Every SSC CGL aspirant wants to know one thing before starting preparation: "What is the safe score to target?" The answer lies in analyzing the SSC CGL previous year cutoffs. By studying cutoff trends, you not only understand the level of competition but also set realistic preparation goals.
In this article, we will break down the SSC CGL cutoff trends, discuss factors affecting them, and explain how you can use this data to build a winning preparation strategy.
What is the SSC CGL Cutoff?
The cutoff is the minimum score required to qualify for the next stage of the exam. SSC releases separate cutoffs for different posts, categories, and tiers.
Tier-I Cutoff
Decides who moves to Tier-II
Tier-II Cutoff
Post-wise and category-wise shortlisting
Final Cutoff
Based on combined marks of all tiers
SSC CGL Previous Year Cutoff (Tier-I) – General Trend
Here's a snapshot of the last few years' Tier-I cutoffs for the General category:
| Year | Cutoff (General) | Trend | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 150–155 | High | Moderate paper, high competition |
| 2022 | 130–135 | Low | Paper was slightly tougher |
| 2021 | 147–153 | High | Similar to 2023 trend |
| 2020 | 147 | Stable | Post-COVID attempt surge |
| 2019 | 147 | Stable | Standard difficulty |
Tier-II Cutoff Trends
Tier-II is the real game-changer because it carries maximum weightage. Some past year highlights:
High Cutoff Posts
- AAO & JSO posts usually have higher cutoff due to specialization
- Cutoffs vary widely between UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories
Cutoff Examples
- In SSC CGL 2022, UR cutoff for most posts was around 510–520 combined marks
- In SSC CGL 2021, it was slightly lower, around 480–490 marks
Factors Affecting SSC CGL Cutoff
Competition Factors
- Number of Applicants – More applicants → Higher cutoff
- Vacancies Released – More vacancies → Lower cutoff
Exam Factors
- Exam Difficulty – Tough paper → Lower cutoff, Easy paper → Higher cutoff
- Normalization Process – Marks are normalized across multiple shifts
How to Use Cutoff Analysis in Preparation
Instead of randomly aiming for high scores, use cutoffs to set practical goals:
Tier-I Strategy
- Always aim for 20–30 marks above the expected cutoff
- If cutoff is 140, target 160–170
Tier-II Strategy
- Focus on strong accuracy in Quant & English
- Set a goal of 550+ combined marks to stay safe
Time Management
- Balance subjects according to weightage
Mock Tests
- Compare your scores with previous year cutoffs to measure readiness
Safe Score to Target for SSC CGL 2025
Based on past data and increasing competition:
Tier-I
Target 160+ marks
Tier-II
Aim for 370–380+ marks
Overall
550–570+ marks for UR candidates
Conclusion
The SSC CGL cutoff analysis proves that while the competition is tough, having a clear score benchmark makes preparation much more effective. Don't prepare blindly—analyze trends, set realistic targets, and stick to your plan.
At Courage Library, we provide topic-wise practice, previous year question analysis, and mock tests to help aspirants stay ahead of cutoff demands.
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Written by Courage Library Experts
SSC preparation specialists with 10+ years of experience
Our team of former SSC toppers and subject matter experts create comprehensive guides to help aspirants achieve their dream government jobs through structured learning and strategic preparation.