The Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) is one of the most sought-after examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in India. It offers a wide range of opportunities to candidates aspiring for government jobs in various ministries, departments, and organizations. Below is a comprehensive guide to the CGL 2025 exam, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, category-wise seats, fees, and exam centers.
Exam Details
- Exam Name: Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL), 2025
- Conducting Authority: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Level of Exam: National
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Stages of Examination: Tier I, Tier II
- Job Type: Central Government Jobs
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: To be announced
- Starting Date of Online Application: To be announced
- Last Date for Receipt of Applications: To be announced
- Date of Tier I Examination: To be announced
- Date of Tier II Examination: To be announced
- Duration of Examination: 60 Minutes (Tier I) | 2 Hours (Tier II)
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Essential: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Desirable: Additional qualifications for specific posts (e.g., Statistics Officer requires a degree in Statistics or related subjects).
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: Varies by post (generally 27, 30, or 32 years)
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PWD: 10 years (additional relaxation for reserved categories)
Nationality
- Indian citizens or candidates meeting the criteria set for certain countries (as per SSC guidelines).
Category-Wise Seats
Tentative Seat Distribution:
| Category | Seats (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General | 15,000 |
| OBC | 8,000 |
| SC | 5,000 |
| ST | 2,500 |
| EWS | 2,000 |
Note: Exact seat distribution will be available in the official notification.
Exam Fees
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
- SC/ST/PWD/Ex-Servicemen: No Fee
- Female Candidates: Exempted
- Mode of Payment: Online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or offline through SBI Challan.
Exam Pattern
Tier I (Objective, Computer-Based Test)
| Section | Questions | Marks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Tier II (Subject-Specific, CBT)
| Paper | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Quantitative Abilities | 200 |
| Paper 2 | English Language & Comprehension | 200 |
| Paper 3 (if applicable) | Statistics | 200 |
Negative Marking
- Tier I: 0.50 for each wrong answer.
- Tier II: 1 mark for each wrong answer.
Syllabus
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Topics:
- Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding
- Puzzle solving, Matrix, Word formation
- Blood relations, Syllogism, Venn diagrams
- Direction and Distance, Missing numbers
General Awareness
- Topics:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- History, Geography, Polity
- Economics, General Science, Environment
- Awards, Books & Authors, Important Dates
Quantitative Aptitude
- Topics:
- Number Systems, Simplification, HCF, LCM
- Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit and Loss, Time & Distance, Work & Time
English Language and Comprehension
- Topics:
- Vocabulary, Grammar, Synonyms, Antonyms
- Sentence correction, Para jumbles
- Reading comprehension, Idioms & Phrases
- Cloze Test, Active/Passive voice
Statistics (if applicable)
- Topics:
- Probability, Random Variables
- Sampling Theory, Hypothesis Testing
- Time Series Analysis, Index Numbers
Exam Centers
SSC ensures exam centers across India for the convenience of candidates. The choice of center can be made during the application process. Below is the tentative list:
| State/Union Territory | Cities |
|---|---|
| Delhi | New Delhi |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Allahabad |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru, Mysuru |
| West Bengal | Kolkata, Siliguri |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Surat |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur, Jodhpur |
How to Apply
- Visit the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in).
- Complete the one-time registration.
- Fill out the application form for CGL 2025.
- Upload scanned photographs and signatures.
- Pay the exam fee and submit the application.
Preparation Tips
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Practice previous year question papers.
- Focus on time management during practice.
- Enroll in a reliable coaching center or online course if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2025?
- The age limit varies by post, generally between 18 and 32 years.
- Is there any negative marking in SSC CGL?
- Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks in Tier I and 1 mark in Tier II.
- How to download the admit card for SSC CGL 2025?
- Admit cards can be downloaded from the official SSC regional websites.
- What is the last date for SSC CGL application?
- The last date will be announced in the official notification.
- How many vacancies are expected in SSC CGL 2025?
- Approximately 32,500 vacancies are expected across various categories.
