The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts various competitive examinations for recruitment to various posts in the central government ministries, departments, and organizations. Among these, the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) and the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examinations are two of the most popular and sought-after exams in India.

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level)

1. Purpose: The SSC CGL exam is conducted to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in government departments and ministries, such as:
   • Assistant Audit Officer
   • Assistant Section Officer
   • Junior Statistical Officer
   • Inspector of Income Tax
   • Tax Assistant
   • Central Excise Inspector
   • Sub-Inspector in Central Bureau of Narcotics, etc.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline.
   • Age Limit: The age limit varies for different posts, generally ranging from 18 to 30 years. There are age relaxations for reserved categories (SC/ST, OBC, PwD, etc.).
3. Exam Structure: The SSC CGL examination consists of four tiers:
   1. Tier I: Computer-Based Examination (CBT) with multiple-choice questions.
   2. Tier II: Computer-Based Examination (CBT) focusing on advanced topics and specific sections.
   3. Tier III: Descriptive paper in English or Hindi (essay, letter, application writing).
   4. Tier IV: Skill Test/Document Verification (specific to some posts).
4. Exam Pattern:
   • Tier I:
     • Total Questions: 100 questions
     • Duration: 60 minutes
     • Sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension.
     • Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 2 marks, and there is a negative marking of 0.50 for each wrong answer.
   • Tier II:
     • Total Questions: 200 questions (varies by paper)
     • Duration: 120 minutes
     • Sections: Quantitative Abilities, English Language and Comprehension, Statistics (for certain posts).
     • Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 2 marks; negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers in Quantitative Abilities.
5. Syllabus:
   • General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, similarities, spatial visualization, problem-solving, and judgment.
   • General Awareness: Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economic awareness, and culture.
   • Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, percentage, ratio and proportion, mensuration, geometry, and data interpretation.
   • English Comprehension: Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and understanding the context.
6. Selection Process:
   • Candidates are selected based on their performance in Tier I and Tier II exams. A merit list is prepared, and those who qualify Tier III are further called for document verification and skill tests.

SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)

1. Purpose: The SSC CHSL exam is conducted to recruit candidates for various posts in different ministries and departments of the government at the higher secondary level. Commonly recruited positions include:
   • Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
   • Data Entry Operator (DEO)
   • Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant
   • Court Clerk, etc.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
   • Age Limit: Generally, the age limit is between 18 to 27 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
3. Exam Structure: The SSC CHSL examination typically includes:
   1. Tier I: Computer-Based Examination (CBT).
   2. Tier II: Descriptive paper (pen and paper-based).
   3. Tier III: Skill Test/Typing Test (for specific posts).
4. Exam Pattern:
   • Tier I:
     • Total Questions: 100 questions
     • Duration: 60 minutes
     • Sections: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language.
     • Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 2 marks, and there is a negative marking of 0.50 for each wrong answer.
   • Tier II:
     • Format: Descriptive exam for writing an essay, letter, or application.
     • Duration: 60 minutes.
     • Marking Scheme: Marks are awarded based on content, grammar, and structure.
5. Syllabus:
   • General Intelligence: Similar reasoning and problem-solving questions as in CGL.
   • General Awareness: Current events, history, geography, political awareness, and general science.
   • Quantitative Aptitude: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
   • English Language: Vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
6. Selection Process:
   • The final selection is based on the combined scores of Tier I and Tier II exams. Candidates qualifying Tier II may have to appear for a Skill Test or Typing Test as required for specific posts.

Important Points for Both Exams:

• Application Process: Candidates need to apply online through the official SSC website during the recruitment notification period. There is usually an application fee, with relaxations for reserved categories.
• Admit Card: Admit cards for the respective tiers are released prior to the exam dates and are available for download on the official SSC website.
• Results: Results for each tier are announced on the official website, and candidates need to check for cut-off marks for selection.

Preparation Tips:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the structure and syllabus of both CGL and CHSL.
2. Regular Practice: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation and improve time management.
3. Stay Updated: Read newspapers and magazines to stay updated on current affairs for the General Awareness section.
4. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on your weaker subjects, whether it’s Quantitative Aptitude or English.