The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) declared the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination results on December 6, 2024. While students eagerly awaited the results, many were puzzled and concerned over a significant rise in cutoff marks across all categories, even with an increase in vacancies. Here’s a detailed analysis of the situation and why it has raised questions.
It is similar to how the NEET 2024 results were strategically released on the same day as the Lok Sabha election results, seemingly to divert attention and prevent scrutiny of alleged irregularities. Likewise, SSC has followed a similar pattern by releasing the 2025-26 exam calendar immediately after announcing the results, potentially to shift focus and keep candidates preoccupied, avoiding questions about the fairness of the process.
Cutoff Analysis for the Last Three Years
The cutoff trends for the SSC CGL over the past three years show a remarkable increase, particularly for the unreserved (UR) category:
| Year | Vacancies | UR Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36,012 | 114.28 |
| 2023 | 8,415 | 150.05 |
| 2024 | 17,727 | 153.19 |
From the data, it is clear that:
- Vacancies increased to 17,727 in 2024, more than double compared to 2023 (8,415), yet the cutoff also rose to 153.19, the highest in the past three years.
- This trend is contrary to the expectation that higher vacancies generally lead to a lower cutoff, as more candidates are accommodated.
Category-wise Cutoffs for 2024
Here’s a comparison of the cutoff marks across various categories for the last three years:
| Category | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 89.09 | 126.68 | 126.46 |
| ST | 77.58 | 118.17 | 111.89 |
| OBC | 114.28 | 145.94 | 146.26 |
| EWS | 102.35 | 143.44 | 142.02 |
| UR | 114.28 | 150.05 | 153.19 |
While some categories, such as SC and ST, saw a slight drop in cutoffs from 2023 to 2024, most others experienced consistent increases, with UR and OBC categories standing out.
Unanswered Questions
The higher cutoffs, despite increased vacancies, have left candidates and educators questioning the fairness and transparency of the process. Here are some key points of concern:
- Sequential Shortlisting from Specific Centers:
Reports indicate that multiple roll numbers in sequence, particularly from the same centers, have been shortlisted for the mains examination. This raises doubts about the selection process and potential irregularities. - Lack of Clarity in Normalization Process:
SSC uses a normalization process to ensure fairness in exams conducted across multiple shifts. However, the lack of transparency in how these scores are calculated leaves candidates with little understanding of their actual performance. - The Timing of the 2025 Calendar Release:
Shortly after announcing the results, SSC released its 2025 examination calendar. This move appears to divert attention toward future preparations, possibly to avoid scrutiny and criticism of the current results.
Impact on Students
The consistent rise in cutoffs has put immense pressure on students preparing for competitive exams like SSC CGL. With the bar set higher each year, students are investing more time, money, and energy into their preparation, often at the cost of their mental health and well-being.
Despite their hard work, many feel disheartened by the lack of transparency and accountability in the selection process.
कुछ तो गड़बड़ है !
— Abhinay Maths (@abhinaymaths) December 7, 2024
Cgl 2024 के result में इतने HIGH CUT-OFF का क्या कारण हो सकता है !
●बच्चो के MSG परेशान कर देने वाले हैं #CGL #cgl2024 #ssccgl2024 #cut_off #scam?
Ssc cgl scam
— Anand Pandey (@AnandPande32494) December 7, 2024
Tcs जवाब दो #TCS #SSCCGL2024 #SSC_SCAM pic.twitter.com/03n7rzbYFg
SSC declared results on Dec 6:
— Vijay Upadhayay (@UpadhayayaVijay) December 7, 2024
20,000 posts this year vs. 8,000 last year
Cutoff significantly higher (150+) despite increased vacancies
Multiple sequential roll numbers shortlisted from the same center
Students are working hard, but what’s happening behind the scenes?#SSC_SCAM
Call to Action
It’s time for the concerns of students to be addressed. Prominent educators, coaching institutes, and stakeholders in this space must raise these issues to higher levels to ensure fairness and justice for candidates. The following measures could help:
- Transparent Normalization Process: Clear and detailed information about how normalization works should be shared with candidates.
- Independent Review of the Process: A third-party audit of the selection process could help ensure fairness.
- Fairer Representation Across Centers: Steps should be taken to avoid the clustering of selected candidates from specific centers.
Conclusion
The SSC CGL examination is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in India, offering candidates a chance to secure prestigious government jobs. However, the current situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. Only then can the aspirations of millions of hardworking students truly be respected and rewarded.