Prayagraj: The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2024 examination, one of the most extensive recruitments conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), has garnered an unprecedented number of applications, the highest in the past seven years. A total of 36,73,453 candidates have applied for recruitment against 17,727 vacancies in various ministries, departments, and offices of the Central Govt. Online applications were accepted from June 24 to July 25.

The exam will be held from Sept 9 to Sept 26. A total of 36,73,453 candidates from across the nation have submitted their applications for positions including Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, Auditor, Sub Inspector CBI, Junior Accountant and others. The number of applicants this year surpasses all records since 2016, when 38 lakh candidates had applied for approximately 10,500 posts .

In 2022, around 35 lakh candidates applied for over 36,000 posts. According to the data obtained through an RTI request, the number of applicants this year is the highest in the past seven years. Compared to the previous year, there has been an increase of 12 lakh candidates.

The Staff Selection Commission will conduct the first stage computer-based examination for CGL from Sept 9 to Sept 26. This examination will be held at 89 centres across 19 cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which fall under the central region. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar consistently witnesses the highest number of candidates applying for SSC r.