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How Many Attempts are Allowed for SSC CGL Exam?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
If you are wondering how many attempts for SSC CGL you can take, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions that arise in the mind of SSC CGL aspirants especially when they are just a beginner. Candidates who want to crack the exam should be aware of the SSC CGL attempt limit so, they can map out their strategy efficiently.
If you are also wondering about the maximum attempts allowed by the Staff Selection Commission for appearing for the SSC CGL exam, then this article is for you. In this article, we will address the question and explain the number of attempts in SSC CGL for each category and other eligibility criteria that are required to be fulfilled by the candidates for applying for the exam.
Table of content
How Many Attempts are Allowed for SSC CGL Exam?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the SSC CGL exam. Candidates can appear for the SSC Combined Graduate Level exam as long as they wish to provided they fulfill the age limit criteria and the educational criteria announced by the Staff Selection Commission through the SSC CGL recruitment notification.
The total SSC CGL attempts vary from candidate to candidate depending upon the permissible age limit according to their category. Candidates, who belong to the reserved category, are provided relaxation in the upper age limit. Therefore the SSC CGL attempt limit is different for different candidates belonging to different categories.
SSC CGL Age Limit Criteria
For particular posts, the Commission has specified the age limit under SSC CGL Eligibility. In general, applicants must be at least 18 years old and not older than 32. This range varies from post to post, though, and the table below shows that there are some age relaxations permitted for various categories.
Department |
SSC CGL Age Limit |
Posts |
CSS |
20-30 years |
|
Intelligence Bureau |
Not exceeding 30 Years |
Assistant Section Officer |
Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue |
Up to 30 years |
|
M/o of Statistics & Prog. Implementation |
Up to 32 years |
Junior Statistical Officer |
NIA |
Up to 30 years |
|
CBI |
20-30 years |
Sub Inspector |
Narcotics |
18-25 years |
Sub Inspector |
CBEC |
20-27 years |
Tax Assistant |
Other departments |
18-27 years |
All other posts |
SSC CGL Age Relaxation
As mentioned earlier, candidates belonging to the reserved categories are entities to have relaxation in the upper age limit. Check the table given below to know the category-wise SSC CGL age relaxation norms that candidates have to adhere to. Check out the age relaxation norms below:
Category |
Years |
OBC |
3 years |
SC/ST |
5 years |
Physically Handicapped (PH) |
10 years |
PH + OBC |
13 years |
PH + SC/ST |
15 years |
Based on the age limit criteria and age relaxation specified by the SSC we can check the number of attempts for the different category students. Let’s check How many attempts are allowed for SSC CGL for general category students, and how many attempts are allowed for SSC CGL for OBC and for other categories.
Also, check:
How Many Attempts for SSC CGL for General Category Candidates?
For general category applicants, the SSC CGL age limit is generally 18 to 27 years, which makes the number of attempts for SSC CGL for general category candidates to be around 9 attempts. As SSC CGL is conducted once a year.
How Many Attempts for SSC CGL for OBC Category Candidates?
For candidates belonging to the OBC category, the SSC CGL age limit is generally 18 to 30 years as they get 3 years of relaxation in the upper age limit. Considering the age relaxation, the number of attempts for SSC CGL for OBC category candidates can be taken as 11 attempts. This can be different for different posts having different age limits.
In conclusion, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for SSC CGL. It is important for candidates to thoroughly understand the guidelines set by the Staff Selection Commission and plan their attempts accordingly. With proper SSC CGL preparation, dedication, and determination, candidates can make the most of their attempts and crack SSC CGL in first attempt! You are advised to attempt the SSC CGL Mock test to target your weak areas.