What is SSC CGL Exam? - Full Form, Eligibility Criteria, Qualification, Age Limit and Pattern
What is SSC CGL Exam?
SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level) is a national level government recruitment exam, which is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) every year.
This exam is the second largest government recruitment exam after UPSC. Through this examination, candidates are conducted for the recruitment of Group B and Group C gazetted and non-gazetted posts in various ministries, departments and organizations of the Central Government.
Who is Eligible to Appear for the SSC CGL Exam?
If you have completed graduation from a recognized university, then you can apply for this exam. This exam is specially for those students who have completed graduation.
What are Group B and Group C Posts?
Government posts in the Government of India are divided into Groups A, B, C and D. This classification is done on the basis of the responsibility of the post, pay scale and powers of the officers.
1. Group B Gazetted Posts
Officers working on Group B Gazetted posts can officially issue orders on behalf of the government. Their names are published in the Government Gazette (Government Notification).
2. Group B Non-Gazetted Posts
Officers working in Group B non-gazetted posts are like office staff who do not have any administrative powers or power to issue orders.
3. Group C Non-Gazetted Posts
Group C posts are completely non-gazetted. Their work is at field or clerical level. They do not have administrative or decision making work.
SSC CGL Exam Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CGL |
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Purpose | Recruitment to Group B and C posts in central government |
| Target Candidates | Graduates aspiring for government jobs in various central government departments |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | Website |
SSC CGL Exam Eligibility Criteria
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Candidate must have a graduation degree from a recognised university. |
| Age limit |
|
| Nationality (Candidates should be in one of the following categories) |
|
| Physical Standard | Some posts (eg Central Excise Inspector, CBI, NIA etc.) require physical standards. |
Posts under SSC CGL Exam and Age Limits
There are some select Group B posts through SSC CGL which fall under gazetted category. These posts play important roles in central ministries, departments and offices. The names of these posts and their associated age limits are given in the list below:
1. SSC CGL Group B Posts (Gazetted)
There are some select Group B posts through SSC CGL which fall under gazetted category. These posts play important roles in central ministries, departments and offices. The names of these posts and their associated age limits are given in the list below:
| Sr.No | Post Name | Age limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | 18 - 30 years |
| 2 | Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) | 18 - 30 years |
2. SSC CGL Group B Posts (Non-Gazetted)
There are some select Group B posts through SSC CGL which fall under gazetted category. These posts play important roles in central ministries, departments and offices. The names of these posts and their associated age limits are given in the list below:
| Sr.No | Post Name | Age limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Section Officer in MEA | 20 - 30 years |
| 2 | Assistant Section Officer in CSS | 20 - 30 years |
| 3 | Assistant Section Officer in Ministry of Railway | 20 - 30 years |
| 4 | Assistant Section Officer in Intelligence Bureau | 18 - 30 years |
| 5 | Assistant Section Officer in AFHQ | 20 - 30 years |
| 6 | Assistant Section Officer in Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | 18 - 30 years |
| 7 | Assistant / Assistant Section Officer in (Other Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations) | 18 - 30 years |
| 8 | Inspector (Central Excise) | 18 - 30 years |
| 9 | Inspector (Preventive Officer) | 18 - 30 years |
| 10 | Inspector (Examiner) | 18 - 30 years |
| 11 | Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO) | 18 - 30 years |
| 12 | Sub Inspector (CBI) | 20 - 30 years |
| 13 | Sub Inspector (NIA) | 18 - 30 years |
| 14 | Inspector Posts | 18 - 30 years |
| 15 | Inspector (CBN) | 18 - 30 years |
| 16 | Divisional Accountant (C&AG) | 18 - 30 years |
| 17 | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 18 - 32 years |
3. SSC CGL Group C Posts (Non-Gazetted)
Many Group C posts are recruited through SSC CGL exam. These posts are held in various departments, ministries and organizations of the central government. Below is the list of all major Group C posts and related age limit:
| Sr.No | Post Name | Age limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inspector of Income Tax | 18 - 30 years |
| 2 | Auditor (C&AG) | 18 - 27 years |
| 3 | Auditor (CGDA) | 18 - 27 years |
| 4 | Auditor (Other Ministry/ Departments) | 18 - 27 years |
| 5 | Accountant (C&AG) | 18 - 27 years |
| 6 | Accountant (CGA) | 18 - 27 years |
| 7 | Accountant/ Junior Accountant (Other Ministry/ Departments) | 18 - 27 years |
| 8 | Senior Secretariat Assistant/ Upper Division Clerk – Various Ministries/Departments | 18 - 27 years |
| 9 | Tax Assistant (CBDT) | 18 - 27 years |
| 10 | Tax Assistant (CBIC) | 18 - 27 years |
| 11 | Sub-Inspector (CBN) | 18 - 27 years |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers. Each phase has its own importance and it is mandatory to pass both these phases.
- Tier 1
- Tier 2
1. Tier 1 (Prelims) Exam Pattern
SSC CGL Tier 1 is the first stage of the exam and candidates only have to pass it. This exam is online computer based and all questions are of multiple choice (MCQ) type.
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Section |
|
| Duration of Exam | 60 minutes (1 hours) |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 100 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 25 |
| Total Marks | 50 |
2. General Awareness
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 25 |
| Total Marks | 50 |
3. Quantitative Aptitude
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 25 |
| Total Marks | 50 |
4. English Comprehension
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 25 |
| Total Marks | 50 |
2. Tire - 2 (Mains exam) Exam Pattern
SSC CGL Tier 2 exam is the main exam and it is the most important step to prepare the final merit list. There are total 3 papers, out of which Paper-1 is compulsory and Paper-2 and Paper-3 are only for special posts.
- Paper - 1: (Compulsory for all candidate)
- Paper - 2: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Paper - 3: Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Account Officer
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers |
|
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Marks | 450 |
1. Paper - 1
Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates. Paper 1 has total 3 sections and each section has 2 modules.
| Sections | Module | Subject | No of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section-1 | Module-1 | Mathematics & Ablity | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Module-2 | Reasioning & General Inteligence | 30 | 90 | ||
| Total Marks for Section-1 | 180 marks | ||||
| Section-2 | Module-1 | English Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 1 hour |
| Module-2 | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | ||
| Total Marks for Section-1 | 210 marks | ||||
| Section-3 | Module-1 | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 (Qualifying) | 15 minutes |
| Module-2 | Data Entry Test | - | Qualifying | 15 minutes | |
| Total Marks for Section-3 | Qualifying | ||||
2. Paper - 2 (Junior Statistical Officer (JSO))
Paper 2 This paper is only for those candidates who have applied for the JSO post.
| Post | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) |
| Subject | Statistics |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 100 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
3. Paper - 3 (Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Account Officer)
Paper 3 This paper is only for those candidates who have applied for AAO/AAO (Asst. Audit Officer/Accounts Officer) posts.
| Post | Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Account Officer |
| Subject | General Study (Finance & Economics) |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Question | 100 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
SSC CGL Exam Interesting Facts
1. First Recruitment Institute of Independent India
SSC CGL is the first and one of the oldest government recruitment exams of independent India. It was established in 1975 during the reign of Indira Gandhi. Earlier, there were separate procedures for recruitment in different ministries.
2. Biggest Government Exam
SSC CGL is considered to be the second biggest government exam in India after UPSC. Through this, thousands of posts are recruited in central ministries and departments every year.
3. High Competition
Every year more than 20 lakh candidates apply for SSC CGL exam. This makes it one of the most competitive government exams in India.
4. Record Number
A total of more than 30 lakh candidates applied for the SSC CGL exam in the year 2022, which is the largest ever. This number proves that this exam is one of the most popular government exams in India.
5. Exam Structure Update
Earlier, the SSC CGL exam was conducted in four tiers, including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. However, Tier 3 and Tier 4 have been removed from 2021.
SSC CGL Exam Advantages
1. Top Group Officer
Through SSC CGL exam officers are recruited for various government posts of B and C category of Government of India.
2. Second Largest Government Service
CGL exam recruits the second and largest number of government servants in India.
SSC CGL Exam Disadvantages
1. Limited Posts
Every year a few thousand posts are released for CGL while lakhs of candidates apply for this limited post.
2. Long Syllabus
The syllabus of CGL is very long and difficult.
3. Job Location
The service obtained from CGL is not on the choice of the candidate but on an All India basis.
4. High Workload
The officer in the role of law enforcement or audit has high responsibility and workload.
SSC CGL FAQ
SSC CGL is conducted to recruit candidates for Group B and C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India such as Income Tax, CBI, Ministry of External Affairs, etc.
The highest entry-level post is Assistant Audit Officer (AAO). However, over time, promotions can lead to posts like Commissioner, Under Secretary, or Director-level roles.
Moderately difficult. It requires strong preparation in Quant, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. With dedication and smart study, many aspirants clear it in their first or second attempt.
Posts like Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO), and CBI Sub-Inspector are considered powerful due to fieldwork, investigation authority, and enforcement duties.
No, there is no interview in SSC CGL since 2016. Final selection is based on performance in Tier I, II, III (descriptive), and IV (skill/typing test if applicable).
UPSC (IAS exam) is much tougher than SSC CGL due to its broader syllabus, essay writing, ethics, and personality test (interview). SSC CGL is easier but still competitive.
There is no attempt limit, but you must meet the age criteria (usually 18-32 years, varies by post and category).
Any graduate degree is accepted. However, students with Maths/Commerce background often find Quant and Statistics easier. For AAO, a Commerce/Economics degree is helpful.
No, your 12th percentage is not required. Only a graduation degree is mandatory. Marks are not considered in eligibility.
Yes, only for posts like:
- CBI Sub-Inspector
- NIA, Narcotics, or Excise Inspector
- Central Excise/Preventive Officer
These have physical standards and tests. Other posts do not require them.
- Income Tax Inspector
- Excise Inspector
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- Auditor
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- CBI SI, AEO, etc.
While any stream is eligible, Commerce, Science, or Math streams often find it easier due to the Quant section. But many successful candidates come from Arts/Humanities as well.
Yes, it's a safe, secure, and stable job option for girls with fixed working hours, government benefits, and transfer policies that consider family needs.
Assistant Enforcement Officer, Income Tax Inspector, and CBI Sub-Inspector are considered the most powerful due to investigation, fieldwork, and authority involved.