CGL Full Form

CGL Stands for Combined Graduate Level. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in India holds a competitive exam to choose applicants for a variety of non-gazetted positions in various government agencies and organizations. Applying Candidate with having Bachelor’s degree in his academics is eligible to give the SSC CGL Exam. The exam is being conducted in 4 different Tiers or Levels. After qualifying for this exam or level, the candidate is offered various government posts like Assistant Audit Officer, Tax Assistant, and more.

History of CGL

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which was founded in the late 1970s to conduct recruitment exams for numerous non-gazetted government positions, is where the history of the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) test begins. The first CGL exam was given in 1977, and ever since then, it has been conducted yearly. The CGL exam was once divided into two parts: a written test and an oral test called a viva voce.

The present three-tier examination system was created as a result of the 1997 replacement of the viva voce test with a descriptive paper.

In terms of the content, format, and grading system, the CGL exam has experienced numerous changes over time. In 2010, the SSC CGL Exam was conducted online mode for the first time, and now it is still conducted online mode.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) changed the CGL exam’s format in 2016 and added a Tier-IV exam, which is a skill test for select positions. Many candidates apply for the SSC CGL Posts, and due to this CGL exam is also considered one of the most difficult exams in India. 

Features of CGL

Below are some of the Key Features of the SSC CGL exam:

1. Exam Structure: There are 4 different levels of the CGL examination: Tier 1 (Computerized Exam), Tier 2 (Computerized Exam), Tier 3 (Subjective paper), and Tier 4 (Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)/Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)). Each tier includes a unique set of topics and is made to assess the candidate’s knowledge and abilities in various fields. General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, and Statistics are among the topics included in the CGL exam’s syllabus (for Tier II).
2. Exam Pattern: Multiple-choice questions are used in the CGL examination, which is taken online. Each tier’s examination lasts for a different amount of time, and the overall score is 200. 
3. Negative Marking: Each incorrect answer receives a negative marking of 0.25 points in Tier II and 0.5 points in Tier I.
4. Cut Off: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) determines the cut-off scores for the CGL examination based on the number of openings, the number of applicants, and the level of difficulty of the exam. 

Eligibility Criteria of CGL

The eligibility criteria of SSC CGL include below parameters:

1. Age Limit: The candidate appearing for this examination must be a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 32 years.
2. Educational Qualification: The candidate should be at least a Bachelor’s Holder so that he can be eligible to give the SSC CGL exam.
3. Nationality: The candidate should be an Indian Citizen. Proof should be submitted before appearing for the exam.
4. Physical Standards: SSC CGL has some Physical Standards. For Male Candidates, the Height should be greater than 157.5 cm, and the Chest should be 81cm (fully expanded with a minimum expansion of 5 cm). For Female Candidates, Height should be greater than 152 cm, Weight should be a minimum of 48kgs.
5. Number of Attempts: There is no restriction on the maximum number of attempts for the SSC CGL. It depends on the age group of the candidate. For example, If a candidate is trying to get a post of inspector and he has started appearing from age of 21 yrs, he can give the exams till he reaches the age of 30 years. So ultimately, the number of attempts gets restricted to 9. 
6. Citizenship: The candidate must be a refugee from Tibet or a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan. 

CGL Posts

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination recruits the candidate for various Posts after qualifying for the examination. The candidates are being posted to various Government departments and organizations. Below is the list of SSC CGL Posts.

1. Assistant Audit Officer
2. Assistant Accounts Officer
3. Assistant Section Officer
4. Income Tax Inspector
5. Central Excise Inspector
6. Preventive Officer
7. Assistant Enforcement Officer
8. Sub-Inspector in Central Bureau of Investigation
9. Statistical Investigator Gr. II
10. Inspector of Posts
11. Divisional Accountant
12. Junior Statistical Officer
13. Tax Assistant 

CGL Responsibilities

The SSC CGL responsibilities are been differentiated according to the Post offered to the candidate after successful completion of the examination. Below are some of the responsibilities of an SSC CGL candidate.

1. Assistant Audit Officer: Conducting audits and maintaining compliance with laws and regulations are among the duties of an assistant audit officer’s position. They are also in charge of spotting instances of fraud and financial misconduct.
2. Assistant Accounts Officer: Maintaining financial records and creating budgets for various government agencies and organizations are the duties of an assistant accounts officer.
3. Assistant Section Officer: Administrative and clerical tasks like letter writing, file maintenance, and report preparation are part of the job description.
4. Income Tax Inspector: Conducting tax audits, confirming tax returns, and assuring conformity with tax rules and regulations are all duties of an income tax inspector.
5. Central Excise Inspector: Enforcement of excise and customs legislation, revenue collection, and smuggling prevention are all duties of a central excise inspector.

CGL Exam Pattern & Selection Process

SSC CGL Exam is being conducted in 4 different Tiers that are discussed below: 

Tier 1: Computerized Exam

• The exam has 100 objective questions.
• The exam has a maximum score of 200.
• The exam will last for 60 minutes.
• Four sections are used to ask the questions: English comprehension, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Intelligence and Reasoning
• For each incorrect response, 0.5 marks are deducted.

Tier 2: Computerized Exam

• The test comprises four papers that are MCQ based.
• 200 is the maximum mark for each paper.
• Each exam paper has a 120-minute time limit.
• Quantitative Abilities Paper 1 is in English Language and Comprehension, Paper 2 is in Statistics, Paper 3 is only for certain posts, and General Studies, and finally Paper 4 is in Finance and Economics (only for specific posts).
• For Papers 1, 2, and 4, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks, and for Paper 3, it is 0.50 marks.

Tier 3: Descriptive Exam with Pen and Paper

• This subjective exam contains writing an essay or letter in either English or Hindi language.
• 100 is the maximum mark for the test.
• The exam will last for 60 minutes.

Tier 4: Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)/Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

• This tier is only for specific posts of SSC CGL.
• The purpose of the exam is to test the candidate’s competency with computer applications and data entry speed. 

Career Aspiration of CGL:

SSC CGL offers candidates the door to work with various government departments and organizations. Below we have discussed some of the Career aspirations of SSC CGL so that candidates can have a positive perspective toward the exam.

1. Wish to be a high-ranking officer: By putting in a lot of effort, accumulating experience, and passing departmental tests, candidates can achieve their goal of working in government departments and organizations as high-ranking officers.
2. Seeking promotions and career advancement: Applicants can work towards promotions and professional progression by showcasing their ability, accepting more responsibility, and furthering their education.
3. Long-term job security: Long-term employment stability is a key consideration for many candidates, and government jobs provide this. Those who take the SSC CGL exam can expect a secure career and the chance to help the nation develop and thrive.

Achievements of CGL:

1. Consistent hiring: Since the CGL examination’s establishment, it has continuously been held each year, giving graduates a regular opportunity to work in the public sector.
2. Large-scale hiring: The CGL exam is one of India’s biggest hiring processes, drawing a sizable number of candidates each year.
3. Transparent selection procedure: The CGL examination uses a transparent selection procedure that comprises several levels of testing and document verification to make sure that only the most qualified applicants are chosen.
4. Career advancement: The CGL exam offers applicants a stepping stone to advance in their careers within the public sector.
5. Professional development: Through the CGL examination’s many phases, applicants have the chance to advance their professional knowledge and abilities. 
6. Diversity representation: The CGL exam gives individuals from all backgrounds and locations a chance to apply, representing the diversity of the Indian people.
7. Fairness: Regardless of a candidate’s background or location, the CGL exam is made to be equitable to all applicants, providing a level playing field for all.
8. Public service: The CGL test allows applicants to work in the public sector and advance their nation. 

Advantages of CGL:

1. Job security: Candidates who pass the CGL examination are given this benefit since they are selected for positions in the government that are renowned for their stability and long-term possibilities.
2. Competitive compensation: Candidates who pass the CGL exam are given an appealing benefits package, including a competitive wage, which appeals to recent graduates just starting their careers.
3. Career advancement: The CGL exam offers applicants a stepping stone for advancing in their government sector professions.
4. Professional development: Through the CGL examination’s many phases, applicants have the chance to advance their professional knowledge and abilities.
5. Job satisfaction: The CGL examination gives applicants the chance to contribute to the nation’s growth on a public level, which can be a source of work fulfillment.
6. Social recognition: Those who pass the CGL exam are appointed to prestigious posts in the government sector, which can be a source of status and social recognition.
7. Various employment choices: Various employment choices are available to applicants who pass the CGL exam, including Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Tax Assistant, and others. 

Conclusion:

In Conclusion, SSC CGL is the exam in India that offers various government job opportunities to aspirants so that they can work with government organizations. The exam consists of various Eligibility Criteria and Exam is been divided into 4 different stages. According to the score in these 4 different levels, the candidate is been offered the responsibility in terms of various posts. Ultimately, SSC CGL is one of the best exams for candidates who wish to work in the government sector and dream of the development of the country.

FAQs:

Q 1: What does CGL stand for?

CGL stands for Combined Graduate Level.

Q 2: What is the purpose of the CGL examination?

The purpose of the CGL examination is to recruit candidates for various non-gazetted posts in various government departments and organizations.

Q 3: Who is eligible to appear for the CGL examination?

Candidates who have completed their graduation from a recognized university are eligible to appear for the CGL examination.

Q 4: How many stages are there in the CGL examination?

There are three stages in the CGL examination: Tier I (preliminary), Tier II (mains), and Tier III (descriptive paper).

Q 5: What is the duration of the CGL examination?

The duration of the CGL examination varies for each tier. Tier I is of 60 minutes, Tier II is of 2 hours for each paper and Tier III is of 60 minutes.