The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is a highly competitive examination conducted by Staff Selection Commission in India every year. This prestigious exam is aimed at selecting eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C (non-technical) vacancies in central government ministries, departments, and organizations which are regularly announced at Sarkari Job Gyaan. Each year, millions of aspirants participate in this prestigious exam to secure their dream jobs with numerous benefits such as job security, attractive salary packages, allowances, and opportunities for career growth in various government departments and organizations.
Here in this article you will learn everything about how to apply to SSC CGL exam in 2023 along with online form and notification download, eligibility criteria in general, age limit, syllabus, exam pattern, application fee, important dates and exam preparation tips for success in this exam.
SSC CGL 2023 Notification Details for 7500+ Posts Recruitment [Tier 1/II]
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the Combined Graduate Level Examination for the recruitment of 7,500 (tentative) Group B and Group C vacancies in various ministries, departments, and organizations in India starting from April 3, 2023. These vacancies include Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Assistant, Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant & Other posts. Eligible candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree can apply online at SSC official website before the closing date of May 3, 2023. Selection will be based on Tier I & Tier II. You can visit the official website or continue reading this page for details on the syllabus, exam dates, admit cards, and other updates related to SSC CGL recruitment 2023.
Name of Organization: | Staff Selection Commission |
Total Vacancies: | 7500+ (tentative) |
Job Location: | All India |
Notification Released: | 3rd April 2023 |
Start Date: | 3rd April 2023 |
Last Date To Apply: | 3rd May 2023 |
Last Date for Fee Payment: | 4th May 2023 |
Last Date for Offline Challan Generation: | 4th May 2023 |
Last Date for payment through Challan: | 5th May 2023 |
Form Correction Dates: | 7th – 8th May 2023 |
Educational Qualification for SSC CGL Exam
Candidates are required to have passed Bachelor’s Degree from recognized university in relevant stream.
Age Limit (As on 01.08.2023)
Minimum Age: 18 years / 20 years.
Maximum age: 27 years / 30 years / 32 years.
Check notification for age relaxation as per SSC policy.
Selection Process
Selection will be based on Tier I & Tier II.
Important Links: Apply Online | Download Notification
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria in general
To be eligible for the SSC CGL exam, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility criteria related to age limit and educational qualifications. The age limit for various posts generally ranges between 18 and 32 years as of 1st January of the examination year, with age relaxations applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen, following government norms.
The minimum educational qualification for most posts is a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution. However, certain positions may have additional requirements based on the category or stream.
In addition to age limit and educational qualification, special requirements or physical standards may apply to inspector or sub-inspector positions, including height, chest measurements, and physical endurance tests. Candidates are advised to review the official SSC CGL notification to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and avoid disqualification.
SSC CGL Tiers, Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL exam is composed of four tiers: Tier-I (Preliminary), Tier-II (Mains), Tier-III (Descriptive), and Tier-IV (Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test), which are conducted in a phased manner. Each tier is designed to test the candidates’ aptitude, reasoning, language skills, and general awareness. The primary purpose of the exam is to identify and select skilled and proficient candidates to fill vacancies in various Group B and Group C posts, such as Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub-Inspector, Junior Statistical Officer, Tax Assistant, and Assistants in Central Secretariat Service, among others.
It is important to know the syllabus and exam pattern for successful completion of each tier. The syllabus for the SSC CGL exam covers a broad range of topics and subjects to assess the candidates’ knowledge, skills, and aptitude across various streams. By understanding the detailed syllabus and subjects for each tier of the SSC CGL exam, candidates can better plan their preparation strategy, focus on the relevant topics, and improve their chances of success in the examination.
Candidates who successfully clear all four tiers of the examination are eligible for appointment to these esteemed positions, which not only offer job security and attractive pay scales but also contribute to shaping the Indian job market. Here’s a look at each Tier Syllabus and Exam Pattern in detail:
SSC CGL Exam Tier – I (objective)
Tier I is an objective, computer-based examination that tests the candidates’ basic understanding of quantitative aptitude, general intelligence and reasoning, English comprehension, and general awareness. This tier serves as a preliminary screening round.
Tier I Syllabus
General Intelligence and Reasoning | General Awareness | Quantitative Aptitude | English Comprehension |
---|---|---|---|
Analogies | Current affairs (national and international) | Number systems | Reading comprehension |
Similarities and differences | India and its neighboring countries | Percentage | Synonyms and antonyms |
Space visualization | General science | Ratio and proportion | Fill in the blanks |
Spatial orientation | Indian history and culture | Square roots | Spellings |
Problem-solving | Indian geography | Averages | Spotting errors |
Analysis | Indian economy | Interest | Sentence correction |
Judgment | Indian polity and constitution | Profit and loss | One-word substitution |
Decision making | Awards and honors | Discount | Idioms and phrases |
Visual memory | Books and authors | Partnership business | Sentence improvement |
Discrimination | Important dates and events | Mixture and allegation | Para jumbles |
Observation | Time and distance | ||
Relationship concepts | Time and work | ||
Arithmetical reasoning and figural classification | Basic algebraic identities | ||
Arithmetic number series | Geometry and mensuration | ||
Non-verbal series | Trigonometry | ||
Coding and decoding | Heights and distances | ||
Statement conclusion | Histogram | ||
Syllogistic reasoning | Frequency polygon | ||
Bar diagram and pie chart |
Tier I Exam Pattern
Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks |
General Intelligence / Reasoning | 25 Questions | 50 Marks |
General Awareness | 25 Questions | 50 Marks |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 Questions | 50 Marks |
English Comprehension | 25 Questions | 50 Marks |
Total | 100 Question | 200 Marks |
SSC CGL Tier – II (objective)
Tier II is also an objective, computer-based examination, but it focuses on more in-depth testing of the candidates’ knowledge in specific subjects like quantitative abilities, English language and comprehension, statistics, and general studies (finance and economics).
Tier II Syllabus
Quantitative Abilities | English Language and Comprehension | Statistics | General Studies (Finance and Economics) |
---|---|---|---|
Number systems | Reading comprehension | Collection and presentation of data | Finance and accounts |
Percentage | Synonyms and antonyms | Measures of central tendency and dispersion | Economics and governance |
Ratio and proportion | Fill in the blanks | Probability theory | |
Square roots | Spellings | Sampling theory | |
Averages | Spotting errors | Statistical inference | |
Interest | Sentence correction | Analysis of variance | |
Profit and loss | One-word substitution | Time series analysis | |
Discount | Idioms and phrases | Index numbers | |
Partnership business | Sentence improvement | ||
Mixture and allegation | Para jumbles | ||
Time and distance | Active and passive voice | ||
Time and work | Direct and indirect speech | ||
Basic algebraic identities | Cloze test | ||
Geometry and mensuration | |||
Trigonometry | |||
Heights and distances | |||
Histogram | |||
Frequency polygon | |||
Bar diagram and pie chart |
Tier II Exam Pattern
Paper | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks |
Paper I | Quantitative Abilities | 100 Questions | 200 Marks |
Paper II | English Language & Comprehension | 200 Questions | 200 Marks |
Paper III | Statistics | 100 Questions | 200 Marks |
Paper IV | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 Questions | 200 Marks |
SSC CGL Tier – III (descriptive)
Tier III is a descriptive, pen and paper-based examination where candidates are required to write essays, letters/applications, and precis to test their written communication skills and overall understanding of the subjects.
Tier III Syllabus
Essay writing
Candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic, which could be related to current affairs, social issues, or any other relevant subject. The essay should be well-structured, coherent, and showcase the candidate’s understanding of the topic and their ability to present their thoughts logically.
Letter/Application writing
Candidates need to write a formal letter or application on a given topic, according to the standard format and conventions. The letter or application should effectively convey the intended message, demonstrating the candidate’s command over the language and the ability to communicate professionally.
SSC CGL Tier III Exam Pattern
Pen and Paper mode | Descriptive Paper in English/Hindi (writing of Essays/Precie/Letter/Appli cations etc. | 100 Marks |
SSC CGL Tier – IV
Tier IV consists of a skill test (where applicable) and document verification. The skill test includes a data entry speed test or a computer proficiency test, depending on the post applied for. After clearing the skill test, candidates undergo document verification before the final selection.
Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL Exam
Acing the SSC CGL exam requires a systematic approach, dedication, and the right preparation strategies. Here are some tips and suggestions to help candidates prepare effectively for the examination:
Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus
The first step in preparing for the SSC CGL exam is to thoroughly understand the exam pattern and the syllabus. Familiarize yourself with the tier-wise structure, subjects, question types, and marking scheme. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect in the exam and help you prioritize topics based on their weightage and your strengths and weaknesses.
Time management and study plan
Creating a study plan is crucial for effective preparation. Allocate sufficient time to cover each subject and topic in the syllabus, keeping in mind your strengths and areas that need improvement. Break down the syllabus into smaller sections and set realistic goals for each week or month. Ensure you dedicate adequate time for revision and practice, and maintain a balance between your study hours and relaxation to avoid burnout.
Importance of practice and mock tests
Practice is key to success in the SSC CGL exam. Solve a variety of questions from each topic and subject to gain a better understanding of the concepts and to identify your weak areas. Taking regular mock tests will help you assess your performance, improve your speed, and get accustomed to the exam environment.
Application Process
The application process for the SSC CGL exam is straightforward and user-friendly. By following the steps, paying the application fees, follow important dates and deadlines, and having the required documents ready, candidates can successfully complete the application process and take one step closer to their dream of securing a government job.
Step 1: Register on the SSC official website (https://ssc.nic.in/) and obtain your unique registration number and password.
Step 2: Log in and fill out the SSC CGL application form, providing personal, educational, and preference details.
Step 3: Upload scanned copies of your required documents in the specified format and size.
- Scanned copy of a recent passport-sized photograph (size: 20-50 KB, format: JPEG)
- Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature (size: 10-20 KB, format: JPEG)
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- Mark sheets and certificates of educational qualifications
- Category certificate, if applicable (for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, or Ex-Servicemen)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, etc.)
Step 4: Pay the application fees through online modes, and save the receipt for future reference.