The Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL) is a national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit Group B and Group C officers to various posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. Established in 1975, the Staff Selection Commission has been responsible for conducting this highly competitive exam annually.
The shortlisted candidates are recruited to prestigious departments such as the Indian Audit and Accounts Department under CAG, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of External Affairs, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Bureau of Narcotics, and National Investigation Agency (NIA), among others. With approximately 3.6 million test-takers annually, it is one of the most sought-after government job examinations in India.
Highlights of SSC CGL Exam:
| Full Exam Name | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination |
| Short Exam Name | SSC CGL |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Frequency Of Conduct | Annually |
| Exam Level | National Level (Graduate) |
| Languages | English and Hindi |
| Mode Of Application | Online |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Free for Women / SC / ST / PwBD / ESM) |
| Mode Of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes (Tier I), 150 minutes (Tier II) |
| Age Limit | 18–32 years |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's Degree |
| Total Vacancies (2026) | 17,727 |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
Watch this comprehensive guide to understand everything about the SSC CGL examination:
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The SSC CGL examination is conducted in multiple tiers. Candidates must qualify each tier to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Tier I: Preliminary Exam
The Tier I exam is a computer-based objective multiple-choice exam consisting of 100 questions (2 marks each) for a total of 200 marks. The duration is 60 minutes. It covers four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning (25Q), General Awareness (25Q), Quantitative Aptitude (25Q), and English Comprehension (25Q).
Tier II: Mains Exam
The Tier II exam is also a computer-based multiple-choice exam with a duration of 150 minutes and a total of 390 marks. It consists of three main sections covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Certain specialized positions require additional sections on Statistics or General Studies (Finance and Economics).
Tier-wise Exam Summary:
| Tier | Type | Duration | Total Marks | Questions | Negative Marking |
|---|
| Tier 1 | Computer-Based Test (Qualifying) | 60 minutes | 200 | 100 | 0.5 per wrong answer |
| Tier 2 | Computer-Based Test (Main) | 150 minutes | 390 | 130 | 1 per wrong answer (Paper I), 0.25 (Paper III) |
Tier 1 Subject-wise Distribution:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Directions |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science & Technology |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Data Interpretation |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Synonyms, Antonyms |
Before applying for the SSC CGL examination, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility criteria set by the Staff Selection Commission:
1. Age Limit (As of crucial date)
The general age limit for SSC CGL is 18 to 32 years, varying based on the specific post. The commission provides age relaxation for reserved categories:
| Category | Age Limit | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|
| General | 18–32 years | No relaxation |
| SC / ST | 18–37 years | 5 years |
| OBC | 18–35 years | 3 years |
| PwD (General) | 18–42 years | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Variable | 3 years after deduction of military service |
2. Educational Qualification
The basic requirement is a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university. However, certain specialized posts have specific requirements:
- Assistant Audit Officer: Bachelor's degree (Essential); CA/CS/MBA/Cost & Management Accountant (Desirable)
- Junior Statistical Officer: Bachelor's degree with minimum 60% in Mathematics in Class 12 OR Bachelor's degree with Statistics as a subject
3. Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee (settled in India before 1 Jan 1962)
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with intention of permanently settling in India
The Staff Selection Commission has announced the tentative schedule for the SSC CGL 2026 examination. Candidates should keep track of these crucial dates:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|
| Official Notification Release | February 15, 2026 |
| Online Application Start | February 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Deadline | March 25, 2026 |
| Tier 1 Examination | June 15 – June 30, 2026 |
| Tier 1 Result Declaration | August 2026 (Expected) |
| Tier 2 Examination | October 2026 (Expected) |
SSC CGL offers recruitment to a wide range of Group B and Group C posts across prestigious central government departments. Here are the major posts available:
| SSC CGL Post | Basic Pay | Total Salary | Responsibilities |
|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer | ₹47,600 | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 | Audit of government accounts under C&AG |
| Assistant Section Officer | ₹44,900 | ₹47,600–₹1,51,100 | Secretariat work in ministries and departments |
| Inspector of Income Tax | ₹44,900 | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 | Tax assessment and collection under CBDT |
| Sub Inspector (CBI) | ₹44,900 | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 | Investigation of criminal cases |
| Tax Assistant | ₹25,500 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 | Clerical and tax-related work under CBDT/CBIC |
| Auditor | ₹29,200 | ₹29,200–₹92,300 | Audit work under C&AG and CGDA |
Vacancy Distribution Across Major Departments (2026):
| Department / Ministry | Number of Vacancies | Primary Posts |
|---|
| Indian Audit & Accounts (C&AG) | 2,100 | Assistant Audit Officer, Auditor |
| Central Secretariat Service | 3,200 | Assistant Section Officer |
| CBDT / CBIC | 4,500 | Inspector, Tax Assistant |
| CBI / Intelligence Bureau | 1,800 | Sub Inspector, Assistant |
| Other Ministries & Departments | 6,127 | Various Group B & C Posts |
Job Benefits and Perks:
- Job Security: Permanent central government position
- Salary: Competitive pay with regular increments (7th Pay Commission)
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA)
- Leave Benefits: Casual leave, earned leave, medical leave
- Pension: National Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Health Insurance: CGHS coverage for employee and family
- Career Growth: Promotion opportunities within the department