SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam 2026 – Complete Guide

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is one of the most popular government exams in India, conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit eligible graduates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments and organisations of the Government of India.

Posts filled through SSC CGL include Assistant Section Officer (CSS), Inspector of Income Tax / Customs / CGST / CBI, Auditor, Accountant, Assistant Audit Officer, Statistical Investigator, and many more.

The exam is conducted in four tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2 are computer-based tests, Tier 3 is a descriptive paper, and Tier 4 is a skill test / computer proficiency test depending on the post.

Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee settled in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries.

Educational Qualification: Must hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university. Certain posts (e.g. Assistant Audit Officer, JSO) require additional qualifications such as Chartered Accountant or Statistics as a subject.

Age Limit: 18 to 32 years for most posts, with the following relaxations:

• OBC: up to 35 years
• SC/ST: up to 37 years
• PwD (Unreserved): up to 42 years
• Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen: age relaxation as per government norms

Candidates must also meet the physical standards where applicable (e.g. Inspector posts under Central Excise, CGST).

SSC CGL 2026 is held in four tiers. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature and its score decides eligibility for Tier 2; final selection is based on Tier 2 + Tier 3 marks.

Tier 1 – Computer Based Test

Negative marking: 0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer in Tier 1.

Tier 2 – Computer Based Test

Tier 3 is a descriptive paper (Essay, Precis and Letter/Application writing) of 100 marks. Tier 4 includes skill tests like DEST, CPMT and computer proficiency tests depending on the post.

Tier 1 syllabus covers the following subjects:

Tier 1 – Subject-wise Topics

Tier 2 Paper 1 (Quantitative Abilities) has advanced topics like Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry and Statistics & Probability.

Tier 2 Paper 2 (English) focuses on comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and verbal ability.

The selection process for SSC CGL consists of four stages:

• Tier 1 (CBT): Computer-based screening test — qualifying + merit based
• Tier 2 (CBT): Three/four papers as per post — main merit examination
• Tier 3 (Descriptive): Pen-and-paper mode — Essay, Precis, Letter/Application
• Tier 4 (Skill Test): DEST, CPMT, Computer Proficiency Test as applicable to the post

Candidates are shortlisted for Tier 3 on the basis of Tier 1 + Tier 2 scores. Final merit list is prepared from Tier 2 + Tier 3 marks, followed by document verification.

SSC CGL pay scales depend on the post level:

SSC CGL – Post-wise Pay Level

In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other perks as per 7th CPC rules.

Recommended books for SSC CGL preparation:

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations – R.S. Aggarwal
• Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma
• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
• Lucent's General Knowledge – Dr. Binay Karna
• Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi / Wren & Martin Grammar
• Previous year solved papers – Kiran Publication (Chapter-wise)

Follow a structured 6-month plan for SSC CGL:

• Month 1–2: Complete Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning basics with daily practice sets
• Month 3–4: Strengthen English (grammar + vocabulary) and revise General Awareness through current affairs notes
• Month 5: Solve previous year papers (last 5 years) and take weekly mock tests
• Month 6: Full-length mocks, sectional analysis, and revision of weak topics

Attempt at least one full mock test every day in the last month and focus on accuracy to reduce negative marking.

Previous year papers are the best resource for SSC CGL preparation:

• SSC CGL Tier 1 Previous Year Paper (2025) with solutions
• SSC CGL Tier 1 Previous Year Paper (2024) with solutions
• SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper 1 Previous Year Papers (2023-2025)

Solve papers under timed conditions and analyse your accuracy subject-wise.

SSC CGL cutoffs vary by category and post. Given below are indicative Tier 1 qualifying cutoffs:

SSC CGL Tier 1 Cutoff (Indicative)

Final cutoffs depend on the difficulty level of the exam, number of candidates and vacancies.