SSC CGL Exam 2025: Complete Guide (Eligibility, Syllabus, Salary, and More)
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of the most prestigious government exams in India. It recruits candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and government offices.
Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Official Website | ssc.nic.in |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 years (post-wise) |
| Stages | Tier I, Tier II |
SSC CGL 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 2025 |
| Online Registration | April – May 2025 |
| Tier I Exam Date | July 2025 |
| Tier II Exam Date | October 2025 |
| Final Result | Early 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Education Qualification (as on closing date)
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Some posts require specific qualifications:
- Statistical Investigator – Graduation with Statistics/Math/Economics
- Assistant Audit Officer – Graduation + CA/CS/MBA (preferred)
2. Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 32 years (depending on the post)
- Age relaxation:
- OBC – 3 years
- SC/ST – 5 years
- PwD – 10 years
Exam Pattern
Tier I: (Qualifying in nature)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 1 hour |
- Negative marking: 0.50 for each wrong answer
Tier II: (Merit deciding stage)
| Paper | Subject | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Quant & English | Compulsory for all |
| Paper II | Statistics | For JSO post |
| Paper III | General Studies (Finance & Economics) | For AAO post |
- Tier-II is also online and includes descriptive & objective type papers.
Syllabus Highlights
➤ Quantitative Aptitude
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Time-Speed, Data Interpretation, Mensuration, Ratio & Proportion
➤ English Comprehension
- Grammar, Cloze Test, Synonyms/Antonyms, Comprehension, Error Spotting
➤ Reasoning
- Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Series
➤ General Awareness
- Static GK, Current Affairs, Indian History, Geography, Science, Economics, Polity
Job Posts Offered via SSC CGL
Some top posts include:
| Post | Department |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer | CAG |
| Income Tax Inspector | CBDT |
| Assistant Section Officer | MEA, CSS |
| Inspector (Examiner / Preventive) | CBIC |
| Sub Inspector | CBI |
| Junior Statistical Officer | MoSPI |
Salary (Post-wise Approx. In-hand)
| Post | In-hand Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| AAO | ₹55,000 – ₹81,000 |
| Income Tax Inspector | ₹51,000 – ₹66,000 |
| ASO (MEA) | ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 |
| CBI Sub-Inspector | ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 |
| UDC / Auditor | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
All posts come with HRA, TA, DA, pension & other perks.
How to Apply
- Visit ssc.nic.in
- Register using your email/mobile
- Fill out the form
- Upload documents & pay the fee
- Print the final application
Preparation Tips
- Start with NCERTs for GS basics
- Solve previous year papers
- Daily current affairs (especially for GA)
- Focus on speed & accuracy for Tier I
- Use mock tests regularly (1 per week)
- For Tier II, refer to standard Quant & English books
Recommended Books
| Subject | Book |
|---|---|
| Quant | Fast Track by Rajesh Verma, R.S. Aggarwal |
| English | Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh |
| Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| GK | Lucent’s General Knowledge |
| Mock Tests | Testbook, Oliveboard, Adda247 |
Why Choose SSC CGL?
- Central Govt Job Security
- Stable & Good Salary
- Promotions & Departmental Exams
- Postings across India
- Retirement Benefits
Conclusion
The SSC CGL exam is an excellent opportunity for graduates aiming for a reputed government job. With the right preparation strategy, dedication, and consistency, you can definitely crack the exam and build a secure future in government service.
