SSC - CGL - Combined Graduate Level Exam

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Age Limit: Generally, the age limit ranges from 18 to 32 years. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.
• Nationality: The candidate must be either:
  • Citizen of India, OR
  • Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, OR
  • Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR
  • Person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (Online)
• Number of Tiers: Four Tiers - Tier I, Tier II, Tier III (Descriptive), and Tier IV (Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test)
• Tier I & II:
  • Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions
  • Questions typically range from 100-200 depending on the tier
  • Subjects: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
  • Marking Scheme: Usually 1 mark per question with negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers
• Tier III: Descriptive Paper in English/Hindi – Essay, Letter, Application Writing
• Tier IV: Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test mandatory for some posts
• When Held: The exam notification is generally released in February/March. The exam itself is usually conducted between May and August.

Syllabus

• General Intelligence and Reasoning:
  • Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Series, Mathematical Operations
  • Classification, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Puzzle
• General Awareness:
  • Current Affairs (National & International)
  • Important Dates and Events
  • History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology
  • Static GK including Indian Constitution, Culture, Heritage
• Quantitative Aptitude:
  • Number Systems, Simplification
  • Percentage, Average, Ratio & Proportion
  • Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance
  • Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation
• English Comprehension:
  • Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure
  • Synonyms & Antonyms, One Word Substitution
  • Comprehension, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks
• Tier III Descriptive Paper:
  • Essay Writing
  • Letter/Application Writing
• Tier IV:
  • Computer Proficiency Tests include Data Entry Speed Test, Word Processing, Spreadsheet, etc. (Job specific)

Application Process

1. Visit the official SSC website at https://ssc.nic.in.
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number to create a new account.
3. Login and fill in the SSC CGL application form with personal, educational, and other required details.
4. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per specified dimensions and formats.
5. Pay the application fee online via net banking/debit/credit card or offline through challan.
6. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Various Group B and Group C posts under Central Government ministries and departments, such as Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer, Auditor, and others.

Facts about SSC CGL

• Highly competitive exam with lakhs of applicants every year.
• Provides opportunity for a stable government job with attractive salary and benefits.
• Multi-tier examination ensures recruitment of candidates with diverse skills.

Admit Card

• Available online on the official SSC website a few weeks before the exam.
• Download by logging into your SSC account using registration credentials.
• Key instructions include carrying a valid ID proof, adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, and reporting on time at the exam center.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are published on the official SSC website under the 'Results' section.
• Cut-off marks vary yearly based on exam difficulty and category of candidates.
• Only candidates clearing cut-offs in each tier will qualify for the next stage.

Preparation Tips

• Follow a consistent study schedule covering all subjects.
• Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
• Refer recommended books such as:
  • "Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Agarwal
  • "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
  • "General Awareness" by Lucent
  • SSC CGL Tier I & II Solved Papers
• Utilize online resources and coaching platforms for guidance.
• Improve time management skills and accuracy.

FAQs

• Q: How many times is SSC CGL conducted in a year?
  A: SSC CGL is typically conducted once a year.
• Q: Can final year graduates apply?
  A: Yes, candidates expecting to graduate before the date of the exam are eligible.
• Q: Is there negative marking?
  A: Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in objective papers.
• Q: What documents are required for application?
  A: Educational certificates, identity proof, photograph and signature scans.
• Q: Is Tier III compulsory?
  A: Yes, for certain posts descriptive paper is mandatory.