NEW DELHI – The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has published the official schedule for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 Examination 2025. This computer-based test is a major event for graduates across India who are looking for opportunities in Central Government roles.
As per the SSC’s notice on 3 September 2025, the Tier 1 exam will run from 12 September to 26 September 2025 across the country, giving candidates a clear timeframe to prepare. The announcement comes as a milestone for those aiming to secure posts in Government ministries and departments.
The SSC CGL is one of the country’s largest recruitment exams, attracting over 20 lakh applicants each year. In 2025, there are 14,582 vacancies in roles like Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Sub-Inspector, and Tax Assistant.
These positions cover departments such as the Income Tax Department, CBI, and CBIC. Jobs offered through the CGL exam are known for stability, good pay, and solid career paths. This helps explain why so many graduates target this selection process to join the Government sector.
Key SSC CGL 2025 Dates and Details
The Tier 1 exam takes place over 15 days, between 12 and 26 September 2025, with one shift each day to keep the process fair and manageable. Exam centres are set up nationwide. Candidates select preferred centres when submitting applications. SSC will release admit cards, which display exam dates, timing, and centre details, by 9 September 2025, about three to four days before the exam. Details about the exam city will be out from 3 September 2025 on ssc.gov.in.
SSC announced the CGL 2025 notification on 9 June 2025. Candidates could apply between 9 June and 4 July 2025. A correction window was open from 9 July to 11 July 2025, allowing applicants to fix errors in their forms. The Tier 2 exam is planned for December 2025, though specific dates are still to be confirmed.
Understanding the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Process
Tier 1 is the first step in a selection process aimed at filling Group B and C positions in central agencies. This stage is a computer-based test and does not contribute marks towards the final merit list. However, passing is mandatory to move forward.
The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, spread across four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each part has 25 questions, making a total of 200 marks. Candidates have one hour to finish, and each wrong answer means a penalty of 0.50 marks.
The Tier 1 syllabus covers a wide range of topics. General Intelligence and Reasoning deals with puzzles, analogies, and coding-decoding. For General Awareness, candidates need to know about current events, history, geography, and science. Quantitative Aptitude checks skills in arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation. English Comprehension looks at reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
How to Prepare and What’s at Stake
This year, nearly 27 lakh candidates are expected to take the test, making competition strong. Experts suggest sticking to a study routine with mock tests and practice papers, and keeping up with news and current affairs.
The SSC will hold the exam in a single shift each day, as stated by the Chairman, to support fairness. Centres are provided within 100 km of most candidates.
The exam was moved from its original dates of 13 August to 30 August 2025, now set for September, due to administrative needs. Technical issues during earlier exams and improved security measures, like Aadhaar authentication, led to this change. Candidates now have extra time to focus on their revision and practice time management.
Why SSC CGL Remains Popular
Clearing the SSC CGL exam gives access to respected government posts, with salaries from ₹25,500 up to ₹1,42,000 a month, depending on role and pay grade. These posts also include benefits like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Travel Allowance. New Group B roles, such as Assistant Audit Officer and Inspector of Income Tax, now come with improved career benefits. For many, passing this exam means stable work, strong financial security, and a chance to serve the country.
Applicants are reminded to check ssc.gov.in often for updates about admit cards, exam city details, and any official changes. Focused study and a clear plan give every candidate a better chance at a rewarding government career through SSC CGL.
