In this guide
Every cycle, some candidates clear Tier 1 and Tier 2 of SSC CGL, only to discover at document verification that they were never eligible for the post they wanted — their degree was completed after the cut-off date, their age was a few days over the limit, or they did not meet the height requirement for a field post. It is a heartbreaking way to lose a job. The fix is simple: read the eligibility rules carefully before you apply.
Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India, or belong to certain other categories specified in the notification (such as subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, subject to conditions). Most candidates simply need to be Indian citizens.
Educational qualifications
| Post | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Most posts | A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor's degree with at least 60% in Mathematics at Class 12, or a degree with Statistics as a subject |
| Statistical Investigator | Degree with Statistics as a subject (details vary) |
| Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer | Bachelor's degree; some professional qualifications (such as CA, CMA, CS, MBA in finance, or M.Com) are listed as desirable |
Final-year students
Candidates in their final year can usually apply, but they must complete the degree by a cut-off date specified in the notification. Missing that date — for example, because results are delayed — can make you ineligible even after selection.
Age limits
Age limits vary by post. Commonly seen ranges include:
| Age range | Typical posts |
|---|---|
| 18–27 years | Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, UDC and several others |
| 18–30 years | Many Inspector posts, AAO, AEO and others |
| 20–30 years | Assistant Section Officer (CSS), Sub-Inspector (CBI) and some others |
| 18–32 years | Junior Statistical Officer and some others |
Age is calculated as on a cut-off date fixed in the notification (in recent cycles, 1 August of the exam year). A candidate born one day too early is ineligible, however strong the score.
Age relaxation
| Category | Typical relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities | 10 years (more for SC/ST and OBC PwBD) |
| Ex-servicemen | As per rules (service period plus 3 years, conditions apply) |
| Others | Certain government employees, widows and divorced women (for some posts) and others, as specified |
EWS candidates generally receive reservation but no age relaxation.
Physical and medical standards
Several posts involve field work, enforcement or investigation and have physical requirements.
| Post type | Indicative requirements |
|---|---|
| Inspector (Central GST, Customs, Narcotics) and similar | Minimum height for men and women; for men, walking 1,600 metres in 15 minutes and cycling 8 km in 30 minutes; lighter tests for women |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI) | Minimum height and chest measurements for men; height for women; eyesight standards |
| Sub-Inspector (NIA) and some others | Physical and medical standards as notified |
Attempts
There is no limit on the number of attempts for SSC CGL, as long as you are within the age limit for a post.
Documents to keep ready
- Class 10 certificate (proof of date of birth).
- Degree certificate and marksheets (and proof of completion by the cut-off date).
- Category certificate in the prescribed central government format, valid as on the specified date.
- PwBD certificate, ex-servicemen documents, if applicable.
- Photo ID.
Category certificates are a common problem: a state-format OBC certificate, or one not showing non-creamy-layer status for the right financial year, can lead to your being treated as unreserved.
An eligibility checklist before you apply
- My degree will be complete by the cut-off date.
- I meet the special qualification for JSO, Statistical Investigator or AAO, if I want those posts.
- I have checked my age for each post I want, as on the cut-off date.
- My category certificate is in the central format and valid for the required date.
- I meet the physical standards for any field posts I plan to prefer.
- My name and date of birth match across all documents.
Practice
- What is the typical educational requirement for most SSC CGL posts?
- What extra qualification is needed for JSO?
- How much age relaxation do OBC candidates usually get?
- Is there a limit on the number of attempts?
- Why must final-year students check the degree cut-off date?
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Staff Selection Commission website .
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