The Staff Selection Commission’s Combined Graduate Level exam, better known as SSC CGL, opens the door to Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries, departments and offices. From Income Tax Inspector to Assistant Section Officer, the range of posts makes CGL the first choice for many graduates who want a stable central government job.
Where the 2026 Cycle Stands?
The SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on 21 May 2026, and applications closed on 25 June 2026. The Tier 1 computer-based exam is being held from 30 September to 30 October 2026, and the Tier 2 schedule will be announced by the Commission later. Vacancies this year run into five figures, so the competition is big but so is the opportunity.
If you are starting now, set your target on the next CGL cycle. Students who begin early get enough time to master Maths and English, which together decide most CGL selections.
Eligibility
- Education: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. A few posts have extra conditions. For example, Junior Statistical Officer needs a minimum score in Mathematics at Class 12, and Statistical Investigator Grade II needs Statistics as a subject in graduation.
- Age: Generally 18 to 32 years, but the upper limit varies from post to post. Relaxation applies to reserved categories.
- Nationality: Indian citizen, or other categories as listed in the notice.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Time: 60 minutes
- Negative marking: 0.50 marks for every wrong answer
- Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, and only those who clear it are called for Tier 2.
Tier 2 in Brief
A Tier 2 is a computer-based exam that decides the final merit. It covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, a Computer Knowledge module and a Data Entry Speed Test. Candidates applying for posts such as Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator also take an additional paper in Statistics. Because the Commission has revised Tier 2 more than once in recent years, always read the latest notice for the exact structure.
Syllabus Highlights
Quantitative Aptitude
Number system, percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time and distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data interpretation. Geometry and algebra carry real weight, so do not leave them for the end.
Reasoning
Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, Venn diagrams, mirror and water images, paper folding, embedded figures and syllogism.
English
Spotting errors, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, spelling, sentence improvement, active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, cloze test and comprehension.
General Awareness
History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science, static GK and current affairs. Science and Polity are among the most consistently asked areas.
Popular Posts and Pay Levels
| Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) | Example Posts |
| Level 7 | 44,900 – 1,42,400 | Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector |
| Level 6 | 35,400 – 1,12,400 | Junior Statistical Officer, Assistant in some offices |
| Level 5 | 29,200 – 92,300 | Auditor, Accountant |
| Level 4 | 25,500 – 81,100 | Upper Division Clerk, Tax Assistant |
Actual pay is higher because of dearness allowance, house rent allowance and travel allowance.
How to Prepare: A Practical Approach
Make English your scoring subject
English is the section where well-prepared students score close to full marks. Read one editorial daily, keep a vocabulary notebook, and solve previous years’ error spotting and one-word substitution questions.
Master formulas, then speed
Maths in SSC is formula-heavy. Write a formula sheet for each chapter and revise it every week. Then work on speed through timed practice.
Treat previous years’ papers as your syllabus
SSC repeats ideas, facts and question styles. Solve at least the last five years’ papers topic-wise.
Take full mocks in the last three months
Practise in the real time limit with negative marking. Analyse every mock and note the questions you could have solved but did not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 counted in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 is qualifying. The final merit is decided on the basis of Tier 2.
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL?
In Tier 1, 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, as long as they complete their graduation by the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.
Which is the highest-paying post in SSC CGL?
Posts in Pay Level 7, such as Assistant Section Officer and Income Tax Inspector, offer the highest pay scale in CGL.
Prepare with Chanakya’s Coaching Centre
Our SSC batches in Sector 34-A, Chandigarh, are built around previous years’ trends, with separate faculty for Maths, Reasoning, English and General Studies, our own chapter-wise books and weekly tests. Visit us for a free demo class.