The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive examinations for recruiting candidates to various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.

The SSC CGL examination is conducted in multiple tiers, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate’s knowledge and skills. The multi-tier structure ensures a comprehensive assessment of candidates’ abilities, from basic knowledge to advanced problem-solving skills and communication abilities.

Key Features:

  • Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
  • Exam Mode: Computer-based (Tier 1 & 2), Pen & Paper (Tier 3), Skill Test (Tier 4)
  • Exam Level: National Level
  • Frequency: Annual
  • Language: English and Hindi (except for English Comprehension section)

Detailed Exam Pattern

Tier 1 – Preliminary Examination (Computer Based)

AspectDetails
Duration60 minutes
Total Questions100 questions
Total Marks200 marks
Marking Scheme+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Exam TypeMultiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Qualifying NatureYes (Shortlisting for Tier 2)

Subject-wise Distribution – Tier 1

SubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
General Intelligence and Reasoning255015 minutes
General Awareness255015 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude255015 minutes
English Comprehension255015 minutes
Total10020060 minutes

Tier 2 – Mains Examination (Computer Based)

Paper 1: Quantitative Abilities

AspectDetails
Duration120 minutes
Total Questions100 questions
Total Marks200 marks
Marking Scheme+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Exam TypeMultiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension

AspectDetails
Duration120 minutes
Total Questions200 questions
Total Marks200 marks
Marking Scheme+1 mark for correct answer
Negative Marking-0.25 marks for wrong answer
Exam TypeMultiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Paper 3: Statistics (For specific posts only)

AspectDetails
Duration120 minutes
Total Questions100 questions
Total Marks200 marks
Marking Scheme+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Applicable PostsStatistical Investigator Grade II & Compiler

Paper 4: General Studies (Finance and Economics)

AspectDetails
Duration120 minutes
Total Questions100 questions
Total Marks200 marks
Marking Scheme+2 marks for correct answer
Negative Marking-0.50 marks for wrong answer
Applicable PostsAssistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer

Tier 3 – Descriptive Paper (Pen and Paper Mode)

AspectDetails
Duration60 minutes
Total Marks100 marks
Exam ModePen and Paper
LanguageEnglish or Hindi
Qualifying Marks33% (minimum)
Paper TypeDescriptive

Components of Tier 3

ComponentWord LimitMarks
Essay Writing200-250 words20-30 marks
Letter/Application Writing150-200 words20-30 marks
Précis Writing1/3 of original passage20-30 marks

Tier 4 – Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test

Test TypeApplicable PostsRequirements
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)Tax Assistant, DEO2000 key depressions per hour
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)All posts with CPT requirementMS Office, Database management
Document VerificationAll selected candidatesOriginal documents verification

Comprehensive Syllabus

Tier 1 Syllabus

General Intelligence and Reasoning

TopicsSub-topics
Verbal ReasoningAnalogies, Similarities and Differences, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Syllogism
Non-Verbal ReasoningPattern Completion, Figure Classification, Mirror Images, Water Images, Embedded Figures
Logical ReasoningStatement and Assumptions, Statement and Conclusions, Cause and Effect, Course of Action
Analytical ReasoningSeating Arrangement, Ranking, Number Series, Letter Series, Coding-Decoding
Problem SolvingMathematical Operations, Venn Diagrams, Cubes and Dice, Clock and Calendar

General Awareness

Subject AreaTopics Covered
HistoryAncient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Indian National Movement, World History
GeographyPhysical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, Economic Geography, Environmental Issues
Indian PolityConstitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Parliament, Judiciary, Executive, Federalism
EconomicsBasic Economic Concepts, Indian Economy, Economic Development, Banking, Financial Institutions
SciencePhysics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Space Technology
Current AffairsNational and International Events, Sports, Awards, Books and Authors, Important Days

Quantitative Aptitude

Mathematical AreasTopics
ArithmeticNumber System, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Partnership
AlgebraBasic Algebraic Identities, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Graphs
GeometryLines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons
MensurationArea and Perimeter, Surface Area and Volume, 2D and 3D Figures
TrigonometryTrigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances, Complementary Angles
StatisticsData Interpretation, Charts and Graphs, Mean, Median, Mode

English Comprehension

Language SkillsComponents
VocabularySynonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases
GrammarTenses, Voice, Narration, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions
Sentence StructureSubject-Verb Agreement, Sentence Improvement, Error Spotting
Reading ComprehensionPassage Reading, Inference, Main Idea, Supporting Details
Writing SkillsPara Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Test

Tier 2 Syllabus

Paper 1: Quantitative Abilities (Detailed)

TopicSub-topicsWeightage
Number SystemHCF-LCM, Divisibility Rules, Remainder Theorem, Prime Numbers8-10 questions
AlgebraLinear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions15-20 questions
GeometryTriangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Coordinate Geometry15-18 questions
Mensuration2D and 3D Figures, Surface Area, Volume8-12 questions
TrigonometryTrigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances8-10 questions
Statistics & DIData Interpretation, Charts, Graphs, Statistical Measures15-20 questions

Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension (Detailed)

SectionTopicsQuestion Types
VocabularySynonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution25-30 questions
GrammarError Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks40-50 questions
Reading ComprehensionPassage-based Questions, Inference, Main Idea50-60 questions
Sentence StructurePara Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Test30-40 questions

Tier 3 Syllabus (Descriptive Paper)

ComponentSkills TestedEvaluation Criteria
Essay WritingAnalytical thinking, Expression, Current affairs knowledgeContent, Language, Structure, Relevance
Letter WritingFormal communication, Proper format, ClarityFormat, Language, Tone, Completeness
Précis WritingComprehension, Summarization, ConcisenessAccuracy, Brevity, Coherence, Grammar

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit Structure

CategoryAge LimitRelaxation
General/EWS18-32 yearsNo relaxation
OBC18-35 years3 years
SC/ST18-37 years5 years
PwD (General)18-42 years10 years
PwD (OBC)18-45 years13 years
PwD (SC/ST)18-47 years15 years
Ex-Servicemen18-37 years5 years

Educational Qualification

RequirementDetails
Minimum QualificationBachelor’s degree from recognized university
Final Year StudentsCan apply (degree must be completed before document verification)
Professional DegreesEngineering, Medical, Law degrees accepted
Distance EducationDegrees from UGC recognized institutions accepted

Physical Standards (For specific posts)

Post CategoryPhysical Requirements
Customs/Excise OfficersMedical fitness, Vision requirements
Narcotics OfficersHeight, Chest measurements
Border Security PostsPhysical endurance tests

Posts and Pay Scale

Group B Posts (Gazetted)

PostPay LevelMonthly SalaryAllowances
Assistant Section Officer (ASO)Level-7₹44,900-1,42,400DA, HRA, TA
Assistant Enforcement OfficerLevel-7₹44,900-1,42,400DA, HRA, TA
Assistant in Other MinistriesLevel-7₹44,900-1,42,400DA, HRA, TA

Group C Posts (Non-Gazetted)

PostPay LevelMonthly SalaryDepartment
Income Tax InspectorLevel-6₹35,400-1,12,400Income Tax Department
Central Excise InspectorLevel-6₹35,400-1,12,400Central Board of Excise
Preventive OfficerLevel-6₹35,400-1,12,400Customs Department
Examiner (Customs)Level-6₹35,400-1,12,400Customs Department
Sub Inspector (CBI)Level-6₹35,400-1,12,400Central Bureau of Investigation
Senior Secretariat AssistantLevel-5₹29,200-92,300Various Ministries
Tax AssistantLevel-4₹25,500-81,100Income Tax Department
Postal AssistantLevel-4₹25,500-81,100Department of Posts
Sorting AssistantLevel-4₹25,500-81,100Department of Posts
Data Entry OperatorLevel-4₹25,500-81,100Various Departments
Court ClerkLevel-4₹25,500-81,100Supreme Court/High Courts

Additional Benefits

Benefit TypeDetails
Dearness Allowance (DA)Currently 46% of basic pay
House Rent Allowance (HRA)24%/16%/8% based on city category
Travel Allowance (TA)₹3,600-7,200 per month
Medical BenefitsCGHS facilities for self and family
Leave Travel ConcessionOnce in 4 years
PensionAs per 7th Pay Commission
CategoryTier 1 Cut-offTier 2 Cut-off
General155-165320-350
EWS150-160310-340
OBC145-155300-330
SC130-140280-310
ST125-135270-300

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information needed to understand and prepare for the SSC CGL examination. Regular updates and revisions of the preparation strategy based on exam trends and personal progress will enhance your chances of success.

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