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The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination stands as a cornerstone of competitive recruitment in India, offering graduates a prestigious pathway to secure government jobs. Conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), this exam recruits candidates for a variety of Group B and Group C posts across ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India.
Known for its competitive nature, the SSC CGL attracts millions of aspirants each year, all vying for a limited number of vacancies that promise job security, competitive salaries, and significant career advancement opportunities.
As we look ahead to SSC CGL 2025, anticipation is building among aspirants for the release of the official notification, exam dates, and detailed eligibility criteria. This comprehensive guide aims to serve as an exhaustive resource, covering every aspect of the SSC CGL 2025 examination—from its foundational details to intricate preparation strategies.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a seasoned aspirant aiming to refine your approach, this page will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this highly competitive exam.
What is SSC CGL?
The SSC CGL, or Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level examination, is a national-level recruitment exam conducted by the SSC to fill various government posts. Established in 1975, the SSC is tasked with recruiting staff for non-technical Group B and Group C positions across central government departments, ministries, and subordinate offices. The CGL exam targets graduates, offering them roles such as Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, and Junior Statistical Officer, among others.
The exam is conducted in multiple tiers, testing candidates on a range of skills including reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English comprehension, and general awareness. Its competitive nature is evident from the lakhs of applicants each year, with only a fraction securing positions due to limited vacancies. The SSC CGL is not just an exam; it’s a gateway to a stable and rewarding career in the public sector, making it a dream for many Indian graduates.
SSC CGL 2025 Overview
The SSC CGL 2025 exam promises to continue its legacy as a highly competitive recruitment process. Based on the official SSC Exam Calendar 2025-26, the notification is slated for release on April 22, 2025, with the Tier 1 exam expected in June-July 2025.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Notification Release | April 22, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Application Period | April 22, 2025 – May 21, 2025 |
| Exam Dates (Tier 1) | June-July 2025 (Tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Posts Offered | Group B and Group C posts in various ministries and departments |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2025 Notification
The SSC CGL 2025 notification is the official document that kickstarts the recruitment process. Scheduled for release on April 22, 2025, as per the SSC Calendar 2025-26, it will be available for download on the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in. This document is critical as it outlines all essential information, including vacancy numbers, eligibility criteria, application procedures, exam dates, syllabus, and selection processes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 22, 2025 |
| Where to Download | ssc.gov.in (Official SSC website) |
| Application Start Date | April 22, 2025 |
| Application End Date | May 21, 2025 |
| Key Contents | Vacancies, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Registration Process |
The notification also includes instructions for filling out the application form, details on reservation policies, and guidelines for document submission. Candidates are strongly advised to read it thoroughly to avoid errors during registration and ensure compliance with all requirements. Missing deadlines or failing to meet eligibility criteria can disqualify applicants, making early preparation and awareness of the notification’s contents crucial.
SSC CGL Exam Date
The exam dates for SSC CGL 2025 are tentative and based on the SSC Calendar 2025-26. The Tier 1 exam is expected in June-July 2025, with subsequent tiers scheduled later in the year.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 22, 2025 |
| Application Period | April 22, 2025 – May 21, 2025 |
| Tier 1 Exam | June-July 2025 |
| Tier 2 Exam | To be announced (typically 3-6 months after Tier 1) |
| Result Declaration (Tier 1) | August-September 2025 |
| Final Result | Late 2025 or Early 2026 |
These dates are subject B tentative and subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances like administrative delays or technical issues.
SSC CGL Vacancy Overview
Vacancies for SSC CGL 2025 will be announced in the official notification. Historically, the SSC releases thousands of vacancies each year, though the numbers fluctuate based on government requirements and budget allocations.
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2025 | To be announced (Expected around 17,000-18,000 based on trends) |
| 2024 | 18,174 (Updated from 17,727) |
| 2023 | 8,415 |
| 2022 | 36,012 |
| 2021 | 8,035 |
The vacancy count directly influences competition levels and cut-off marks, with higher vacancies typically leading to lower cut-offs and vice versa.
SSC CGL Vacancy Detail: Category-Wise Comparison (Last 3-4 Years)
Below is a detailed category-wise breakdown of vacancies over the past four years, offering insight into reservation trends:
| Category | 2024 Vacancies | 2023 Vacancies | 2022 Vacancies | 2021 Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 8,814 | 4,077 | 15,979 | 3,518 |
| OBC | 4,392 | 2,135 | 8,177 | 1,856 |
| SC | 2,228 | 1,198 | 5,112 | 1,198 |
| ST | 1,052 | 578 | 2,421 | 664 |
| EWS | 1,688 | 427 | 4,323 | 799 |
| Total | 18,174 | 8,415 | 36,012 | 8,035 |
SSC CGL Post List
SSC CGL offers a diverse range of posts, categorized as Group B and Group C, each with unique roles and pay scales.
| Post Name | Group | Department/Ministry | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer | B | Indian Audit & Accounts Department | Level-8 |
| Assistant Accounts Officer | B | Indian Audit & Accounts Department | Level-8 |
| Assistant Section Officer | B | Central Secretariat Service, MEA, etc. | Level-7 |
| Inspector (Excise) | B | CBIC | Level-7 |
| Inspector (Income Tax) | B | CBDT | Level-7 |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | B | CBIC | Level-7 |
| Junior Statistical Officer | B | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Impl. | Level-6 |
| Auditor | C | CAG, CGDA | Level-5 |
| Accountant | C | CGA, Other Ministries | Level-5 |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant | C | Central Government Offices | Level-4 |
| Tax Assistant | C | CBDT, CBIC | Level-4 |
These posts vary in responsibilities, from field-based enforcement roles (e.g., Inspectors) to desk-based analytical roles (e.g., Junior Statistical Officer), catering to diverse skill sets.
How to Apply
Applying for SSC CGL 2025 is a straightforward online process. Follow these detailed steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to ssc.gov.in.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): New users must register by providing personal details (name, DOB, email, mobile number) to generate a registration ID and password.
- Login: Use your credentials to access the application portal.
- Fill Application Form: Enter educational qualifications, post preferences, category details, and other required information.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph (20-50 KB, JPEG) and signature (10-20 KB, JPEG).
- Pay Application Fee: Pay online (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI) or offline via SBI challan.
- Submit & Save: Review all entries, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for records.
The application window is from April 22, 2025, to May 21, 2025. Late submissions are not accepted, so apply early to avoid technical glitches.
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Take the Career TestApplication Fee
The fee structure for SSC CGL 2025 is:
- General/OBC: ₹100
- SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen/Women: Exempted
Payment modes include online options (cards, UPI) or offline SBI challan (generated online, payable at any SBI branch within 72 hours). Fee exemptions reflect the government’s inclusivity policies.
Eligibility
Eligibility for SSC CGL 2025 includes:
- Nationality: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees (pre-1962 settlers with intent to stay permanently).
- Age Limit: 18-32 years as of August 1, 2025 (varies by post). Relaxations:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwD: 10 years
- Educational Qualification:
- General Posts: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Junior Statistical Officer: Degree with Statistics/Mathematics/Economics (60% in Statistics at 12th or degree level).
- Assistant Audit Officer: Degree + desirable qualifications (CA/CS/MBA/Cost Accountant).
Candidates must possess qualifications by the cutoff date specified in the notification.
Selection Process
The SSC CGL 2025 selection process involves:
- Tier 1: Online, qualifying exam (100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes).
- Tier 2: Online, scoring exam with multiple papers (details in syllabus section).
- Document Verification: Final step post-Tier 2, verifying eligibility and category claims.
Merit is based solely on Tier 2 performance, with Tier 1 serving as a filter.
SSC CGL 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus is tier-specific, covering diverse topics.
| Tier | Section | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Series, Syllogism, Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs (last 6 months), History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Static GK | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number Systems, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, DI | |
| English Comprehension | Grammar (Tenses, Articles), Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms), Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Fill-in-the-Blanks | |
| Tier 2 | Paper 1 – Mathematical Abilities | Arithmetic (LCM, HCF, Decimals), Algebra, Geometry (Triangles, Circles), Trigonometry, Data Interpretation, Simplification |
| Paper 1 – Reasoning & GI | Verbal Reasoning (Analogy, Series), Non-Verbal (Mirror Images, Paper Folding), Logical Sequences, Critical Thinking | |
| Paper 1 – English Language | Comprehension Passages, Error Spotting, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-Word Substitution, Active/Passive Voice | |
| Paper 1 – General Awareness | Current Events (National, International), History, Culture, Geography (Physical, World), Polity, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | |
| Paper 1 – Computer Proficiency | Computer Basics (Hardware, Software), MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, Email, Networking, Cyber Security | |
| Paper 2 – Statistics | Probability, Measures of Central Tendency, Dispersion, Sampling, Correlation, Regression, Time Series Analysis (for JSO) | |
| Paper 3 – Finance & Economics | Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Economics (Micro, Macro), Governance, Budgeting (for AAO) |
SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern (Tier 1 & 2)
Tier 1
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier 2
| Paper | Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 2 hours |
| Reasoning & GI | 30 | 90 | ||
| English Language | 45 | 135 | ||
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | ||
| Computer Proficiency | 20 | 60 | ||
| Total | 150 | 450 | ||
| Paper 2 | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper 3 | Finance & Economics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Best Preparation Tips
Preparing for SSC CGL 2025 requires a strategic approach. Here’s an expanded list of tips:
- Understand Syllabus & Pattern: Study the syllabus and exam pattern in-depth to prioritize high-weightage topics.
- Create a Study Plan: Design a daily timetable, allocating time for each section based on strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take 1-2 mock tests weekly to simulate exam conditions, improving speed and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly: Dedicate weekly sessions to revise formulas, GK facts, and grammar rules.
- Use Quality Resources: Rely on books like RS Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude), Lucent GK, SP Bakshi (English), and online platforms like Gradeup or Testbook.
- Time Management: Practice solving 100 questions in 60 minutes for Tier 1, focusing on accuracy.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) and follow monthly current affairs magazines.
- Analyze Performance: Review mock test results to identify and rectify recurring mistakes.
- Group Study: Discuss tricky topics with peers to gain new perspectives.
- Health & Focus: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and sleep to optimize concentration
How to Get Hall Ticket
The SSC CGL 2025 admit card will be available on SSC regional websites (e.g., sscnr.net.in) 7-10 days before the exam. Steps:
- Visit your regional SSC website.
- Click “Admit Card” under the SSC CGL 2025 section.
- Enter registration number and DOB/password.
- Verify details (name, exam center) and download/print the hall ticket.
Carry it with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID) to the exam center.
SSC CGL Answer Keys
Post-exam, SSC releases provisional answer keys on ssc.gov.in. Process:
- Download the key and response sheet using login credentials.
- Cross-check answers and calculate tentative scores.
- Raise objections (₹100 per question) within 5-7 days if discrepancies are found.
- Final keys are published after review, forming the basis for results.
SSC CGL Cut-Off Details
Cut-offs depend on vacancies, exam difficulty, and candidate performance.
| Category | 2024 (Tier 1) | 2023 (Tier 1) | 2022 (Tier 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 180.12 | 150.25 | 137.07 |
| OBC | 147.08 | 145.91 | 131.03 |
| SC | 117.49 | 126.25 | 108.28 |
| ST | 83.70 | 115.07 | 96.02 |
| EWS | 148.31 | 147.32 | 131.66 |
About Result
SSC CGL 2025 results are declared in stages:
- Tier 1 Result: August-September 2025, qualifying candidates for Tier 2
- Tier 2 Result: Late 2025 or early 2026, final merit list based on Tier 2 scores.
- Final Allotment: Post-document verification, candidates are allocated posts per preferences and merit.
Results list roll numbers of successful candidates, downloadable from the SSC portal.
