SSC CGL 2026: eligibility, syllabus, cut-offs, salary and how to apply
SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Posts: Group B and C posts such as Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, CGST, Central Excise), Assistant Audit Officer, Junior Statistical Officer, Auditor, Accountant and Upper Division Clerk.
| Vacancies | How often | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 14,582 (CGL 2025) | Once a year. | Rs 100. Women, SC, ST, persons with benchmark disabilities and eligible ex-servicemen do not pay. |
SSC CGL eligibility: who can apply
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Education | A degree from a recognised university. Junior Statistical Officer needs 60% in Mathematics in Class 12, or Statistics as a subject in the degree, as notified. |
| Age | 18 to 27, 18 to 30 or 18 to 32 years depending on the post (on the date fixed in the notification). Relaxation: OBC +3, SC/ST +5, persons with benchmark disabilities +10 years, ex-servicemen as per rules. |
SSC CGL selection process
- Tier 1 computer-based exam (qualifying)
- Tier 2 computer-based exam (merit)
- Computer and data-entry skill tests where the post needs them
- Document verification
SSC CGL exam pattern and marks
Tier 1
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total (60 minutes) | 100 | 200 |
0.50 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Tier 2, Paper I (all posts)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Computer Knowledge (qualifying) | 20 | 60 |
| Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying) | - | - |
Paper II (Statistics) is for Junior Statistical Officer; Paper III (General Studies: finance and economics) is for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer.
One mark is deducted per wrong answer in the main sections, as notified.
SSC CGL syllabus
- Reasoning (analogies, series, coding, puzzles), quantitative aptitude (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation), English (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) and general awareness (history, polity, economy, geography, science, current affairs). Computer basics for Tier 2.
How to prepare for SSC CGL
- Download previous papers and answer keys from ssc.gov.in and practise against time.
- Build speed and accuracy in arithmetic and reasoning: Tier 2 is the merit stage.
- Practise typing for the Data Entry Speed Test, and revise computer basics.
- Revise static general knowledge and the last year's current affairs.
SSC CGL previous cut-offs
SSC publishes category-wise cut-offs separately for each list of posts (Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator and all other posts) with each result. In Tier 1 the minimum qualifying marks are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for others. Official cut-off notices
Salary and posts after SSC CGL
Group B and Group C posts in central ministries, departments and offices across India: secretariat assistants, tax and customs inspectors, auditors and accountants.
| Post | Pay level and starting basic pay | What the work is |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (Central Secretariat, MEA, Railways and others) | Level 7, Rs 44,900 | Handles files and drafts notes on policy and administration in a ministry in Delhi. |
| Inspector (Income Tax, Central GST and Excise, Preventive Officer) | Level 7, Rs 44,900 | Field work on tax assessment, surveys, searches and checks at ports and airports. |
| Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | Level 8, Rs 47,600 | Audits government accounts under the Comptroller and Auditor General. |
| Tax Assistant (CBDT, CBIC) | Level 4, Rs 25,500 | Office work in income tax or GST offices: processing returns and records. |
Example: a graduate who ranks high in Tier 2 and picks Income Tax Inspector is posted in a regional income tax office, where the work includes checking returns, surveys and assisting searches.
Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance (or government housing), Transport Allowance and other allowances are paid on top, so the monthly pay is well above the basic pay and differs by city. The 8th Central Pay Commission, set up in November 2025, will revise the matrix once its report is accepted.
SSC CGL job profile and duties
- Office and field work set by the department
- Processing files, returns and accounts
- Inspection, verification and enforcement for inspector posts
SSC CGL promotions and promotion cycle
| Stage | Pay | When |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer → Section Officer | Level 7 → Level 8 | By seniority and vacancies |
| Section Officer → Under Secretary → Deputy Secretary | Level 11 → Level 12 | By seniority and selection |
| Inspector → Superintendent → Assistant Commissioner (CBIC); Inspector → Income Tax Officer → Assistant Commissioner (CBDT) | Level 7 → Level 8 → Level 10 | By seniority and vacancies |
| Assistant Audit Officer → Audit Officer → Senior Audit Officer | Level 8 upward | By seniority and vacancies |
Promotion speed differs a lot between departments because it depends on vacancies. If no promotion comes, the Modified Assured Career Progression scheme moves a central government employee to the next pay level after 10, 20 and 30 years of service (or 10 years in the same level), subject to a 'Very Good' record. Sources: SSC CGL post-wise pay levels, as reported by Physics Wallah · 7th CPC pay matrix (Ministry of Finance resolution of 25 July 2016), as reproduced by Gconnect · MACP scheme under the 7th CPC (DoPT), as reported by Gconnect
How to apply for SSC CGL, step by step
- Complete One Time Registration on ssc.gov.in.
- Log in, open the CGL application, fill the details and post preferences, and upload a live photograph and signature as instructed.
- Pay the fee (if applicable) and submit before the last date; keep the printout.
- Download the admit card from the SSC website before each tier.
Sources: Staff Selection Commission. Rules, vacancies and dates change with each notification: read the official notification before applying.
SSC CGL: common questions
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL?
14,582 in CGL 2025. Tentative vacancies as notified; SSC revises them during the cycle.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL?
18 to 27, 18 to 30 or 18 to 32 years depending on the post (on the date fixed in the notification). Relaxation: OBC +3, SC/ST +5, persons with benchmark disabilities +10 years, ex-servicemen as per rules.
What qualification is needed for SSC CGL?
A degree from a recognised university. Junior Statistical Officer needs 60% in Mathematics in Class 12, or Statistics as a subject in the degree, as notified.
What is the selection process of SSC CGL?
Tier 1 computer-based exam (qualifying); Tier 2 computer-based exam (merit); Computer and data-entry skill tests where the post needs them; Document verification.
What is the salary after SSC CGL?
Assistant Section Officer (Central Secretariat, MEA, Railways and others): Level 7, Rs 44,900; Inspector (Income Tax, Central GST and Excise, Preventive Officer): Level 7, Rs 44,900; Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer: Level 8, Rs 47,600; Tax Assistant (CBDT, CBIC): Level 4, Rs 25,500. Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
What was the last cut-off of SSC CGL?
SSC publishes category-wise cut-offs separately for each list of posts (Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator and all other posts) with each result. In Tier 1 the minimum qualifying marks are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for others.
What is the application fee for SSC CGL?
Rs 100. Women, SC, ST, persons with benchmark disabilities and eligible ex-servicemen do not pay.
How do I apply for SSC CGL?
Complete One Time Registration on ssc.gov.in. Log in, open the CGL application, fill the details and post preferences, and upload a live photograph and signature as instructed. Pay the fee (if applicable) and submit before the last date; keep the printout. Apply only on the official website: https://ssc.gov.in/