What is SSC CGL ?

SSC CGL, which stands for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination, is like unlocking a door to numerous government job opportunities. This national-level test, managed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), seeks to fill important Group B and C positions in various Government of India institutions. Similar to other SSC exams like CHSL, CPO, Junior Engineer, and MTS, SSC CGL 2024 holds the promise of a bright future for aspiring candidates across the country.

In simpler terms, SSC CGL aims to find talented individuals for crucial roles such as Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (Central Excise), Assistant Enforcement Officer, and Sub Inspector. By successfully navigating this examination, you open doors to fulfilling careers in different government departments, making SSC CGL a worthwhile journey for those with ambition and dedication.

SSC CGL Posts, Roles and Classifications:

Assistant Audit Officer
- Department/Ministry: Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG
- Classification: Group “B” Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)
Assistant Accounts Officer
- Department/Ministry: Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG
- Classification: Group “B” Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)
Assistant Section Officer
- Department/Ministry: Central Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of External Affairs, AFHQ
- Classification: Group “B”
Assistant
- Department/Ministry: Other Ministries/Departments/Organizations
- Classification: Group “B”
Inspector of Income Tax
- Department/Ministry: CBDT
- Classification: Group “C”
Inspector (Central Excise)
- Department/Ministry: CBIC
- Classification: Group “B”
Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Department/Ministry: Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue
- Classification: Group “B”
Sub Inspector
- Department/Ministry: Central Bureau of Investigation
- Classification: Group “B”
Inspector
- Department/Ministry: Central Bureau of Narcotics
- Classification: Group “B”
Junior Statistical Officer
- Department/Ministry: M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation
- Classification: Group “B”
Statistical Investigator Grade-II
- Department/Ministry: Registrar General of India
- Classification: Group “B”
Auditor
- Department/Ministry: Offices under C&AG, CGDA
- Classification: Group “C”
Accountant/Junior Accountant
- Department/Ministry: Other Ministry/Departments
- Classification: Group “C”
Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerks
- Department/Ministry: Central Govt. Offices/Ministries other than CSCS cadres
- Classification: Group “C”
Tax Assistant
- Department/Ministry: CBDT/CBIC
- Classification: Group “C”
Upper Division Clerks
- Department/Ministry: Government Departments
- Classification: Group “C”

SSC CGL Job Profile According To Post:

Assistant Audit Officer: Uncover Financial Mysteries

Delve into the captivating world of financial audits in government sectors.
Explore on-site inspections that promise an adventure beyond the desk.
Your role: A financial detective ensuring transparency in the financial cosmos.

Assistant Accounts Officer: Dive into Data Depths

Immerse yourself in the world of data, transactions, and meticulous record-keeping.
Navigate the intricate web of audits, armed with the power of accurate facts.
Your role: The guardian of financial precision, ensuring numbers dance to the right tune.

Assistant Section Officer: Blueprint for Administrative Excellence

Take centre stage in the Central Secretariat Services.
Launch your career with a desk job that lays the foundation for administrative brilliance.
Your role: The orchestrator of efficient office symphonies.

Assistant: Versatility Unleashed

Juggle diverse clerical responsibilities across departments.
From compiling files to tracking ongoing cases, every day brings a new challenge.
Your role: The chameleon of the office, adapting to the unique needs of each department.

Inspector of Income Tax: Master of Financial Compliance

Assess income tax for individuals and companies, ensuring financial harmony.
Navigate the intricate world of tax deductions and refund claims.
Your role: The financial maestro orchestrating the compliance symphony.

Inspector (Central Excise): Sentinel Against Smuggling

Stand guard against excise duty invasion and smuggling activities.
Collaborate with raid teams in a mission to uphold the nation’s revenue integrity.
Your role: The fearless guardian protecting the financial borders.

Assistant Enforcement Officer: Champion Against Forgery

Lead the charge against forgery and money laundering.
Be at the forefront of securing financial systems from illicit activities.
Your role: The valiant defender of financial integrity.

Sub Inspector: The Information Maestro

Gather information, conduct inquiries, and be the backbone of law and order.
Your role: The silent but impactful force in maintaining peace and order.

Inspector: Crusader Against Illegal Opium Trade

Combat illegal opium activities, contributing to national efforts in narcotics control.
Your role: The unsung hero in the battle against illicit substances.

Junior Statistical Officer: Statistical Wizardry Unleashed

Collaborate on drafting documents, data entry, and tabulation.

Your role: The magician turning raw data into insightful decisions.

Step into the SSC CGL universe, where each post isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity for growth, adventure, and making a lasting impact on the canvas of your career. Your journey begins now – embrace the possibilities!

SSC CGL Salary (Post Wise):

Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600 to 1,51,100):

Assistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer
- Positioned at the top tier, these roles command a competitive salary, reflecting the responsibilities associated with financial management and auditing.

Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900 to 1,42,400):

Assistant Section Officer, Assistant, Inspector of Income Tax, Central Excise Inspector, Preventive Officer, Examiner, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub Inspector, Inspector Posts
- This level encompasses a diverse range of roles, from administrative positions to law enforcement, each offering a respectable salary package.

Pay Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 to 1,12,400):

Assistant/ Superintendent, Divisional Accountant, Sub Inspector (NIA), Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator Grade-II
- Bridging the mid-tier, these roles involve a mix of administrative, statistical, and financial responsibilities, offering a competitive compensation.

Pay Level 5 (Rs. 29,200 to 92,300):

Auditor, Accountant, Accountant/ Junior Accountant
- Roles at this level focus on financial auditing and accounting functions, providing a solid foundation for career growth in the financial domain.

Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500 to 81,100):

Senior Secretariat Assistant/ Upper Division Clerks, Tax Assistant, Sub-Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics), Upper Division Clerks
- Positioned at the entry level, these roles offer a stepping stone into the government sector with a competitive salary structure.

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Qualification:

To set foot on this career path, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. This academic prerequisite forms the foundation for your eligibility to participate in the SSC CGL 2024 examination.

Age Limit:

Understanding the age dynamics is crucial for aspirants. The minimum age requirement for SSC CGL 2024 is 18 years, ensuring a balanced starting point for candidates. On the upper end, the age limit varies between 27 and 32 years, depending on the specific posts.

Age Relaxation:

The system accommodates the diversity of applicants with age relaxations. For OBC candidates, there is a relaxation of up to 3 years, while SC/ST candidates enjoy a more extended relaxation of up to 5 years. This inclusivity ensures that individuals from different backgrounds have an equitable opportunity to pursue their ambitions.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern & Syllabus:

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2024:

The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2024 is structured to assess candidates in four distinct sections, each contributing to a total of 100 questions and 200 marks. The time allotted for this examination is 60 minutes. Let’s delve into the details of the sections:

General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks):
- Explore your cognitive abilities with questions on discrimination, observation, coding-decoding, and more.
General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks):
- Brush up on important days, science, history, culture, geography, and stay updated with current affairs.
Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks):
- Master the world of numbers, percentages, time and distance, algebra, and various mathematical concepts.
English Comprehension (25 questions, 50 marks):
- Enhance your language skills with reading comprehension, idioms, sentence correction, and more.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2024:

English Language: The English section focuses on various aspects, including reading comprehension, idioms, sentence correction, active-passive, spellings correction, and more.

General Awareness: This section encompasses a wide range of topics such as important days, science, history, culture, geography, economics, current affairs, and more.

General Intelligence and Reasoning: Prepare yourself for questions on discrimination, observation, coding-decoding, arithmetic reasoning, spatial visualization, and more.

Quantitative Aptitude: Master the quantitative aptitude section with topics like percentages, time and distance, algebra, profit and loss, geometry, trigonometry, and more.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern:

Paper 1: Mandatory for all

Section I: Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning

Module-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Questions, 180 Marks, 23% Weightage)
Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 Questions, 23% Weightage)

Section II: English Language, Comprehension & General Awareness

Module-I: English Language and Comprehension (45 Questions, 210 Marks, 35% Weightage)
Module-II: General Awareness (25 Questions, 19% Weightage)

Section III: Computer Knowledge and Data Entry Speed Test

Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test (20 Questions, Qualifying)
Module-II: Data Entry Speed Test (One Data Entry Task, Qualifying)

Paper 2 & 3: Specialized Subjects

Paper II: Statistics

Section: Statistics
No. of Questions: 100
Maximum Marks: 200
Duration: 2 hours

Paper III: General Studies (Finance and Economics)

Section: General Studies (Finance and Economics)
No. of Questions: 100
Maximum Marks: 200
Duration: 2 hours

SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2024:

Module-I of Session-I of Paper-I (Mathematical Abilities):

Number Systems, Computation of Whole Number, Decimal and Fractions
Relationship between numbers, Fundamental arithmetical operations
Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages
Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount
Partnership Business, Mixture and Allegation
Time and distance, Time and work
Basic algebraic identities, Graphs of Linear Equations
Similarity and Congruence of triangles, Circle and its properties
Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle
Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres
Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base
Trigonometry, Trigonometric ratios, Complementary angles
Height and distances (simple problems), Standard Identities
Statistics and probability: Use of Tables and Graphs, Measures of central tendency
Calculation of simple probabilities

Module-II of Section-I of Paper-I (Reasoning and General Intelligence):

Semantic Analogy, Symbolic operations
Figural Analogy, Space Orientation
Semantic Classification, Venn Diagrams
Symbolic/ Number Classification, Drawing inferences
Figural Classification, Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
Semantic Series, Figural Pattern-folding and completion
Number Series, Embedded figures
Figural Series, Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving, Emotional Intelligence
Word Building, Social Intelligence
Coding and de-coding, Numerical operations

Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension):

Vocabulary, English Grammar, Sentence structure
Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks
Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms
Spellings/ Detecting misspelt words
Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution
Improvement of Sentences
Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
Shuffling of Sentence parts
Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage
Comprehension Passage

Module-II of Section-II of Paper-I (General Awareness):

History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene
General Policy & Scientific Research
Science, Current Affairs, Books and Authors
Sports, Important Schemes
Important Days & Dates, Portfolio
People in News

Module-I of Section-III of Paper-I (Computer Proficiency):

Computer Basics: Organization, CPU, Input/output devices
Computer memory, Memory organization, Back-up devices, PORTs
Windows Explorer, Keyboard shortcuts
Software: Windows Operating system, MS Office basics
Working with the Internet and e-mails: Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking
Basics of networking and cyber security: Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats, Preventive measures

Paper 2 (Statistics): Navigating the Statistical Labyrinth

Collection, Classification, and Presentation of Statistical Data:
- Primary and Secondary data
- Methods of data collection
- Tabulation of data
- Graphs and charts
- Frequency distributions
- Diagrammatic presentation of frequency distributions
Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion:
- Common measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode)
- Partition values (quartiles, deciles, percentiles)
- Range, quartile deviations, mean deviation, and standard deviation
- Measures of relative dispersion
Moments, Skewness, and Kurtosis:
- Different types of moments and their relationship
- Skewness and kurtosis
- Measures of skewness and kurtosis
Correlation and Regression:
- Scatter diagram
- Simple correlation coefficient and regression lines
- Spearman’s rank correlation
- Measures of association of attributes
- Multiple regression and partial correlation (For three variables only)
Probability Theory:
- Meaning of probability
- Definitions of probability
- Conditional probability
- Compound probability
- Independent events
- Bayes’ theorem
Random Variable and Probability Distributions:
- Random variable
- Probability functions
- Expectation and Variance of a random variable
- Higher moments of a random variable
- Binomial, Poisson, Normal, and Exponential distributions
- Joint distribution of two random variables (discrete)
Sampling Theory:
- Concept of population and sample
- Parameter and statistic
- Sampling and non-sampling errors
- Probability and nonprobability sampling techniques
- Sample size decisions
Statistical Inference:
- Point estimation and interval estimation
- Properties of a good estimator
- Methods of estimation (Moments method, Maximum likelihood method, Least squares method)
- Testing of hypothesis
- Basic concept of testing
- Small sample and large sample tests
- Tests based on Z, t, Chi-square, and F statistic
- Confidence intervals
Analysis of Variance:
- Analysis of one-way and two-way classified data
Time Series Analysis:
- Components of time series
- Determination of trend component by different methods
- Measurement of seasonal variation by different methods
Index Numbers:
- Meaning of Index Numbers
- Problems in the construction of index numbers
- Types of index numbers
- Different formulae
- Base shifting and splicing of index numbers
- Cost of living Index Numbers
- Uses of Index Numbers

Paper 3 (General Studies-Finance and Economics): Exploring Financial and Economic Realms

Part A: Finance and Accounts (80 marks)

Financial Accounting: Nature, scope, and limitations
Basic concepts and Conventions
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Basic concepts of accounting
Single and double entry
Books of Original Entry
Bank Reconciliation
Journal, ledgers, and Trial Balance
Rectification of Errors
Manufacturing, Trading, Profit & Loss Appropriation Accounts
Balance Sheet, Distinction between Capital and Revenue Expenditure
Depreciation Accounting, Valuation of Inventories
Non-profit organizations Accounts
Receipts and Payments and Income & Expenditure Accounts
Bills of Exchange, Self Balancing Ledgers

Part B: Economics and Governance (120 marks)

Comptroller & Auditor General of India: Constitutional provisions, Role, and responsibility
Finance Commission: Role and functions
Basic Concept of Economics and introduction to Micro Economics
Definition, Scope, and nature of Economics
Methods of economic study, Central problems of an economy
Production possibilities curve, Theory of Demand and Supply
Theory of consumer’s behaviour, Theory of Production and cost
Forms of Market and price determination in different markets
Indian Economy: Nature, Role of different sectors, National Income
Population, Poverty, and unemployment
Infrastructure, Economic Reforms in India
Money and Banking: Monetary/ Fiscal policy, Reserve Bank of India, Commercial Banks
Budget and Fiscal deficits, Balance of payments
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003
Role of Information Technology in Governance

SSC CGL Marking Scheme:

Tier-I Exam:

Exam Type: Objective Multiple Choice
Exam Duration: 60 minutes/1 hour
Exam Mode: Online Computer Based Test (CBT)
Subjects:
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
2. General Awareness
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. English Comprehension
Total Marks: 200
Number of Questions: 100
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks (For every incorrect answer option)
Language: English/Hindi (Except English Paper)

Tier-II Exam: Diving into Specialized Domains

Exam Type: Objective Multiple Choice
Exam Duration:
- Paper I: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Paper II: 2 hours
- Paper III: 2 hours
Exam Mode: Online Computer Based Test (CBT)
Subjects:
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
2. General Awareness
3. Mathematical Abilities
4. English Language and Comprehension
5. Computer Knowledge
6. Statistics
7. General Studies (Finance and Economics)
Total Marks: 850
Number of Questions: 350
Negative Marking:
- Paper I: 1 Marks & Computer: 0.5 Marks
- Paper II & III: 0.5 Marks (For every incorrect Answer)
Language: English/Hindi (Except English Paper)

SSC CGL Cut-Off:

SSC CGL Tier 1 Cut Off 2023

Finance/Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer Posts (List 1):

General: 169.67168 (Candidates Qualified: 914*)
EWS: 167.18331 (Candidates Qualified: 605)
OBC: 166.28763 (Candidates Qualified: 1483)
SC: 154.29292 (Candidates Qualified: 790)
ST: 148.98918 (Candidates Qualified: 382)
OH: 147.95269 (Candidates Qualified: 82)
HH: 126.86400 (Candidates Qualified: 60)
Others-PWD: 109.82718 (Candidates Qualified: 61)
Total Candidates: 4377

Statistics & Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Post (List 2):

General: 168.53975 (Candidates Qualified: 537)
EWS: 166.06750 (Candidates Qualified: 400)
OBC: 165.86857 (Candidates Qualified: 761)
SC: 148.50911 (Candidates Qualified: 732)
ST: 146.65109 (Candidates Qualified: 243)
OH: 132.72381 (Candidates Qualified: 90)
HH: 80.99998 (Candidates Qualified: 180)
VH: 114.60998 (Candidates Qualified: 180)
Total Candidates: 3123

Statistical Investigator (List 3):

General: 172.36025 (Candidates Qualified: 52*)
OBC: 152.42184 (Candidates Qualified: 1569)
EWS: 158.76802 (Candidates Qualified: 364)
ST: 127.32602 (Candidates Qualified: 542)
HH: 49.14875 (Candidates Qualified: 240)
VH: 82.56201 (Candidates Qualified: 211)
Others-PWD: 40.00000 (Candidates Qualified: 162)
Total Candidates: 3140

Posts Except for Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer/ Junior Statistical Officer (List 4):

General: 150.04936 (Candidates Qualified: 13133*)
EWS: 143.44441 (Candidates Qualified: 11108)
OBC: 145.93743 (Candidates Qualified: 21217)
SC: 126.68201 (Candidates Qualified: 14108)
ST: 118.16655 (Candidates Qualified: 6152)
ESM: 100.29326 (Candidates Qualified: 2398)
OH: 115.98466 (Candidates Qualified: 1013)
HH: 77.72754 (Candidates Qualified: 895)
VH: 121.59662 (Candidates Qualified: 499)
Other PWD: 57.45303 (Candidates Qualified: 589)
Total Candidates: 71112

SSC CGL Tier 1 Cut Off 2022-23

List 1: Finance & Accounts, AAO (Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer):

SC: 137.54
ST: 131.03
OBC: 152.92
EWS: 154.80
UR: 158.36
OH: 128.59
HH: 96.45
Others-PWD: 72.79

List 2: Statistics & JSO (Junior Statistical Officer):

SC: 150.55
ST: 150.32
OBC: 167.19
EWS: 169.35

List 3: For posts other than AAO & JSO:

SC: 89.08
ST: 77.57
OBC: 102.35
EWS: 114.27
ESM: 40
UR: 114.27
OH: 70.69
HH: 40
VH: 40
Others-PWD: 40

SSC CGL Tier 2/Final Cut Off 2022-23

Final Cut Off (Paper 1 of Tier 2):

SC: 213.27 (Candidates Available: 33,013)
ST: 192.23 (Candidates Available: 15,817)
OBC: 242.79 (Candidates Available: 57,083)
EWS: 228.63 (Candidates Available: 32,535)
UR: 270.36 (Candidates Available: 27,008)
ESM: 79.35 (Candidates Available: 11,771)
OH: 187.58 (Candidates Available: 2,428)
HH: 79.35 (Candidates Available: 1,710)
VH: 158.48 (Candidates Available: 1,581)
Others-PWD: 79.35 (Candidates Available: 521)

Final Cut Off (Module I & II):

SC: 21 (Module-I), 7% (Module-II)
ST: 21 (Module-I), 7% (Module-II)
OBC: 24 (Module-I), 7% (Module-II)
EWS: 24 (Module-I), 7% (Module-II)
UR: 27 (Module-I), 5% (Module-II)
ESM: 21 (Module-I), 7% (Module-II)
OH: 21 (Module-I), 10% (Module-II)
HH: 21 (Module-I), 10% (Module-II)
VH: 21 (Module-I), 10% (Module-II)
Others-PWD: 21 (Module-I), 10% (Module-II)

SSC CGL Book List:

Quantitative Aptitude Books:

“Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal
“Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma
“Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma
“Quicker Maths” by M Tyra
“Arithmetic for General Competition Vol 1 & 2” by Neetu Singh

English Language Books:

“Objective General English” by SP Bakshi
“Quick Learning Objective General English” by RS Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal
“High School English Grammar and Composition” by Wren & Martin
“Perfect Competitive English” by V.K. Sinha
“Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis
“Competitive General English” by Kiran Prakashan

Reasoning Books:

“Analytical Reasoning” by M K Pandey
“Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning” by R S Aggarwal
“New Approach to Reasoning Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical” by BS Sijwali, Indu Sijwali
“Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S Aggarwal
“Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT” by Nishit K. Sinha

General Awareness Books:

NCERTs from 6th to 12th standards
Any current affairs material that suits SSC CGL exam standard
“Manorama Yearbook”
“India Yearbook”
MCQs on General Awareness subjects
MCQs on Current Affairs

Additional Tips for General Awareness:

Go through previous years’ papers of the exam.
Solve previous years’ papers to understand the nature and standard of the questions asked.

Note: Building a strong foundation with these books, along with consistent practice and thorough revision, will undoubtedly boost your preparation for the SSC CGL examination. Good luck on your journey to success!