What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
The SSC CGL exam is conducted annually and attracts millions of aspirants across India. This examination opens doors to various government jobs including Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, and Assistant in different ministries.
Full Form of SSC CGL
SSC CGL full form is Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level. The "Combined" in the name indicates that this single examination is used to fill multiple posts across various government departments, making it a comprehensive recruitment drive.
Why SSC CGL is Popular Among Job Seekers
SSC CGL is one of the most sought-after government exams in India because it offers job security, attractive salary packages, growth opportunities, and prestigious positions in central government departments. The exam provides an opportunity for graduates from any stream to secure a stable government job with excellent benefits including pension, medical facilities, and work-life balance.
SSC CGL posts come with power, responsibility, and respect in society. The examination pattern is structured yet manageable with proper preparation, making it accessible to candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
SSC CGL Exam Overview 2026
The SSC CGL examination is conducted in four tiers, each designed to test different skills and abilities of candidates. The complete selection process includes computer-based tests, descriptive paper, computer proficiency test, and document verification.
SSC CGL Notification and Important Dates 2026
Recent Changes in SSC CGL 2025-26
SSC has introduced several student-centric updates in the latest cycle to improve transparency and accessibility. From mobile-app based applications to a proposed waiting-list system, here is everything new you should know:
Aadhaar Biometric Auth
Mandatory Aadhaar authentication at Registration, Application, and Exam Centre (Face/Fingerprint).
'mySSC' Mobile App
All-in-one app for OTR, applications, and generating UID tokens for exam entry.
New Posts Added
Introduction of Section Head (DGFT) and Office Superintendent (CBDT) positions.
Sliding Scheme (Waiting List)
Proposed mechanism to fill non-joining vacancies from an extended cut-off list.
Policy Update for PwBD: Original disability certificates are now mandatory for scribes/extra time. No self-attested copies allowed.
SSC CGL Vacancy Details
SSC CGL offers thousands of vacancies every year across various government departments. The SSC CGL 2024 examination announced approximately 17,000+ vacancies. The number varies each year based on government requirements. Posts are distributed across different pay levels ranging from Level 4 to Level 8 in the Pay Matrix.
SSC CGL Vacancy 2026
For 2025, a total of 14,582 vacancies were announced for Group B and C posts across various central government departments. We can expect the similar number of vacancies for 2026. Exact vacancies are updated on the official website at ssc.gov.in under the tentative vacancy section.
Reservation is provided for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per government rules. Candidates should note that zone-wise or state-wise vacancies are not released by the Commission. The SSC follows reservation policies based on the guidelines of the Indenting Departments. Candidates can check the SSC CGL 2025 Vacancy through the table below:
Post-wise Vacancy Distribution
Total Vacancies: 14,582
Scroll down or search to explore more posts
Historical Vacancy Trends
Year-wise recruitment analysis (2017-2025)
2025
14,582
2024
17,727
2023
8,415
2022
37,409
2021
7,621
2020
7,035
2019
8,428
2018
11,271
2017
9,276
Pro Tip: The 2022 cycle remains the largest in SSC history. For 2026, we anticipate a healthy recruitment drive following the 2024/25 momentum.
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. The degree can be from any stream - Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, or any other discipline. Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can also apply, but they must complete their degree before the document verification stage.
*Statistical Investigator/JSO posts require Statistics/Maths background.
Age Limit
- • Most posts: 18 to 27 years
- • Tax Assistant: 18 to 30 years
- • JSO: 18 to 30 years
- • Auditor/Accountant: 18 to 30 years
Relaxations: OBC (3 yrs), SC/ST (5 yrs), PwD (10-15 yrs), Ex-servicemen (3 yrs).
SSC CGL Nationality Requirements
Candidates must be either a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from designated countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Physical Standards
Required only for specific posts like Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive/Examiner). Male: 157.5 cm height, 81 cm chest. Female: 152 cm height.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Qualifying Nature • Computer Based Test
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Deciding Factor • Computer Based Test
Paper I (Compulsory)
Mathematical Abilities (90 Q, 270 Marks)
Duration: 2 Hours | Negative: -1 Mark
Paper II (Compulsory)
English Language & Comprehension (225 Q, 225 Marks)
Duration: 2 Hours | Negative: -0.25 Marks
Paper III (Specific Posts)
Statistics / General Studies (Finance & Economics)
Tier 3 (Descriptive)
Pen & Paper. Essay/Letter writing. 100 Marks. 60 Minutes. Qualifying.
Tier 4 (Skill Test)
DEST (Data Entry) or CPT (Computer Proficiency). Qualifying nature.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
Tier 1 Overview
Questions cover General Intelligence (Logic/Analogies), General Awareness (History/Current Affairs), Quant (Arithmetic/Geometry), and English (Grammar/Vocab).
Explore Subject-Wise Topics
Quantitative Aptitude
Arithmetic
Advance
English Language
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reasoning (GI)
Verbal
Non-Verbal
General Awareness
Static GK
Current
Detailed PDF Syllabus for Tier 2 includes Statistics & Finance modules.
Congratulations
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Join the league of top rankers. Our results speak for our commitment to your success in Staff Selection Commission.
580+ Selections
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Income Tax
120+
ASO in CSS
85+
Excise/GST
110+
Auditors
200+
Arjun Sharma
Income Tax Inspector
From Delhi
Priya Patel
ASO in MEA
From Mumbai
Rahul Verma
Central Excise Inspector
From Lucknow
Ananya Iyer
Assistant Audit Officer
From Chennai
Posts and Salary Structure
Level 8
₹47,600+
Assistant Audit Officer
Level 7
₹44,900+
Income Tax Inspector/ASO
Level 6
₹35,400+
Divisional Accountant
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA, Transport Allowance, and other benefits. Gross salary is significantly higher than the basic pay shown above.
SSC CGL Post Name, Department and Classification
SSC CGL posts are categorized into Group B and Group C based on pay levels and seniority. Group B positions are typically higher in rank and may be Gazetted, while Group C roles are technical or clerical.
Posts & Classification
Departmental hierarchy (Group B & C)
| Post Name | Department | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | MeitY | Group B |
| Assistant Sector Officer | Other Depts | Group B |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Group C |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Group B |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Group B |
| Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | Group B |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Enforcement Directorate | Group B |
| Sub Inspector | CBI | Group B |
| Inspector Posts | Dept of Posts | Group B |
| Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | Group B |
| Section Head | DGFT | Group B |
| Executive Assistant | CBIC | Group B |
| Research Assistant | NHRC | Group B |
| Divisional Accountant | C&AG | Group B |
| Sub Inspector | NIA | Group B |
| Sub-Inspector/Junior Intelligence | Narcotics Control Bureau | Group B |
| Junior Statistical Officer | MoSPI | Group B |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | MHA | Group B |
| Office Superintendent | CBDT | Group B |
| Auditor | Offices under C&AG | Group C |
| Auditor | Offices under CGDA | Group C |
| Auditor | Other Depts | Group C |
| Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group C |
| Accountant | CGA | Group C |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | Dept of Posts | Group C |
| SSA/UDC | Other Central Govt Offices | Group C |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | MES (Defence) | Group C |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT | Group C |
| Tax Assistant | CBIC | Group C |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | Group C |
Preparation Strategy
Tier 1 Strategy
- Understand Pattern: Know the marking scheme and time limits.
- Plan: Divide time equally among 4 sections. Basics first.
- Speed & Accuracy: Crucial for 100 questions in 60 mins.
- Resources: Use standard books (RS Aggarwal, Lucent).
Tier 2 & 3 Strategy
Focus on deep conceptual understanding for Tier 2 Maths & English.
For Tier 3, practice daily essay and letter writing to improve expression and coherence.
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