Is a Rank Under 100 Sufficient for Becoming an ASO in Railways via SSC CGL?

When it comes to securing the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) position in Railways through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam, a rank under 100 might seem promising. However, the success rate of such a rank in obtaining the coveted ASO position can vary significantly from year to year based on several factors.

The SSC CGL Exam and Its Variability

The SSC CGL is an exam conducted annually to fill various positions across different departments, including Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the Railway sector. The cutoff marks for various posts, including ASO, can vary each year depending on factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the overall performance of the candidates.

What Does a Rank Under 100 Mean?

A rank under 100 is generally considered competitive, but whether it is sufficient for securing the ASO position depends heavily on the specific cutoff for that particular year. This is especially true for popular posts like ASO, where the cutoff can be quite high, especially if there are many candidates vying for a limited number of positions.

Strategies to Increase Your Chances

To maximize your chances of securing the ASO position via the SSC CGL, consider the following strategies:

1. Check Previous Year Cutoffs

Reviewing the cutoff marks for ASO from previous years can provide valuable insights. This information can help you understand the range of ranks that have led to successful selections in past years. By studying these trends, you can get a better idea of what it takes to secure the ASO position.

2. Stay Updated

Follow official SSC announcements for the latest information on cutoffs and vacancies. The SSC regularly updates its websites and official channels with the latest news, which can give you a significant edge in staying informed about the exam process.

3. Consider Other Factors

While rank is an important factor, remember that other elements such as your performance in the Tier II exam, any additional qualifications, or preferences for reserved categories can also influence your selection.

A Closer Look at Success Rates

There are generally very few ASO positions available in Railways, often less than 10. This limited number of positions means that a rank under 100 significantly increases the probability of getting an ASO position. However, the final decision remains contingent on the specific vacancies available for that particular year.

Example from the CGL 2016 Exam

In the CGL 2016 exam, the number of ASO positions available in Railways was 29, with the distribution as follows:

General Category: 14 positions, with the last rank being 380 OBC Category: 9 positions, with the last rank being 1079 SC (Scheduled Caste) Category: 4 positions, with the last rank being 3397 ST (Scheduled Tribe) Category: 2 positions, with specific ranks not provided

This data underscores the significance of securing a top rank for competitive positions, but also highlights the impact of category-wise distribution on overall success.

Best Wishes and Good Luck!