📋 Introduction to SSC CGL
SSC CGL is the gateway to prestigious Central Government Group B and C posts — Income Tax Inspector, CBI Sub-Inspector, Auditor and 20+ more roles.
~30L
Apply Each Year
~1.5L
Appear Tier II
~15,000
Selected Annually
₹1.51L
Max CTC/Month
📋 What is SSC CGL?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is conducted annually to recruit Group B and Group C officers for various Central Government Ministries, Departments and Organisations.
- Conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) — India's largest govt recruiter
- Notification released around April; Tier I in July–August; Final result by March next year
- Single application, multiple posts — candidates shortlisted based on post preference
- One of the most sought-after exams for graduates — job security + good salary + transfers
⚡ Top SSC CGL Posts
- Income Tax Inspector (CBDT) — ₹44,900–₹1,42,400/month
- CBI Sub-Inspector — ₹44,900–₹1,42,400/month + elite investigation work
- Preventive Officer (Customs) — ₹44,900 + uniform + authority
- Auditor (CAG/CGDA) — ₹29,200–₹92,300/month + stability
- Assistant Section Officer (CSS/MEA) — ₹44,900 + policy work
- Junior Statistical Investigator — ₹44,900 for Stats graduates
- Tax Assistant / Divisional Accountant — ₹25,500–₹81,100
📝 Exam Structure — 2 Tiers
SSC CGL has two tiers. Tier I is a screening exam; Tier II decides your final rank and post allocation.
📋 Tier I — Computer Based Test
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
⚠️
Negative Marking
–0.5 marks per wrong answer in Tier I. Attempt only if 70%+ confident. Speed + accuracy is the key.
📖 Tier II — Computer Based Test
| Paper | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (All posts) | Math + Reasoning + English + GK | 390 |
| Paper II (JSO) | Statistics | 200 |
| Paper III (AAO) | Finance & Economics | 200 |
💡
Tier II Strategy
Paper I is compulsory for all. Paper II only for JSO post. Paper III only for AAO post. Focus on Paper I — it determines 90% of candidates' ranks.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Check if you qualify for SSC CGL — age, education and nationality requirements.
NationalityIndian Citizen (or eligible as per Citizenship Act)
EducationBachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Final year students can also apply (proof required at document verification).
Age (General)18–32 years for most posts | 20–30 years for Inspector/SI posts | 18–27 years for Auditor/UDC posts
Age RelaxationOBC: +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwD: +10 years | Ex-Serviceman: as per rules
AttemptsNo restriction on number of attempts — can appear till upper age limit
PhysicalHeight/chest requirements only for Inspector (Central Excise), Sub-Inspector (CBI/CBN) posts
📚 Syllabus & Key Topics
Detailed topic-wise syllabus for Tier I and Tier II with weightage guidance.
🔢 Quantitative Aptitude
Number SystemSimplificationRatio & Proportion
PercentageProfit & LossSI & CI
Time & WorkTime Speed DistanceMensuration
TrigonometryGeometryAlgebra
Data InterpretationStatistics (Tier II)
🧠 Reasoning & GA
AnalogySeriesCoding-Decoding
Blood RelationsDirection SensePuzzles
SyllogismMatrixVenn Diagrams
HistoryGeographyPolity
EconomyScience & TechCurrent Affairs
📖 Best Books & Resources
Standard books recommended by toppers and coaching institutes for SSC CGL preparation.
📘
Quantitative Aptitude — R.S. Aggarwal
The gold standard for SSC Maths. Cover every chapter, solve all exercises.
📗
Reasoning — Arihant / BS Sijwali
Covers all reasoning topics asked in SSC with practice sets.
📙
English — Plinth to Paramount (KD Campus)
Best English grammar and vocabulary book for SSC exams.
📕
GK — Lucent's General Knowledge
Static GK bible — History, Geography, Polity, Science all in one.
📗
Previous Year Papers — Kiran Publication
20+ years of SSC CGL solved papers — must for pattern analysis.
💻
Free: Testbook / Adda247 / SSC Adda
Free mock tests, daily quizzes and current affairs capsules.
🗓️ Preparation Strategy
A proven 4-month preparation plan for working and fresh graduates targeting SSC CGL.
Month 1
Foundation — Maths & Reasoning
Complete R.S. Aggarwal (basic chapters). Solve 50 Reasoning questions daily. Build speed — target 20 questions in 15 minutes for each section.
Month 2
English + GK Intensive
Complete Plinth to Paramount grammar. Read Lucent GK (History + Polity + Science). Start reading 1 daily current affairs capsule every morning.
Month 3
Advanced Topics + Full Mocks Begin
Advanced Maths (Geometry, Trigonometry, DI). Start Tier I full mocks — 1 daily. Review mistakes religiously. Target 140+/200 in Tier I mocks.
Month 4
Tier II Preparation + Revision
Complete Tier II Paper I (390 marks). Revise all formulas, grammar rules, static GK. Attempt 30+ mocks. Analyse previous year cut-offs and plan attempts.
🎯
SSC CGL Success Formula
Speed + Accuracy + GK. You need to attempt 85–90 questions in 60 minutes in Tier I. Practice timed mocks from day 1. Never miss current affairs — 10–12 questions come from last 6 months' news.
Start Your SSC CGL Journey Today
Use our free eligibility checker, AI Guide and study tools on the homepage to plan your preparation strategy.
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