SSC CGL 2026 Notification – Complete Guide
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the SSC CGL 2026 Notification, opening the door to one of India’s most sought-after government recruitment exams. Every year, lakhs of graduates apply for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination to secure prestigious Group B and Group C positions in various ministries, departments, and government organizations.
SSC CGL offers excellent career growth, attractive salaries, job security, pension benefits, and opportunities to work in central government offices across India. Whether you are a first-time applicant or preparing again, this guide explains everything you need to know about SSC CGL 2026 in a simple and beginner-friendly manner.
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is conducted every year to recruit graduates for various central government departments.
Some of the most popular posts offered through SSC CGL include:
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- Inspector of Income Tax
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Central Excise Inspector
- Preventive Officer
- Examiner
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Postal Assistant
- Divisional Accountant
- Sub Inspector (CBI)
- Tax Assistant
These jobs provide a stable career with excellent promotion opportunities and government benefits.
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Job Type | Central Government |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Selection Process | Tier-I, Tier-II, Document Verification |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
The official notification has announced the following schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | June 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam | August–September 2026 |
| Tier-II Exam | December 2026 |
Applicants should regularly visit the official SSC website for updates regarding admit cards, exam city slips, answer keys, and results.
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details
The SSC has announced 12,256 vacancies across various ministries and government departments.
The final number of vacancies may increase depending on requirements received from different departments.
Vacancies are available in organizations such as:
- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
- Central Secretariat
- Ministry of Railways
- Ministry of Finance
- Election Commission
- National Investigation Agency (selected posts)
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
Certain posts have additional educational requirements.
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Candidates should have:
- Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as a subject
OR
- At least 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12.
Statistical Investigator Grade-II
Candidates should have studied Statistics as a subject in graduation.
For all other posts, any graduate from a recognized university is eligible.
Age Limit
The age limit depends on the post.
Generally, candidates should be between:
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 27–32 Years
Age relaxation is available for reserved categories according to Government of India rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 Years |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| PwBD | Up to 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government Rules |
SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| Women Candidates | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Ex-Servicemen (Eligible) | No Fee |
The fee can be paid through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Visit the official SSC website.
Step 2
Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
Step 3
Verify your mobile number and email ID.
Step 4
Log in using your registration credentials.
Step 5
Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details.
Step 6
Upload:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Required documents (if applicable)
Step 7
Pay the application fee.
Step 8
Review the application carefully.
Step 9
Submit the application form.
Step 10
Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Required Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 10 Certificate
- Graduation Certificate
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The SSC CGL 2026 recruitment process consists of the following stages:
1. Tier-I (Qualifying Stage)
Tier-I is the first stage of the examination. It is conducted online and is compulsory for all candidates.
2. Tier-II (Merit Stage)
Candidates who qualify Tier-I are shortlisted for Tier-II. The final merit list is mainly prepared based on Tier-II performance, subject to the post requirements.
3. Document Verification
Candidates who clear Tier-II must produce original documents for verification.
SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.
SSC CGL 2026 Tier-II Exam Pattern
Tier-II includes multiple sections that assess candidates in:
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning & General Intelligence
- English Language & Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge Test
Certain posts may require additional papers, such as Statistics or Finance & Economics, as specified in the official notification. The 2026 examination continues with sectional timing in Tier-II.
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Simplification
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Average
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogy
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzle
- Classification
- Syllogism
- Statement & Conclusion
- Mirror Image
- Embedded Figures
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- One Word Substitution
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Idioms & Phrases
- Cloze Test
- Vocabulary
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Geography
- Indian Constitution
- Economy
- General Science
- Environment
- Important Days
- Books & Authors
- Awards & Honours
- Sports
- Government Schemes
Computer Knowledge
- Basics of Computers
- MS Office
- Internet
- Networking
- Cyber Security
- Operating Systems
SSC CGL 2026 Salary
SSC CGL offers attractive salaries based on the pay level of the post.
| Post | Approximate Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Income Tax Inspector | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Examiner | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| CBI Sub Inspector | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Auditor | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Accountant | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Tax Assistant | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
In addition to the basic pay, employees receive:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Medical Benefits
- Pension Benefits (as applicable)
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
Best Books for SSC CGL Preparation
Quantitative Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
English
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
General Awareness
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Daily newspaper and monthly current affairs magazines
Preparation Tips
- Understand the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
- Prepare a realistic daily study schedule.
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Attempt mock tests every week.
- Revise formulas and grammar rules regularly.
- Read current affairs daily.
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
- Improve computer knowledge for Tier-II.
- Maintain short notes for revision.
Why Choose SSC CGL?
- Central Government Job
- Attractive Salary
- Excellent Promotion Opportunities
- Job Security
- Medical Facilities
- Pension & Retirement Benefits (as applicable)
- Work-Life Balance
- Posting Across India
- Respectable Career in Government Service
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit graduates for Group B and Group C posts in Central Government departments.
2. Who can apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university and meeting the age criteria can apply.
3. How many vacancies are announced?
The SSC CGL 2026 notification includes approximately 12,256 vacancies.
4. Is there negative marking?
Yes. Tier-I has 0.50 marks negative marking per wrong answer. Tier-II also has negative marking in applicable sections as specified in the notification.
5. What is the application fee?
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Eligible Ex-Servicemen: Exempted
6. Is SSC CGL conducted every year?
Yes, SSC generally conducts the Combined Graduate Level Examination annually.
7. Which is the highest-paying post in SSC CGL?
Assistant Section Officer (MEA and other departments), Income Tax Inspector, Examiner, and CBI Sub-Inspector are among the most sought-after posts because of their salary, allowances, and career growth.
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