In what languages is the SSC CGL Tier 1 Computer Based Examination conducted?

In alignment with the central government's regional language initiative, the SSC CGL Tier 1 Computer Based Examination is conducted in 15 languages: English, Hindi, and 13 official regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu). Candidates can choose their preferred test language during online application.

Where are SSC CGL examination centers situated across different SSC regional directorates?

SSC conducts examinations across 9 administrative regions: Northern Region (NR - Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand), Central Region (CR - UP & Bihar), Eastern Region (ER), Western Region (WR), Southern Region (SR), Karnataka-Kerala Region (KKR), North Eastern Region (NER), North Western Region (NWR), and Madhya Pradesh Region (MPR). Test centers are situated in over 120 cities, allowing candidates to pick 3 exam city options within the same regional directorate during application.

Is there any interview or descriptive pen-and-paper tier remaining in SSC CGL?

No. The Staff Selection Commission has permanently abolished both the Interview and the Tier-3 Descriptive Pen-and-Paper paper. The final merit list is prepared 100% on the basis of marks scored in Tier-2 (Section-I & Section-II, carrying 390 marks total). Computer Knowledge (Module-I) and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) are qualifying in nature, though higher qualifying cutoffs apply for CPT-specific posts.

What is the exact negative marking rule in SSC CGL Tier-1 and Tier-2 exams?

In Tier-1, there is a penalty of 0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer (out of 2 marks per question, equal to 1/4th penalty). In Tier-2 (Paper-I), each question carries 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect response (equal to 1/3rd penalty) across Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III (Computer Knowledge). Unattempted questions carry zero penalty.

What is the age limit and relaxation criteria for General, OBC, SC, and ST in SSC CGL?

The general age limit ranges from 18 to 30 years for most Pay Level 7 posts (e.g. ASO, GST Inspector, Examiner), and 18 to 32 years for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO). Upper age relaxation is +3 years for OBC (up to 33/35 years), +5 years for SC/ST (up to 35/37 years), +10 years for PwD (General), and up to 3 years deduction after service for Ex-Servicemen.

What is the starting in-hand salary of Pay Level 7 posts like ASO, Income Tax Inspector, and GST Inspector?

Level 7 posts carry a basic pay of ₹44,900 (Pay Scale ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400). In Class 'X' metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune), with 50% DA, 27% HRA (or 30%), and Transport Allowance (₹3,600 + DA), the gross monthly salary is approximately ₹78,000 – ₹84,000. Net in-hand monthly salary after NPS and health deductions is approximately ₹69,000 – ₹74,000. In Class 'Y' cities, in-hand salary is around ₹63,000 – ₹67,000, and in Class 'Z' rural postings, it is around ₹58,000 – ₹62,000.

What are the typing speed (DEST) requirements in SSC CGL, and what is the permissible error limit?

The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) requires candidates to type 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes on a computer, which translates to a speed of roughly 27 words per minute (wpm). The permissible error threshold is 20% for General / UR candidates, 25% for OBC / EWS, and 30% for SC / ST / PwD candidates. For posts with higher CPT standards (e.g., ASO in CSS, MEA, Tax Assistant), stricter qualifying cutoffs (5% to 7% error) may be mandated.

Is there any interview or descriptive tier in SSC CGL anymore?

No! SSC completely abolished both the Interview and the Tier-3 Descriptive Pen-and-Paper exam. The final merit is decided 100% on the basis of your Computer Based Test marks in Tier-2 (out of 390).

What is the qualifying criteria for Computer Knowledge and Typing (DEST)?

Computer Knowledge requires minimum 30% for UR (18 marks), but higher cutoffs are set for posts with CPT requirements. DEST typing requires typing an English passage with error rate under 20% for General (approx 27 wpm).

Can I prepare for SSC CGL while having a full-time job?

Yes, thousands of aspirants clear SSC CGL while working. By dedicating 3 to 4 disciplined hours on weekdays (1 hr vocabulary/GK, 2 hrs maths/reasoning) and 8 hours on weekends for mock tests and deep analysis, you can crack the exam in 8-10 months.

Which section has the highest weightage in SSC CGL Tier-2?

English Language and Comprehension has the single largest weightage (45 questions = 135 marks out of 390, representing ~35% of the entire merit score). Combining English with Mathematical Abilities accounts for 225 out of 390 marks.

Compare Exam

Staff Selection CommissionStaff Selection⚡ High (Top 1%)

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination)

Gateway to Group B & C Executive Gazetted and Non-Gazetted posts in Central Ministries.

Exam FrequencyOnce a year

Typical Exam WindowSeptember / October (Tier-1), December / January (Tier-2)

Total Merit Basis390 Marks

Official Board PortalSSC Official

1. Overview & Eligibility Criteria

Mandatory educational background, age limits, pay scale, and service designations

Executive Summary & Scope

SSC CGL is India's premier graduate-level competitive exam for recruitment into prestigious Group B and C posts across central government departments, ministries, and intelligence wings. Posts include Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in MEA, CSS, and IB, Inspector of Central Excise/GST, Income Tax Inspector, and Preventive Officer.

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University (Specific degrees for JSO and AAO posts).

Age Bracket & Relaxations

18 to 30 Years

OBC: 3 years | SC/ST: 5 years | PwD: 10 years | Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of service

Permitted Attempts

General / UR: No limit (As long as age criteria is satisfied)

OBC: No limit (Subject to age limit)

SC / ST: No limit (Subject to age limit)

Pay Scale & Vacancies

Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) to Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) + DA, HRA, Travel Allowance

Annual Vacancies: Approx. 12,000 – 17,000+ vacancies annually

Services, Cadres & Appointed Designations:

✦Pay Level 8: Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) - C&AG [Group B Gazetted]
✦Pay Level 8: Assistant Accounts Officer - C&AG [Group B Gazetted]
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Section Officer (ASO) - Central Secretariat Service (CSS)
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Section Officer (ASO) - Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Section Officer (ASO) - Intelligence Bureau (IB)
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Section Officer (ASO) - Ministry of Railways
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Section Officer (ASO) - Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ)
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Section Officer (ASO) - MeitY & Other Ministries
✦Pay Level 7: Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT)
✦Pay Level 7: Central Excise Inspector (CBIC)
✦Pay Level 7: Preventive Officer (Customs/CBIC)
✦Pay Level 7: Examiner (Customs/CBIC)
✦Pay Level 7: Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO) - Directorate of Enforcement
✦Pay Level 7: Sub-Inspector (SI) - Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
✦Pay Level 7: Inspector of Posts - Department of Posts
✦Pay Level 7: Inspector - Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
✦Pay Level 6: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) - MoSPI
✦Pay Level 6: Statistical Investigator Grade-II - Registrar General of India
✦Pay Level 6: Executive Assistant - CBIC
✦Pay Level 6: Research Assistant - National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
✦Pay Level 6: Divisional Accountant - Offices under C&AG
✦Pay Level 6: Sub-Inspector (SI) - National Investigation Agency (NIA)
✦Pay Level 6: Sub-Inspector / JIO - Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
✦Pay Level 5: Auditor - Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG)
✦Pay Level 5: Auditor - Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)
✦Pay Level 5: Auditor - Other Central Ministries & Departments
✦Pay Level 5: Accountant - Offices under C&AG
✦Pay Level 5: Accountant / Junior Accountant - Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
✦Pay Level 4: Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant (PA/SA) - Department of Posts
✦Pay Level 4: Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / UDC - Central Govt Offices
✦Pay Level 4: Senior Administrative Assistant - Military Engineer Services (MES)
✦Pay Level 4: Tax Assistant - Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
✦Pay Level 4: Tax Assistant - Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC)
✦Pay Level 4: Sub-Inspector - Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
✦Pay Level 4: Upper Division Clerk (UDC) - Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

2. Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

Stage-wise breakdown, paper timing, question distribution, and negative marking rules

Negative Marking Rule: Tier-1: 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Tier-2: 1.00 mark per wrong answer in Section I & II.

Mode: Online Computer Based Test (CBT) across both Tier-1 and Tier-2 | Medium: Bilingual (English & Hindi) except for English Comprehension section.

Stage 1

Tier-1 Examination

Total: 200 Marks • 60 Minutes (1 Hour)

Online Computer Based Test comprising 100 questions of 2 marks each across 4 sections. Strictly qualifying in nature; scores determine eligibility for Tier-2 but are NOT counted in the final merit rank.

Paper / Component	Format	Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative Marking & Nature
General Intelligence & Reasoning Analogies, Series Completion, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Non-Verbal Paper Folding	Objective (MCQ)	25	50	Composite 60 Mins	0.50 Marks
General Awareness Current Affairs, Indian History, Polity & Constitution, Geography, General Science (Physics, Chem, Bio), Economy	Objective (MCQ)	25	50	Composite 60 Mins	0.50 Marks
Quantitative Aptitude Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit/Loss, SI/CI, Ratio, Time & Work), Advanced Maths (Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration)	Objective (MCQ)	25	50	Composite 60 Mins	0.50 Marks
English Comprehension Spotting the Error, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Active/Passive Voice	Objective (MCQ)	25	50	Composite 60 Mins	0.50 Marks

Stage 2

Tier-2 Examination

Total: 390 Marks • 2 Hours 15 Mins (Session 1) + 15 Mins (Session 2 DEST)

The updated SSC CGL Tier-2 is the single deciding round for final merit ranking. Conducted in two sessions on the same day: Session 1 consists of 3 sections (Maths, Reasoning, English, GK, and Computer), followed by Session 2 (Data Entry Speed Test DEST).

Paper / Component	Format	Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative Marking & Nature
Paper-I: Section I (Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning) Mathematical Abilities (30 Qs / 90 Marks), Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 Qs / 90 Marks)	Objective (MCQ)	60	180	1 Hour (60 Minutes)	Counts for Final Merit (Maths 30 Qs + Reasoning 30 Qs = 60 Qs x 3 marks)
Paper-I: Section II (English Language & General Awareness) English Language & Comprehension (45 Qs / 135 Marks), General Awareness (25 Qs / 75 Marks)	Objective (MCQ)	70	210	1 Hour (60 Minutes)	Counts for Final Merit (English 45 Qs + GK 25 Qs = 70 Qs x 3 marks)
Paper-I: Section III Module-I (Computer Knowledge) Computer Basics, Software (MS Office, Word, Excel), Internet & Email, Cybersecurity Basics & Networking	Objective (MCQ)	20	60	15 Minutes	Mandatory Qualifying in nature (Higher cutoff for CPT posts like ASO, Inspector)
Paper-I: Section III Module-II (Data Entry Speed Test DEST) Typing speed and accuracy test on computer terminal on given English paragraph passage	Practical / Skill Test	—	Qualifying	15 Minutes	Qualifying (Approx. 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes = ~27 wpm speed required)
Paper-II: Statistics (Only for Junior Statistical Officer JSO) Collection & Representation of Data, Measures of Dispersion & Central Tendency, Correlation & Regression, Probability Theory, Sampling	Objective (MCQ)	100	200	2 Hours	Only candidates applying for JSO post appear for Paper-II

3. Subject-Wise Syllabus & High-Yield Topics

Detailed curriculum modules categorized by standard foundations vs. high-yield scoring chapters

Quantitative Aptitude & Mathematical Abilities

Weightage: Highest (30 Qs x 3 = 90 marks in Tier-2)

Core Syllabus Modules:

Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Work, Pipes & Cistern, Time-Speed-Distance)Advanced Mathematics (Algebra, Linear Equations, Quadratic, Geometry & Theorems, Trigonometry, Heights & Distances, Mensuration 2D & 3D, Statistics & Probability)

High-Yield / Frequently Repeated Questions:

★ Geometry (Circles, Triangles, Tangents, Centroids)★ Trigonometry & Height and Distance★ Compound Interest (Instalment problems)★ Data Interpretation Tables & Bar Graphs

English Language & Comprehension

Weightage: Single Largest Section (45 Qs x 3 = 135 marks in Tier-2)

Core Syllabus Modules:

Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms & Phrases, Spelling errors)Grammar (Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech)Comprehension (Reading Comprehension Passages, Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement PQRS)

High-Yield / Frequently Repeated Questions:

★ Cloze Test (Contextual vocabulary & prepositions)★ Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles PQRS)★ Grammar Spotting the Error (Subject-verb & condition statements)★ Idioms & Phrasal Verbs

Reasoning & General Intelligence

Weightage: High (30 Qs x 3 = 90 marks in Tier-2)

Core Syllabus Modules:

Verbal Reasoning (Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Order & Ranking, Venn Diagrams)Analytical Reasoning (Statement-Assumption, Statement-Conclusion, Cause and Effect)Non-Verbal (Paper folding & cutting, Embedded figures, Mirror & water images, Series)

High-Yield / Frequently Repeated Questions:

★ Syllogisms & Logical deduction★ Number Series & Matrix puzzles★ Blood relations (coded format)★ Statement & Assumption (Critical reasoning)

General Awareness

Weightage: Crucial Rank Decider (25 Qs x 3 = 75 marks in Tier-2)

Core Syllabus Modules:

Static GK (Indian Art & Culture, Classical Dances, Festivals, Musical Instruments, National Parks, Rivers & Dams, Biosphere Reserves)Polity & Constitution (Articles, Amendments, President, Parliament, Judiciary)History (Ancient Indus/Vedic, Medieval Dynasties, Modern National Movement)Science (Biology human anatomy, Chemistry compounds, Physics laws)Current Affairs (Government Schemes, Sports, Awards, Summits)

High-Yield / Frequently Repeated Questions:

★ Art & Culture (Folk dances & award winners)★ Constitutional Amendments & Fundamental Rights★ Periodic table & chemical formulas★ Last 8 months sports tournaments & awards

4. Preparation Blueprint: Strategy & Timeline

Phase-by-phase roadmap, daily study schedule, topper golden rules, and fatal pitfalls to avoid

Topper Strategic Approach

Because Tier-1 is qualifying and Tier-2 carries 390 marks (Maths 90 + Reasoning 90 + English 135 + GK 75), preparation must be 100% Tier-2 oriented from Day 1. Speed and accuracy are paramount. Memorizing squares up to 50, cubes up to 30, fractional values, and English vocabulary roots must become automatic reflexes.

Recommended Timeline6 to 9 Months of dedicated, rigorous practice

Daily Study Target6 to 8 hours daily

Phase-by-Phase Preparation Roadmap

Phase 1Months 1 – 3

Syllabus Mastery & Concept Building

Arithmetic, Advanced Maths, English Grammar Rules & Vocabulary Foundation

Complete all arithmetic and advanced maths concepts chapter-wise using standard books or lectures.
Memorize all grammar rules from Neetu Singh's 'Plinth to Paramount' and practice 500 error spotting questions.
Learn 30 new words daily (One-word substitutions, Idioms, Synonyms) using 'Word Power Made Easy'.
Cover core static GK (Polity Articles, Modern History events, Geography physical features).

🎯 Target Mocks: Chapter-wise sectional quizzes on Testbook / Oliveboard

Phase 2Months 4 – 5

Previous Year Questions (PYQ) Grinding

Kiran / Pinnacle SSC PYQ books (Last 5 Years 2020-2024 TCS pattern questions)

Solve every single math question asked in SSC CGL, CPO, and CHSL from 2020 to 2024 (TCS pattern).
Identify repeated calculation traps and compile a 'Formula & Trick Diary'.
Solve 50 reasoning questions daily with a strict 20-minute countdown timer.
Start practicing 15 minutes of daily computer keyboard typing (target 30+ wpm).

🎯 Target Mocks: 2 full-length Tier-1 mocks every week

Phase 3Month 6 (Pre-Tier-1)

Tier-1 Sprint & High-Speed Mock Tests

Speed Drills, Time Management, Accuracy under Pressure

Take 1 full-length Tier-1 mock every alternate day at the exact time of your scheduled exam slot.
Aim for attempt strategy: Reasoning (12-14 mins) -> GK (5-7 mins) -> English (10-12 mins) -> Maths (25 mins).
Target a consistent 150+ raw score in mocks to easily sail past the Tier-1 cutoff.
Revise Current Affairs capsules for the past 8 months.

🎯 Target Mocks: 20+ Full-length Tier-1 mocks with detailed error log analysis

Phase 4Months 7 – 8 (Post-Tier-1)

Tier-2 Merit Warfare & DEST Preparation

Tier-2 390-mark full simulations, Computer syllabus, Typing drills

Practice 2-hour 15-minute uninterrupted Tier-2 full simulations twice a week.
Master Computer section (MS Excel shortcuts, memory units, networking protocols) to clear qualifying cutoff.
Daily 30 minutes of typing practice on software like Typing Master / Sonma Typing to achieve 35 wpm with 95%+ accuracy.
Deep revision of English comprehension, critical reasoning, and high-difficulty mathematical problem sets.

🎯 Target Mocks: 15+ Full-length Tier-2 Simulation papers (Paper-I Sections I, II, III)

Recommended Daily Study Schedule

07:00 AM – 08:30 AMEnglish Vocabulary & Daily Grammar Rule Revision

09:00 AM – 11:30 AMQuantitative Aptitude: Topic solving (Advanced Maths / Arithmetic)

12:00 PM – 01:00 PMTyping Practice (DEST) & Computer Awareness modules

02:30 PM – 04:30 PMFull-Length Mock Test (Strict 60-min timer) + 1-hour error analysis

05:00 PM – 06:30 PMReasoning speed drills (50 questions with timer)

07:30 PM – 09:30 PMGeneral Awareness: Static GK & Monthly Current Affairs revision

10:00 PM – 10:30 PMReviewing error diary & difficult formulas before bed

Toppers' Golden Rules

•PYQs are 80% of the game: SSC repeats question models with minor numerical variations. Master the last 5 years' TCS questions.
•Mock Analysis is more important than taking mocks: Spend at least 1.5 hours analyzing each mock test to record mistakes in a dedicated error diary.
•Computer & Typing are eliminated traps: Every year, candidates with 330+ marks in Tier-2 fail because they failed the Computer qualifying cutoff or typing test.
•Accuracy over blind attempts: In Tier-2, each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. A blind guess risks losing 4 marks (+3 potential - 1 penalty).

Fatal Mistakes to Avoid

•Studying only Arithmetic and avoiding Geometry, Trigonometry, and Algebra.
•Reading multiple bulky history and science textbooks for GK instead of solving SSC-specific PYQ compilations.
•Leaving typing practice until 10 days before the exam.
•Neglecting sectional cutoff for Section-I (Maths + Reasoning) and Section-II (English + GK).

5. Recommended Books & Study Materials

Topper-validated standard reference books and chapter-wise question banks

7 Verified References

English LanguageFoundation / Must-Read

From Plinth to Paramount (Vol 1 & 2)

Author: Neetu Singh | Pub: KD Publication

The definitive English textbook for SSC exams. Explains every grammar rule in simple bilingual Hindi/English with direct SSC exam patterns.

Topper's Study Tip: Master the rules of Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Prepositions, and Conditional sentences thoroughly.

English VocabularyStandard Reference

Word Power Made Easy & BlackBook of English Vocabulary

Author: Norman Lewis & Nikhil Gupta | Pub: Pocket Books / BlackBook

BlackBook compiles all One-Word Substitutions, Idioms, and Synonyms ever asked in SSC examinations sorted by frequency.

Topper's Study Tip: Learn 50 words daily by root-word associations and revise weekend repetitions.

Quantitative AptitudePractice & PYQs

Pinnacle SSC Maths 6800+ / Kiran SSC Mathematics Chapterwise

Author: Pinnacle / Kiran Editorial | Pub: Pinnacle / Kiran Institute

Contains all actual questions asked in SSC CGL, CPO, CHSL from 2018 to latest TCS editions with short-trick solutions.

Topper's Study Tip: Solve every question with a timer. Maintain a notebook of shortcut formulas and geometric theorems.

Advanced MathematicsStandard Reference

Advance Maths for General Competitions

Author: Rakesh Yadav / Abhinay Sharma | Pub: Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication

Deep conceptual coverage of Geometry, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, and Algebra with pictorial diagrams and proofs.

Topper's Study Tip: Memorize all properties of triangles (Incenter, Circumcenter, Orthocenter) and circle chord-tangent theorems.

ReasoningPractice & PYQs

Pinnacle SSC Reasoning 7200+ / Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

Author: Pinnacle / R.S. Aggarwal | Pub: Pinnacle / S. Chand

Comprehensive chapter-wise compilation of all modern TCS reasoning patterns including statement-assumptions and coding matrices.

Topper's Study Tip: Focus on Syllogisms, Number series, Blood relations, and Non-verbal paper folding sets.

General AwarenessStandard Reference

Lucent's General Knowledge & Pinnacle SSC GK Chapterwise

Author: Dr. Binay Karna / Pinnacle | Pub: Lucent Publication / Pinnacle

Lucent provides quick concise factual tables for History, Polity, Geography, and Science. Pinnacle connects them to actual SSC questions.

Topper's Study Tip: Focus on Art & Culture, Classical Dances, National Parks, and Constitutional Articles first before generic history.

Computer KnowledgeFoundation / Must-Read

Computer Awareness for Competitive Examinations

Author: Arihant / Lucent Computer | Pub: Arihant Publications

Specifically covers hardware, software, MS Excel formulas, shortcuts, and networking required to ace the Tier-2 computer qualifying section.

Topper's Study Tip: Learn all keyboard shortcut keys (Ctrl + Shift combinations) and Excel function formulas.

6. Historical Cutoff Trends & Archives

Official past category-wise cutoffs to benchmark your target mock scores

Cycle / Tier / Service	General (UR)	OBC	EWS	SC	ST	Scope & Remarks
CGL 2024 Tier-1 (UR)	153.28	148.50	145.12	126.85	118.20	Normalized out of 200 marks (Qualifying for Tier-2)
CGL 2023 Tier-1 (UR)	150.04	145.93	143.44	126.29	118.16	Normalized marks out of 200
CGL 2023 Final Cut-off (4600 GP Inspector)	320 – 335	312 – 325	310 – 322	290 – 305	275 – 290	Out of 390 marks in Tier-2 (Section I + II)
CGL 2023 Final Cut-off (2400 GP Tax Asst / Auditor)	305 – 315	298 – 308	295 – 305	270 – 285	255 – 270	Out of 390 marks in Tier-2
CGL 2022 Final Cut-off (4600 GP ASO in CSS)	331.50	324.00	320.00	301.00	290.00	First exam under the new 390-mark pattern

7. Selection Process Stepper Funnel

From initial application to final cadre allocation and joining the training academy

Online Registration & OTR

Fill the SSC CGL notification form on ssc.gov.in with live photo capture and center preferences.

Tier-1 Computer Based Test (CBT)

Appear for 100 Qs / 200 marks in 60 minutes. Top ~8-10x candidates qualify for Tier-2.

Tier-2 Computer Based Test & DEST

Appear for Paper-I Session 1 (Maths, Reasoning, English, GK, Computer) + Session 2 (15-min Typing Test).

Post Preference Filling

Qualified candidates submit detailed online preferences for specific ministries and posts (ASO, ITI, GST Inspector, Auditor).

Final Merit List & Department Allocation

SSC prepares final rank list based solely on Tier-2 marks (390) and allocates posts according to candidate rank and preference.

Document Verification & Medical by User Department

Respective allocated ministries (e.g., CBDT, CBIC, MEA) conduct document verification, police verification, and join-up formalities.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

12 Answers

Authoritative SEO & GEO clarifications: Domicile rules, regional languages, exam centers, pay scale & cutoffs

Quick Direct Answer (Verified Official Circular)Yes, candidates from all 28 Indian states and 8 union territories are eligible to apply.

Postings are allocated based on your final Tier-2 merit rank, your category, and the ministry/zone options chosen in your post preference form. High-ranking candidates often secure Central Secretariat Service (CSS), MEA, or MoD in New Delhi, while Inspector of Central Excise (GST), Income Tax Inspector, and Preventive Officers are posted across regional zones (e.g., Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad) based on zonal rank cutoffs.

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