SSC CGL Notification 2026: Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility

ssc cgl notification

The SSC CGL Notification 2026 will be officially released on March 31, 2026 on ssc.gov.in as per the SSC Calendar 2026-27. This notification will announce thousands of Group B and Group C vacancies across various government departments. Candidates can apply online from March 31 to April 30, 2026 (some sources indicate May 31, 2026 as per official notification).

SSC CGL 2026 Overview

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious government job recruitment exams. It offers direct entry to Group B and Group C posts in various central government ministries and departments.

SSC CGL 2026 will follow a two-tier examination pattern without any interview stage. The final selection depends entirely on the combined performance in Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. This year’s notification is expected to announce significant vacancies across departments like Income Tax, Central Excise, CBI, CBDT, and various ministries.

DetailInformation
SSC CGL Notification Release DateMarch 31, 2026
Application Start DateMarch 31, 2026
Last Date to ApplyApril 30, 2026 (or May 31, 2026)
Tier 1 Exam DateMay-June 2026 (tentative)
Official Websitessc.gov.in
Application FeeRs 100 (General/OBC)
Fee ExemptionWomen, SC, ST, PwD, Ex-Servicemen

Important Dates for SSC CGL 2026

Students are advised to check out all SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date mentioned below:

EventDateStatus
Notification ReleaseMarch 31, 2026As per SSC Calendar
Online Application StartsMarch 31, 2026Same as notification date
Last Date to ApplyApril 30 or May 31, 2026As per official notification
Tier 1 ExaminationMay-June 2026Tentative (may extend to September)
Tier 1 ResultTo be announced45-60 days after exam
Tier 2 ExaminationTo be announcedAfter Tier 1 results
Final ResultTo be announcedAfter Tier 2 completion

SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The Staff Selection Commission has defined specific eligibility requirements that candidates must meet to apply for the SSC CGL Exam 2026. These criteria include educational qualifications, age limit, and nationality, and only those who fulfill all the conditions are considered eligible. As per the latest notification, the SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026 are outlined below:

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. The degree can be from any stream including Arts, Science, Commerce, or Engineering.

Final year students can also apply for SSC CGL 2026, but they must produce their degree certificate before the document verification process.

SSC CGL Age Limit 2026

To apply for the SSC CGL Exam 2026, candidates must fall within the age bracket of 18 to 32 years, depending on the post they are applying for. The age criteria vary across different pay levels and job roles. Candidates are advised to carefully review the post-wise age limit details provided below.

SSC CGL Age Limit: Post-wise Details

Pay Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400)

PostAge Limit
Assistant Section Officer (Central Secretariat Service)20–30 years
Assistant Section Officer (Intelligence Bureau)18–30 years
Assistant Section Officer (Ministry of Railways)20–30 years
Assistant Section Officer (Ministry of External Affairs)20–30 years
Assistant Section Officer (AFHQ)20–30 years
Assistant Section Officer (Ministry of Electronics & IT)18–30 years
Assistant Section Officer (Other Ministries/Departments)18–30 years
Assistant / ASO (Other Ministries/Departments)18–30 years
Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT)18–30 years
Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer/Examiner) (CBIC)18–30 years
Assistant Enforcement Officer (Department of Revenue)18–30 years
Sub-Inspector (CBI)20–30 years
Inspector Posts (Department of Posts)18–30 years
Inspector (Central Narcotics Bureau)18–30 years
Section Head (DGFT)18–30 years

Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400)

PostAge Limit
Assistant / ASO (Other Ministries/Departments)18–30 years
Executive Assistant (CBIC)18–30 years
Research Assistant (NHRC)18–30 years
Divisional Accountant (C&AG)18–30 years
Sub-Inspector (NIA)18–30 years
Sub-Inspector (NCB – MHA)18–30 years
Junior Statistical Officer (MoSPI)18–32 years
Statistical Investigator Grade II (MHA)18–30 years
Office Superintendent (CBDT)18–30 years

Pay Level 5 (₹29,200 – ₹92,300)

PostAge Limit
Auditor (C&AG / Other Ministries / CGDA)18–27 years
Accountant (C&AG / CGA)18–27 years
Accountant / Junior Accountant (Other Departments)18–27 years

Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100)

PostAge Limit
Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant18–27 years
Senior Secretariat Assistant / UDC (CGO/CSOs)18–27 years
Senior Administrative Assistant18–27 years
Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC)18–27 years
Sub-Inspector (CBN)18–27 years

SSC CGL Age Relaxation 2026

The Staff Selection Commission provides upper age relaxation to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government norms. The detailed relaxation criteria are listed below:

CategoryAge Relaxation
OBC3 years
SC/ST5 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

To be eligible for the SSC CGL Exam 2026, candidates must meet the nationality requirements set by the Staff Selection Commission. The eligibility is not limited to Indian citizens only, but also extends to certain other categories as defined by the Government of India. A candidate must fulfill one of the following nationality 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 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
  • A person of Indian origin (PIO) who has migrated from the following countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India:
    • Pakistan
    • Myanmar (Burma)
    • Sri Lanka
    • Kenya
    • Uganda
    • United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar)
    • Zambia
    • Malawi
    • Zaire
    • Ethiopia
    • Vietnam

SSC CGL 2026 Application Form

The SSC CGL 2026 application form is completely online. Candidates need to complete One-Time Registration (OTR) before applying for any SSC examination.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

  1. Visit the official website ssc.gov.in or download the MySSC mobile app
  2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not done previously
  3. Login using your Registration ID and password
  4. Select “SSC CGL 2026” from the available examinations
  5. Fill in educational qualification details accurately
  6. Select post preferences based on eligibility and interest
  7. Choose exam center preferences (3-4 cities recommended)
  8. Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications
  9. Pay the application fee online using available payment methods
  10. Review all entered details carefully
  11. Submit the application and save/print the confirmation page

Document Upload Requirements

  • Photograph: JPEG format, 20KB to 50KB, minimum 100×120 pixels
  • Signature: JPEG format, 10KB to 20KB, minimum 140×60 pixels
  • Recent colored photograph against white background
  • Clear signature on white paper with black or blue pen

SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee

CategoryFee AmountPayment Methods
General/OBC/EWSRs 100Online/SBI Challan
Women (All Categories)NilNo fee required
SC/STNilNo fee required
PwDNilNo fee required
Ex-ServicemenNilNo fee required

Payment can be made through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, RuPay), or SBI Challan. Ensure to complete payment before the deadline to avoid application rejection.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern

The SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 is a crucial aspect that every aspirant must understand before starting their preparation journey. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is one of the most competitive government exams in India, attracting lakhs of candidates every year for various Group B and Group C posts in central government departments.

Tier 1 Examination Pattern

SubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
General Intelligence & Reasoning255060 minutes
(80 minutes for PwD)
General Awareness2550
Quantitative Aptitude2550
English Comprehension2550
Total100200

Tier 2 Examination Pattern

PaperSubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
Paper 1Quantitative Abilities1002002 hours
Paper 2English Language & Comprehension2002002 hours
Paper 3Statistics1002002 hours
Paper 4General Studies1002002 hours

Paper 3 and Paper 4 are for specific posts only. Most candidates need to appear for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Negative Marking

  • Tier 1: 0.5 marks deducted for each wrong answer
  • Tier 2 Paper 1: 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer
  • Tier 2 Other Papers: 0.5 marks deducted for each wrong answer
  • No marks deducted for unattempted questions

SSC CGL Syllabus 2026

The SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 for Tier 1 (Preliminary Exam) is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, awareness, and language proficiency. The exam consists of four major sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.

A clear understanding of the syllabus helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and focus on high-weightage topics. Below is a detailed overview of the SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus:

SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus Overview

General Intelligence & ReasoningGeneral Awareness (GK)Quantitative AptitudeEnglish Comprehension
ClassificationStatic GK (History, Culture, etc.)SimplificationReading Comprehension
AnalogyGeneral ScienceInterestFill in the Blanks
Coding-DecodingCurrent AffairsAveragesSpelling Correction
SeriesIndian GeographyMensurationCloze Test
Non-Verbal ReasoningCurrent CM & GovernorsData Interpretation (DI)Synonyms & Antonyms
Word FormationSportsPercentageIdioms & Phrases
MatrixBooks & AuthorsRatio & ProportionOne Word Substitution
Important Government SchemesProblems on AgesSentence Improvement

SSC CGL 2026 Posts and Vacancies

SSC CGL offers recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts across central government departments. The exact vacancy numbers will be announced with the official notification.

Group B Posts

  • Assistant Section Officer (ASO) – Various Ministries
  • Inspector of Income Tax – CBDT
  • Inspector (Central Excise) – CBIC
  • Inspector (Preventive Officer) – CBIC
  • Inspector (Examiner) – CBIC
  • Sub-Inspector – CBI
  • Sub-Inspector – NIA
  • Assistant Enforcement Officer – Enforcement Directorate

Group C Posts

  • Tax Assistant (Central Excise & Income Tax) – CBDT/CBIC
  • Upper Division Clerk – Various Ministries
  • Statistical Investigator – Various Departments
  • Compiler – Registrar General of India
  • Accountant/Junior Accountant – Various Offices
  • Senior Secretariat Assistant – Various Ministries
  • Sub-Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics)

SSC CGL 2026 Salary Structure

Pay LevelPost ExamplesBasic Pay RangeApproximate In-hand
Level 4Tax Assistant, UDCRs 25,500 – Rs 81,100Rs 35,000 – Rs 50,000
Level 5Statistical InvestigatorRs 29,200 – Rs 92,300Rs 40,000 – Rs 55,000
Level 6Inspector (Income Tax)Rs 35,400 – Rs 1,12,400Rs 50,000 – Rs 70,000
Level 7Assistant Section OfficerRs 44,900 – Rs 1,42,400Rs 60,000 – Rs 80,000
Level 8Sub-Inspector CBIRs 47,600 – Rs 1,51,100Rs 65,000 – Rs 85,000

The in-hand salary includes basic pay plus allowances like HRA, DA, Transport Allowance, and other benefits. HRA varies from 8% to 24% based on the city classification.

Selection Process for SSC CGL 2026

The selection process consists of two stages without any personality test or interview. Merit is determined based on the combined performance in both tiers.

  1. Tier 1 Examination: Computer Based Test (Qualifying Nature)
  2. Tier 2 Examination: Computer Based Test (Merit-based Selection)
  3. Document Verification: For provisionally selected candidates
  4. Medical Examination: For specific posts if required
  5. Final Merit List: Based on Tier 2 performance

Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, meaning candidates need to score minimum cutoff marks to proceed to Tier 2. The final merit and selection depend entirely on Tier 2 performance.

Documents Required for SSC CGL 2026 Exam

For Online Application

  • Active email ID and mobile number
  • Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
  • Educational certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation)
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Clear signature specimen

For Document Verification

  • Original and photocopies of all educational certificates
  • Date of Birth proof (10th certificate preferred)
  • Caste/Category certificate in prescribed format
  • EWS certificate (if applicable, valid for current financial year)
  • PwD certificate from competent authority
  • Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate
  • Character and medical fitness certificates
  • No Objection Certificate (for government employees)

SSC CGL Exam Centres 2026

The SSC CGL Exam 2026 will be conducted across multiple cities in India to ensure accessibility for candidates nationwide. While filling out the application form, candidates can select their preferred exam centre based on convenience and proximity.

The final allotted exam centre details will be mentioned on the SSC CGL admit card, which is typically released 7–10 days before the exam date. Candidates are advised to choose their exam centres carefully, as requests for changes are generally not entertained by the commission.

Below is the complete list of SSC CGL exam centres along with their respective SSC regions and regional office details:

Examination CentresSSC Region & StatesRegional Office Address / Website
Agra, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, PatnaCentral Region (CR) – Uttar Pradesh & BiharRegional Director (CR), SSC, 21-23 Lowther Road, Prayagraj, UP – 211002 (www.ssc-cr.org)
Gangtok, Ranchi, Barasat, Berhampore (WB), Chinsurah, Jalpaiguri, Kolkata, Malda, Midnapore, Siliguri, Berhampore (Odisha), Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Port BlairEastern Region (ER) – West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar IslandsRegional Director (ER), SSC, 1st MSO Building (8th Floor), Kolkata – 700020 (www.sscer.org)
Bengaluru, Dharwad, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Mangaluru, Mysuru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, ThrissurKarnataka & Kerala Region (KKR) – Karnataka, Kerala, LakshadweepRegional Director (KKR), SSC, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru – 560034 (www.ssckkr.kar.nic.in)
Bhopal, Chhindwara, Guna, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Khandwa, Ratlam, Satna, Sagar, Ambikapur, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Raipur, DurgMadhya Pradesh Region (MPR) – Madhya Pradesh & ChhattisgarhDy. Director (MPR), SSC, J-5 Anupam Nagar, Raipur – 492007 (www.sscmpr.org)
Almora, Dehradun, Haldwani, Srinagar (UK), Haridwar, Delhi, Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sriganganagar, UdaipurNorthern Region (NR) – Delhi, Rajasthan, UttarakhandRegional Director (NR), SSC, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003 (www.sscnr.net.in)
Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, Leh, Rajouri, Srinagar (J&K), Kargil, Hamirpur, Shimla, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, ChandigarhNorth Western Region (NWR) – Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, ChandigarhDy. Director (NWR), SSC, Kendriya Sadan, Sector 9, Chandigarh – 160009 (www.sscnwr.org)
Guntur, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Puducherry, Hyderabad, Nizamabad, WarangalSouthern Region (SR) – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, PuducherryRegional Director (SR), SSC, EVK Sampath Building, Chennai – 600006 (www.sscsr.gov.in)
Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Bhavnagar, Kutch, Amravati, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Pune, Thane, PanajiWestern Region (WR) – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & DiuRegional Director (WR), SSC, Pratishtha Bhawan, Mumbai – 400020 (www.sscwr.net)
Itanagar, Dibrugarh, Guwahati (Dispur), Jorhat, Silchar, Kohima, Shillong, Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Agartala, AizawlNorth Eastern Region (NER) – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, TripuraRegional Director (NER), SSC, Guwahati – 781006 (www.sscner.org.in)

SSC CGL Admit Card 2026

The SSC CGL Admit Card 2026 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 will be released separately on the official website www.ssc.gov.in. Candidates who successfully complete the application process will be able to download their Tier 1 admit card, while only those who qualify for Tier 1 will be issued the Tier 2 admit card.

To access the admit card, candidates must log in using their registration number and password/date of birth. The admit card contains important details such as exam date, shift timing, exam centre, and candidate information. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination centre.

SSC CGL Answer Key 2026

The SSC CGL Answer Key 2026 is generally released within a few days after the completion of the examination. Along with the answer key, SSC also publishes the question paper and individual response sheet, allowing candidates to evaluate their performance.

The answer key is released in two phases:

  • Provisional Answer Key – Candidates can raise objections
  • Final Answer Key – Released after reviewing challenges

Candidates are allowed to challenge the provisional answer key by paying a fee of ₹100 per question, within the specified time window.

SSC CGL Result 2026

The SSC CGL Result 2026 will be declared online on the official SSC website. The recruitment process consists of two tiers, where Tier 1 is qualifying in nature and Tier 2 determines the final merit list.

After the Tier 1 result is announced, SSC releases a list of shortlisted candidates eligible to appear for Tier 2. The final result is prepared based solely on the marks obtained in Tier 2, making it the most crucial stage of the selection process.

SSC CGL Cut Off 2026

Along with the results, SSC also releases the SSC CGL cut-off marks for each category and post. These cut-offs represent the minimum marks required to qualify for the next stage or final selection. Candidates preparing for SSC CGL 2026 should analyze the previous year cut-off trends to understand the competition level and set a realistic target score.

SSC CGL Previous Year Cut Off (Tier 1)

CategoryFinance/AAOJSOStatistical Investigator Gr. IIOther Posts
General169.67168168.53975172.36025150.04936
EWS167.18331166.06750158.76802143.44441
OBC166.28763165.86857152.42184145.93743
SC154.29292148.50911126.68201
ST148.98918146.65109127.32602118.16655
OH147.95269132.72381115.98466
HH126.8640080.9999849.1487577.72754
Other PwD109.8271840.0000057.45303
VH114.6099882.56201121.59662
ESM100.29326

Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL 2026

Start your preparation immediately after the notification release. Focus on building strong fundamentals in all four subjects of Tier 1.

Create a study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each subject. Give extra attention to your weak areas while maintaining strength in strong subjects.

Subject-wise Preparation Tips

  • Quantitative Aptitude: Practice basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation daily
  • Reasoning: Master logical reasoning, coding-decoding, and analytical reasoning concepts
  • General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs and revise static GK regularly
  • English: Improve vocabulary, grammar rules, and reading comprehension skills

Frequently Asked Questions

When will SSC CGL 2026 notification be released?

The SSC CGL 2026 notification will be released on March 31, 2026, as per the official SSC Calendar 2026-27. The notification will be available on ssc.gov.in along with the application form.

What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?

The last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026 is April 30, 2026, though some sources indicate May 31, 2026. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the exact deadline and apply well before the last date.

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 certificate during document verification. Failure to provide the degree certificate will result in disqualification.

Is there any interview in SSC CGL 2026 selection process?

No, there is no interview or personality test in the SSC CGL 2026 selection process. The 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 candidates, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from paying any application fee.

Which posts are available through SSC CGL 2026?

SSC CGL 2026 offers Group B posts like Assistant Section Officer, Inspector Income Tax, Sub-Inspector CBI, and Group C posts like Tax Assistant, Upper Division Clerk, Statistical Investigator across various central government departments.

When will SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam be conducted?

SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 examination is tentatively scheduled for May-June 2026 as per the SSC Calendar. However, some sources suggest it may extend to September 2026. The exact dates will be confirmed in the official notification.

What is the salary range for SSC CGL 2026 posts?

The salary for SSC CGL 2026 posts ranges from Pay Level 4 to Level 8, with basic pay starting from Rs 25,500 to Rs 47,600. The in-hand salary ranges approximately from Rs 35,000 to Rs 85,000 depending on the post and location.

Stay connected with Sarkari Exams Alerts for the latest updates on SSC CGL 2026 notification, application form, admit card, and result announcements. Bookmark our website to never miss any important information about your government job preparation journey.

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