SSC CGL
Staff Selection Commission. Combined Graduate Level: Group B and C posts across central ministries.
Overview
The Combined Graduate Level examination recruits graduates into Group B and Group C posts such as Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Auditor and Tax Assistant.
Tier 1 (computer-based, qualifying) → Tier 2 (computer-based, Paper 1 core sections plus statistics/finance papers for specific posts) → skill/computer proficiency test or document verification depending on the post.
How to apply
Apply online through the SSC One-Time Registration portal, upload photo and signature, pay the fee (exempt for women, SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen) and choose an exam centre.
Vacancies: Vacancies are announced per cycle and vary by post. See the Jobs page for the current notification.
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university (some posts need Mathematics in 12th or a specific degree). Age limits range from 18 to 32 years depending on the post, with relaxation for reserved categories and PwBD candidates.
Check my eligibilityStages and exam pattern
1. Tier 1
100 questions · 200 marks · 60 minutes · +2 / −0.5 marking
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
2. Tier 2
190 questions · 390 marks · 150 minutes · +3 / −1 marking
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 180 |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 180 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
Section structure and negative marking differ by paper. Check the notification.
Exam patterns and eligibility change between cycles. Treat this page as a guide and confirm against the latest official notification.
Syllabus
Reasoning Ability
About 25% of the paper
- Number Series
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Odd One Out
- Ranking and Order
- Calendar and Clock
General Awareness
About 25% of the paper
- Indian Polity
- History
- Geography
- Static GK
- Economy
Quantitative Aptitude
About 25% of the paper
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Simplification
- Percentage
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Number System
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest
- Mensuration
English Language
About 25% of the paper
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-Word Substitution
- Active and Passive Voice
- Spelling
Topic list reflects what PrepYantra currently covers with practice. The official syllabus may include more.
Latest notification
Previous-year cut-offs
Verified cut-off tables will appear here after they are added from official result notices.
Salary and career growth
Pay Levels 4 to 8 on the 7th CPC matrix, roughly ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 basic pay depending on the post, plus allowances.
Preparation strategy
- Weeks 1–4: finish arithmetic basics (percentage, ratio, time and work, speed) and one reasoning topic a day.
- Weeks 5–8: grammar rules, vocabulary, then static GK and polity. Start sectional tests every Sunday.
- Final 6 weeks: one full mock every third day with a full analysis. Fix weak topics before adding new ones.
- Tier 1 has negative marking, so skip questions you cannot narrow to two options.
Practice and test series
All 7 tests →FAQ
Is there negative marking in Tier 1?
Yes. Tier 1 deducts 0.5 marks for each wrong answer.
Can final-year students apply?
Only if the notification allows it, and they must show the degree by the stated date. Check the official notice.
How many attempts are allowed?
There is no attempt limit; only the age limit applies.
Related exams
Exam patterns and eligibility change between cycles. Treat this page as a guide and confirm against the latest official notification.