1. Statutory Eligibility Criteria
18 to 32 Years as on crucial date (01 August 2026). Post-specific brackets apply: 18-27 years for Auditor/Tax Assistant; 20-30 years for ASO/Inspector; up to 32 years for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO). Statutory relaxations: OBC-NCL +3 yrs, SC/ST +5 yrs, PwBD +10 to +15 yrs.
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent. For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% Marks in Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level. Final-year students must possess the provisional degree prior to the specified closing date.
Citizen of India, subject of Nepal, subject of Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee settled in India prior to 01-01-1962.
No restriction on the number of attempts within the prescribed age limit.
2. Multi-Stage Selection Framework
Screening examination consisting of 100 questions (200 marks) across 4 sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier-1 score is qualifying in nature for shortlisting candidates for Tier-2.
Mandatory Paper-I conducted in two sessions on the same day: Section-I (Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning, 180 marks), Section-II (English Language + General Awareness, 210 marks), Section-III (Computer Knowledge Module, qualifying, 60 marks), and Section-IV (Data Entry Speed Test / DEST: 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes, qualifying). Separate Paper-II applies for JSO candidates.
Conducted directly by the appointing Ministry / Department upon final merit recommendation by the Commission based on aggregate Tier-2 Paper-I scores.
3. Examination Scheme & Syllabus
Tier-1 features 100 questions of 2 marks each with a 60-minute composite duration. Tier-2 Paper-I is divided into mathematical, reasoning, verbal, general awareness, and computer applications modules.
| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-1: General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | Composite 60 Mins | 0.50 marks |
| Tier-1: General Awareness | 25 | 50 | Composite 60 Mins | 0.50 marks |
| Tier-1: Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | Composite 60 Mins | 0.50 marks |
| Tier-1: English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | Composite 60 Mins | 0.50 marks |
| Tier-2 Paper-I Sec-I: Math + Reasoning | 60 | 180 | 60 Mins | 1.00 mark (1/3rd) |
| Tier-2 Paper-I Sec-II: English + GA | 70 | 210 | 60 Mins | 1.00 mark (1/3rd) |
| Tier-2 Paper-I Sec-III: Computer Module | 20 | 60 | 15 Mins | 1.00 mark (Qualifying) |
4. 7th CPC Pay Scale & Career Growth
Pay Level 4 (₹25,500) to Pay Level 8 (₹47,600) under the 7th CPC Matrix
Starting Basic & In-Hand Range:₹25,500 (Tax Assistant/LDC) to ₹47,600 (Assistant Audit Officer) (Estimated in-hand: ₹38,000 to ₹86,000 per month depending on Pay Level and City Classification (X/Y/Z))
- Entry: Assistant Section Officer / Inspector of Central Tax (Level 7, Basic ₹44,900)
- First Promotion (5-8 Yrs): Section Officer / Superintendent of Central Tax (Level 8 / 9)
- Second Promotion (12-15 Yrs): Under Secretary / Assistant Commissioner (Level 11)
- Senior Cadre: Deputy Secretary / Joint Commissioner (Level 12 / 13)
5. Frequently Asked Questions (Combined Graduate Level (CGL))
Is Tier-1 marks counted in the final merit list of SSC CGL?
No. As per the revised examination scheme introduced by the Staff Selection Commission, Tier-1 is purely qualifying in nature. Final merit ranking and post allocation are based strictly on aggregate performance in Paper-I of Tier-2 examination.
Is there sectional timing in SSC CGL Tier-1?
No. Tier-1 provides a composite duration of 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD scribe candidates) during which the candidate can freely switch between Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness.
Is typing (DEST) compulsory for all posts in SSC CGL?
Yes. The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is mandatory for all posts in SSC CGL under Tier-2 Paper-I. Candidates must achieve approximately 27 words per minute (2000 key depressions in 15 minutes) with error percentages within permissible category thresholds.
What is the in-hand salary of an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Delhi?
An ASO in Level 7 (Basic ₹44,900) posted in New Delhi (Class X city) receives an approximate in-hand monthly salary of ₹76,500 to ₹78,800 post 10% NPS deduction, assuming 50% Dearness Allowance and 30% HRA.
Can final-year graduation students apply for SSC CGL?
Candidates appearing in their final year can apply provided they acquire the essential educational qualification (degree result declared) on or before the crucial closing date specified in the official notification.