State PSCGroup A & B239 Vacancies⚠️ Mains: 6–9 June 2026
CGPSC State Service Exam 2026
The Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) conducts the State Service Examination to recruit Group A & B officers including Deputy Collectors, DSPs, and Naib Tehsildars. Prelims are complete — Mains are now scheduled for 6–9 June 2026.
Vacancies 2025-26
239 Posts
Mains Exam Date
6–9 June 2026
Group A Salary
₹56,100/month
Min. Qualification
Any Graduate
⚠️
Mains Exam Date Postponed
CGPSC SSE Mains 2025-26 has been rescheduled from 16–19 May 2026 to 6–9 June 2026. Mains admit card is expected in the last week of May 2026. Check psc.cg.gov.in for the latest official updates.
1What is CGPSC State Service Exam 2026?
The CGPSC State Service Examination (SSE) is Chhattisgarh's most prestigious state-level civil services exam, equivalent to UPSC at the state level. Established after Chhattisgarh became a separate state in 2000, CGPSC operates under Articles 315–323 of the Indian Constitution and is the primary gateway to the administrative backbone of state governance.
The 2025-26 cycle has announced 239 vacancies for coveted posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, Naib Tehsildar, Commercial Tax Officer and several other Group A and Group B positions across Chhattisgarh's administrative and enforcement departments.
The three-stage selection process — Prelims (22 Feb 2026, completed), Mains (6–9 June 2026), and Interview — tests general knowledge, writing ability, analytical skills, and personality. This is a truly transformative career opportunity for graduates aspiring to serve Chhattisgarh.
Conducting Body
Chhattisgarh PSC (CGPSC)
Official Website
psc.cg.gov.in
Level
State Level
Selection Stages
Prelims + Mains + Interview
Frequency
Annual
Mode
Offline (Pen & Paper)
2Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CGPSC SSE 2025 Notification Released | 26 November 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Online Application Opens | 1 December 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Prelims Admit Card Released | February 2026 | ✅ Done |
| ✅ Prelims Exam Conducted (Paper I & II) | 22 February 2026 | ✅ Done |
| ✅ Prelims Result Declared | 25 March 2026 | ✅ Done |
| ⚠️ Mains Exam (Postponed from 16–19 May) | 6–9 June 2026 (Rescheduled) | 📅 Active |
| Mains Admit Card | Last week of May 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| Mains Result | August–September 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| Interview / Personality Test | October–November 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| Final Merit List & Appointment | December 2026 / Early 2027 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
3Eligibility Criteria 2026
🎓Educational Qualification
- • Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognised university
- • Degree must be completed by the application deadline
- • Final year students are generally not eligible (confirm from notification)
📋Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2025)
- • General (Non-CG Domicile): 21–30 years
- • General / OBC (CG Domicile): 21–35 years
- • SC / ST (CG Domicile): 21–40 years
- • PwBD: Additional 10 years relaxation
🪪Nationality
- • Indian citizen
- • Chhattisgarh domicile candidates get age & reservation benefits
- • Some posts have Chhattisgarh domicile as mandatory criterion
📋Other Criteria
- • No limit on number of attempts
- • Some posts (DSP, Police Services) have physical fitness standards
- • Good moral character and no criminal record required
💡 Domicile Advantage: Chhattisgarh domicile candidates have a significant advantage — up to 5 extra years in age limit and access to reserved category seats. Ensure you have a valid Chhattisgarh domicile certificate before applying.
4Posts & Vacancies 2025-26
| Group | Post Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | Deputy Collector / SDM | Level 12 | ₹56,100 |
| Group A | Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | Level 12 | ₹56,100 |
| Group A | State Finance Service Officer | Level 12 | ₹56,100 |
| Group A | Assistant Director (Various Depts.) | Level 11 | ₹44,900 |
| Group A | Commercial Tax Officer | Level 11 | ₹44,900 |
| Group A | District Excise Officer | Level 10 | ₹38,100 |
| Group B | Naib Tehsildar | Level 8 | ₹35,400 |
| Group B | State Tax Inspector | Level 7 | ₹28,700 |
| Group B | Employment Officer | Level 7 | ₹28,700 |
| Group B | Labour Officer | Level 7 | ₹28,700 |
| Group B | Assistant Jail Superintendent | Level 6 | ₹25,300 |
| Group B | Excise Sub-Inspector | Level 6 | ₹25,300 |
* Exact post-wise vacancy breakdowns are in the official notification PDF at psc.cg.gov.in. Total vacancies for 2025-26 cycle: 239.
Historical Vacancy Trend
| Cycle | Vacancies | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|---|
| CGPSC SSE 2021 | 170 | 2021 | 2022 |
| CGPSC SSE 2022 | 246 | Feb 2023 | Jun 2023 |
| CGPSC SSE 2023 | 246 | Feb 2024 | Jun 2025 |
| CGPSC SSE 2025-26 (Current) | 239 | 22 Feb 2026 (Done) | 6–9 Jun 2026 |
5Exam Pattern 2026
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Completed – 22 Feb 2026)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Merit Deciding |
| Paper II – Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Qualifying Only |
💡 Key Rule: Paper II (CSAT/Aptitude) is qualifying only — its marks are NOT counted in the Mains shortlist. Only Paper I (GS) marks decide who gets called for Mains. Minimum 33% in each paper required (23% for reserved categories). Negative marking: −1/3 per wrong answer.
Stage 2: Main Examination (6–9 June 2026)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Language (Hindi & English) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Essay (National & CG Issues) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 3 | General Studies I (History, Culture, Geography) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 4 | General Studies II (Constitution, Polity, Governance) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 5 | General Studies III (Economy, Agriculture, Science) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 6 | General Studies IV (Ethics, Aptitude, Case Studies) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 7 | General Studies V (Chhattisgarh Specific) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total Mains Marks | 1,400 | ||
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
Candidates who qualify Mains are called for the Interview (Personality Test) conducted by CGPSC. It carries 100 marks and assesses overall personality, communication, decision-making ability, awareness of current affairs, and suitability for public service.
Final Merit = Mains (1,400) + Interview (100) = 1,500 marks. Prelims marks are NOT counted in the final merit list.
6Detailed Syllabus 2026
🇮🇳 General Studies – Paper I (National)
- ›Indian History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern; Freedom Movement
- ›Indian & World Geography – Physical, Human, Economic, CG Geography
- ›Indian Polity & Constitution – Features, Amendments, SC/HC, Elections
- ›Indian Economy – Planning, Budget, Poverty, Agriculture, Industry
- ›General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Basics)
- ›Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity, Climate Change, Disasters
- ›Current Affairs – National & International (Last 12 months)
- ›Awards, Sports, Important Persons & Places
🌾 Chhattisgarh Specific GK (Heavy Weightage in Prelims & Mains GS V)
- ›History of Chhattisgarh & Freedom Movement contribution
- ›CG Geography – Rivers, Forests, Minerals, Climate, Dams
- ›CG Culture – Tribes (Gond, Baiga, Halba), Festivals, Folk Art, Music
- ›CG Economy – Agriculture, Forest produce, Industries, Minerals
- ›CG Administrative Structure – Divisions, Panchayati Raj
- ›CG Current Affairs – State government schemes & policies
- ›Literature, Language, Proverbs & Idioms of Chhattisgarh
- ›CG Sports, Awards & Personalities
📊 Aptitude Test / CSAT – Paper II (Qualifying)
- ›Reading Comprehension (English & Hindi passages)
- ›Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- ›Data Interpretation – Tables, Graphs, Charts
- ›Decision Making & Problem Solving
- ›Basic Numeracy – Number System, Percentage, Ratio
- ›Mental Ability & General Mental Ability Tests
- ›Communication Skills in Hindi (Chhattisgarhi component)
✍️ Mains – Language Paper (Hindi & English)
- ›Hindi Grammar – Sandhi, Samas, Karak, Vachya, Idioms
- ›Word Vocabulary – Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution
- ›Essay Writing, Summary Writing, Letter Writing (Hindi)
- ›Chhattisgarhi Literature – Major authors, works, traditions
- ›English Grammar & Composition
- ›English Essay, Précis, Letter Writing
- ›Translation (Hindi ↔ English)
📝 Mains – Essay Paper (2 Essays)
- ›Part 1: National/International Issues (2 of 4 given, ~750 words each)
- ›Part 2: Chhattisgarh State-level Issues (2 of 4 given, ~750 words each)
- ›Topics include – Governance, Social issues, Economy, Environment
- ›Clarity, logical structure, factual data, CG-specific solutions expected
🏛️ Mains – GS Papers 3–7 (Including Ethics & CG Specific)
- ›GS III: Indian History, World History, Art & Culture
- ›GS IV: Constitution, Polity, Governance, Social Justice
- ›GS V: Economy, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment
- ›GS VI: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude – Case Studies, Role of Civil Servant
- ›GS VII: Chhattisgarh – History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Culture (Detailed)
7Previous Year Cut-offs (Prelims Paper I)
| Year | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Prelims (Paper I) | ~115–125 | ~105–115 | ~90–100 | ~80–90 |
| 2022 Prelims (Paper I) | ~118–130 | ~108–118 | ~92–105 | ~82–92 |
* Cut-off figures are approximate and sourced from coaching institutes. Exact official cut-offs are published by CGPSC after result declarations. Out of 200 marks (Paper I).
8Salary & Career Growth 2026
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay – Deputy Collector / DSP (Level 12) | ₹56,100/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) ~42% of Basic (7th CPC, 2026) | ~₹23,562/month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) – City Category Dependent | ₹2,800–₹5,600/month |
| Travel Allowance & City Compensatory Allowance | ₹1,000–₹2,000/month |
| Gross Estimated In-Hand (Group A) | ~₹80,000–₹90,000/month |
| ⚠️ 8th Pay Commission: Expected in CG from mid-2026 | Fitment ~1.96×–2.86× Basic |
Career Progression Path
| Position | Service | Timeline | Pay Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naib Tehsildar / Tax Inspector | Group B Entry | 0–3 yrs | ₹25,300–₹38,100 |
| Deputy Collector / DSP (Entry) | Group A Entry | 0–3 yrs (Training) | ₹56,100 |
| Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | Group A Promotion | 5–8 yrs | ₹67,700+ |
| Additional Collector / SP | Senior Group A | 10–15 yrs | ₹78,800+ |
| District Collector / DIG | IAS Equivalent | 15–20 yrs (Promotion) | ₹1,00,000+ |
| Commissioner / Secretary Level | State Senior Service | 20+ yrs | ₹1,44,200+ |
💰 8th Pay Commission Update (2026): The 8th Pay Commission is expected to take effect from 1 January 2026. Chhattisgarh state government is likely to adopt it in mid-to-late 2026. With an expected fitment factor of 1.96×–2.86×, Group A basic pay could increase from ₹56,100 to approximately ₹1.1–1.6 lakh/month. This will significantly improve the overall compensation package for CGPSC officers.
9How to Apply
⚠️ Application Closed: The online application window for CGPSC SSE 2025-26 was open from 1–30 December 2025 and is now closed. Information below is for future reference for the next CGPSC SSE cycle (expected 2026-27).
- 1Visit the official CGPSC website at psc.cg.gov.in
- 2Click on "State Service Examination – Apply Online" link on the homepage
- 3Register with your mobile number and email ID to create a candidate profile
- 4Fill in the application form with personal details, academic qualifications, and category
- 5Upload required documents: photograph, signature, and certificates as specified
- 6Pay the application fee (₹400 for General/OBC; ₹300 for SC/ST/PwBD – check official notification for 2026-27)
- 7Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt for future reference
108-Month Study Plan
1
Months 1–2Foundation & CG GK
- ›Read Chhattisgarh GK book cover to cover
- ›Cover Indian Polity (Laxmikanth) + Indian History basics
- ›Follow state newspaper (Navabharat / Haribhoomi) daily for CG Current Affairs
- ›Solve CGPSC Prelims PYQs (Paper I) to understand question pattern
2
Months 3–4National GK + Economy + Geography
- ›Complete Indian Economy (Ramesh Singh) + budget notes
- ›Cover World & Indian Geography (G.C. Leong + NCERT)
- ›Revise CG-specific topics – tribes, minerals, rivers, festivals
- ›Start daily 20-question mock tests on GS topics
3
Months 5–6Mains Answer Writing Focus
- ›Read Laxmikanth for Polity + Constitution amendments
- ›Start answer writing for Mains GS papers (200-word answers daily)
- ›Cover Environment & Ecology, Science & Technology current topics
- ›Practice 2 full-length Prelims mocks per week
4
Months 7–8Essay + Ethics + Final Revision
- ›Write 2 essays per week on national & CG issues
- ›Cover Ethics case studies – case studies from UPSC perspective
- ›Revise all CG-specific content thoroughly
- ›Full syllabus revision + 3–4 full Prelims + Mains mocks
11Best Books for CGPSC 2026
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh Samanya Gyan | Yugantar Prakashan / CG Guruji | CG GK | — |
| India's Struggle for Independence | Bipan Chandra | Indian History | Buy |
| Indian Polity (English/Hindi) | M. Laxmikanth | Indian Polity | Buy |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | Indian Economy | Buy |
| Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong | Geography | Buy |
| Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | G. Subba Rao / P.N. Roy Chaudhary | Ethics (GS VI) | — |
| Environment & Ecology | Majid Husain / Shankar IAS | Environment | Buy |
| Mains Essay & Answer Writing Practice | Drishti IAS / CGPSC Guruji | Essay | — |
12Free Resources
🌐
CGPSC Official Website
Notifications, admit cards, results, official syllabus PDF
📺
Study IQ – CGPSC Channel
Free video lectures for CG GK, CGPSC Prelims & Mains strategy
📺
CGPSC Guruji YouTube
Dedicated CG-specific content, PYQs analysis, shortcuts
📱
CG Vyapam / CGPSC Telegram Groups
Daily current affairs, free notes, CG GK updates
📄
CGPSC Previous Year Papers
Download official PYQs from psc.cg.gov.in for Prelims & Mains
🌐
NCERT eBooks (Free)
History, Geography, Polity, Economy – Class 6–12 free PDFs
13Expert Preparation Tips
1💡 CGPSC Paper I (GS) decides your Mains call – Paper II (CSAT) is only qualifying. Put 80% of your effort into Paper I.
2🌾 Chhattisgarh-specific GK is your biggest differentiator. It appears in Prelims Paper I AND Mains Paper 7. Read state-level news daily – most toppers credit this as their edge.
3⚠️ Negative marking in Prelims is 1/3. Attempt only those questions you're confident about. Skip doubtful ones; an unanswered question loses 0, a wrong answer costs 0.67 marks.
4📝 Mains carries 1,400 marks. Start answer writing from day one – clarity, structure, and CG-specific examples in answers significantly improve your score.
5🎯 Paper I merit list is based on your GS score. Even 3–5 extra correct answers can move you up 500–800 ranks. Focus on completing CGPSC PYQs first.
6📅 CGPSC releases notifications annually. The 2025-26 cycle is active now. Use this study phase to also prepare for CGPSC 2026-27 cycle in advance.
14Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CGPSC State Service Exam 2026?
The CGPSC State Service Examination (SSE) is conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission to recruit Group A and Group B officers for Chhattisgarh state government. The current 2025-26 cycle has 239 vacancies for posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, Naib Tehsildar and others. Prelims were held on 22 February 2026 and Mains are now scheduled for 6–9 June 2026.
What is the CGPSC 2026 Mains exam date?
The CGPSC SSE 2025-26 Mains examination has been rescheduled. Originally planned for 16–19 May 2026, it has been postponed to 6–9 June 2026. The Mains admit card is expected in the last week of May 2026. Candidates are advised to check psc.cg.gov.in regularly for official updates.
What is the age limit for CGPSC State Service 2026?
The general age limit is 21 to 30 years (as on 1 January 2025 for the 2025-26 cycle). Candidates domiciled in Chhattisgarh get additional relaxation – up to 35 years for General/OBC CG residents. SC/ST and other reserved categories get further relaxation as per CG government norms. Check the official notification PDF at psc.cg.gov.in for post-wise age details.
Does CGPSC Prelims have negative marking?
Yes. In the CGPSC Prelims, 1/3 of the marks allotted for a question is deducted for each wrong answer. For Paper I (200 marks, 100 questions), each correct answer gives 2 marks and each wrong answer deducts 0.67 marks. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only and its marks are not counted in the merit list for Mains shortlisting.
What is the CGPSC Deputy Collector salary in 2026?
A Deputy Collector in Chhattisgarh is placed at Pay Level 12 under the 7th Pay Commission with a basic pay of ₹56,100/month. After adding Dearness Allowance (~42% of basic), HRA, TA and other allowances, the gross in-hand salary is approximately ₹80,000–₹90,000/month. With the 8th Pay Commission (expected to be adopted by CG in mid-to-late 2026), the basic pay is expected to increase significantly.