The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a very important organization. It holds recruitment for various posts in the different Ministries and Departments of the Government of India as well as Subordinate Offices. Job security, benefits, and prestige are the reasons why many people want to work for SSC. This guide will give you a detailed understanding of SSC jobs such as what type of exams are conducted, who can apply, how candidates are selected, and what benefits they get after getting hired.
Types of SSC Exams
1. SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination:
Purpose: Recruitment to various Group B and C posts.
Key Posts: Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Preventive Officer, Examiner in Customs, Sub-Inspector in Central Bureau of Narcotics, and more.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit: Generally ranges from 18 to 32 years, depending on the post.
2. SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination:
Purpose: Recruitment to posts like Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant, and Sorting Assistant.
Eligibility: Must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Age Limit: Typically 18 to 27 years.
3. SSC Junior Engineer (JE) Examination:
Purpose: Recruitment of Junior Engineers in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Quantity Surveying & Contracts.
Eligibility: Degree or Diploma in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
Age Limit: Generally up to 32 years.
4. SSC Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Examination:
Purpose: Recruitment to various non-technical posts.
Eligibility: Matriculation or equivalent from a recognized board.
Age Limit: Typically 18 to 25 years.
5. SSC Central Police Organization (CPO) Examination:
Purpose: Recruitment of Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police, CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), and Assistant Sub-Inspectors in CISF (Central Industrial Security Force).
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit: 20 to 25 years.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for SSC exams typically include:
1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962.
2. Age Limit: Varies according to the specific post and category of the candidate (relaxation in age limits is available for reserved categories).
3. Educational Qualification: This varies from matriculation to a bachelor’s degree, depending on the specific exam and post.
Selection Process
The selection process for SSC exams generally involves multiple tiers:
1. Tier I: Preliminary Examination – Objective-type computer-based test (CBT) covering topics like General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
2. Tier II: Main Examination – Paper II varies depending on the specific exam. For SSC CGL, it includes Quantitative Abilities, English Language and Comprehension, Statistics, and General Studies (Finance and Economics).
3. Tier III: Descriptive Paper – This is a pen-and-paper mode exam where candidates are required to write essays, letters, applications, etc. It tests the candidate’s writing skills in English/Hindi.
4. Tier IV: Skill Test/Typing Test – Depending on the post, this stage tests the candidate’s practical skills, like a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), or a typing test.
5. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): For posts like Sub-Inspector in CAPFs, physical tests are conducted to assess the physical fitness of candidates.
Benefits of SSC Jobs
1. Job Security: Government jobs provide a high level of job security compared to private sector jobs.
2. Attractive Salary and Benefits: SSC jobs offer competitive salaries along with various allowances like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Travel Allowance. Employees also benefit from pension schemes, medical facilities, and other perks.
3. Work-Life Balance: SSC jobs often provide a good work-life balance with fixed working hours, leave benefits, and holidays.
4. Career Growth: There are numerous opportunities for career advancement through departmental exams and promotions based on performance and seniority.
5. Prestige and Social Status: Working for the government comes with a certain level of prestige and respect in society.