SSC CGL eligibility: qualification
You need a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university by the cut-off date. A few posts (like Junior Statistical Officer) need specific subjects such as Mathematics at 12th or a degree with Statistics, but the large majority accept any graduate.
Final-year students can usually apply provisionally, as long as the degree is completed before the document-verification stage.
SSC CGL eligibility: age limit & relaxation
Different posts carry different bands — broadly 18–27, 18–30 or 20–30 years for the general category. Add your category relaxation on top:
- OBC: +3 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- PwD: +10 years (more when combined with OBC/SC/ST)
- Ex-servicemen: as per service rules
Are there attempt limits in SSC CGL?
Unlike UPSC, SSC CGL has no fixed number-of-attempts limit — you can appear as many times as you like while you remain within the age limit. That makes your effective ceiling your relaxed upper age, not a count of tries.
Quick SSC CGL eligibility self-check
- Are you an Indian citizen (or eligible Nepal/Bhutan/specified category)?
- Will you hold a graduation degree by the cut-off date?
- Is your age within the post band after category relaxation?
- Do you meet any post-specific physical or subject requirement?
SSC CGL eligibility: nationality and identity
Beyond degree and age, SSC CGL eligibility requires you to be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention to settle. Most applicants are simply Indian citizens.
Your name, date of birth and category must match your official records (marksheet, Aadhaar, caste certificate). A mismatch is the single most common reason an otherwise-eligible candidate is rejected at document verification.
Post-wise differences within SSC CGL eligibility
SSC CGL fills many posts under one exam, and a few carry extra conditions on top of the common SSC CGL eligibility:
- Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer: the highest-grade posts, with desirable qualifications like CA/CS/MBA noted in some years.
- Junior Statistical Officer: needs at least 60% in Maths at 12th, or a degree with Statistics as a subject.
- Posts with physical standards: a few investigative posts specify height, chest and walking/cycling tests.
- Most other posts: any graduate within the age band qualifies.
Confirm your SSC CGL eligibility before the form closes
SSC CGL notifications stay open for only a few weeks, so settle your SSC CGL eligibility early. Verify your graduation status, calculate your age on the cut-off date with relaxation, and keep your category and identity documents ready in the right format.
If all three gates — degree, age and nationality — are clear, do not second-guess yourself: apply, because SSC CGL eligibility has no attempt limit and every year you skip is a chance lost.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an attempt limit for SSC CGL?
No. SSC CGL has no cap on attempts; you can apply every year until you cross the upper age limit for the post, including category relaxation.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, usually on a provisional basis, provided the degree is completed and proof is available before document verification.
Does SSC CGL have a minimum percentage in graduation?
No, a simple pass degree is enough for most posts. Only specific posts such as Junior Statistical Officer mention a subject or percentage condition.
Official source: Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Always verify exact details on the official notification.