The SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level) exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in India. It is held annually to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organizations.

Key Features of SSC CGL Exam

1. Exam Purpose

Recruitment for positions such as:

• Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
• Inspector (Income Tax, Central Excise, etc.)
• Assistant Section Officer
• Sub-Inspector (CBI, NIA)
• Accountant/Junior Accountant
• Auditor
• Tax Assistant

2. Selection Process

The exam is conducted in 4 tiers:

Tier 1 - Objective Test (Computer-Based)

• Subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
• Duration: 1 hour.

Tier 2 - Objective Tests (Computer-Based)

• Paper 1: Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning (mandatory for all).
• Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension (mandatory for all).
• Paper 3: Statistics (for specific posts).
• Paper 4: Finance & Economics (for AAO posts).
• Duration: 2 hours for each paper.

Tier 3 - Descriptive Paper (Pen & Paper Mode)

• Essay, Precis, Letter Writing, etc.
• Duration: 1 hour.

Tier 4 - Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)/Document Verification

• Typing/Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) or CPT for specific posts.

3. Exam Mode

• Tiers 1 and 2: Online (Computer-Based).
• Tier 3: Offline (Pen and Paper).
• Tier 4: Skill Test/Document Verification.

4. Syllabus Highlights

• General Awareness: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, etc.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation, etc.
• English Language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, etc.
• Reasoning Ability: Logical and Analytical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Series, etc.

5. Application Process

• Applications are submitted online via the SSC official website (ssc.nic.in).
• The notification for the exam is generally released in April–May, and the exams are conducted in multiple phases throughout the year.

6. Salary and Benefits

• Posts are classified under Pay Levels 4–8 (approx. ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100/month).
• Benefits include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Facilities, and Pension Schemes.

Job Role of SSC CGL Officers (Varies by Post)

Depending on the post, your role may involve:

1. Administrative Work

• Drafting reports, handling correspondence
• Office file processing
• Policy-related tasks

2. Inspection & Investigation

• Conducting tax raids (IT Inspector)
• Field visits (Excise, Enforcement)
• Data collection and legal enforcement

3. Account and Audit Functions

• Auditing govt. offices (CAG Auditor)
• Budget monitoring
• Financial compliance

4. Desk/Clerical Work

• Data entry
• Record-keeping
• Report generation and review

Career Growth and Promotions

Career growth depends on post, department, and performance, but SSC CGL jobs typically offer timely promotions, departmental exams, and opportunities to move to gazetted ranks.

Promotion Path Example (ASO in CSS)

Level                             Designation

Entry                             Assistant Section Officer

After 5–7 years             Section Officer (SO)

After 10–12 years             Under Secretary

Senior Level                     Deputy Secretary

Top Bureaucracy             Director or Above

Promotion Path Example (Income Tax Inspector)

Level                 Designation

Entry                 Income Tax Inspector

After 6–8 years Income Tax Officer (ITO)

Further                 Assistant Commissioner

Later                 Joint/Additional Commissioner

Senior                 Commissioner of Income Tax