SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Post, Role, Salary, Eligibility

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is set to release the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Section Officers (ASO) for Group ‘B’ posts in various central government ministries and departments through the SSC CGL Notification 2025 on June 9, 2025. While the exact number of vacancies has not yet been announced, candidates aspiring for this post must fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria to apply.

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Overview

The position of Assistant Section Officer in the SSC CGL Exam 2025 is highly sought after among aspirants. Below is an SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Overview, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, salary structure, job profile, and career growth.

SSC CGL ASO Full Form

The term ASO refers to Assistant Section Officer, a highly sought-after position offered through the SSC CGL Exam 2025. It is one of the prestigious Group B posts in various central government ministries and departments. Knowing the competitive nature of the recruitment process, where thousands of aspirants vie for limited vacancies, it becomes essential for candidates to have a thorough understanding of the SSC CGL ASO Job Profile, responsibilities, and career prospects to prepare effectively and make informed career choices.

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Job Profile

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer is responsible for various tasks and jobs, including file completion, generation of reports, routine notations, drafting documents, and communication circulation to the higher authorities. Other than this, the SSC CGL ASO Job Profile also includes the following jobs such as:

1. Assistant Section Officers play a major role in drafting, reviewing, and tracking the implementation of various government policies. They support senior officers by preparing briefs, compiling data, and ensuring that policy decisions are executed in a timely and efficient manner.
2. Assistant Section Officers act as a key interface between the Parliament and the Central Secretariat. Their responsibilities include managing parliamentary questions, processing assurances given by ministers, and coordinating matters related to government bills and legislative procedures.

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Career Growth

Upon joining as an Assistant Section Officer (ASO), candidates typically become eligible for their first promotion after completing 5-6 years of service, subject to qualifying for the departmental exams. The SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Career Growth follows a structured path, with timelines varying based on performance, availability of vacancies, and departmental policies:

1. Section Officer to Under Secretary: Generally achieved within 6-8 years of promotion as Section Officer.
2. Under Secretary to Deputy Secretary: Advancement occurs over the next 8-10 years.
3. Deputy Secretary to Director: Further promotion may take an additional 8-10 years, depending on seniority and merit.

Annual Package for SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officers are entitled to an attractive salary structure along with a host of additional benefits. The monthly salary for an ASO ranges between ₹44,900 and ₹1,42,400, aligning with Pay Level 7 under the 7th Central Pay Commission. This translates to an approximate annual income of ₹5.38 lakh to ₹17.14 lakh, depending on location, allowances, and seniority. The combination of a respectable pay scale, job stability, and scope for growth makes the ASO post through the SSC CGL Exam 2025 highly appealing to aspirants across the country.

Also Read: SSC CGL Income Tax Inspector Salary

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Salary

Following the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, the SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Salary post falls under Pay Level 7. The revised pay scale is structured as:

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Allowances

Other than a competitive salary, the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) position under SSC CGL is accompanied by several perks and allowances, which remain largely uniform across ministries and departments. These allowances significantly enhance the overall compensation package and include:

1. House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on city classification
2. Dearness Allowance (DA): Linked to inflation rates, revised periodically
3. Transport Allowance (TA): For daily commuting expenses
4. Medical Facilities: Comprehensive coverage for employees and dependents
5. Paid Leaves: Includes earned leave, casual leave, and medical leave
6. Pension and Retirement Benefits: Under the National Pension System (NPS)

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Eligibility Criteria

To be SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Eligibility Criteria post through the SSC CGL Exam 2025, candidates must satisfy certain criteria as outlined by the Staff Selection Commission. These include:

Assistant Section Officer Age Limit

Candidates applying for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) post through the SSC CGL Exam 2025 must satisfy the age limit outlined in the official notification. The minimum age limit generally ranges between 18 to 20 years, depending on the specific department, while the maximum age is 30 years. It is important for aspirants to review the department-wise age requirements carefully, as variations exist based on the ministry or organization in which the ASO position is offered.

Assistant Section Officer Age Relaxation

The table below outlines the Assistant Section Officer Age Relaxation for candidates belonging to various reserved categories, as per government norms:

Assistant Section Officer Educational Qualification

According to the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria, candidates aiming for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) role must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification. Moreover, students who are in the final year of their graduation are also permitted to apply, provided they meet the educational requirements before the prescribed cut-off date specified in the official notification.

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Selection Process

The SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Selection Process post under SSC CGL 2025 comprises a two-tier Computer-Based Test (CBT), Tier 1 and Tier 2, followed by a document verification stage. There is no interview involved in the recruitment process. Final selection is made based on the candidate’s performance in both CBT stages, preferences filled during the application, and overall merit. Successful verification of documents and medical fitness clearance is mandatory for the final appointment.

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Syllabus

The SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Syllabus is structured into two tiers. 

1. Tier 1 comprises four key sections: Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness, designed to assess a candidate’s foundational aptitude and knowledge. 
2. Tier 2 includes subjects similar to Tier 1 with greater complexity and depth, and additionally tests candidates on computer proficiency. This section evaluates practical skills essential for clerical and administrative roles, such as word processing, spreadsheet handling, and basic internet usage.

SSC CGL Assistant Section Officer Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL ASO Exam 2025 consists of two tiers. 

1. Tier 1 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) carrying 200 marks, covering four sections: Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness. 
2. Tier 2 includes Paper I, which revisits the Tier 1 subjects at an advanced level, along with a Computer Proficiency Test and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST). All papers are objective-type multiple-choice questions. 
3. There is no separate exam exclusively for the ASO post; selection depends on candidates’ overall performance in Tier 2 and successful document verification.