SSC CGL selection process explained; check minimum qualifying marks

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is considered a major body of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. SSC conducts recruitment exams for various posts in several departments and ministries. Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination is one of the most common examinations which is carried out annually by for graduate-level posts. The appointment to the posts can be done throughout the country, according to the preference given by the candidates.

Being aware of the latest changes in the exam procedure and pattern will help you in your SSC CGL 2023 preparation strategy. SSC CGL tier-1 is an objective type exam whereas the SSC CGL tier-2 exam will be conducted in three phases- Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3.

Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts, Paper 2 is for candidates who apply for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, and Paper 3 is for candidates who apply for the posts of Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer.

Candidates have to qualify in all tiers to get selected for various posts under SSC CGL. Here the minimum qualifying marks in Tier 1, each Paper of Tier 2 exam are as follows UR: 30%, OBC/ EWS: 25% and others: 20%. The Commission also publishes the detailed SSC CGL syllabus for each tier in the official notification.

SSC CGL is scheduled every year. A tentative schedule of upcoming examinations is available on ssc.nic.in under candidate’s corner. The number of test takers is increasing every year. This time, the total number of applications received for SSC CGL 2023 is 24,74,030.

The upcoming SSC CGLE is for selection into central government departments and ministries provide opportunities to candidates for recruitment to different central civil posts – Assistant / Inspector /SI / Divisional Accountant/Statistical Officer/ Auditor/Accountant/Junior Accountant /UDC / Tax Assistant /Compiler, for which graduation from a recognised university is the minimum educational qualification requirement. The recruitment for these posts is done in departments of Indian Audit & Accounts Department (C & AG), Central Secretariat Service / Intelligence Bureau / Ministry of Railways / Ministry of External Affairs / Ministry of Defence / Election Commision/ Vice President Secretariat and a few other Ministries / Departments / Office of the central government secure a promising career.

Aspirants need to keep in mind that the competition for this examination is high. So, do ensure that your preparation is benchmarked at this level. You will need to take several model examinations that are actually “online”. Getting into a group of equally-motivated students for preparation is a good strategy.

(The author is the head of SSC /Bank PO at T.I.M.E.)