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SSC CGL Exam: Posts, Eligibility, Stages and Guides

SSC CGL is the Staff Selection Commission's yearly exam for graduates who want Group B and Group C posts in central ministries and departments. This page explains how it works and points you to every CGL guide on HindiScope.

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) · By HindiScope Editorial Desk · Updated

SSC CGL guides

SSC CGL at a glance
Conducting bodyStaff Selection Commission (SSC)
Official websitessc.gov.in
Minimum qualificationBachelor's degree (some posts need specific subjects)
StagesTier 1 (qualifying CBT), Tier 2 (CBT), skill tests where needed, document verification
ModeComputer-based test (CBT)
FrequencyUsually once a year

What the SSC CGL exam is

The SSC CGL exam (Combined Graduate Level) is run by the Staff Selection Commission, a central government body under the Department of Personnel and Training. One exam fills many graduate-level posts across central ministries, departments and offices. It is one of the most popular routes into a central government career for graduates.

Posts filled through CGL include Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, Central GST, Preventive Officer, Examiner), Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub-Inspector in CBI and NIA, Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator, Assistant Audit Officer, Auditor, Accountant, Upper Division Clerk and Tax Assistant. The exact list and the vacancy count change every cycle, so read the notification for your year.

Eligibility basics

  • Education: a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Some posts ask for more, such as Statistics or Maths-related subjects for statistical posts.
  • Age: limits differ by post and generally fall between 18 and 32 years, counted on a cut-off date given in the notification.
  • Relaxation: reserved categories get age relaxation as per government rules (for example, SC/ST and OBC candidates).
  • Nationality: Indian citizens, plus the other categories listed in the notice.

Stages and selection process

  1. Tier 1: a 100-question objective CBT on reasoning, general awareness, maths and English. It is a screening stage; its marks are used to shortlist for Tier 2.
  2. Tier 2: Paper 1 for all candidates, plus Paper 2 (Statistics) for JSO and Statistical Investigator applicants and Paper 3 (Finance and Economics) for audit and accounts officer posts in the 2026 notification. Final merit is built from Tier 2.
  3. Skill tests: the Data Entry Speed Test and the Computer Proficiency Test are qualifying for the posts that need them.
  4. Document verification and post allotment: based on merit, the posts you prefer and the category you belong to.

Some posts, such as certain Inspector and Sub-Inspector posts, also have physical or medical standards, listed post-wise in the notice.

How to apply for SSC CGL

  1. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in if you have not done it on the new portal. Keep the registration number safe; you need it for every SSC exam.
  2. Log in and open the CGL application once the notice is out.
  3. Fill in your education details, choose exam centres and give your post preferences carefully.
  4. Upload or capture your photograph and signature as the form asks. The 2026 form asked for a live photo instead of an uploaded one.
  5. Pay the fee online. In recent notifications it has been Rs 100, with women and candidates from SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ex-servicemen categories exempted.
  6. Save the submitted form as a PDF. Use the correction window only if you made a mistake.

The yearly CGL cycle at a glance

StepWhat to watch for
NotificationPosts, age limits, vacancy table, exam scheme
Application and correctionLast date and correction dates in the notice
Tier 1 admit card and examShift, venue, ID needed
Tier 1 answer key and resultObjection window, cut-offs
Tier 2, skill tests and final resultMerit list, post allotment

SSC CGL guides on HindiScope

Each stage of the exam has its own page. Start with the CGL syllabus and Tier 1 and Tier 2 pattern , which lists topics, marks and sectional timing. When the exam nears, the guide to downloading the CGL admit card covers login steps and common errors. After the exam, use the CGL answer key and objection guide to check your responses and work out your score.

You can also browse every exam we cover on the exams page .

Many CGL aspirants also take the SSC CHSL exam for Class 12 pass candidates , since the two share most topics. Graduates aiming higher often prepare for the UPSC Civil Services exam , and those open to banking jobs look at IBPS Clerk .

HindiScope is not an official site; confirm every detail on ssc.gov.in.

Frequently asked questions

Who conducts the SSC CGL exam?

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC), a central government body, conducts it. All notices, admit cards and results come through ssc.gov.in.

Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?

The notification usually lets final-year students apply if they complete the degree by the cut-off date given in it. Check the exact date in the notice for your cycle.

Do Tier 1 marks count in the final SSC CGL merit?

No. Under the current scheme Tier 1 is used to shortlist candidates for Tier 2, and the final merit is prepared from Tier 2 marks.

Is there an interview in SSC CGL?

No. Selection is based on the computer-based tests, the qualifying skill tests where needed and document verification.

How many times a year is SSC CGL held?

SSC usually holds one CGL cycle a year. Dates are announced in the SSC exam calendar and the notification.

Official sources

HindiScope is not a government website. Always confirm dates and rules on the official source.

H

HindiScope Editorial Desk

Editorial Team

The HindiScope Editorial Desk writes and updates these guides from official notifications, information bulletins and government portals, and lists those sources on every page. Spotted an error? Tell us.