SSC CGL Application Fee 2026: The SSC CGL 2026 application fee is Rs 100 for General and OBC category candidates. Women candidates, SC/ST, PwD (Persons with Disabilities), and Ex-Servicemen are completely exempted from paying any application fee. The fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, net banking, or credit/debit cards when the application form opens on March 31, 2026.
| SSC CGL Application Fee 2026 Details | Information |
|---|---|
| General/OBC SSC CGL Application Fee | Rs 100 |
| Fee Exemption Categories | Women, SC, ST, PwD, Ex-Servicemen |
| Payment Methods | BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Cards, SBI Challan |
| Payment Window | March 31 to April 30, 2026 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Fee Payment Mode | Online Only |
SSC CGL Application Fee Structure Category Wise in 2026
The Staff Selection Commission has maintained a simple and affordable fee structure for SSC CGL 2026. The fee varies based on candidate category and gender, with significant exemptions to ensure equal opportunity for all sections of society.
| Category | Application Fee | Processing Charges | Total Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Male | Rs 100 | As per payment mode | Rs 100 + charges |
| OBC Male | Rs 100 | As per payment mode | Rs 100 + charges |
| EWS Male | Rs 100 | As per payment mode | Rs 100 + charges |
| SC Male | NIL (Exempted) | NIL | NIL |
| ST Male | NIL (Exempted) | NIL | NIL |
| All Women Candidates | NIL (Exempted) | NIL | NIL |
| PwD Candidates | NIL (Exempted) | NIL | NIL |
| Ex-Servicemen | NIL (Exempted) | NIL | NIL |
Payment Methods for SSC CGL Application Fee 2026
SSC provides multiple convenient payment options for candidates to pay the application fee. All payments must be completed online during the application process. Cash payments are not accepted at any SSC office or centre.
Online Payment Options
- BHIM UPI: All UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM
- Net Banking: All major banks, including SBI, ICICI, HDFC, Axis Bank
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, RuPay
- SBI Challan: Generate a challan and pay at any SBI branch
Payment Processing Charges
Payment gateway charges may apply depending on your chosen payment method. These charges are additional to the Rs 100 application fee and are collected by the payment service provider, not by SSC.
| Payment Method | Processing Charges | Total Amount Payable |
|---|---|---|
| UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.) | Usually NIL | Rs 100 |
| Net Banking | Rs 5 to Rs 20 | Rs 105 to Rs 120 |
| Credit Card | 2-3% of transaction | Rs 102 to Rs 103 |
| Debit Card | Rs 5 to Rs 15 | Rs 105 to Rs 115 |
| SBI Challan | NIL | Rs 100 |
Step by Step SSC CGL Application Fee Process
The fee payment is integrated into the online application process. You cannot pay the fee separately before filling the application form. Follow these steps to complete your fee payment successfully.
- Visit the official website ssc.gov.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not done already
- Log in using your Registration ID and password
- Select “SSC CGL 2026” from the available examinations
- Fill in all required application details completely
- Upload a photograph and signature as per specifications
- Reach the “Fee Payment” section of the application
- Select your preferred payment method
- Enter payment details (card number, UPI ID, etc.)
- Complete the payment transaction securely
- Save the payment receipt and transaction ID
- Submit your complete application form
Fee Exemption Rules and Eligibility
SSC provides complete fee exemption to certain categories of candidates to ensure equal opportunities in government recruitment. These exemptions are based on social justice principles and government policies.
Complete Fee Exemption Categories
Women Candidates: All female candidates, regardless of their caste or category, are completely exempt from paying any application fee. This applies to General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS women candidates.
Scheduled Castes (SC): All SC candidates, both male and female, do not need to pay any application fee. A valid SC certificate is required during document verification.
Scheduled Tribes (ST): All ST candidates are exempt from fee payment. ST certificate from the competent authority is mandatory for verification.
Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Candidates with 40% or more disability are exempted from fee payment. A valid disability certificate is required.
Ex-Servicemen: All ex-servicemen candidates get complete fee exemption. A proper discharge certificate and an ex-serviceman certificate are required.
Documents Required for Fee Exemption
- SC/ST Certificate: Issued by the competent authority, valid and in the prescribed format
- PwD Certificate: Medical certificate showing 40% or more disability
- Ex-Serviceman Certificate: Discharge certificate and ex-serviceman identity card
- Women candidates: No separate certificate required, gender mentioned in the application
Fee Refund Policy for SSC CGL 2026
Understanding the fee refund policy is crucial for all candidates. SSC has specific rules regarding when and how application fees are refunded to candidates.
Situations Where SSC CGL Application Fee is Refunded
- Cancellation of the examination by the SSC due to administrative reasons
- Multiple payments due to technical errors (excess amount refunded)
- Payment made by exempted category candidates by mistake
- Technical failure during the payment process resulted in double deduction
Situations Where SSC CGL Application Fee is NOT Refunded
- Candidate withdrawal from the examination
- Disqualification due to incorrect information in the application
- Failure to appear in the examination
- Change in personal circumstances after application submission
- Technical issues from the candidate’s side during the application
Refund Process and Timeline
When eligible for a refund, the amount is credited back to the original payment source within 7-10 working days. For SBI Challan payments, the refund process may take 15-20 working days. Candidates must contact the SSC helpline with transaction details for refund queries.
Important Guidelines for Fee Payment
Following these guidelines will ensure smooth fee payment and avoid common issues that candidates face during the application process.
Before Making Payment
- Check your category eligibility for fee exemption carefully
- Ensure a stable internet connection during the payment process
- Keep payment details (card/UPI) ready before starting
- Complete all application fields before proceeding to payment
- Double-check the bank account balance for sufficient funds
During Payment Process
- Do not close the browser or press the back button during payment
- Wait for the payment confirmation page to load completely
- Save a screenshot of the successful payment confirmation
- Note down the transaction ID and the reference number
- Avoid using public computers or unsecured networks
After Payment Completion
- Download and save the payment receipt immediately
- Take a printout of the complete application form
- Keep the payment proof safe until the final result declaration
- Check the application status after 24 hours for confirmation
- Contact the SSC helpline if the payment status shows pending
Common Payment Issues and Solutions
Technical issues during online payment are common during peak application periods. Here are solutions to the most frequently encountered problems.
Payment Gateway Timeout
If the payment gateway times out, wait for 30 minutes before checking your bank account. If the amount is debited but the payment shows failed, contact SSC with the transaction details. Do not attempt immediate repayment, as it may result in double-charging.
Payment Failed After Amount Deduction
Check your application status after 24 hours. If payment status remains unsuccessful despite the amount deduction, raise a grievance through the SSC portal with the bank statement proof. Refund will be processed within 7-10 working days.
Multiple Payment Deduction
If multiple amounts are deducted due to a technical error, only one payment will be considered valid. An excess amount will be automatically refunded to your account within 10-15 working days. Keep all transaction receipts as proof.
State-Wise Fee Collection Statistics
Understanding the SSC CGL application fee collection pattern helps candidates plan their application timing better. Here’s the expected state-wise distribution based on previous year trends.
| State/Region | Expected Fee Paying Candidates | Fee Exempted Candidates | Total Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 2,50,000 | 3,50,000 | 6,00,000 |
| Bihar | 1,80,000 | 2,70,000 | 4,50,000 |
| West Bengal | 1,50,000 | 2,00,000 | 3,50,000 |
| Rajasthan | 1,20,000 | 1,80,000 | 3,00,000 |
| Maharashtra | 1,40,000 | 1,60,000 | 3,00,000 |
| Other States | 4,60,000 | 5,40,000 | 10,00,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SSC CGL application fee 2026?
The SSC CGL application fee 2026 is Rs 100 for General and OBC category candidates. Women candidates, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen are completely exempted from paying any fee. The fee must be paid online through UPI, net banking, or cards.
Do women candidates need to pay the SSC CGL application fee?
No, women candidates of all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) are completely exempted from paying any application fee for SSC CGL 2026. This exemption is automatically applied based on gender selection in the application form.
Can I pay the SSC CGL application fee through UPI?
Yes, you can pay the SSC CGL application fee 2026 through BHIM UPI using any UPI app like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM. UPI payment usually has no additional processing charges, making it the most economical payment option.
What happens if payment fails after money is deducted?
If payment fails after money deduction, wait for 24 hours and check your application status. If payment remains unsuccessful, raise a grievance through SSC portal with transaction details. The amount will be refunded within 7-10 working days, or you can retry payment.
Is there any processing charge on the SSC CGL application fee?
Yes, payment gateway charges may apply depending on your payment method. UPI payments usually have no charges, while net banking and card payments may have Rs 5-20 additional charges. SBI Challan payment has no processing charges.
Can SC/ST candidates get a fee refund if paid by mistake?
Yes, if SC/ST candidates pay the fee by mistake, they can get a refund by contacting SSC with their transaction details and category certificate. The refund will be processed within 10-15 working days to the original payment source.
What documents are required for fee exemption?
For fee exemption, SC/ST candidates need a valid caste certificate, PwD candidates need disability certificate showing 40%+ disability, and Ex-Servicemen need a discharge certificate. Women candidates don’t need separate documents as gender is mentioned in the application form.
Can I pay the SSC CGL application fee offline at any bank?
No, the SSC CGL application fee 2026 cannot be paid offline at banks except through the SBI Challan method. You need to generate an SBI Challan online through the application portal and then pay at any SBI branch. All other payments must be made online only.
Will I get a fee refund if I don’t appear for the exam?
No, the application fee is not refunded if you don’t appear for the SSC CGL examination. The fee is non-refundable once the application is successfully submitted, regardless of whether you appear for the exam or not, unless the exam is cancelled by SSC.
What is the last date to pay the SSC CGL application fee 2026?
The last date to pay the SSC CGL application fee 2026 is April 30, 2026 (some sources indicate May 31, 2026, as per official notification). The fee payment window closes along with the application deadline. No payment is accepted after the closing date under any circumstances.
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