As per the data received this year, 28,15,445 candidates have submitted applications for the SSC CGL Exam 2025 for 14582 vacancies, which is, on average, 193 candidates competing for 1 seat. The Staff Selection Commission Graduate Level Examination 2025 is the largest recruitment exam conducted by SSC every year, giving a chance to lakhs of candidates to fulfil their dreams.
In 2024, the number of applicants who applied and appeared in the exam was the highest when compared to the last 10 years. 34,83,411 candidates applied for SSC CGL 2024 for 18236 vacancies, and only 18,13,060 candidates appeared for the tier 1 exam. Based on the past ratio, it is expected that 13 to 14 lakh candidates will appear for the exam, scheduled from 13th to 30th August 2025.
Last 10 Years Statistics for SSC CGL Exams (Key Trends)
While the candidates’ data is yet to be released for the year 2025, the SSC CGL has consistently remained one of the most competitive government exams in India. Let’s take a look at the last 10 years’ statistics for a clearer picture of trends in vacancies, applicants, and competition levels.
Vacancies: Highest in 2022 (36,012), lowest in 2021 (7,621).
Registered Candidates: Peaked in 2024 (34.83 lakh), lowest in 2021 (19.63 lakh).
Appeared Candidates: Maximum in 2017 (15.43 lakh) among the years where data is available; 2025 data yet to be released.
Competition (Per Seat): Toughest in 2017 (360 candidates per seat), least in 2022 (93 candidates per seat).
Tier 1 Qualified: Highest in 2022 (3.60 lakh), lowest in 2023 (81,752).
The registered vs. appeared gap, observing a 10-year trend, shows a significant dropouts each year.
| Year | Vacancies | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Per Seat Competition |
| 2025 | 14582 | 28,15,445 | — | 193 |
| 2024 | 18236 | 34,83,411 | 18,13,060 | 191 |
| 2023 | 8415 | 24,74,030 | 12,36,202 | 294 |
| 2022 | 36012 | 33,55,194 | 16,16,687 | 93 |
| 2021 | 7621 | 19,63,324 | 7,80,380 | 257 |
| 2020 | 7108 | 22,09,867 | 7,16,408 | 310 |
| 2019 | 8428 | 21,77,843 | 9,79,215 | 258 |
| 2018 | 11105 | 25,97,431 | 8,36,501 | 233 |
| 2017 | 8121 | 29,28,826 | 15,43,962 | 360 |
| 2016 | 10661 | 38.04 lakh | 14.82 lakh | 356 |
