What is the full form of CGL?

Introduction

Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination is one of the most popular competitive exams conducted by the SSC in India. Every year, the CGL exam draws thousands of candidates from all around India. Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV make up the exam's four stages.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the CGL examination conducted by the SSC are as follows −

• Nationality − The applicant must be a Tibetan refugee who entered India prior to January 1, 1962 with the intention of settling permanently there, an Indian citizen, a Nepalese or Bhutanese subject, or a member of one of those three groups

• Age Limit − The applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 32. However, there are varied age restrictions for different positions, and candidates from restricted groups are eligible for an age relaxation in accordance with government regulations.

• Educational Qualification − The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from a reputable college or university.

• Physical Fitness − The candidate must meet the physical standards prescribed for the particular post

• Other Requirements − The candidate must fulfill other requirements specified by the SSC, such as nationality, domicile, and category, as per the notification.

Applicants must carefully study the SSC's official notification to verify the specific qualifying requirements for each position.

Exam Pattern

The exam pattern for the CGL exam conducted by the SSC consists of four stages −

Tier 1 - Computer-Based Test

• No. of questions − 100 MCQs.

• Total marksv 200, with each question carrying 2 marks.

• Durationv 60 minutes.

• Subjects coveredv General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

• Negative marking − 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

Tier 2 - Computer-Based Test

• Two papers − Paper 1 and Paper 2.

• Paper 1 − Quantitative aptitude and 100 MCQs.

• Paper 2 − English Language and Comprehension and 200 multiple choice questions.

• Total marks − 400, with each question carrying 2 marks.

• Duration for each paper: 2 hours.

• Negative marking − 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

Tier 3 - Descriptive Paper:

• The exam is a descriptive paper that tests candidates' writing skills in English or Hindi.

• Total marks − 100.

• Duration − 60 minutes.

Tier 4 - Skill Test

• The test consists of a computer competency test and a data entering speed test.

• The exam is qualifying in nature and does not carry any marks.

• Duration − varies depending on the specific skill test.

Syllabus

Here is a quick summary of the syllabus for each stage −

Tier 1

• General Intelligence and Reasoning − Analogies, similarities, and differences, space visualization, spatial orientation, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, coding and decoding, syllogistic reasoning, etc.

• General Awareness − Current affairs, Indian history, world history, Indian polity, Indian and world geography, economics, environmental studies, basic science, art and culture, etc.

• Quantitative Aptitude − Whole numbers, decimals, fractions and relationships between numbers, percentage, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership business, time and distance, time and work, basic algebraic identities of school algebra and elementary surds, graph of linear equations, triangle, congruence and similarity of triangles, circles and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles, etc.

• English Comprehension − Spotting the error, fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, spelling/detecting misspelled words, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, improvement of sentences, active/passive voice of verbs, conversion into direct/indirect narration, etc.

Tier 2

• Paper 1 − Quantitative Aptitude − Same as Tier 1 syllabus

• Paper 2 − English Language and Comprehension − Same as Tier 1 syllabus.

Tier 3

• The examination is a descriptive essay that gauges the students' ability to write in Hindi or English.

• Applicants must prepare a letter or application of 150–200 words and a 200–250 word essay.

Tier 4

• The exam is a skill test that combines a computer competence test and a data entering speed test.

How to Prepare

The following advice will assist you in getting ready for the SSC's CGL exam −

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus.

• Create a realistic study plan that includes all the topics in the syllabus.

• Regular practice is essential for success in any competitive exam.

• Use good study materials.

• Solve previous year's papers and analyze your performance to identify areas that need improvement.

• Stay updated with the latest news and events happening around the world.

Salary and Benefits

Here is a general overview of the salary and benefits for CGL jobs −

• Basic Pay − The basic pay for CGL jobs ranges from Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 44,900 per month, depending on the pay scale associated with the job.

• Dearness Allowance − A cost-of-living adjustment benefit, the Dearness Allowance is based on a percentage of basic wage. It is currently set at 17%.

• House Rent Allowance − The House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided to employees to help them with their housing expenses. The HRA is calculated based on the city in which the employee is posted and can range from 8% to 24% of the basic pay.

• Transport Allowance − The Transport Allowance is provided to employees to cover their transportation expenses.

• Medical Allowance − Some CGL jobs also provide a medical allowance to employees to cover their medical expenses

• Pension − Employees in CGL jobs are eligible for a pension after they retire.

• Leave − Employees in CGL jobs are entitled to various types of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave.

• Insurance − Some CGL jobs also provide insurance coverage to employees

Conclusion

The SSC's CGL exam is extremely difficult and demands thorough planning and perseverance to pass. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, creating a study plan, practicing, and staying updated with current affairs are some of the key factors that can help you succeed in the exam. With the right preparation and focus, you can succeed in the CGL exam and secure a rewarding career in the government sector.

FAQs

Q1. Can I appear for the CGL exam in Hindi?

Ans: Yes, you can appear for the CGL exam in Hindi. The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi.

Q2. Can candidates apply for multiple posts under the CGL exam?

Ans: Yes, candidates can apply for multiple posts under the CGL exam. However, they need to apply separately for each post.

Q3. What is the application fee for the CGL exam?

Ans: The application fee for the CGL exam is Rs. 100 for general category candidates. Candidates belonging to reserved categories and female candidates are exempt from paying the application fee.