Free complete guide
SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL)
SSC CGL is the Staff Selection Commission's flagship exam for Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries and departments — from Assistant Section Officer and Income Tax Inspector to Auditor and Tax Assistant. No interview, two computer-based stages, and roughly 12,000+ appointments in a good year. The exam rewards speed + accuracy on a fixed syllabus: the same ~19 Quant topics, 20 Reasoning types, 12 English areas and a wide GA canvas appear every single year, which is exactly why smart preparation (shortcuts + topic tests + full mocks) beats generic study. Tier 1 only shortlists you — final selection comes from Tier 2, so your prep target is a Tier 2 score out of 390, not just a Tier 1 cutoff.
2026 cycle — live status
Verified 2026-09-23Notification is out and applications have closed. Tier 1 starts 30 September 2026 — you are in the final-revision window: mocks every alternate day, formula sheet twice a week, mistakes notebook daily.
Admit cards for each shift are released on regional SSC websites ~4 days before the exam. Tier 2 dates will be announced after Tier 1 concludes. Always confirm with the official notice.
Exam pattern
Tier 1 — Computer Based Exam Qualifying-in (shortlists for Tier 2)
Online CBT · 60 min · +2 per correct, −0.50 per wrong
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General English | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
No sectional cutoff and no sectional timing — all 100 questions in one 60-minute block, so time allocation across sections is fully yours. Marks are normalised across shifts. Tier 1 score does not carry into final merit.
Tier 2 — Paper 1 (mandatory for all posts) Merit-deciding
Online CBT, 2 sessions · 165 min · +3 per correct, −1 per wrong (Paper 1)
Modules 1+2 share a 60-min block, Modules 3+4 share another 60-min block, Computer gets 15 min (qualifying only). Session 2 Module 2 is the DEST — a data-entry speed test (2000 key depressions in 15 min, qualifying). Merit is drawn from Paper 1 out of 390 marks (Maths + Reasoning + English + GA). Paper 2 (Statistics, 100Q × 2 = 200, 2 hours) is only for JSO aspirants. Section-wise qualifying minimums apply in Paper 1.
Eligibility
Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (pre-1962), or a person of Indian origin migrated from listed countries with permanent settlement intent — per the standard SSC eligibility clause.
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university
Bachelor's degree with Statistics as one of the subjects in all three years, per the notification's fine print
Bachelor's degree in any discipline (CA/CS/CMA/MBA-Finance/M.Com are desirable, not mandatory)
Not eligible for CGL — the degree must be complete by the cut-off date specified in the notification
| OBC | +3 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years |
| PwD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 / +13 / +15 years |
| Ex-servicemen (ESM) | +3 years after deducting military service |
| Widows / divorced women (Group C) | up to 35 years (38 for SC/ST) |
Age is computed as on the cut-off date in the notification (01-01-2026 for this cycle). SI in CBI additionally has physical/medical standards checked at appointment. Always read the post-wise age table in the official notification — it overrides any summary, including this one.
Posts, pay & who should apply
| Post | Department | Group | Pay level | Approx. in-hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept (C&AG) | B | Level 8 · ₹47,600–1,51,100 | ≈ ₹75–85k/month |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | CSS (various ministries) / MEA / other | B | Level 7 · ₹44,900–1,42,400 | ≈ ₹65–75k/month |
| Income Tax Inspector | CBDT | B | Level 7 · ₹44,900–1,42,400 | ≈ ₹65–75k/month |
| Inspector (Central Excise / Preventive Officer / Examiner) | CBIC | B | Level 7 · ₹44,900–1,42,400 | ≈ ₹60–72k/month |
| Sub-Inspector | CBI | B | Level 7 · ₹44,900–1,42,400 | ≈ ₹60–72k/month |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)Paper 2 | MoSPI (NSSO) | B | Level 6 · ₹35,400–1,12,400 | ≈ ₹48–58k/month |
| Auditor | C&AG / CGDA / CGA offices | C | Level 5 · ₹29,200–92,300 | ≈ ₹36–44k/month |
| Accountant / Junior Accountant | C&AG / CGA / other offices | C | Level 5 · ₹29,200–92,300 | ≈ ₹36–44k/month |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT / CBIC | C | Level 4 · ₹25,500–81,100 | ≈ ₹32–40k/month |
Special requirements: Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) — Desirable: CA/CS/CMA/MBA-Fin/M.Com · Assistant Section Officer (ASO) — MEA ASO involves foreign postings · Income Tax Inspector — Mix of field assessment and desk work · Inspector (Central Excise / Preventive Officer / Examiner) — PO/Inspector roles can involve anti-evasion field duty · Sub-Inspector — CBI physical/medical standards apply · Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) — Needs Statistics in degree; sits Paper 2
Selection process
Tier 1 (screening) → Tier 2 Paper 1 (merit) → Document Verification → Allotment. Tier 1 rank only decides who sits Tier 2. Tier 2 Paper 1 score (out of 390, normalised) is the merit list. The Computer Knowledge module and DEST are qualifying hurdles inside Tier 2 — you must clear them but their marks don't count. JSO aspirants additionally need Paper 2 (Statistics). There is no interview for any CGL post.
Normalisation (why your raw score ≠ final score)
Because Tier 1 (and Tier 2) run in many shifts with different question papers, SSC normalises scores across shifts before declaring results: raw scores are statistically adjusted using the mean and standard deviation of all candidates in each shift, so a harder shift isn't a penalty. Practical consequences: (1) never compare raw marks across shifts or years; (2) in the exam, maximise attempts where your shift's paper is soft; (3) don't panic if your raw score looks below the cutoff — your normalised score is what counts.
Section strategy at a glance
Notification dates history
| Year | Vacancies | Notification | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12256 | 21 May 2026 | 30 Sep – 30 Oct 2026 | TBA | — |
| 2025 | 6458 | May 2025 | Aug–Sep 2025 | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | 8 Apr 2026 |
| 2024 | 18200 | 24 Jun 2024 | 9–26 Sep 2024 | Jan 2025 | 12 Mar 2025 |
| 2023 | 7716 | 1 Apr 2023 | 14–27 Jul 2023 | Oct 2023 | Dec 2023 |
| 2022 | 20000 | 17 Sep 2022 | 1–13 Dec 2022 | Mar 2023 | 2023 |
| 2021 | 7019 | 23 Dec 2021 | 11–21 Apr 2022 | Aug 2022 | 2023 |
FAQs
Is Tier 1 marks counted in the final selection?
No. Tier 1 is only a screening stage — its score decides who reaches Tier 2. The final merit list is drawn from Tier 2 Paper 1 (out of 390). A mediocre Tier 1 with qualification is as good as a top Tier 1 score.
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL?
Tier 1: −0.50 per wrong answer. Tier 2 Paper 1: −1 per wrong answer (each correct answer carries +3 in Tier 2 vs +2 in Tier 1). Unanswered questions cost nothing.
Is there any limit on the number of attempts?
No attempt limit exists — you can apply every year until you cross the age limit for the posts you're targeting (18–27 for most, up to 32 for JSO, plus category relaxations).
How does normalisation work across shifts?
SSC statistically adjusts raw scores using each shift's mean and standard deviation so that candidates in harder shifts aren't disadvantaged. This is why cutoffs refer to normalised scores and why raw marks across shifts aren't comparable.
Are calculators or mobile phones allowed?
No. No calculator, smartwatch, or electronic device is allowed in the exam hall. Rough work is done on sheets provided at the centre. Mental-maths speed (tables to 20, squares to 40, cubes to 20, fraction–percentage equivalents) is a scored skill — build it.
Is there a sectional cutoff or sectional time limit?
Tier 1 has no sectional cutoff and no sectional timing — all 100 questions in one 60-minute block. Tier 2 Paper 1 has module timing (60 min for Maths+Reasoning, 60 min for English+GA, 15 min Computer) and section-wise qualifying minimums.
What is DEST and who needs it?
Data Entry Speed Test — a qualifying Tier 2 module where you must type about 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. All posts require it; marks don't count in merit. Practice on a standard keyboard if you type on a phone all day.
Is the Computer Knowledge module difficult?
It's 20 questions, 15 minutes, qualifying only — basic computer fundamentals, MS Office, internet/email, networking and cyber-security awareness. The mock tests and notes on this site cover the whole module.
Which posts are considered the best in CGL?
By pay and profile: AAO (Level 8) > ASO in CSS / Income Tax Inspector / CBDT-CBIC Inspectors / SI CBI (Level 7) > JSO (Level 6) > Auditor/Accountant (Level 5) > Tax Assistant (Level 4). 'Best' depends on posting city, field vs desk work, and transfer frequency — Inspector posts get more field duty; CSS ASO is Delhi-desk heavy.
Can I crack CGL in 3–4 months of preparation?
Yes — a large share of selections every year come from 3–5 month focused preps, especially with a Quant/Reasoning base. The winning pattern: topic notes + shortcut drills first, then topic tests, then full mocks every 2–3 days with a mistakes notebook. The 60-minute Tier 1 format punishes slow calculation more than missing knowledge.
What score should I target to be safe?
Use the score calculator with recent cutoffs: for Tier 1 qualification aim 150+ / 200 (UR), and for a realistic final selection aim a Tier 2 merit score around 330+/390 for popular posts — higher (340+) for AAO/ASO-grade posts in high-vacancy years.
When and where is the Tier 1 admit card released?
Roughly 4 days before your exam shift, on the regional SSC website (not the main ssc.gov.in) — the region depends on where you applied from. You'll also get an SMS/email with the download link.
What documents are needed at the exam centre?
Admit card printout + original photo ID (Aadhaar preferred) + two recent passport photos. Check the admit card's instructions — items like wallets, pens in branded covers, and jewellery can be barred at some centres.
Is there any interview in SSC CGL?
No. CGL has had no interview since 2016 — selection is purely the written Tier 2 merit plus document verification.
Can candidates from any state apply for any SSC region?
You choose a region while applying and your exam centres fall within that region. Choose based on where you can realistically travel — centre city options appear in the application form.
Documents for document verification
At Document Verification you need: matriculation certificate (DOB proof), bachelor's degree marksheets + certificate, category certificate (OBC/EWS/SC/ST in the central-government format, current validity year), PwD/ESM certificate if applicable, photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/passport), recent passport photographs, and the undertaking/options form for post preference. Name mismatches between documents are the #1 DV headache — carry a gazette affidavit or supporting proof if your name spellings differ. OBC candidates: the certificate must be in the central OBC format with the correct financial-year issue date, or your category is switched to UR on the spot.