SSC CGL Exam: Overview, Eligibility, Job Roles & Life After CGL
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL Full Form: Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level Examination
The SSC CGL Exam is a national recruitment exam that selects graduates for Group B and Group C posts across central ministries, departments, and organizations, making it a gateway to respected government careers. It is popular for stable jobs with strong job security, steady promotions, and government perks such as pensions, medical facilities, and allowances, often with predictable work hours in many roles.
For graduates typically aged about 18–32 (varying by post and category relaxations) seeking clarity, confidence, and long-term career assurance, SSC CGL offers a clear, merit-based path into roles like auditors, assistants, and statistical officers, combining social prestige with financial stability and structured growth.
SSC CGL Exam Overview
The SSC CGL Exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The exam is held once a year, typically starting in September. As of 2025, around 28,15,445 candidates registered to appear for the SSC CGL exam, making it one of the largest government recruitment exams in India with intense competition for approximately 14,582 vacancies. (Source) This high number of candidates reflects its significance and popularity among graduates seeking stable and prestigious government jobs.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply in the SSC department for the 14582 Vacancies Group B and Group C posts released through SSC CGL 2025, candidates must meet certain prerequisites to be eligible. There may be additional requirements for each job, so be sure to check them to ensure you meet all the criteria. These rules must be adhered to in order to successfully appear for the exam. In order to determine if someone meets the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2025, certain parameters are considered, including the following:
1. Educational Qualification
2. Nationality/Citizenship
3. Age Limit
4. Physical Standards
SSC CGL 2025 Eligibility Checker
1. SSC CGL Educational Qualification (As on 01.08.2025)
A candidate who wishes to apply for the SSC CGL Exam must be a graduate of a recognized university/institution. Review the educational requirements for various SSC CGL posts and make a note of the qualifications needed to apply for these posts.
SSC CGL Education Qualification
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | A bachelor’s degree in any subject from a university or institute with recognition, with at least 60% marks in mathematics at the 12th- grade level(or)A bachelor’s degree in any field that includes statistics as a degree-level subject. |
| Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) | Any of the following qualifications are desirable:Chartered AccountantCost & Management AccountantCompany SecretaryMasters in CommerceMasters in Business StudiesMasters in Business Administration (Finance)Masters in Business Economics.Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in any subject |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | A Bachelor’s Degree in any field, including Statistics, from a recognized institute or university. Candidates are required to have studied Statistics as a subject for all three years of their graduate course. |
| Assistant in National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) | Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or InstituteDesirable Qualifications: Degree in law from a recognized university. |
| Research Assistant in National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or InstituteDesirable Qualifications:Minimum 1-year research experience in any recognized university or recognized instituteResearch Institution Degree in Law or Human Rights from a recognized/approved university. |
| Other Post | A Bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized university, or an equivalent qualification |
2. SSC CGL Nationality
Candidates must meet all of the requirements to be eligible for the SSC CGL 2025 exam, as well as the nationality criteria recommended by the authorities, in order to move further in the selection process. The comprehensive details of the nationality criteria are outlined as follows:
1. Indian Citizenship: You must have Indian citizenship. You must possess a valid Indian passport or equivalent proof of Indian citizenship.
2. Nepal/Bhutan Subjects: If you are a Nepalese or Bhutanese subject, you are eligible to take the SSC CGL exam. If you want to work in India, you have to present the required documentation as well as legal authorization.
3. Tibetan Refugees: The Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently residing in India are eligible to register for the exam. They must possess the necessary documents provided by the Government of India to prove their refugee status.
4. Individuals of Indian Origin: Candidates of Indian descent who have relocated from particular countries to permanently reside in India can also register for the SSC CGL exam. They must have the necessary documents, such as a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. A person of Indian descent who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the purpose of permanently settling in India.
3. SSC CGL Age Limit 2025
Candidates must fall within the age range given for a particular post in order to take the exam. The age limit varies based on the post applied for, with relaxations permitted in certain categories. A detailed explanation of the age limits for various age groups is highlighted below.
SSC CGL Post-wise Age Limit (As of 01.08.2025)
The table below defines the age criteria for various posts. It is critical to understand that the age requirements for different posts vary.
| Name of Post | Age Limit | Ministry/ Department/Office/ Cadre |
| Junior Statistical Officer | Up to 32 years | M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation. |
| Assistant Audit Officer | Not exceeding 30 years. | Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG |
| Assistant Accounts Officer | Not exceeding 30 years. | Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG |
| Inspector of Income Tax | Not exceeding 30 years | CBDT |
| Inspector, (Central Excise) | Not exceeding 30 years | CBIC |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | ||
| Inspector (Examiner) | ||
| Inspector | Not exceeding 30 years | Central Bureau of Narcotics |
| Assistant | Not exceeding 30 years | Other Ministries/Departments/Organizations |
| Assistant/ Superintendent | Not exceeding 30 years | Other Ministries/Departments/Organizations |
| Divisional Accountant | Not exceeding 30 years | Offices under C&AG |
| Sub-Inspector/ Junior Intelligence Officer | Not exceeding 30 years | Narcotics Control Bureau(MHA) |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Up to 30 years | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue |
| Sub Inspector | Up to 30 years | National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
| Assistant Section Officer | 20-30 years | Central Secretariat ServiceIntelligence BureauMinistry of RailwayMinistry of External AffairsAFHQ |
| Sub Inspector | 20-30 years | Central Bureau of Investigation |
| Auditor | 18-27 years | Offices under C&AGOther Ministry/ DepartmentsOffices under CGDA |
| Accountant | 18-27 years | Offices under C&AG |
| Accountant/ Junior Accountant | 18-27 years | Other Ministry/ Departments |
| Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant | 18-27 years | Department of Post,Ministry of Communication |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/ Upper Division Clerks | 18-27 years | Central Govt. |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | 18-27 years | Military EngineeringServices, Ministry ofDefence |
| Tax Assistant | 18-27 years | CBDTCBIC |
| Sub-Inspector | 18-27 years | Central Bureau of Narcotics |
| Upper Division Clerks | 18-27 years | Dte. Gen Border RoadOrganisation (MoD) |
SSC CGL Age Relaxation
Certain age relaxations apply to specific sections. The following are the age relaxations for the various categories.
| SSC CGL Age Relaxation | Category |
| 3 years | OBC |
| 5 years | SC/ST |
| 10 years | Physically handicapped( General) |
| 13 years | Physically handicapped (OBC) |
| 15years | Physically handicapped (SC/ST) |
| 3 years | Ex-Servicemen (General) |
| 6 years | Ex-Servicemen (OBC) |
| 8 years | Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) |
| 5 years | Central Govt. Civilian Employees(General- Group B) |
| 8 years | Central Govt. Civilian Employees(OBC-Group B) |
| 10 years | Central Govt. Civilian Employees(SC/ST-Group B) |
| Up to 40 years of age | Central Govt. Civilian Employees(General- Group C) |
| Up to 43 years of age | Central Govt. Civilian Employees(OBC-Group C) |
| Up to 45 years of age | Central Govt. Civilian Employees(SC/ST-Group C) |
| 5 years | Candidates domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir(General) |
| 8 years | Candidates domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir(OBC) |
| 10 years | Candidates domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir(SC/ST) |
| Up to 35 years of age | Widows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and who are not remarried- Group C/ General) |
| Up to 38 years of age | Widows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and who are not remarried- Group C/ OBC) |
| Up to 40 years of age | Widows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and who are not remarried- Group C/ SC & ST) |
| 5 years | Defence Personnel disabled in hostilities- General |
| 8 years | Defence Personnel disabled in hostilities- OBC |
| 10 years | Defence Personnel disabled in hostilities- SC/ST |
4. SSC CGL Physical Standards
Candidates must also meet the physical and medical requirements outlined in the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2025. The physical and medical requirements for various positions are also declared by the authorities in their official notification. Additionally, there are separate physical standards for men and women based on criteria such as height, weight, and chest size. In addition, candidates are eligible for certain exemptions based on the region to which they belong. Check out the chart below for further information on the SSC CGL physical criteria.
| SSC CGL Physical Standards | ||
| Criteria | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Height | 157.5 cms | 152 cms |
| Chest | 81 cm (completely expanded, with a minimum expansion of 5 cm) | – |
| Weight | – | 48 Kgs |
| Exemptions | Garwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and Scheduled Tribe members might have their height relaxed by 5 cm | Height relaxable by 2.5 cmWeight relaxable by 2 Kg. for Gorkhas, Garwalis, Assamese and members of Scheduled Tribes |
Certain physical tests are undertaken in accordance with the SSC CGL Eligibility 2025 to qualify candidates for specific SSC CGL posts. Walking and cycling tests usually serve for this purpose. The table of contents below contains specific information regarding the physical test to be undertaken.
| SSC CGL Physical Test | ||
| Parameters | Duration for Male Candidates | Duration for Female Candidates |
| Walking | 1600 metres in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Cycling | 8 kms. in 30 minutes | 3 km in 25 minutes |
Should You Go for SSC CGL?
SSC CGL remains one of the most popular government job exams in 2025, providing stable employment, decent pay, and career growth within central government departments. However, its true worth depends on an individual’s priorities, tolerance for routine, and long-term goals.
1. Is SSC CGL Worth it in 2025?
The SSC CGL exam continues to attract millions of candidates annually. Benefits include job security, regular work hours, a respectable starting salary (ranging from ₹25,500–81,100 for Level 4 posts up to ₹44,900–1,42,400 for Level 7), and allowances.
The work culture is stable and largely free from performance pressure. However, competition is fierce, promotions can be slow, and the majority of roles involve desk work and administrative tasks. Candidates valuing stability, a predictable routine, and central government perks often find SSC CGL worth pursuing.
2. SSC CGL vs Bank PO vs Private Job
| Feature | SSC CGL | Bank PO | Private Job |
| Work-life | Fixed hours, holidays, less pressure | Higher pressure, transfers, sales targets | Variable, can be strenuous |
| Salary & Perks | ₹25.5k–1.4L/month + allowances | Comparable base salary + perks | Depends on sector, skill, market |
| Growth | Promotions can be slow | Faster but with more stress/relocation | Fast for top roles, unstable |
| Job Nature | Desk/admin, paperwork | Customer service, admin, sales/targets | Technical, creative, varied |
| Stability | Very high | High but with targets & location changes | Depends on company health |
| Mobility | Posting in central govt departments | Transfers frequent | City-centric, more flexible |
SSC CGL offers the highest job stability and predictable life but with routine work and slow promotions. Bank PO is better for those who want a slightly higher starting salary and can manage transfers/targets. Private jobs provide growth, specialization, and income potential in top firms, but with much higher uncertainty and pressure.
3. What if I Don’t Like Accounting or Desk Jobs?
SSC CGL posts are, by their nature, mostly clerical and administrative. Most roles—such as Assistant, Auditor, Inspector (except a few field posts)—involve file work, data processing, and paperwork. Only a handful of posts (like Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, Preventive Officer) may occasionally offer fieldwork, but vacancies are limited and highly contested. For those strictly disliking monotonous, desk-oriented tasks, CGL is not the best fit—exploring dynamic, field, or creative roles in the private sector may prove more fulfilling.
Life After SSC CGL
Life after clearing the SSC CGL exam offers a mix of stable work culture, promotion opportunities, and realistic career growth, though experiences vary by department and post. Many government employees enjoy regular working hours, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM, which provides a good work-life balance; however, the workload can increase during peak periods or with additional responsibilities.
Promotion prospects are generally steady, with opportunities to rise to senior roles, such as Assistant Director or Deputy Director, within 7 to 15 years, depending on performance and departmental needs. Transfers are common, often rotating between urban and rural postings, which require adaptability but also offer exposure to diverse working environments.
While government jobs bring job security and respect, promotions can be slower, and varying postings may affect lifestyle, yet many find fulfillment in the meaningful public service roles they perform.
Some comments from CGL qualifiera and aspirants
“It seems like a good option — stable job, decent pay, and work-life balance.”
“There are literally so many people who have strong backgrounds; having family networth in crores but still they are here working as Group B officers.”
“Delhi based Level 7 jobs give you ₹81015 in hand per month … someone who has no responsibilities back home.”
“I recently found out that after the 8th pay commission, govt jobs may pay more than 1 lakh per month.”
You can practice SSC CGL questions topic-wise to strengthen your concepts, boost accuracy, increase speed, and get exam-ready!