The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam is one of the most competitive government job exams in India. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), it recruits candidates for prestigious Group B & Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organizations. If you are preparing for the SSC CGL 2025, this guide covers all essential details, including eligibility, important dates, syllabus, and preparation strategies.
What is the SSC CGL Exam?
The SSC CGL Exam is a national-level recruitment exam that selects candidates for various government posts, such as Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer, Auditor, Accountant, and more. The exam is conducted in four tiers, testing candidates’ aptitude, reasoning, general awareness, and quantitative skills.
SSC CGL 2025: Important Dates
Below are the expected important dates for SSC CGL 2025:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 2025 |
| Online Registration | April – May 2025 |
| Tier 1 Exam | June – July 2025 |
| Tier 2 Exam | September – October 2025 |
| Tier 3 & Tier 4 | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | March 2026 |
SSC CGL 2025: Eligibility Criteria
To apply for SSC CGL 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1962.
2. Educational Qualification
- For most posts: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- For Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s degree in any subject with Statistics as a subject in graduation.
- For Assistant Audit Officer (AAO): A degree in CA/CS/MBA/Cost & Management Accounting is desirable.
3. Age Limit
The general age limit is 18-32 years, but varies for different posts. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
SSC CGL 2025: Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL exam consists of four tiers:
Tier 1 (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 1 Hour |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 mins |
Tier 2 (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 90 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | English Language | 45 | 135 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 3 | General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 40 | 120 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 4 | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Tier 3 (Descriptive Paper – Offline Mode)
- Mode: Pen & Paper
- Exam Type: Essay Writing/Letter/Application Writing
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 1 Hour
Tier 4 (Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test)
- DEST (Data Entry Skill Test): For Tax Assistants (8,000 key depressions per hour required).
- CPT (Computer Proficiency Test): Required for certain posts like ASO in CSS.
SSC CGL 2025: Syllabus Breakdown
General Awareness
- Indian History, Geography, Economy, Polity
- Science & Technology, Current Affairs
- Sports, Important Events
Quantitative Aptitude
- Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration
- Number System, Profit & Loss
- Time & Work, Speed & Distance
English Language
- Reading Comprehension, Grammar
- Synonyms/Antonyms, Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test, One-word Substitution
Reasoning & General Intelligence
- Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations
- Number Series, Direction Test
- Analogies, Syllogisms
SSC CGL 2025: Preparation Strategy
1. Follow a Study Plan
- Allocate 3-4 months for Tier 1 preparation.
- Dedicate 2-3 months for Tier 2.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers
- Analyzing past papers helps understand important topics.
- Practice at least 10 mock tests before the actual exam.
3. Read Newspapers for GK
- Follow The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB for current affairs.
- Watch daily news analysis videos.
4. Use Best Study Materials
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma |
| English Language | SP Bakshi, Norman Lewis |
| General Awareness | Lucent GK, Manorama Yearbook |
| Reasoning | RS Aggarwal, MK Pandey |
Salary & Job Profiles After SSC CGL
Some of the top posts and their salary structure are:
| Post | Salary (Approx) |
| Assistant Section Officer | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Income Tax Inspector | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Sub Inspector (CBI) | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Auditor (CAG) | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
Conclusion
The SSC CGL 2025 is a golden opportunity for aspirants seeking government jobs with attractive salaries and job security. Start your preparation early, follow a structured plan, and practice consistently. With dedication and the right strategy, cracking SSC CGL 2025 is achievable. Best of luck!
FAQs
1. Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL 2025?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they have their degree before the document verification stage.
2. Is there a sectional cutoff in SSC CGL?
No, there is no sectional cutoff; only overall marks are considered.
3. How many attempts are allowed for SSC CGL?
There is no limit on attempts as long as candidates meet the age criteria.
4. How can I crack SSC CGL in the first attempt?
Follow a structured study plan, practice mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs.
Prepare well and ace SSC CGL 2025!