How many attempts in SSC CGL? Complete Guide

“How many attempts are allowed in SSC CGL?” is one of the most commonly asked questions by SSC CGL aspirants. The good news is that there is no restriction on the number of attempts for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination by the Staff Selection Commission, unlike many other competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services or CDS.

The number of attempts a candidate gets is indirectly determined by the age limit for the post they are applying for and their category (general, OBC, SC/ST, PwD, etc.). The age limit for the post they are applying for and the category they belong to indirectly determines the number of attempts a candidate gets.

How many attempts in SSC CGL?

There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts in SSC CGL. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, as long as they are within the eligible age limit for their respective post and category.

SSC CGL Attempts (Post-wise)

The age limit for SSC CGL 2026 is different for each post, and so is the number of attempts. For the general category candidates, the maximum attempt for each post is tabulated below.

Age Group	Posts	Maximum Attempts (General)
18 to 27 years	Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC)	~9 attempts
18 to 30 years	Inspector (CGST), Sub-Inspector (CBI/NIA), Auditor, Accountant	~12 attempts
20 to 30 years	Inspector (Central Excise), Preventive Officer	~10 attempts
18 to 32 years	Assistant Audit Officer (AAO), Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)	~14 attempts

How to Calculate Your SSC CGL Attempts?

Candidates can calculate their number of attempts by following the methods below-

Check the age limit for the post you are applying.
Verify the age relaxation for your category ( OBC: +3, SC/ST: +5, PwD: +10, etc. ) and factor it in to the upper age limit.
Note the cut-off date as mentioned in the notification (usually 1st August of the exam year). * Your age is calculated as of this date.
So, deduct your present age (as on the cut-off date) from the effective upper age limit to know the remaining years of eligibility. So, deduct your present age (as on the cut-off date) from the effective upper age limit to know the remaining years of eligibility.
As the SSC CGL is conducted approximately once a year, the remaining years of eligibility are approximately the number of attempts left.

Example:

For a general category candidate of 22 years applying for the sub-inspector post (CBI), the age limit is 18 to 30 years. The number of attempts are-

Maximum Age Required – Candidates’s Age (as of cut off date)

Then age limit for SI posts for 22 year candidate is: 30-22 = 8 attempts

FAQs

How is age calculate for SSC CGL Eligibility

Age is calculated as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official SSC CGL notification. This date is typically 1st August of the recruitment year.

Is there any limit on SSC CGL Attempts?

No. The Staff Selection Commission does not impose any upper limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for SSC CGL. Candidates can attempt the exam every year as long as they are within the eligible age bracket for the post on the cut-off date specified in the notification.