SSC CGL salary 2025: post-wise pay levels and in-hand
SSC CGL salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹47,600 starting basic by post. Pay levels, post lists and in-hand estimates from the official 2025 notification.
SSC CGL salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹47,600 in starting basic pay, depending on the post you are allotted. The SSC CGL 2025 notification groups every post into five pay levels, from Pay Level-4 (₹25,500-81,100) up to Pay Level-8 (₹47,600-1,51,100), and your exact salary depends on which level your post sits in, your city category, and the allowances in force when you join. This guide lists every level with its posts, straight from the official notification, and shows what the numbers mean for your monthly in-hand.
Based on the official SSC CGL 2025 notification (Staff Selection Commission, notice dated 09.06.2025).
SSC CGL salary at a glance
| Pay level | Pay range (basic) | Group | Example posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level-8 | ₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100 | B (Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) | Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer |
| Level-7 | ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400 | B | Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, ASO in MEA, Sub-Inspector (CBI) |
| Level-6 | ₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400 | B | Assistant in ministries and departments |
| Level-5 | ₹29,200 - ₹92,300 | C | Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant |
| Level-4 | ₹25,500 - ₹81,100 | C | Postal Assistant, Upper Division Clerk, Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC) |
Pay Level-8 posts (₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100)
These are the highest-paying posts SSC CGL offers, all in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department under the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG):
- Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) - Group "B" Gazetted (Non-Ministerial), age limit 18-30 years
- Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) - Group "B" Gazetted (Non-Ministerial), 18-30 years
- Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) - Group "B" Gazetted (Non-Ministerial), 18-30 years
The AAO is the only CGL post with Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) status in the notification.
Pay Level-7 posts (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400)
Level-7 has the widest spread of posts, including the famous inspector and ASO jobs:
- Assistant Section Officer - Central Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of External Affairs, AFHQ, Ministry of Electronics and IT
- Assistant / Assistant Section Officer - other ministries and departments
- Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT)
- Inspector (Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer), Inspector (Examiner) - all CBIC
- Assistant Enforcement Officer, Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
- Sub-Inspector, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Inspector Posts, Department of Posts
- Inspector, Central Bureau of Narcotics
Age limits vary here: ASO in CSS, Railways, MEA and AFHQ asks for 20-30 years, while most inspector posts allow 18-30.
Pay Level-6, Level-5 and Level-4 posts
Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400): Assistant in other ministries, departments and organisations, Group "B", age 18-30.
Pay Level-5 (₹29,200 - ₹92,300): Auditor in offices under C&AG, CGDA and other ministries; Accountant under C&AG and the Controller General of Accounts; Accountant/Junior Accountant in other departments. All Group "C", age 18-27.
Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 - ₹81,100): Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (Department of Posts), Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerk (central government offices), Senior Administrative Assistant (Military Engineering Services), Tax Assistant (CBDT and CBIC), and Sub-Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics). All Group "C", age 18-27.
What your in-hand salary actually looks like
Your monthly salary is basic pay plus allowances minus deductions. The main components:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): a percentage of basic pay, revised twice a year by the government. Check the current rate when you calculate - it changes every January and July.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): depends on your posting city's category (X, Y or Z class). Metro postings pay the most.
- Transport Allowance (TA): a fixed monthly amount, higher in cities.
- Deductions: NPS contribution (10% of basic + DA), income tax, and small items like CGHS and CGEGIS.
As a rough frame, a Level-7 post like Income Tax Inspector in an X-class city starts around ₹70,000-80,000 gross per month at current allowance rates, while a Level-4 post like Tax Assistant starts around ₹40,000-45,000 gross. Treat these as estimates - the exact figure depends on the DA rate, city and your NPS deduction in the month you join. Verify current figures before relying on them.
Which post should you prefer?
Preference order matters: the Commission allots posts on merit-cum-preference, and once a post is allotted it will not be changed. A few practical pointers:
- Want the highest salary and status? Put AAO first - it is the only Gazetted post.
- Want a desk job in Delhi? ASO in CSS or MEA fits.
- Want field work with power? Inspectors in CBDT/CBIC and the ED offer that.
- Want the lowest competition pressure at entry? Level-4 and Level-5 posts like Tax Assistant and Auditor usually close at lower marks.
How to check your exact salary before joining
Once you know your allotted post and city, calculate your salary like this: start with the level's entry basic pay from the table above, add DA at the current rate, add HRA for your city class and TA, then subtract 10% NPS and estimated income tax. The Cheatcode in-hand salary calculator does this math for you in seconds.
Preparing for the exam itself? Read our SSC CGL syllabus breakdown for the tier-wise subjects and pattern, and keep track of openings on our government jobs page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest salary in SSC CGL?
The Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) post at Pay Level-8, with basic pay from ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100. It is also the only Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) post in CGL.
What is the starting salary of an Income Tax Inspector?
Income Tax Inspector is a Pay Level-7 post with basic pay starting at ₹44,900. With DA, HRA and TA, gross monthly pay in a metro typically starts around ₹70,000-80,000 at current rates.
Is SSC CGL salary same for all posts?
No. Posts are split across five pay levels (Level-4 to Level-8), so starting basic pay ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹47,600 depending on the post you are allotted.
Does SSC CGL salary increase every year?
Yes. You get an annual increment within your pay level, and DA is revised every January and July. Promotions move you to higher pay levels over time.
What is the salary of a Tax Assistant through SSC CGL?
Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC) is a Pay Level-4 post with basic pay of ₹25,500-81,100, and gross monthly pay typically starting around ₹40,000-45,000 at current allowance rates.
Sources
- SSC CGL 2025 official notification, Staff Selection Commission - post-wise pay levels, classifications and age limits
- Staff Selection Commission - notices and updates
