The Staff Selection Commission conducts the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination every year to recruit candidates for Grade “B” and “C” posts in various Government Ministries, Departments, and Offices. The SSC CGL exam is a national-level exam. It is an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking jobs in reputable central government organisations.
The Commission released the SSC CGL notification on April 3, 2023. Furthermore, the Commission started the application process on April 3, 2023 and the last date to apply is May 3, 2023. Candidates must visit the official website to apply for the exam successfully.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2023 Exam Overview
Before getting into the details of Tier-1, let’s have an overview of the SSC CGL 2023 exam:
Check all the latest updates on the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam below:
July 14 to 27, 2023: The SSC will conduct the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam.
April 3 to May 3, 2023: SSC CGL Recruitment application form process.
April 3, 2023: The SSC released the SSC CGL exam notification.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Notification 2022
SSC CGL 2023 is a national-level exam conducted once a year. The Commission released the official notification for SSC CGL 2023 on April 3, 2023. We have provided the direct link to the notification below:
According to the latest notification, the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam will be conducted from July 14 to 27, 2023. Check the table below for the SSC CGL 2023 important dates:
Events
SSC CGL 2023 Date
SSC CGL Notification 2023 Release Date
April 3, 2023
SSC CGL Online Form Submission Started
April 3, 2023
Last Date to Submit Application
May 3, 2023 (11 PM)
Last Date for Generating Offline Challan
May 4, 2023 (11 PM)
Last Date for Online Fee Payment
May 4, 2023 (11 PM)
Last Date for Payment Through Challan
May 5, 2023 (11 PM)
Window for Application Form Correction
May 7 to 8, 2023
Release of Tier 1 Admit Card
To be Announced
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date
July 14 to 27, 2023
SSC CGL Tier 1 Result Date
To be Announced
SSC CGL Tier-1 2023: Vacancy
In the notification, SSC has mentioned a tentative number of vacancies, i.e., 20,000. The number of confirmed vacancies will be announced on the official website later. Check the SSC CGL Vacancy 2021-22, based on the category and year, tabulated below:
Year
UR
SC
ST
OBC
Total
SSC CGL 2021-22 Exam
3024
1204
703
897
7686
SSC CGL 2020-21 Exam
2891
1046
510
1858
7035
SSC CGL Salary & Job Profile 2023
Before applying for the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam, candidates should be aware of the job profile and salary of all the posts. Check these details from the section below:
SSC CGL Salary
There are five pay levels: Level 8, Level 7, Level 6, Level 5, and Level 4. Check out the table below for SSC CGL Salary details:
Posts
Group
Gross Salary
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) (Indian Audit & Accounts Department under CAG)
Group B
INR 47,600 – 1,51,100
Assistant Section Officer (ASO) (Indian Audit and Accounts Department under CAG)
Group B
INR 47600 – 151100
Assistant Section Officer in Central Vigilance Commission
Group B
INR 44900 – 142400
Assistant Section Officer in Intelligence Bureau
Group B
INR 44900 – 142400
Assistant Section Officer in Ministry of Railway
Group B
INR 44900 – 142400
SSC CGL Tier-1 Job Profiles
SSC conducts the CGL exam for selecting candidates for various posts enlisted below:
Assistant Section Officer (CSS): Clerical work such as filing and reporting.
To apply for the SSC CGL exam 2023, candidates have to fulfil the eligibility criteria. It is important to go through all the aspects of the eligibility criteria such as age, education, number of attempts, and language proficiency before proceeding with the application process.
SSC CGL Nationality
SSC CGL candidates must be citizens of India, Nepal, or Bhutan. If a candidate is a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan, the Government of India must issue a Certificate of Eligibility in his or her favour.
SSC CGL Age Criteria
The age requirements for different posts are as given below:
SSC CGL Department
Age Limit
Name of the Post
CSS
20-30 Years
Assistant Section Officer
Intelligence Bureau
Not Exceeding 30 Years
Assistant Section Officer
Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue
Up to 30 Years
Assistant Enforcement Officer
M/o of Statistics & Prog. Implementation
Up to 32 Years
Junior Statistical Officer
NIA
Up to 30 Years
Sub Inspector
SSC CGL Age Relaxation
Age relaxation offered in SSC CGL 2023 as per the government guidelines is given in the table below:
Category
Age relaxation permissible beyond the upper age limit
SC/ ST
5 years
OBC
3 years
PwD (Unreserved)
10 years
PwD (OBC)
13 years
PwD (SC/ ST)
15 years
SSC CGL Educational Qualifications
The educational qualifications required for each post of the SSC CGL Exam 2023 are listed below:
Essential Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university or institute.
Desirable Qualification: Chartered Accountant or the Cost & Management Accountant or Company Secretary or Masters in Commerce or Masters in Business Studies or Masters in Business Administration (Finance) or Masters in Business Economics.
At the time of probation, direct recruits shall have to qualify for the ‘Subordinate Audit/ Accounts Service Examination’ in respective branches for confirmation and regular appointment as Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer.
Junior Statistical Officer
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognised university or institute with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level or Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level.
All Other Posts
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
The students appearing in the final year of their graduation can also apply. However, they must possess qualifications on or before September 2023.
SSC CGL Number of Attempts
There is no such limit for the number of attempts for the examination. Candidates can attempt the exam as many times as they want to.
SSC CGL Language Proficiency
The language used for the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam is English and Hindi.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Application Form 2023
The SSC CGL 2023 online application link has been activated by officials on April 3, 2023. The last date to submit the SSC CGL application form for Group B and Group C positions is May 3, 2023.
Steps to Fill Out SSC CGL 2023 Application Form
Follow the procedures below to apply for SSC CGL 2023 online:
Visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission –ssc.nic.in.
Register through a valid email ID.
Log in with the registration ID and password candidates received through registered email.
Upload a scanned copy of a colour passport-size photo, signature & other required documents.
Pay the application fee for SSC CGL 2023.
To submit the application form, click the Submit button.
Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
SSC CGL 2023 Application Fee
Once the form is duly filled, aspirants are required to pay SSC CGL application fee through SBI Challan/BHIM UPI/Net Banking or Visa/Mastercard/Maestro Credit/RuPay debit card.
Category
SSC CGL Application Fee (in Rs)
General/OBC
100
Women (of all categories)/Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disability (PwD)/Ex-Servicemen (ESM)
NIL
SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Centre 2023
Candidates can select three exam centres from the same region while filling in an application form. The following is a complete list of all SSC CGL exam centres for Tier-1 around the country, as well as the addresses of regional offices and official regional websites.
Exam Centres with Centre Code
Region and States/ UTs
Address of the Regional Offices and Their Websites
Candidates must go through the SSC CGL Recruitment Process 2023 before moving to the detailed Tier-1 exam pattern.
SSC CGL Selection Process
The selection process for the SSC CGL examination will be conducted in two tiers as mentioned below:
Tier-1: Computer-based Examination (Qualifying in nature)
Tier-2: Paper 1 (Compulsory for all posts), Paper 2 for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Paper 3 for those who apply for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Pattern 2023
SSC CGL Tier-1 exam will have objective type and multiple-choice questions. The questions will be set in both English and Hindi languages except for the English Comprehension in exams of Tier-1. Check out the SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier-1 from the below table:
Subject
Number of Questions
Maximum Marks
General Intelligence and Reasoning
25
50
General Awareness
25
50
Quantitative Aptitude
25
50
English Language
25
50
Total
100
200
Note –
SSC CGL Tier-1 will have a negative marking of 0.50 for each incorrect answer.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Syllabus 2023
It is important for candidates to know the complete exam syllabus as it will help them in making better preparations and strategies to clear the exam. The SSC CGL Syllabus for Tier-1 is mentioned below:
SSC CGL Syllabus: General Intelligence and Reasoning
The syllabus includes questions of both verbal and non-verbal types. This section has questions on the following topics:
SSC CGL Syllabus General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies
Similarities and Differences
Space Visualisation
Spatial Orientation
Problem-solving
Analysis
Judgement
Decision Making
Visual Memory
Observation
SSC CGL Syllabus: General Awareness
Questions in this section are framed to test the aspirant’s knowledge about current events along with their scientific approach towards daily life and experiences. This section will also include questions on the following topics:
SSC CGL Syllabus General Awareness
History of India and its Neighbouring Countries
Culture
Geography
General Policy
Economic Science and Scientific Research
Books and Authors
SSC CGL Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude
Questions in this section are designed to test the appropriate use of numbers and number sense of candidates. The scope of the test is as follows:
SSC CGL Syllabus Quantitative Aptitude
Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, and Relationships Between Numbers
Percentage
Ratio and Proportion
Square Roots
Averages
Interest
Profit and Loss
Discount
Partnership Business
Mixture and Alligation
SSC CGL Syllabus: English
Aspirants’ ability to understand English, basic comprehension, writing ability, and so on will be tested in this section. Questions in Parts A, B, and D will be of a level in accordance with the essential qualification, viz. graduation, and questions in Part C will be of Class 10 level.
SSC CGL Syllabus English
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar Skills
One Word Substitution
Spelling Error
Comprehension Passages
Best Chapters for SSC CGL Tier-1 2023
Students can access links to the important chapters of SSC CGL Tier-1 from the table below:
A study plan is a comprehensive methodology that helps with an individual’s preparation and planning thus enhancing efficiency.
How to Prepare for SSC CGL Reasoning?
This section of the Tier-1 exam has 25 questions. Reasoning evaluates the problem-solving and decision-making skills and analytical-thinking capabilities of a candidate.
The General Intelligence section is less time-consuming and can be attempted quickly and more accurately. Frequently asked topics in this section are Analogy, Word Arrangement, Alphanumeric Series, Odd Man Out, Coding-Decoding, and Venn Diagrams.
The following are some important SSC CGL exam preparation tips for the General Intelligence and Reasoning section:
In order to cover basic problem-solving skills, the candidate should concentrate on logical deductions and general logic applications.
To prevent making silly mistakes, the candidate must read the questions carefully before beginning to solve the problem.
If a question consumes too much of your valuable examination time, it is preferable to go on to the next question and then return to the problem if time allows.
How to Prepare for SSC CGL English Exam?
The English language is the simplest among all the sections. This section carries 25 marks in Tier-1 and 200 marks in the Tier-2 exams.
Candidates need to read the newspaper on a daily basis in English language. It will help them to be aware of current affairs and news. Also, it will help them to improve their vocabulary and reading speed.
Every day, applicants must solve a previous year’s or model test paper.
How to Prepare for SSC CGL General Awareness?
The General Awareness subject is very vast. Candidates have to focus on essential topics and not on the whole syllabus. It is a high-scoring and time-saving section. The General Awareness section will have questions on Static General Knowledge and Science.
Questions from the Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Computer sections will be asked in the Science section. Candidates should also check out NCERT books for referring to Science topics.
How to Prepare for SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude?
The Quantitative Aptitude section is the toughest, as observed in SSC CGL previous year question papers Tier-1. Topics that are asked in the SSC CGL examination from the syllabus till 10th grade. This section is important as it has the highest weightage. Preparing for SSC CGL Maths requires a lot of concentration as well as more time.
Aspirants need to know how to do the calculation fast. They should also be aware of shortcut methods for arithmetic problems.
Number System – Candidates must start their preparation from the number system as it is the most simple concept.
Profit and Loss – To master this topic, solving sums will be of great help.
Interest – Similar to Profit and Loss, candidates can prepare for this section by practising sums with large values.
Topics like Circles and Slopes are covered under Geometry. Recalling the basic knowledge of angles, congruence, and coordinate geometry will be of great help. This section examines numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Regular practice is necessary.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Study Plan
Due to the tough competition observed in the SSC CGL exam, candidates are advised to start their preparation well in advance.
The key to success in the SSC CGL Preparation is time management. While preparing through mock tests and previous years’ question papers, candidates should learn to manage their time.
Section
Time
General Awareness
10 Minutes
English Language
10 Minutes
Reasoning Ability
15 Minutes
Quantitative Ability
15 Minutes
If the candidate wants to clear the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam on the first attempt with a great score, attempt the mock test series for SSC CGL from the link mentioned below:
SSC will release the SSC CGL Tier-1 Admit Card 2023 one to two weeks before the exam. All SSC CGL aspirants who successfully apply online for this exam can check all the details, including city, centre, exam time, and admit card link. The SSC CGL Admit Card for all regions will be released on SSC’s official regional websites.
How to Download SSC CGL 2023 Admit Card?
The steps to download SSC CGL Tier-1 2023 admit card is mentioned below:
Click on the link – ‘Admit Card’ displayed on top of the home page.
A page will appear showing a table with the list of SSC websites. Candidates have to click on the appropriate regional website links given in the rightmost column of the table.
Now, they will be taken to the respective regional website.
A login page will appear. Then, candidates have to enter their Registration Number or Application Number and their Date of Birth or Password.
Click on the Submit button.
The admit card will be shown on the screen.
Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card. Then, download and take a printout for future reference.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Answer Key 2023
The provisional and final SSC CGL answer keys will be uploaded by the Staff Selection Commission for each tier. Candidates who plan to take the Tier-1 exam can access their response sheet on the official website.
The Staff Selection Commission releases the result for all stages online on its official website. Candidates can check the result of Tier-1 from the official website. The result contains the roll number or names of candidates who have been shortlisted for the next stage.
Furthermore, SSC will also upload the SSC CGL Tier-1 mark sheet for candidates. Aspirants will be able to download the mark sheet by logging in using their registered ID and password.
Here is the minimum number of marks that a candidate should score to pass the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam. It is an important aspect of the exam that every candidate needs to be aware of while appearing for the exam.
Until the cut-off marks is released, candidates can check the previous year’s cut-off. Check out the SSC CGL Tier-1 cut-off from the below-given table:
Category
Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer
Junior Statistical Officer
Other Posts
SC
137.54533
150.55987
89.08864
ST
131.03984
150.32888
77.57858
OBC
152.92049
167.19245
114.27651
EWS
154.80185
169.35896
102.35275
UR
158.36560
–
114.27651
ESM
–
–
40
OH
128.59598
–
70.69038
HH
96.45331
–
40
VH
–
–
40
PWD-Others
72.79273
–
40
FAQs on SSC CGL Tier-1
Candidates might have many questions regarding the SSC CGL Tier-1 2023. Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers.
Q: How many questions will be asked in the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam?
A: In the Tier-1 exam, you will have 100 questions for a total of 200 marks. The total time given for this section is 1 hour.
Q: What are the subjects covered in the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam?
A: For the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam, an aspirant must prepare the given subjects: Reasoning Ability, English Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
Q: How many current affairs questions are asked in the CGL Tier-1 General Awareness section?
A: As per the previous year’s trend, 4–5 questions will be asked about current affairs.
Q: What is the mode of SSC CGL Tier-1 examination?
A: The SSC CGL Tier-1 examination mode is online.
Q: Will there be any negative marking for wrong answers in CGL Tier-1?
A: Yes, there will be a negative marking of 0.50 for each wrong answer in Tier-1.
Q: What are the best books to prepare for the SSC CGL examination?
A: Some of the best books are from Arihant, R. S. Agarwal and HM Prasad.
Q: What are the best books to prepare for SSC CGL English?
A: The best books to prepare for the English section of SSC CGL are:
Objective General English by SP Bakshi (Arihant)
Quick Learning Objective General English by R. S. Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal
Objective English for Competitive Examinations by H. M. Prasad
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma
Q: Is it possible to clear the SSC CGL examination in just 6 months?
A: Yes, candidates can clear the CGL examination in just 6 months. However, it needs a systematic approach with proper time management and smart work. Be confident, regular and very much committed to the exam, and they will surely clear it.
Q: Which newspaper is the best for the preparation for the SSC CGL examination?
A: Candidates can refer to newspapers like The Hindu, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and other such papers for current affairs preparation.
Q: Is Mathematics compulsory in the CGL examination?
A: Yes, Mathematics is one of the most essential subjects for the CGL examination. There will be 25 questions in Tier-1 and 100 questions in Tier-2.
Q: How tough is the SSC CGL Exam?
A: The difficulty level of the examination depends on the skills and preparation of the candidates. A lot of candidates clear the exam with just 2 months of preparation.