The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination is widely regarded as the 'Mini-Civil Services' of India. Learn about participating ministries, examination tiers, posts, pay scales, and preparation strategies.
1. Overview: What Is the SSC CGL Examination?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination every year to fill thousands of premier Group 'B' and Group 'C' positions across Central Ministries, Attached and Subordinate Offices, and Constitutional Commissions (CAG, Election Commission, Central Vigilance Commission).
It represents the single largest recruitment gateway for graduate aspirants seeking desk and field authority roles without requiring civil services optional subjects or interview panels. Active notifications can be tracked on our SSC CGL Recruitment Portal.
2. Major SSC CGL Posts & Participating Departments
| Pay Matrix Level | Key Designations | Participating Ministries & Departments |
|---|---|---|
| Level-8 (₹47,600) | Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) & Assistant Accounts Officer | Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) |
| Level-7 (₹44,900) | Assistant Section Officer (ASO), Inspector of Income Tax, Central Excise Inspector, Preventive Officer, Examiner, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub-Inspector | CSS (DoPT), MEA, IB, Ministry of Railways, CBDT, CBIC, Directorate of Enforcement (ED), CBI |
| Level-6 (₹35,400) | Sub-Inspector, Divisional Accountant, Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | National Investigation Agency (NIA), Offices under CAG, MoSPI |
| Level-5 (₹29,200) | Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant | CAG, CGDA (Defence Accounts), Controller General of Accounts |
| Level-4 (₹25,500) | Tax Assistant, Upper Division Clerk (UDC) / Executive Assistant | CBDT, CBIC, Department of Science & Technology, Central Govt Offices |
3. Two-Tier Examination Scheme Decoded
Under the contemporary examination structure, SSC CGL is conducted in two electronic stages:
Consists of 100 questions (200 marks) across 4 sections in 60 minutes: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Qs), General Awareness (25 Qs), Quantitative Aptitude (25 Qs), and English Comprehension (25 Qs). Negative marking is 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Marks are not counted in the final merit list.
Conducted in a single continuous session with multiple modules:
- Section I (180 Marks - 1 Hour): Module 1: Mathematical Abilities (30 Qs × 3 = 90 Marks) + Module 2: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 Qs × 3 = 90 Marks).
- Section II (210 Marks - 1 Hour): Module 1: English Language & Comprehension (45 Qs × 3 = 135 Marks) + Module 2: General Awareness (25 Qs × 3 = 75 Marks).
- Section III (Qualifying): Computer Knowledge Module (20 Qs × 3 = 60 Marks, 15 Mins) + Data Entry Speed Test (DEST typing of 2,000 depressions in 15 mins).
For post-specific age boundaries and degree exceptions, consult our SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria Guide and SSC CGL Salary & Job Profile Guide.