About SSC CGL
SSC CGL is one of India's most popular exams, conducted for Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries. Popular posts include ASO, Inspector (Income Tax/Central Excise), Auditor, Assistant Enforcement Officer, and Sub-Inspector (CBI).
Key Facts
- Conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) — central government body
- Recruits for Group B and Group C posts across central ministries & departments
- Two stages: Tier 1 (CBT, shortlisting) + Tier 2 (CBT, merit-based)
- Negative marking of 0.5 per wrong answer in Tier 1; 1 mark in Tier 2
- Final merit is based on Tier 2 score only — Tier 1 is qualifying
- Skill test (DEST / CPT) required for specific posts only
- No limit on attempts — apply every year until age limit is reached
Eligibility Criteria
Age
18–27 years for most posts (UR); +3 yrs OBC, +5 yrs SC/ST, +10 yrs PwD. Some Inspector posts allow up to 30 years.
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Statistics degree needed for JSO; Commerce/Economics for AAO.
Nationality
Indian citizen (or subject of Nepal/Bhutan as per DoPT norms)
Number of Attempts
No restriction — apply every year as long as age and education criteria are met
Tier 1 — CBT (Qualifying)
60 min · 100 Qs · 200 Marks| Section / Module | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
- Individual time limit: General Intelligence & Reasoning — 15 min; General Awareness — 15 min; Quantitative Aptitude — 15 min; English Comprehension — 15 min
- 2 marks per correct answer
- −0.5 mark per wrong answer
- Used only for shortlisting; not counted in final merit
Tier 2 — CBT (Merit)
Session 1: 2h 15min · Session 2: 2h (post-specific)| Section / Module | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Computer Knowledge Module | 20 | 60 |
| DEST / Typing Test* | — | Qualifying |
- 3 marks per correct answer in Session 1 modules
- −1 mark per wrong answer in Session 1
- *DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) only for Tax Assistant & PA/SA posts
- Paper 2 (Statistics, 100 Qs/200 Marks) for JSO aspirants only
- Paper 3 (Finance & Economics, 100 Qs/200 Marks) for AAO aspirants only
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies, Classification, Series
- Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations
- Direction & Distance, Seating Arrangement
- Venn Diagrams, Syllogism, Statement-Conclusion
- Non-Verbal: Matrix, Figure Series, Paper Folding
- Mathematical Operations, Word Formation
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System, HCF & LCM, Simplification
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Mixtures
- Profit & Loss, Discount, Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work, Pipes, Time-Speed-Distance, Trains
- Algebra — Linear & Quadratic Equations
- Geometry — Lines, Triangles, Circles
- Mensuration — Area & Volume (2D & 3D)
- Trigonometry — Ratios, Heights & Distances
- Data Interpretation — Bar, Pie, Line, Table charts
English Language & Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test
- Error Detection / Sentence Correction
- Fill in the Blanks (grammar-based)
- Synonyms & Antonyms, Spelling errors
- Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution
- Active & Passive Voice, Direct & Indirect Speech
- Para Jumbles, Sentence Improvement
General Awareness
- Indian History — Ancient, Medieval, Modern
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian & World Geography
- Indian Economy — basic concepts
- Science — Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 9–10)
- Current Affairs — last 6 months
- Static GK — Awards, Sports, Books, Important Days
- Government Schemes & Initiatives
Popular Posts & Salary
| Post | Department | Pay Level | Approx. In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector (Income Tax) | CBDT | Level 7 | ~₹55,000–65,000 |
| Inspector (Central Excise / Customs) | CBIC | Level 7 | ~₹55,000–65,000 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | CSS / MEA / AFHQ | Level 6 | ~₹42,000–52,000 |
| Sub Inspector | CBI / NIA | Level 6 | ~₹44,000–52,000 |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | M/o Statistics | Level 6 | ~₹44,000–50,000 |
| Auditor | CGDA / CAG Offices | Level 5 | ~₹36,000–42,000 |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT / CBIC | Level 4 | ~₹30,000–38,000 |
| Accountant / Junior Accountant | Various Ministries | Level 5 | ~₹36,000–42,000 |
In-hand varies by posting city (HRA) and applicable allowances. Figures are approximate for metro cities.
Previous Year Papers
Download official previous year question papers as free PDFs.
| Paper | |
|---|---|
Important Dates
Notification Release
April – June 2026
IndicativeOnline Application
April – June 2026
IndicativeAdmit Card (Tier 1)
2–3 weeks before exam
IndicativeTier-1 Exam
September 2026
IndicativeTier-1 Result
November – December 2026
IndicativeTier-2 Exam
January – February 2027
IndicativeDates marked "Indicative" reflect the standard annual cycle. Always verify the latest dates from the official website before acting.