The premier administrative examination for Deputy Collectors and DSPs across Chhattisgarh.
Mandatory educational background, age limits, pay scale, and service designations
The Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) conducts the State Service Examination (SSE) annually to recruit administrative leadership for Chhattisgarh. Prelims follows a 2-paper objective model (Paper 1 General GS and CG GK; Paper 2 Aptitude qualifying at 33%). Mains comprises 7 comprehensive descriptive papers (200 marks each = 1400 marks) including Chhattisgarhi language, tribal traditions, and philosophy, followed by a 100-mark interview.
Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent qualification.
21 to 40 Years
SC/ST/OBC of Chhattisgarh: 5 years (up to 45) | Female CG domicile: up to 45 | Ex-Servicemen: As per CG rules
General / UR: No attempt limit (Up to 40 years of age for CG domicile; 35 for other states)
OBC: No attempt limit (Up to 45 years of age)
SC / ST: No attempt limit (Up to 45 years of age)
Pay Matrix Level 12 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) for Deputy Collector & Level 9/7 for subordinate posts
Annual Vacancies: Approx. 180 – 250 vacancies annually
Stage-wise breakdown, paper timing, question distribution, and negative marking rules
Negative Marking Rule: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted per incorrect answer in Prelims.
Mode: Offline OMR for Prelims, Descriptive Sheets for Mains, In-Person Interview in Raipur | Medium: Bilingual (Hindi / English); Paper 1 includes dedicated Chhattisgarhi language section.
Two objective papers of 200 marks each. Paper 1 (General Studies: 50 Qs General India + 50 Qs Chhattisgarh) decides the Mains cutoff; Paper 2 (Aptitude Test) is qualifying with a minimum 33% required (23% for reserved categories). Standard 1/3rd negative marking applies.
| Paper / Component | Format | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking & Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1: General Studies Part 1: General Studies of India (History, Geography, Constitution, Economy, Science, Environment, Current Events - 50 Qs = 100 Marks), Part 2: General Knowledge of Chhattisgarh (History, Dynasties, Geography, Minerals, Tribes, Folk Art, Dialect, Economy, Panchayati Raj - 50 Qs = 100 Marks) | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Decides Mains qualification list (15x vacancies) |
Paper 2: Aptitude Test Interpersonal Skills including Communication, Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, Decision Making and Problem Solving, General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy (Class X level), Hindi Language Knowledge (Class X level), Chhattisgarhi Language Knowledge | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Qualifying in nature (Mandatory 33% = 66 Marks for General; 23% for SC/ST/OBC) |
7 conventional descriptive papers of 200 marks each (3 hours per paper) conducted over 4 consecutive days in Raipur, Bilaspur, and other divisional centers. All 7 papers count towards the 1400-mark written score.
| Paper / Component | Format | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking & Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1: Language (Bhasha) Part 1: General Hindi (100 Marks), Part 2: General English (50 Marks), Part 3: Chhattisgarhi Language (50 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 2: Essay (Nibandh) Part 1: International and National Level Issues (Two essays, 50 Marks each = 100 Marks), Part 2: Chhattisgarh State Level Issues (Two essays, 50 Marks each = 100 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 3: History, Constitution & Public Administration Part 1: History of India (75 Marks), Part 2: Constitution & Public Administration (50 Marks), Part 3: History of Chhattisgarh (75 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 4: Science, Technology & Environment Part 1: Chemistry, Physics & Biology (75 Marks), Part 2: Applied & Advanced Science, Information Tech (50 Marks), Part 3: Environment, Pollution & Forestry (75 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 5: Economics & Geography Part 1: Economics of India (75 Marks), Part 2: Planning & Banking in India (50 Marks), Part 3: Geography & Economy of Chhattisgarh (75 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 6: Mathematics & Logical Reasoning Part 1: Arithmetic & Algebra (75 Marks), Part 2: Commercial Mathematics & Mensuration (50 Marks), Part 3: Data Analysis & Logical Reasoning (75 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 7: Philosophy & Sociology Part 1: Indian & Western Philosophy (75 Marks), Part 2: Sociology & Social Structure of India (50 Marks), Part 3: Tribes, Castes, Art & Culture of Chhattisgarh (75 Marks) | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Board interview conducted at CGPSC office in Shankar Nagar, Raipur evaluating administrative aptitude, tribal empathy, and knowledge of state welfare initiatives.
| Paper / Component | Format | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking & Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Personality Interview Board Personal record & DAF, Bastar & Surguja tribal welfare and Bastar Olympic / sports initiatives, Suraji Gaon Yojana (Narwa, Garwa, Ghurwa, Bari), Mineral royalty, DMF execution, and green energy projects | Interview | 100 | 20 – 30 Minutes | Added to Mains marks for 1500 Grand Total Merit |
Detailed curriculum modules categorized by standard foundations vs. high-yield scoring chapters
Phase-by-phase roadmap, daily study schedule, topper golden rules, and fatal pitfalls to avoid
CGPSC SSE has an exceptionally punctual annual calendar (notification on 26 November, Prelims in February, Mains in June). In Prelims, exactly 50 out of 100 questions in Paper 1 are from Chhattisgarh GK. In Mains, Paper 6 is pure Mathematics & Reasoning (200 marks) where candidates can score 170+ marks with step-by-step derivations. Combine high math precision with Chhattisgarhi language mastery (Paper 1) and tribal heritage notes (Paper 7).
Hariram Patel (HR Publication) CG GK, Mathematics Class 10/12 level
Paper 1 Language, Paper 2 Essay, Paper 3 History, Paper 7 Tribes/Philosophy
CG GK revision, Aptitude speed, Chhattisgarh Current Affairs
Full 7-paper simulation, interview coaching in Raipur
Topper-validated standard reference books and chapter-wise question banks
Author: Hariram Patel | Pub: HR Publications Raipur
The definitive guide for CGPSC Prelims and Mains state knowledge covering history, dynasties, tribes, and economy.
Author: B.K. Pandey / Hariram Patel | Pub: HR Publications
Step-by-step solved examples aligned precisely with the 200-mark syllabus for Arithmetic, Algebra, and Mensuration.
Author: Dr. Vinay Kumar Pathak | Pub: Chhattisgarh Rajya Hindi Granth Akademi
The official academic authority on Chhattisgarhi phonetics, grammar, case endings, and literary traditions.
Author: Tuteja Tutorials Editorial Board | Pub: Tuteja Tutorials Raipur
Tailored to the Indian and Western philosophical schools and tribal sociology sections of Paper 7.
Official past category-wise cutoffs to benchmark your target mock scores
| Cycle / Tier / Service | General (UR) | OBC | EWS | SC | ST | Scope & Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Prelims GS-1 (Out of 200 Marks) | 136.50 Marks | 132.00 Marks | 128.50 Marks | 120.00 Marks | 110.00 Marks | Cutoff out of 200 marks in Paper 1; Paper 2 is qualifying at 33%. |
| 2022 Prelims GS-1 (Out of 200 Marks) | 129.00 Marks | 124.50 Marks | 120.00 Marks | 112.00 Marks | 102.50 Marks | Screening cutoff for Mains examination entry. |
| 2021 Final Merit (Out of 1500 Marks) | 920.00 Marks (Deputy Collector) | 890.00 Marks | 898.00 Marks | 835.00 Marks | 805.00 Marks | Final aggregate out of 1500 (Mains 1400 + Interview 100). |
From initial application to final cadre allocation and joining the training academy
Apply online at psc.cg.gov.in during the annual window following 26 November.
Appear for Paper 1 (GS - 200 marks) and Paper 2 (Aptitude qualifying - 200 marks). Top 15 times vacancies qualify for Mains.
Write 7 descriptive papers (1400 marks total) over 4 days at Raipur/Bilaspur.
Attend board interview in Shankar Nagar, Raipur (100 Marks).
Merit ranking out of 1500 determines allocation to Deputy Collector, DSP, or Commercial Tax Officer followed by training at CG ATI Nimora Raipur.
Authoritative SEO & GEO clarifications: Domicile rules, regional languages, exam centers, pay scale & cutoffs
Explore in-depth patterns, booklists, and preparation strategies for companion examinations:
Verified active circulars & notices from our real-time gazette database:
Free client-side tools to help you complete job forms and eligibility verification accurately:
