Over 8,000 SSC CGL applications get rejected during document verification each year—not because candidates failed the exam, but because they made avoidable mistakes during registration. A wrong photograph format, missing signature dimensions, or incorrect category selection can disqualify months of hard work.
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to apply for SSC CGL 2025 through the official portal. You'll learn the registration process, document requirements, fee payment methods, and critical mistakes to avoid.
Critical Warning
Follow these instructions carefully and you'll submit an error-free application that clears all verification stages. One careless click during registration can haunt you at document verification six months later.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
- Portal: Apply only at ssc.nic.in during official registration window (typically September-October)
- Process: One-time registration → Login → Fill application form → Upload documents → Pay fee → Submit
- Documents needed: Recent photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, 20-50 KB), signature (3 cm × 1 cm, 10-20 KB), scanned in JPG format
- Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates (SC/ST/Female/PwD exempt)
- Time required: 30-45 minutes if documents are ready
Source: SSC CGL 2024 Registration Instructions (ssc.nic.in)
Before You Start: Documents and Requirements Checklist
Gather these essential items before beginning your SSC CGL 2025 application. Missing even one document will force you to restart the entire process.
Mandatory Documents
- Valid email ID (active for next 12 months—all communication happens via email)
- Active mobile number (for OTP verification)
- Digital photograph: JPG format, 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm dimensions, 20-50 KB file size, recent (not older than 3 months)
- Digital signature: JPG format, 3 cm × 1 cm dimensions, 10-20 KB file size, black ink on white paper
- Scanned copy of category certificate (if applying under reserved category)
- Debit/Credit card or Net Banking for fee payment
Optional but Recommended
- Educational qualification details (degree name, university, year of passing, percentage)
- 10th and 12th marksheet details (board, roll number, year)
- Valid ID proof number (Aadhaar preferred for verification)
Priya from Chennai lost her application slot because her photograph exceeded 50 KB. She had to compress and re-upload during peak hours, causing the portal to time out. Prepare your documents with exact specifications before starting.
Step-by-Step SSC CGL 2025 Registration Process
Step 1: One-Time Registration (First-Time Candidates Only)
Visit the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.nic.in and click "Login/Register" on the homepage. If you're applying to any SSC exam for the first time, you must complete one-time registration first.
Click "New User? Register Now" and fill these mandatory fields:
- Full name (exactly as in 10th certificate—no spelling mistakes)
- Father's name and mother's name
- Date of birth (double-check against your certificate)
- Gender, Aadhaar number (optional but recommended)
- Mobile number and email ID for OTP verification
You'll receive registration ID and password via email. Save these credentials securely—you'll need them for all future SSC exams, not just CGL 2025.
Step 2: Login and Access SSC CGL 2025 Application
Log in using your registration ID and password at ssc.nic.in. Navigate to "Apply" section and select "Combined Graduate Level Examination 2025" from the active examination list.
The application form opens in multiple tabs. SSC allows you to save progress and return later—you don't need to complete everything in one sitting. However, complete the application before the deadline, typically 3-4 weeks from notification date.
Step 3: Fill Personal and Educational Details
Personal Details Tab: Enter your category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS), nationality, and ex-serviceman status if applicable. Select PwD (Person with Disability) status only if you possess a valid disability certificate above 40%.
Rahul from Lucknow selected OBC category but forgot to click "Non-Creamy Layer" checkbox. His application was accepted but he competed in General category, missing the 3-year age relaxation benefit worth an entire attempt.
Educational Qualification Tab: Fill your highest qualification details—degree name, subject, university, year of completion, and percentage. If you're in final year, select "Result Awaited" but ensure you'll complete degree before document verification.
For post preferences, you can select up to 15 positions in order of priority. Research post profiles before selecting—your final allocation depends on this preference list combined with your rank.
Step 4: Upload Photograph and Signature
This step causes maximum rejections. Upload files matching exact specifications:
Photograph Requirements
- Recent colored photo (taken within last 3 months)
- Dimensions: 4.5 cm (height) × 3.5 cm (width)
- File size: 20 KB to 50 KB
- Format: JPG only
- White or light-colored background
- 70-80% face coverage, both ears visible
Signature Requirements
- Black ink on white paper
- Dimensions: 3 cm (width) × 1 cm (height)
- File size: 10 KB to 20 KB
- Format: JPG only
- Clear and legible (will appear on admit card)
Use free online tools to compress or resize images if needed. The portal automatically rejects files outside these specifications. Preview your uploads before final submission.
Step 5: Application Fee Payment
General, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and EWS male candidates must pay ₹100 application fee. Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, PwD candidates, and ex-servicemen are completely exempted from fees.
Payment Methods Available
- Debit/Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay)
- Net Banking (all major banks supported)
- UPI payments
- SBI Challan (offline mode—deposit at SBI branch within 3 days)
Choose online payment for instant confirmation. After successful payment, download the payment receipt immediately. The portal generates a unique transaction ID—save this for future reference.
If payment fails but amount gets deducted, wait 3-5 working days for automatic refund. Contact SSC helpdesk with transaction details if refund doesn't arrive.
Step 6: Final Submission and Confirmation
Review every detail in the preview page carefully. You cannot edit most fields after final submission—only photograph, signature, and examination center can be modified during correction window (typically 2-3 days, announced separately).
Click "Final Submit" only after thorough verification. You'll receive confirmation email with registration number and application summary within 24 hours. Download and print this confirmation page along with fee receipt.
Take at least three printouts. You'll need them during admit card issues, exam day queries, or document verification. Store digital copies in email and cloud storage as backup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During SSC CGL Registration
Critical Errors That Cause Rejection
- Uploading photograph older than 3 months (verification failure at document stage)
- Selecting wrong category or forgetting to mark "Non-Creamy Layer" for OBC
- Name spelling mismatch between application and 10th certificate (major document issue)
- Using Gmail filters that send SSC emails to spam (missing important notifications)
- Applying with temporary email ID that becomes inactive (lose all communication)
- Not saving registration ID and password (cannot retrieve or modify application)
According to SSC data, approximately 12% of applications face issues during document verification stage due to registration-time errors. Most of these are preventable with careful form filling.
Check the SSC CGL eligibility criteria before applying to ensure you meet all age and qualification requirements for your target posts.
Your SSC CGL Application Action Plan
If Registration Opens Tomorrow
- Prepare all documents today with exact specifications
- Complete one-time registration (if first-time SSC applicant)
- Fill application during non-peak hours (early morning or late night for better portal speed)
- Double-check name, date of birth, category before final submission
If You Miss Something
- Wait for correction window announcement (typically 1 week after registration closes)
- Modify only permitted fields—photograph, signature, exam center
- You cannot change name, date of birth, category, or educational details after submission
After Successful Submission
- Download confirmation page and fee receipt
- Save registration number in multiple locations
- Mark admit card release date (typically 2 weeks before exam)
- Start preparation immediately—registration success means nothing without exam performance
Access our SSC CGL Preparation Strategy Guide to create a study plan that maximizes your chances after successful registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for SSC CGL 2025 if I'm in my final year of graduation?
Yes, you can apply while in final year. Select "Result Awaited" in the educational qualification section. However, you must complete your degree and obtain the certificate before document verification (typically 6-8 months after the exam). If you cannot produce your degree certificate during verification, your selection will be cancelled regardless of exam performance.
What happens if my payment gets deducted but application shows payment pending?
Wait for 3-5 working days for automatic reconciliation. SSC's payment gateway updates transaction status in batches. Do not make duplicate payment immediately. Check your application status after 72 hours. If still pending, contact SSC helpdesk at ssc-cgl@gov.in with transaction ID, registration number, and bank statement proof.
Can I change my exam center after submitting the application?
Yes, but only during the correction window announced by SSC (typically 2-3 days, about 1 week after registration closes). You cannot change centers after this window closes. Choose your exam center carefully during initial registration—select the city closest to your current location, not your hometown if you'll be elsewhere during exam dates.
Is Aadhaar card mandatory for SSC CGL registration?
No, Aadhaar is not mandatory for registration. However, providing your Aadhaar number helps during document verification and reduces chances of identity-related issues. If you don't have Aadhaar, you can still apply using other valid ID proofs like PAN, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License during document verification stage.
How many times can I edit my SSC CGL application after submission?
You cannot edit most fields after final submission. SSC provides a correction window for limited fields only: photograph, signature, and exam center choice. You cannot modify name, date of birth, category, educational qualification, or post preferences. This is why thorough verification before final submission is critical—one mistake can become permanent.
Conclusion: Submit Your Application Right the First Time
The SSC CGL application process seems straightforward, but small mistakes during registration create major problems months later. Your application form becomes your permanent record—incorrect name spelling, wrong category selection, or invalid photograph can derail your selection even after acing all four tiers.
Follow this step-by-step guide, prepare documents with exact specifications, and review every field before final submission. Complete your application during the first week of registration period—don't wait for the last day when portal traffic peaks and technical glitches multiply.
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