ministries |
| Tax Assistant |
Level-4 |
₹25,500-81,100 |
Income Tax Department |
| Postal Assistant |
Level-4 |
₹25,500-81,100 |
Department of Posts |
| Sorting Assistant |
Level-4 |
₹25,500-81,100 |
Department of Posts |
| Data Entry Operator |
Level-4 |
₹25,500-81,100 |
Various Departments |
| Court Clerk |
Level-4 |
₹25,500-81,100 |
Supreme Court/High Courts |
Additional Benefits
| Benefit Type |
Details |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) |
Currently 46% of basic pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
24%/16%/8% based on city category |
| Travel Allowance (TA) |
₹3,600-7,200 per month |
| Medical Benefits |
CGHS facilities for self and family |
| Leave Travel Concession |
Once in 4 years |
| Pension |
As per 7th Pay Commission |
Cut-off Trends (Previous Years)
| Category |
Tier 1 Cut-off |
Tier 2 Cut-off |
| General |
155-165 |
320-350 |
| EWS |
150-160 |
310-340 |
| OBC |
145-155 |
300-330 |
| SC |
130-140 |
280-310 |
| ST |
125-135 |
270-300 |
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information needed to understand and prepare for the SSC CGL examination. Regular updates and revisions of the preparation strategy based on exam trends and personal progress will enhance your chances of success.
