Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Exam is a national level competitive exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in different Government of India institutions. The SSC CGL exam is one of the most popular government exams in India, with lakhs of candidates applying each year.
Overview

The SSC CGL exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates need to prepare well in order to succeed. There are many coaching institutes and online resources available to help candidates prepare for the exam. The SSC exam is conducted in four tiers or stages – Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV. Tier I and Tier II are computer-based exams, while Tier III is a descriptive paper, and Tier IV comprises of computer proficiency test/skill test/document verification.
Eligibility Criteria
The SSC CGL exam in 2023, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality:
- Citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Age Limit:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 32 years
- Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government norms.
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
- The educational qualification required for different posts may vary.
- Physical Fitness Standards:
- The candidate should be physically fit and must meet the prescribed physical standards for the concerned post.
- Other Requirements:
- Candidates must fulfill any other eligibility criteria as specified by the SSC in the official notification.
Exam Pattern
SSC CGL Exam Pattern | Tier I | Tier II | Tier III | Tier IV |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mode of exam | Computer-based | Computer-based | Pen and paper | Computer-based |
Number of sections | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 (CPT) and 1 (skill test) |
Number of questions | 100 | 200 | 100 | 1 (CPT) and 1 (skill test) |
Time duration | 60 minutes | 2 hours | 60 minutes | 15 minutes (CPT) and variable (skill test) |
Maximum marks | 200 | 400 | 100 | 50 (CPT) and variable (skill test) |
Negative marking | Yes (0.5 marks for each wrong answer) | Yes (0.5 marks for each wrong answer) | No | No |
Qualifying nature | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Application Process
- The SSC CGL exam application process is completely online. Candidates can apply for the exam by visiting the official website of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) at ssc.nic.in.
- To apply for the SSC CGL exam, candidates must first register themselves on the SSC website. Once registered, candidates can log in to their account and fill out the online application form. The application form will ask candidates to provide their personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information.
- Candidates will also need to upload scanned copies of their passport-size photograph and signature while filling out the application form. Once the application form is complete, candidates will need to pay the application fee. The application fee can be paid online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- After the application fee is paid, candidates will need to submit the application form. Once the application form is submitted, candidates will receive a confirmation email. Candidates should keep the confirmation email safe as they will need it to download their admit card and check their exam results.
To apply for Combined Graduate Level 2023, candidates can follow the steps given below:
- Visit the official website of SSC – ssc.nic.in.
- Click on the “Apply” link for SSC CGL 2023.
- Register yourself by providing your basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
- Once registered, you will receive a registration number and password on your registered email ID and mobile number.
- Log in using your registration number and password.
- Fill in the application form with your personal, educational, and other details as required.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit card, or credit card. Alternatively, you can also pay the fee offline through SBI challan.
- After successful submission of the application form, take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Syllabus
Tier I
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Tier II
- Quantitative Abilities
- English Language and Comprehension
Tier III (Descriptive Paper)
- English or Hindi
Tier IV (Computer Proficiency Test and Skill Test)
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
- Skill Test (wherever applicable)
Important Dates
Event | Date |
---|---|
SSC CGL 2023 Notification Released | April 3, 2023 |
SSC CGL 2023 Online Application Starts | April 3, 2023 |
SSC CGL 2023 Online Application Last Date | May 3, 2023 |
SSC CGL 2023 Application Correction Window | May 7-8, 2023 |
SSC CGL 2023 Tier 1 Exam Dates | July 14-27, 2023 |
SSC CGL 2023 Tier 2 Exam Dates | October 25-27, 2023 |
SSC CGL 2023 Tier 3 Exam Date | To be announced |
SSC CGL 2023 Tier 4 Exam Date | To be announced |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern. The first step in preparing for any exam is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you to focus your studies on the most important topics.
- Create a study plan. Once you understand the syllabus and exam pattern, create a study plan that is realistic and achievable. Make sure to schedule time for all of the different subjects and topics that you need to cover.
- Collect the right study material. There are many different books and online resources available to help you prepare for the SSC CGL exam. Collect the study material that you think will be most helpful for you.
- Solve previous year question papers and mock tests. One of the best ways to prepare for the SSC CGL exam is to solve previous year question papers and mock tests. This will help you to get a feel for the types of questions that are asked in the exam and to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Revise regularly. Once you have covered all of the topics, it is important to revise regularly. This will help you to retain the information and to be prepared for the exam.
FEES
Category | Application Fee |
---|---|
General/ OBC | INR 100 |
Female, SC, ST, PwD, & Ex-Servicemen | Nil |
FAQ?
To be eligible for the SSC CGL exam, you must be a graduate from a recognized university. You must also be an Indian citizen and between the ages of 18 and 30 years.
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in four tiers:
- Tier I: This is a computer-based objective multiple choice exam with four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
- Tier II: This is also a computer-based objective multiple choice exam with two papers: Quantitative Abilities and English Language and Comprehension.
- Tier III: This is a pen and paper mode descriptive paper in English or Hindi.
- Tier IV: This is a computer proficiency test (CPT) and skill test (wherever applicable).
Yes, there is negative marking in the SSC CGL exam. 0.5 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in both Tier I and Tier II exams.
The syllabus for ssc cgl full form includes topics from General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.