Staff Selection Commission (SSC) -CGL

SSC CGL Exam: Comprehensive Overview

The Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of India’s most sought-after recruitment exams. It is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit staff for Group B and Group C posts in various government departments, ministries, and organizations.

---

Exam Structure and Marking Scheme

SSC CGL is conducted in four tiers, each assessing different skill sets of candidates. The structure is as follows:
 

Exam Pattern

Tier	Mode	Subject/Area Assessed	Time Duration	Total Marks	Number of Questions
Tier I	Online	General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension	60 minutes	200	100
Tier II	Online	Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and Statistics (if applicable)	2 hours per paper	450 (total)	Varies
Tier III	Offline	Descriptive Test (Essay, Letter, or Application Writing)	60 minutes	100	-
Tier IV	Offline	Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) and Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)	15-20 minutes	Qualifying	-

---

Marking Scheme

Tier I and II

• Correct Answer: +2 marks (Tier I); +3 marks (Tier II).
• Incorrect Answer: -0.50 marks (Tier I); -1 mark (Tier II).

Tier III

• Evaluated on content, clarity, coherence, and grammar.

Tier IV

• Qualifying in nature; no marks added to the final score.

---

Exam Mode

• Tier I & II: Online (Computer-Based Test).
• Tier III: Offline (Pen & Paper).
• Tier IV: Skill Test (hands-on).

---

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification:
   • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
   • Specific posts like Statistical Investigator or Assistant Audit Officer require additional qualifications in mathematics, statistics, or accounting.
2. Age Limit:
   • Varies by post, ranging from 18–32 years.
   • Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

---

Key Positions

Candidates are recruited for several prestigious posts in central government ministries, including:

• Group B: Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (CBIC), Sub-Inspector (CBI), etc.
• Group C: Auditor, Accountant, Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), Tax Assistant, etc.

---

Cutoff Trends

Cutoff marks vary based on:

1. Category: General, OBC, SC/ST, and EWS.
2. Post Preference: Higher cutoffs for posts like AAO or JSO.
3. Vacancy Availability: Changes in the number of openings across years.

Approximate Tier I Cutoffs (2023)

Category	General	OBC	SC	ST	EWS
Overall	155-160	140-145	120-125	115-120	150-155

---

Reservation Policy

Category	Reservation Percentage
OBC	27%
SC	15%
ST	7.5%
EWS	10%
PwD	4%

---

Key Statistics

• Registrations (2023): Over 30 lakh candidates.
• Selection Ratio: Around 1 in 150 candidates make it to the final merit list.
• Recruitment Vacancies: ~7,500 posts in 2023.

---

Important Dates (2024 Expected)

1. Notification Release: April 2024.
2. Registration Window: April–May 2024.
3. Tier I Exam: July 2024.
4. Tier II Exam: October 2024.
5. Tier III & IV: December 2024 onwards.

---

Preparation Strategy

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning:
   • Focus on puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, and coding-decoding.
   • Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
2. General Awareness:
   • Prepare current affairs, static GK (history, geography, polity, science).
   • Refer to monthly current affairs magazines.
3. Quantitative Aptitude:
   • Focus on arithmetic topics (ratios, percentages, profit & loss) and higher maths (algebra, trigonometry, geometry).
   • Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests.
4. English Comprehension:
   • Improve vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills.
   • Practice sentence improvement, error spotting, and synonyms/antonyms.

Recommended Resources:

• Books: R.S. Aggarwal (Reasoning), Arun Sharma (Quantitative Aptitude), Lucent GK (General Awareness), and Wren & Martin (English Grammar).
• Online Platforms: Adda247, Testbook, and GradeUp for mock tests and sectional quizzes.

---

Highlights

1. Dynamic Post Preferences: Opportunities in investigative and administrative roles.
2. Steady Career Growth: SSC CGL offers promotions to senior roles like Assistant Commissioner or Section Officer.
3. Financial Stability: Posts come with lucrative salaries, allowances, and job security.