Recruitment Exam · central

SSC CGL Tier 2

Introduction

*Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier II) — a central recruitment stage for Group B and Group C posts after Tier 1.*

SSC CGL Tier 2 is the mains-level stage of the Combined Graduate Level recruitment process conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. It is used to shortlist candidates for Group B and Group C central government posts such as Assistant, Inspector, Accountant, and Auditor.

This stage comes after Tier 1 and before skill tests, typing tests, and document verification. For many candidates, Tier 2 is the decisive step in final selection.

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Conducting body
Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Scope
Central
Region
All India
Department
Various central ministries and departments
Frequency
Annual
Latest notification
https://ssc.gov.in
Apply portal
https://ssc.gov.in
Exam level
Graduate-level central recruitment exam
Mode
Online computer-based test
Selection stage
Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Skill/Typing Test → Document Verification
Posts covered
Assistant, Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, and other Group B/C roles
Language/scope
All India
Application fee
₹100 for General/OBC; exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/women
Minimum qualification
Graduate in any discipline for most posts
Reservation
Vertical and horizontal reservation as per Government of India rules
Tier 1
Screening stage
Tier 2
Main merit stage for most posts
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Quick Facts

  • Exam level: Graduate-level central recruitment exam
  • Mode: Online computer-based test
  • Selection stage: Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Skill/Typing Test → Document Verification
  • Posts covered: Assistant, Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, and other Group B/C roles
  • Language/scope: All India
  • Application fee: ₹100 for General/OBC; exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/women
  • Minimum qualification: Graduate in any discipline for most posts
  • Reservation: Vertical and horizontal reservation as per Government of India rules

What is SSC CGL Tier 2?

SSC CGL Tier 2 is the second major examination stage in the SSC CGL recruitment process. It assesses deeper subject knowledge and aptitude compared to Tier 1.

Role of each stage

  • Tier 1: Screening stage
  • Tier 2: Main merit stage for most posts
  • Skill/Typing Test: Required for applicable posts and for final eligibility in some roles
  • Document Verification: Final verification before appointment

Posts offered

SSC CGL Tier 2 leads to recruitment in Group B and Group C posts across central ministries, departments, and organizations. Common roles include:

  • Assistant
  • Inspector
  • Auditor
  • Accountant

Important Dates & Exam Cycle History

SSC CGL is conducted every year. The exact dates are announced in the official notification on SSC’s website.

Typical exam cycle

1. Notification release

2. Online application

3. Tier 1 examination

4. Tier 2 examination

5. Skill test / typing test, where applicable

6. Document verification

7. Final result and allocation

Previous exam cycle timeline

CycleNotification DateExam Date(s)Result Date
2025Jun 2025Tier1 Aug 2025, Tier2 Dec 20252026
2024Jun 2024Tier2 Dec 20242025
2023Apr 2023Tier2 Oct 20232024
2022Sep 2022Tier2 Mar 20232023
2021Dec 2021Tier2 Aug 20222023

Eligibility Criteria

Educational qualification

  • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required for most posts.
  • Some posts require specific subject backgrounds such as Statistics or Accounting/Finance.

Age limit

  • General age range: 18 to 32 years
  • Age relaxations: Applicable as per Government of India rules

Age relaxation table

CategoryRelaxation
OBC3 years
SC5 years
ST5 years

Nationality

  • Candidate must be an Indian citizen.

Post-specific eligibility notes

Some posts under SSC CGL require additional academic qualifications:

  • Statistics-related posts: Require Statistics in graduation or equivalent eligibility as notified
  • Finance/Accounts-related posts: Require finance/accounting-related eligibility as specified in the official notification

Reservation

SSC CGL follows Government of India reservation policy.

Vertical reservation

CategoryReservation
General50.5%
OBC27%
SC15%
ST7.5%
EWS10%

Horizontal reservation

  • PwBD
  • Ex-servicemen

Exam Pattern

Selection structure

  • Tier 1: Qualifying/screening stage
  • Tier 2 Paper I: Main paper for most posts
  • Tier 2 Paper II: Statistics paper for JSO posts
  • Tier 2 Paper III: Finance & Accounts paper for AAO posts
  • Skill test/typing test: For applicable posts
  • Document verification: Final stage

Tier 2 paper-wise pattern

StagePapersMarksDurationNegative Marking
Tier 2 Paper IMaths, Reasoning, English, GK3902h 15m1 mark per wrong answer; 2 marks in Maths
Tier 2 Paper IIStatistics (JSO)2002h1 mark per wrong answer
Tier 2 Paper IIIFinance & Accounts (AAO)2002h1 mark per wrong answer

Applicability of papers

  • Paper I: Required for most CGL posts
  • Paper II: For Junior Statistical Officer posts
  • Paper III: For Assistant Audit Officer posts

Importance of Tier 2

Tier 2 is the primary merit-making stage for SSC CGL. Performance here is crucial for final ranking and post allocation.

Syllabus

Tier 2 Paper I

  • Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, data interpretation
  • Reasoning: Analogy, classification, coding-decoding, series, syllogism, puzzles
  • English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement, error spotting
  • General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, polity, geography, economy, science, static GK
  • Computer awareness: Basic computer concepts and digital literacy where applicable

Tier 2 Paper II

  • Statistics: Collection of data, classification, presentation
  • Measures of central tendency and dispersion
  • Probability
  • Correlation and regression
  • Sampling theory
  • Statistical inference
  • Time series and index numbers

Tier 2 Paper III

  • Finance: Financial management, budgeting, accounting principles
  • Accounts: Bookkeeping, journals, ledgers, final accounts
  • Basic economics and public finance
  • Cost accounting basics
  • Audit and financial administration concepts

Selection Process

The SSC CGL Tier 2 selection process works as follows:

1. Tier 1

  • Screening stage

2. Tier 2

  • Main exam stage
  • Paper selection depends on the post

3. Skill test / typing test

  • Conducted for applicable posts

4. Document verification

  • Original documents are checked

5. Final merit

  • Prepared after normalization and post-wise rules

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the official SSC portal.

Application steps

1. Register on the SSC portal

2. Fill in the online application form

3. Upload required details and documents

4. Pay the application fee, if applicable

5. Submit the form and save the confirmation copy

Documents typically required

  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Signature
  • Educational qualification details
  • Identity proof
  • Category certificate, if applicable
  • PwBD certificate, if applicable
  • Other documents as specified in the notification

Application Fee

  • General / OBC: ₹100
  • SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Exempted

Vacancies

YearTotal Posts
202517,000+
202417,727
20237,500+
202220,000+
20217,035

Common post names

  • Assistant
  • Inspector
  • Auditor
  • Accountant

Salary, Pay Level & Allowances

SSC CGL posts are placed in Pay Level 4 to 7.

  • Pay range: ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100
  • Allowances: Dearness Allowance and other admissible government allowances
  • In-hand salary range: ₹35,000 to ₹70,000 per month

Career compensation overview

The salary package improves with promotion, grade progression, and government allowances. Many SSC CGL posts also offer stable service conditions and long-term career growth.

Cutoff

SSC CGL Tier 2 cutoffs are normalized and vary by category, post, and vacancy position.

Recent cutoff trend

  • General category cutoff: 290–310 out of 390

Preparation

A focused 6 to 9 month plan works well for most candidates.

3-month plan

  • Revise core formulas and grammar rules
  • Practice previous year papers
  • Focus on speed and accuracy

6-month plan

  • Build subject-wise basics
  • Solve sectional tests
  • Start full-length mock tests
  • Revise GK regularly

9-month plan

  • Strengthen every subject from the foundation
  • Use mock tests as primary preparation tools
  • Maintain weekly revision and error analysis

Subject-wise tips

  • Quant: Master arithmetic and DI
  • Reasoning: Practice common patterns daily
  • English: Read regularly and revise grammar
  • GK: Use static GK plus current affairs notes
  • Statistics/Finance: Focus on concept clarity and formula revision

Books & Study Resources

Recommended books

  • R.S. Aggarwal for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning
  • S.P. Bakshi for English
  • Kiran previous year papers for practice

Useful resources

  • Previous year papers
  • Mock tests
  • SSC official notification and syllabus on https://ssc.gov.in

Career Path

After joining through SSC CGL, candidates may progress through promotion and departmental hierarchy depending on the post and department.

Example growth path

  • Assistant
  • Section Officer
  • Under Secretary

Official Sources

FAQs

1. What is SSC CGL Tier 2?

SSC CGL Tier 2 is the main examination stage of the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level recruitment process for Group B and Group C posts.

2. Who conducts the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam?

The exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

3. Is SSC CGL Tier 2 the final stage of selection?

No. It is followed by skill test or typing test, where applicable, and then document verification.

4. What posts can be filled through SSC CGL Tier 2?

Posts such as Assistant, Inspector, Auditor, and Accountant can be filled through SSC CGL Tier 2.

5. What is the educational qualification for SSC CGL Tier 2?

A graduate degree in any discipline is required for most posts.

6. What is the age limit for SSC CGL Tier 2?

The usual age range is 18 to 32 years, depending on the post.

7. Are there age relaxations for reserved categories in SSC CGL?

Yes. OBC candidates get 3 years, and SC/ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation.

8. What is the exam pattern of SSC CGL Tier 2?

Tier 2 has Paper I for most posts, Paper II for Statistics-related posts, and Paper III for Finance and Accounts-related posts.

9. What subjects are included in Tier 2 Paper I?

Mathematics, Reasoning, English, and General Knowledge are included in Paper I.

10. Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 2?

Yes. Negative marking applies in Tier 2 papers.

11. What is the syllabus for SSC CGL Tier 2?

The syllabus includes Quant, Reasoning, English, GK, Statistics, Finance, and Accounts.

12. Is Tier 2 compulsory for all SSC CGL candidates?

Tier 2 Paper I is compulsory for most candidates, while Paper II and Paper III apply only to specific posts.

13. What is the difference between Tier 2 Paper II and Paper III?

Paper II is for Statistics and Paper III is for Finance and Accounts.

14. Which posts require Statistics in SSC CGL Tier 2?

Junior Statistical Officer posts require Statistics in Tier 2.

15. Which posts require Finance and Accounts in SSC CGL Tier 2?

Assistant Audit Officer posts require Finance and Accounts in Tier 2.

16. What is the fee to apply for SSC CGL?

The application fee is ₹100 for General and OBC candidates.

17. Are women and reserved-category candidates exempt from the fee?

Yes. SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates are exempted from the fee.

18. What is the salary after SSC CGL Tier 2 selection?

The salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 in Pay Levels 4 to 7, along with government allowances.

19. What is the selection process after Tier 2?

The next steps are skill test or typing test, where applicable, followed by document verification and final merit preparation.

20. Where can I find the official SSC CGL notification and application portal?

Both are available on the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in

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