The SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected to be released in April 2026 on ssc.gov.in as per the SSC Calendar 2026-27. The official date has not been confirmed by SSC yet. Around 15,000 or more Group B and Group C vacancies are expected to be announced across various central government departments. Candidates must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) at ssc.gov.in now so they are ready to apply the moment the notification goes live.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Summary
The SSC CGL exam, also known as the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination, is conducted every year to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts across central government departments including Income Tax, Customs, CBI, CBDT, and CBEC. It is one of the most competitive government exams in India with over 25 lakh candidates appearing every year.
| Detail | Information |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Expected Vacancies | 15,000 or more |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 years (varies by post) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (Qualifying) and Tier 2 |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Notification
The SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected to be released in April 2026 at ssc.gov.in. The official date has not been confirmed by SSC yet. Once released, the notification PDF will contain complete details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, selection process, and application dates.
Candidates are advised to keep checking ssc.gov.in regularly for the latest update. The application form will be available on the same day as the notification. Before the notification is released, candidates should complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) on the SSC portal so they can apply immediately without any delay.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date | Status |
| Notification Release | April 2026 (expected) | Official date not yet confirmed |
| Online Application Starts | To be announced | With notification release |
| Last Date to Apply | Expected May 2026 | To be confirmed in notification |
| Application Fee Payment Deadline | To be announced | To be confirmed |
| Application Form Correction Window | To be announced | To be confirmed |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | May-June 2026 | Tentative |
| Tier 1 Result | 45 to 60 days after exam | To be announced |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | To be announced | After Tier 1 results |
| Final Result | To be announced | After Tier 2 completion |
SSC CGL Vacancy 2026
The exact number of vacancies for SSC CGL 2026 will be announced with the official notification. Based on previous year trends, around 15,000 or more vacancies are expected. Last year, SSC announced 14,582 vacancies for various Group B and Group C posts.
SSC CGL Vacancy Trend (Last 8 Years)
| Year | Total Vacancies |
| SSC CGL 2026 | To be notified (15,000 or more expected) |
| SSC CGL 2025 | 14,582 |
| SSC CGL 2024 | 17,727 |
| SSC CGL 2023 | 8,415 |
| SSC CGL 2022 | 37,409 |
| SSC CGL 2021 | 7,621 |
| SSC CGL 2020 | 7,035 |
| SSC CGL 2019 | 8,428 |
| SSC CGL 2018 | 11,271 |
SSC CGL 2026 Post-wise Classification
| SSC CGL Post | Classification | Department/Ministry |
| Assistant Section Officer | Group B | Central Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of External Affairs, AFHQ |
| Inspector of Income Tax | Group B | CBDT |
| Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer/Examiner) | Group B | CBIC |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Group B | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue |
| Sub-Inspector | Group B | CBI, NIA, NCB |
| Junior Statistical Officer | Group B | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation |
| Statistical Investigator Grade II | Group B | Registrar General of India |
| Auditor | Group C | Offices under C&AG, CGDA |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant | Group C | Various Ministries and Departments |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerk | Group C | Central Government Offices |
| Tax Assistant | Group C | CBDT, CBIC |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | Group C | Department of Posts |
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for SSC CGL 2026, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions. Candidates found ineligible at any stage — including document verification — will be disqualified even after clearing all exam stages.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification requirement varies slightly depending on the post applied for:
- For most posts: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as one of the subjects, or a minimum 60% in Mathematics in Class 12
- For Statistical Investigator Grade II: Bachelor’s degree with Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics as a compulsory or elective subject
- For Research Assistant (NHRC): Bachelor’s degree with a minimum one year of research experience in a recognized university or institution
Final year students can also apply for SSC CGL 2026, provided they complete their degree and produce the certificate before the document verification process.
SSC CGL Age Limit 2026
The age limit varies from post to post. The general age range is 18 to 32 years. Candidates must check the post-wise age limit carefully before applying.
Pay Level 7 (Rs 44,900 to Rs 1,42,400)
| Post | Age Limit |
| Assistant Section Officer (Central Secretariat Service) | 20 to 30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (Intelligence Bureau) | 18 to 30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (Ministry of Railways) | 20 to 30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (Ministry of External Affairs) | 20 to 30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (AFHQ) | 20 to 30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (Ministry of Electronics and IT) | 18 to 30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (Other Ministries/Departments) | 18 to 30 years |
| Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT) | 18 to 30 years |
| Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer/Examiner) CBIC | 18 to 30 years |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer (Department of Revenue) | 18 to 30 years |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI) | 20 to 30 years |
| Inspector Posts (Department of Posts) | 18 to 30 years |
| Inspector (Central Narcotics Bureau) | 18 to 30 years |
| Section Head (DGFT) | 18 to 30 years |
Pay Level 6 (Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400)
| Post | Age Limit |
| Assistant/ASO (Other Ministries/Departments) | 18 to 30 years |
| Executive Assistant (CBIC) | 18 to 30 years |
| Research Assistant (NHRC) | 18 to 30 years |
| Divisional Accountant (C&AG) | 18 to 30 years |
| Sub-Inspector (NIA) | 18 to 30 years |
| Sub-Inspector (NCB – MHA) | 18 to 30 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer (MoSPI) | 18 to 32 years |
| Statistical Investigator Grade II (MHA) | 18 to 30 years |
| Office Superintendent (CBDT) | 18 to 30 years |
Pay Level 5 (Rs 29,200 to Rs 92,300)
| Post | Age Limit |
| Auditor (C&AG/Other Ministries/CGDA) | 18 to 27 years |
| Accountant (C&AG/CGA) | 18 to 27 years |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant (Other Departments) | 18 to 27 years |
Pay Level 4 (Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100)
| Post | Age Limit |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | 18 to 27 years |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/UDC (CGO/CSOs) | 18 to 27 years |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | 18 to 27 years |
| Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC) | 18 to 27 years |
| Sub-Inspector (CBN) | 18 to 27 years |
SSC CGL Age Relaxation 2026
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwD (General) | 10 years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 6 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years |
| Central Govt Employees (Group B – General) | 5 years |
| Central Govt Employees (Group B – OBC) | 8 years |
| Central Govt Employees (Group B – SC/ST) | 10 years |
| Central Govt Employees (Group C – General) | Up to 40 years |
| Central Govt Employees (Group C – OBC) | Up to 43 years |
| Central Govt Employees (Group C – SC/ST) | Up to 45 years |
| J&K Domicile Candidates (General) | 5 years |
| J&K Domicile Candidates (OBC) | 8 years |
| J&K Domicile Candidates (SC/ST) | 10 years |
| Widows/Divorced/Women Judicially Separated (General) | Up to 35 years |
| Widows/Divorced/Women Judicially Separated (OBC) | Up to 38 years |
| Widows/Divorced/Women Judicially Separated (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities (General) | 5 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities (OBC) | 8 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities (SC/ST) | 10 years |
SSC CGL Nationality Criteria 2026
A candidate must fulfill one of the following conditions:
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India
SSC CGL 2026 Online Application Form
The SSC CGL 2026 application form will be available in online mode only at ssc.gov.in. Candidates must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) before they can fill the application form. Do this now so you are fully ready when the notification releases.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026: Step-by-Step
- Visit ssc.gov.in or download the MySSC mobile app
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done
- Login using your Registration ID and password
- Select SSC CGL 2026 from the available examinations
- Fill in your educational qualification details accurately
- Select post preferences based on your eligibility and interest
- Choose your exam center preferences (3 to 4 cities recommended)
- Upload scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications given below
- Pay the application fee using the available payment methods
- Review all entered details carefully before submitting
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation page with your registration number
Document Upload Specifications
- Photograph: JPEG format, 20KB to 50KB, minimum 100×120 pixels, recent colored photograph on white background
- Signature: JPEG format, 10KB to 20KB, minimum 140×60 pixels, clear signature on white paper using black or blue pen
SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs 100 | Online/SBI Challan |
| Women (All Categories) | Nil | Exempted |
| SC/ST | Nil | Exempted |
| PwD | Nil | Exempted |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil | Exempted |
Payment can be made through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or using Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit/Credit cards. SBI Challan is also accepted for offline fee payment.
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
SSC conducts a two-tier selection process for SSC CGL 2026. There is no interview or personality test at any stage.
- Tier 1: Computer Based Examination (Qualifying in nature)
- Tier 2: Computer Based Examination (Paper 1 compulsory for all; Paper 2 for JSO post only)
- Document Verification: For provisionally selected candidates
- Medical Examination: For specific posts where required
- Final Merit List: Based entirely on Tier 2 performance
Tier 1 is qualifying in nature. Your marks in Tier 1 are not counted in the final merit list. The final selection depends entirely on your performance in Tier 2. This is why serious candidates put maximum effort into Tier 2 preparation.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 is a 60-minute objective exam with 100 questions for 200 marks. There is no sectional time limit. Negative marking of 0.50 marks applies for every wrong answer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Note: PwD candidates get 80 minutes to complete the paper.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 is the merit-based stage. Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates. Paper 2 (Statistics) is only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer post.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge | 150 | 450 | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Negative marking in Tier 2 Paper 1 is 1 mark per wrong answer. In Paper 2, it is 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus
Tier 1 Syllabus
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | General Awareness | Quantitative Aptitude | English Comprehension |
| Classification | Static GK (History, Culture) | Simplification | Reading Comprehension |
| Analogy | General Science | Interest | Fill in the Blanks |
| Coding-Decoding | Current Affairs | Averages | Spelling Correction |
| Series | Indian Geography | Mensuration | Cloze Test |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Current CM and Governors | Data Interpretation | Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Word Formation | Sports | Percentage | Idioms and Phrases |
| Matrix | Books and Authors | Ratio and Proportion | One Word Substitution |
| Syllogism | Important Government Schemes | Problems on Ages | Sentence Improvement |
| Blood Relations | Awards and Honors | Time and Work | Active and Passive Voice |
| Direction Sense | Science and Technology | Profit and Loss | Para Jumbles |
Tier 2 Syllabus Overview
Tier 2 covers the same subjects as Tier 1 but at a deeper level with more analytical questions. Mathematical Abilities goes deeper into algebra, geometry, statistics, and data interpretation. English Language includes longer comprehension passages and more complex grammar. General Awareness in Tier 2 is more conceptual and detail-oriented.
SSC CGL 2026 Salary Structure
One of the biggest reasons SSC CGL is so popular is the salary and benefits package that comes with these posts. The in-hand salary includes basic pay plus HRA, DA, and Transport Allowance.
| Pay Level | Post Examples | Basic Pay | Approximate In-hand Salary |
| Pay Level 4 | Tax Assistant, Upper Division Clerk | Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100 | Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 |
| Pay Level 5 | Statistical Investigator | Rs 29,200 to Rs 92,300 | Rs 40,000 to Rs 55,000 |
| Pay Level 6 | Inspector (Income Tax), Sub-Inspector NIA | Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400 | Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 |
| Pay Level 7 | Assistant Section Officer | Rs 44,900 to Rs 1,42,400 | Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000 |
| Pay Level 8 | Sub-Inspector CBI | Rs 47,600 to Rs 1,51,100 | Rs 65,000 to Rs 85,000 |
HRA ranges from 8% to 24% of basic pay depending on the city of posting. Candidates posted in metro cities receive the highest HRA component. In addition to salary, SSC CGL officers get perks like medical benefits, leave travel concession, group insurance, and pension under the National Pension Scheme.
SSC CGL 2026 Preparation Tips
Starting your preparation before the notification is the smartest move. Use this time to build a strong foundation across all four subjects.
Subject-wise Strategy
Quantitative Aptitude: Start with basic arithmetic — percentage, ratio, profit and loss, and time and work. Move to geometry and algebra after clearing the basics. Data Interpretation becomes easier once arithmetic is strong. Practice at least 20 to 25 questions daily.
General Intelligence and Reasoning: This section rewards practice more than theory. Solve previous year papers daily. Focus especially on analogy, coding-decoding, and series — these three topics together account for nearly half the section.
General Awareness: Divide your preparation into static GK and current affairs. For static GK, use NCERT books for Class 6 to 10 covering History, Geography, and Science. For current affairs, read a newspaper daily and revise the last 6 months before the exam.
English Comprehension: Read one comprehension passage every day. Build vocabulary by learning 10 new words daily. Focus on grammar rules for error spotting and sentence improvement — these two together account for 5 to 6 questions every year.
General Preparation Tips
- Solve previous year papers from 2018 to 2024 before your exam. These papers show exactly which topics repeat every year.
- Take at least 2 full-length mock tests per week from the beginning and increase to 5 per week in the last month.
- After every mock test, spend more time analyzing your mistakes than you spent taking the test.
- Do not start new topics in the last 2 weeks before the exam. Use that time for revision only.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Centres
The SSC CGL 2026 exam will be conducted across hundreds of cities in India under different regional zones. Candidates can select their preferred exam centre while filling the application form. The final allotted centre will be mentioned on the admit card, which is typically released 7 to 10 days before the exam.
| Examination Centres | SSC Region | Regional Office |
| Agra, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Patna | Central Region (UP and Bihar) | ssc-cr.org |
| Gangtok, Ranchi, Barasat, Kolkata, Midnapore, Siliguri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Port Blair | Eastern Region (WB, Odisha, Jharkhand, Sikkim) | sscer.org |
| Bengaluru, Dharwad, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur | Karnataka and Kerala Region | ssckkr.kar.nic.in |
| Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg | Madhya Pradesh Region (MP and CG) | sscmpr.org |
| Almora, Dehradun, Haridwar, Delhi, Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur | Northern Region (Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand) | sscnr.net.in |
| Jammu, Leh, Srinagar, Shimla, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, Chandigarh | North Western Region (Punjab, Haryana, HP, J and K) | sscnwr.org |
| Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Hyderabad, Warangal | Southern Region (AP, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry) | sscsr.gov.in |
| Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Panaji | Western Region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa) | sscwr.net |
| Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Kohima, Shillong, Imphal, Agartala, Aizawl | North Eastern Region | sscner.org.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Admit Card
The SSC CGL Admit Card 2026 for Tier 1 will be released separately at ssc.gov.in approximately 7 to 10 days before the exam date. Only candidates who successfully submit their application form and fee will receive the admit card.
To download the admit card, log in at ssc.gov.in using your Registration ID and date of birth or password. The admit card contains your name, roll number, photograph, exam centre address, exam date, and shift timings. Carrying a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory on exam day. Entry is not permitted without a valid admit card.
SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key
The SSC CGL Answer Key 2026 for Tier 1 will be released on ssc.gov.in within a few days of the exam. SSC releases the answer key in two phases:
- Provisional Answer Key: Released first, candidates can raise objections by paying Rs 100 per question within the given window
- Final Answer Key: Released after reviewing all objections, this is used for result preparation
Candidates who find any discrepancy in the answer key can submit their objection through the official portal within the specified time. Objections accepted by SSC lead to score revision before the final result.
SSC CGL 2026 Result
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Result 2026 will be declared online at ssc.gov.in approximately 45 to 60 days after the exam. The result will contain a list of candidates shortlisted for Tier 2.
The final result after Tier 2 is prepared based entirely on Tier 2 performance. SSC releases the final merit list along with post allocation. Selected candidates are then called for document verification and medical examination where applicable.
SSC CGL 2026 Cut Off
The SSC CGL cut off is the minimum marks a candidate must score to qualify for the next stage. Cut off marks vary by category and post. The cut off is released alongside the result.
SSC CGL Previous Year Tier 1 Cut Off
| Category | Finance/AAO | JSO | Statistical Investigator Gr. II | Other Posts |
| General | 169.67168 | 168.53975 | 172.36025 | 150.04936 |
| EWS | 167.18331 | 166.06750 | 158.76802 | 143.44441 |
| OBC | 166.28763 | 165.86857 | 152.42184 | 145.93743 |
| SC | 154.29292 | 148.50911 | Not applicable | 126.68201 |
| ST | 148.98918 | 146.65109 | 127.32602 | 118.16655 |
| OH | 147.95269 | 132.72381 | Not applicable | 115.98466 |
| HH | 126.86400 | 80.99998 | 49.14875 | 77.72754 |
| Other PwD | 109.82718 | Not applicable | 40.00000 | 57.45303 |
| VH | Not applicable | 114.60998 | 82.56201 | 121.59662 |
| ESM | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | 100.29326 |
Frequently Asked Questions about SSC CGL 2026
When will SSC CGL 2026 notification be released?
The SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected to be released in April 2026 at ssc.gov.in. The official date has not been confirmed by SSC yet. Once released, the application form will be available on the same day. Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) now so you are ready to apply immediately.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026 has not been confirmed yet as the official notification is still awaited. Based on the current schedule, the application window is expected to close in May 2026. The exact deadline will be published in the official notification at ssc.gov.in.
How many vacancies are expected in SSC CGL 2026?
Around 15,000 or more vacancies are expected for SSC CGL 2026 based on previous year trends. Last year, SSC announced 14,582 vacancies. The exact post-wise vacancy numbers will be published with the official notification.
Can final year graduation students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, final year graduation students can apply for SSC CGL 2026. However, they must complete their degree and produce the original certificate before the document verification process. Failure to submit the degree certificate during verification leads to disqualification.
Is there any interview in SSC CGL 2026?
No. There is no interview or personality test at any stage of SSC CGL 2026. Selection is based entirely on performance in Tier 1 and Tier 2 computer-based examinations, followed by document verification.
What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026?
The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 is Rs 100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted from paying the application fee.
When will SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam be held?
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam is tentatively scheduled for May-June 2026 as per the SSC Calendar 2026-27. The exact exam dates will be confirmed in the official notification. Keep checking ssc.gov.in for the latest updates.
What is the salary for SSC CGL 2026 posts?
SSC CGL 2026 salary ranges from Pay Level 4 (Rs 25,500 basic) to Pay Level 8 (Rs 47,600 basic). The approximate in-hand salary ranges from Rs 35,000 to Rs 85,000 per month depending on the post and city of posting. Additional perks include HRA, DA, medical benefits, and pension.
Does Tier 1 score count in the final merit list?
No. Tier 1 is purely qualifying in nature. Your Tier 1 marks are not added to the final merit list. The final rank and post allocation is decided entirely based on your Tier 2 performance. You only need to clear the Tier 1 cutoff to qualify for Tier 2.
What documents are required for SSC CGL 2026 application?
For online application you need an active email ID and mobile number, valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID), educational certificates, category certificate if applicable, PwD certificate if applicable, passport-size photograph, and signature scan. For document verification, originals of all these documents along with caste certificates, EWS certificate, and NOC for government employees are required.