01
Overview
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organisations. It is one of the most sought-after exams in India with lakhs of applicants every year.
The selection process consists of Tier I (CBT), Tier II (CBT), and Document Verification. Final merit is based on Tier II performance.
Important: SSC CGL 2025 notification expected in April 2025. Tier I exam likely in June–July 2025.
02
Selection Process
| Stage | Type | Papers | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Tier I | CBT – Objective | 1 Paper (4 Sections) | 200 | |
| 2 Tier II | CBT – Objective | 3 Papers | 390 | Merit-based |
| 3 DV | Document Verification | — | — |
Tier I is qualifying — marks not counted in final merit. Final selection is based on Tier II marks only. Paper I of Tier II is compulsory for all posts.
03
Preparation Roadmap
1
Understand Post Preferences
Decide target post (AAO, JSO, CSS, CBIC Inspector etc.) as Tier II papers differ by post. Plan accordingly from day one.
Week 1
2
Clear Tier I Basics
Focus on Quant, English, GK, and Reasoning. Attempt 20–25 questions per section daily. Target 160+ in Tier I.
Month 1–2
3
Strengthen Quant for Tier II
Tier II Paper I Maths carries 180 marks. Cover all chapters from R.S. Aggarwal and solve 400+ PYQs per topic.
Month 2–4
4
English Language Mastery
Tier II English has Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, and Vocabulary. Read editorials daily and practice S.P. Bakshi.
Month 2–4
5
Statistics / GBA (if applicable)
If targeting JSO or AAO posts, prepare Statistics (Paper II) or General Studies & Finance (Paper III) separately.
Month 3–5
6
Full Mock Tests
Attempt 2 full Tier I mocks per week. After Tier I, shift to daily Tier II sectional and full mocks. Analyze every mistake.
Final 2 Months
04
Paper-wise Syllabus
Tier I – General Intelligence & Reasoning
50 marks
Analogies
Classification
Series
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Direction Sense
Syllogism
Matrix
Venn Diagrams
Paper Folding
Mirror Image
Tier I – General Awareness
50 marks
Current Affairs
Static GK
History
Geography
Polity
Economy
Science & Technology
Sports
Awards & Honours
Tier I – Quantitative Aptitude
50 marks
Number System
Percentage
Profit & Loss
Ratio & Proportion
Time & Work
Time Speed Distance
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Data Interpretation
Tier I – English Language
50 marks
Reading Comprehension
Cloze Test
Error Spotting
Sentence Improvement
Para Jumbles
Synonyms & Antonyms
One Word Substitution
Idioms & Phrases
Tier II – Paper I (Maths + Reasoning + English + GK)
390 marks
Mathematical Abilities (180 marks)
Reasoning & GI (90 marks)
English Language (45 marks)
General Awareness (45 marks)
Computer Knowledge (30 marks)
Tier II – Paper II (Statistics – JSO)
200 marks
Collection & Representation of Data
Measures of Central Tendency
Dispersion
Correlation & Regression
Probability
Sampling Theory
Index Numbers
Time Series
Tier II – Paper III (GBA & Finance – AAO)
200 marks
Finance & Accounts
Economics & Governance
Comptroller & Auditor General
Finance Commission
Basic Concepts of Economics
Pro Tip: Tier II Maths carries 180 marks — it is the game changer. Solve at least 3000 questions before the exam. For English, read one editorial daily and maintain a vocabulary notebook. Attempt previous 5 years' Tier II papers in full timed sessions.
05
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Indian Citizen
Age Limit
18–32 years
Age relaxation as per GoI rules. Age limit varies by post — 18–27 for some posts, 18–32 for others.
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university
Attempts (General)
No limit (within age)
Attempts (OBC)
No limit (within age)
Attempts (SC/ST)
No limit (within age)
Application Fee
₹100 / SC·ST Free
06
Recommended Books
Quantitative Aptitude
Maths
Objective General English
English
Lucent General Knowledge
GK
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Reasoning
SSC Mathematics
Maths
Word Power Made Easy
Vocabulary
07
Key Dates & Timeline
Application Start
21 May 2026
Last Date to Apply
25 June 2026
Exam Date
August - September 2026
Admit Card
Before Exam