The full form of SSC is Staff Selection Commission. SSC is a government organization that conducts recruitment examinations for various Group B and Group C posts in central government departments and ministries.
SSC conducts popular exams like SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD, SSC CPO and SSC JE. Candidates who passed 10th, 12th, or Graduation can apply for different SSC exams according to the eligibility criteria.
SSC Exam Overview 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus2
Table of Contents
What is the SSC Exam?
SSC Exam Highlights 2026
Before diving into each exam in detail, here’s a quick overview of all the key information in one place.
Particulars | Details | Particulars | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Official Website | |
| Exam Type | National Level Recruitment Exam | Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Post Category | Group B and Group C (Central Govt.) | Language | Hindi & English |
Selection Process | Written Test + Document Verification | Frequency | Multiple exams per year |
The Staff Selection Commission takes various government recruitment exams for different posts under central government departments, and not just a single exam.
The exam is for different levels of students, such as CGL for graduates, CHSL for 12th pass students, and GD Constable for 10th pass candidates. These exams provide a wide range of job opportunities all over India.
SSC Exam Vacancy Details
The SSC exams provide a huge number of government job opportunities every year. More than 80,000+ vacancies are released for different posts and departments.
SSC is one of the most popular recruitment bodies in India, as these vacancies are available for 10th, 12th & Graduate level candidates. Candidates need to keep an eye on the official notifications for upcoming vacancies and important dates.
S.No | Exam Name | Posts Offered | Vacancies | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SSC CGL 2026 (Combined Graduate Level) | Inspector, Auditor, Assistant, Tax Asst., JSO, AAO & more | ~15,000+ | Graduation (Any Stream) | 18–32 yrs |
2 | SSC JE 2026 (Junior Engineer) | Junior Engineer (Civil / Mech. / Electrical) | ~1,000+ | Diploma / Degree in Engineering | 18–32 yrs |
3 | SSC CPO 2026 (Central Police Org.) | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs | ~3,000+ | Graduation (Any Stream) | 20–25 yrs |
4 | SSC JHT 2026 (Junior Hindi Translator) | Jr. Hindi Translator, Sr. Hindi Translator | ~200+ | PG in Hindi / English | 18–30 yrs |
5 | SSC CHSL 2026 (Combined Higher Secondary) | LDC, DEO, PA/SA, Court Clerk | ~5,000+ | 12th Pass (Any Stream) | 18–27 yrs |
6 | SSC Stenographer 2026 (Grade C & D) | Stenographer Grade C, Stenographer Grade D | ~1,500+ | 12th Pass (Any Stream) | 18–27 yrs |
7 | SSC MTS 2026 (Multi-Tasking Staff) | MTS (Non-Technical), Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) | ~10,000+ | 10th Pass (Matriculation) | 18–25 yrs |
8 | SSC GD Constable 2027 | Constable (GD) in CAPFs, SSF & Assam Rifles | ~50,000+ | 10th Pass (Matriculation) | 18–23 yrs |
9 | SSC Selection Post Phase 14 (2026) | Various Posts across Govt Departments | 3,003 | 10th / 12th / Graduation | 18–32 yrs |
Note: '~' indicates vacancy figures are expected/based on previous year trends. The official number of vacancies will be confirmed with the notification of each exam at www.ssc.gov.in. Age relaxation is applicable as per the Govt. norms for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates.
SSC Notification 2026
Staff Selection Commission has released the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Notification 2026 from April 13, 2026, to May 4, 2026. The exam is expected to be held in June 2026. announcing a total of 3,003 vacancies for 10th, 12th and graduate level candidates.
Candidates are advised to apply online through the official website of SSC. Candidates are advised to keep visiting the official website for the latest notifications.
Where to find the official notification
- Visit ssc.gov.in, click on ‘Latest News’ or ‘Notices’
- Download the PDF notification for your examination.
- Read it carefully before filling in the application form
- Check eligibility criteria, age limit and fee details
SSC Exam Calendar
Advance knowledge of exams will allow you to organise your study for the exam day more easily. Each year, the SSC creates an Annual Exam Calendar that contains tentative dates for all major examinations. Here are the tentative dates for the upcoming SSC in 2026:
Name of Examination | Tier / Phase | Date of Notification | Application Closure | Tentative Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ASO Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 | Paper-I (CBE)* | 16 Mar 2026 | 07 Apr 2026 | May 2026 |
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) Examination, 2026 | Tier-I (CBE)* | 31 Mar 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | May–June 2026 |
SSC JE (Junior Engineer) Examination, 2026 | Paper-I (CBE)* | 31 Mar 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | May–June 2026 |
SSC Selection Post Phase-XIV Examination, 2026 | CBE* | 31 Mar 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | May–July 2026 |
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) Examination, 2026 | Tier-I (CBE)* | 30 Apr 2026 | 31 May 2026 | Jul–Sep 2026 |
SSC Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2026 | CBE* | 30 Apr 2026 | 31 May 2026 | Aug–Sep 2026 |
SSC Combined Hindi Translators (JHT) Examination, 2026 | Paper-I (CBE)* | 30 Apr 2026 | 31 May 2026 | Aug–Sep 2026 |
SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs) Examination, 2026 | Paper-I (CBE)* | 31 May 2026 | 30 June 2026 | Oct–Nov 2026 |
SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff) & Havaldar Examination, 2026 | Tier-I (CBE)* | 30 June 2026 | 31 July 2026 | Sep–Nov 2026 |
SSC GD Constable Examination, 2027 | CBE* | 30 Sep 2026 | 31 Oct 2026 | Jan–Mar 2027 |
JSA/LDC Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 | Paper-I (CBE)* | TBA | TBA | TBA |
SSA/UDC Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 | Paper-I (CBE)* | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Delhi Police Constable (Driver) Recruitment, 2026 | CBE* | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) Recruitment, 2026 | CBE* | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Delhi Police AWO/TPO Recruitment, 2026 | CBE* | TBA | TBA | TBA |
These dates are according to the official SSC Exam Calendar and are subject to change. It is extremely important to independently verify all dates prior to making any arrangements by referencing the official SSC Exam website (The SSC Exam Dates for each examination also appear on the individual examination notification.)
SSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility requirements for the SSC differ for each test. Candidates need to be Indian citizens between 18 and 32 years old and have the required qualifications. Check out our chart below for more information on the eligibility for each of the exams in the SSC.
Exam | Age Limit | Educational Qualification | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
SSC CGL | 18 – 32 years | Graduation in any stream | Indian Citizen |
SSC CHSL | 18 – 27 years | 10+2 (12th Pass) | Indian Citizen |
SSC GD Constable | 18 – 23 years | 10th Pass (Matric) | Indian Citizen |
SSC MTS | 18 – 25 years | 10th Pass (Matric) | Indian Citizen |
SSC CPO | 20 – 25 years | Graduation in any stream | Indian Citizen |
SSC JE | 18 – 32 years | Diploma or B.E./B.Tech (Engg.) | Indian Citizen |
SSC Stenographer | 18 – 30 years | 12th Pass from a recognised board | Indian Citizen |
SSC Age Limit 2026
For most exams, the age is as of 1st August of the recruitment year. The lower limit is 18 years for all exams, while the upper limit differs. The government offers age relaxations to candidates: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the majority of exams. They can apply each year until they reach the age limit.
- SC/ST: 5 years age relaxation.
- OBC candidates: 3 years of age relaxation.
- PwBD (General class): 10 years of age relaxation.
- Ex-Servicemen: as per government rules.
SSC Exam Pattern 2026
A key component of developing a strategy to study smart for an exam is knowing how the exam will be structured.
For example, an SSC CGL exam consists of two tiers (or stages): Tier 1 or Prelims and Tier 2 or Mains. Other exams from the SSC (like SSC CHSL and SSC MTS) also have this two-tier exam structure. Below is the exam pattern for Tier 1 for the SSC CGL.
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes (combined) |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 | — |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | — |
English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 50 | — |
Total | 100 | 200 | 60 Minutes |
Tier 1 Exam Pattern:
- Each correct answer: +2 marks
- Each incorrect answer: -0.50 marks (negative marking varies)
- No response or blank answers: 0 marks
- Tier 1 is only a qualifying stage - only Tier 2 is used for the merit list
- Online exam is of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) nature
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The SSC tier 2 exam pattern is a more in-depth, merit-based test. In SSC CGL tier 2, there are two papers: Paper 1 (which is compulsory for everyone) and Paper 2 (for the post of Junior Statistical Officer).
Paper 1 includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge. Paper 1 is of 2 hours and 15 minutes, Paper 2 is of 2 hours.
SSC Tier 1 exam pattern is more into testing the general aptitude, and Tier 2 is more subject-specific. Students are selected on the basis of their performance in Tier 2.
SSC Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the Tier 1 exam is nearly the same across all SSC exams - CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, and it has four major subjects. Candidates should be clear on the syllabus to avoid confusion.
S.No | Section | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning | > Analogies & Classification > Coding-Decoding > Blood Relations > Direction Sense > Syllogism > Matrix & Number Series > Puzzles & Venn Diagrams > Statement & Conclusions > Non-Verbal Reasoning > Mirror Image & Paper Folding > Embedded Figures |
2 | General Awareness | > Current Events & News > History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern) > Indian Geography > Indian Polity & Constitution > Economy & Budget > Science & Technology > Static GK (Awards, Sports, Books) > Important Days & Events > Persons in News > Government Schemes |
3 | Quantitative Aptitude | > Number System & Simplification > Percentage & Ratio-Proportion > Profit, Loss & Discount > Simple & Compound Interest > Time & Work / Pipes & Cisterns > Speed, Distance & Time > Algebra & Linear Equations > Geometry & Mensuration > Trigonometry > Statistics & Data Interpretation |
4 | English Language & Comprehension | > Reading Comprehension > Cloze Test > Para Jumbles > Error Spotting & Correction > Fill in the Blanks > Synonyms & Antonyms > Idioms & Phrases > One Word Substitution > Sentence Improvement > Vocabulary & Word Usage > Active / Passive Voice (Tier 2) |
How to Fill the SSC Application Form 2026
The online process to apply for the SSC is simple and entirely online. Applicants must adhere to the instructions to fill out the form accurately.
Step | Stage | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
Step 1 | One-Time Registration. | Visit ssc.gov.in → Click 'Register' → Fill name, DOB, mobile, email → Get Registration ID |
Step 2 | Login & Fill Form. | Login with Registration ID → Select exam → Fill personal, academic, and category details carefully |
Step 3 | Upload Documents. | Upload scanned photo (20–50 KB), signature (10–20 KB) in JPG/JPEG format as per specifications |
Step 4 | Pay Application Fee. | Pay online via Net Banking / Debit Card / UPI. Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC. Women/SC/ST/Ex-SM: Exempt |
Step 5 | Final Submission. | Review all details → Submit the form → Download and print the confirmation page for future reference |
Application Fee Details
- General / OBC / EWS candidates: ₹100
- Women candidates: Exempt (no fee)
- SC / ST candidates: Exempt (no fee)
- Ex-Servicemen: Exempt (no fee)
- Mode of payment: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, SBI Challan
A piece of advice: please make sure to fill in your correct name, date of birth and category details in the form. Any mistakes in these areas can result in your application being rejected, even if you pass the exam.
SSC Admit Card 2026
The SSC admit card (hall ticket) is available to be downloaded from the official website around 10-15 days before the exam. The admit card is compulsory; you won't be allowed in the exam hall without it. Here's how to download your admit card:
- Step 1: Go to ssc.gov.in → Click on 'Admit Card'
- Step 2: Click on the appropriate exam
- Step 3: Input your Registration Number, Date of Birth
- Step 4: Hit 'Submit', the admit card will be displayed
- Step 5: Print at least 2 copies on A4 paper
Carry the following documents to the exam centre on exam day:
- Printout of SSC Admit Card (hall ticket)
- One Government Photo ID card (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence)
- One recent passport-sized photograph (as used in the application)
SSC Answer Key 2026
The SSC uploads a provisional answer key to its website after each exam, typically 2-3 days after the last shift. It includes the correct responses to every question from all shifts.
Students can use the answer key to match their answers and calculate their marks. In case of any mismatch or error, you can submit an objection online, within the given period, by paying a nominal fee for each question.
In case of a successful objection, the final answer key is revised, and marks are allocated to the candidates.
How to Download the SSC Answer Key
- Go to ssc.gov.in → Click on 'Answer Keys'
- Select your examination and click on the appropriate link
- Enter your Registration ID and password
- Check provisional answer key (PDF)
SSC Exam Result 2026
The SSC results are published on the website (ssc.gov.in) after each stage. Generally, the Tier 1 result is declared as a merit list PDF with the roll numbers of successful candidates and the final result is declared after the Tier 2 exam and document verification.
How to Check Your SSC Result
- Go to ssc.gov.in - Click on 'Results'
- Select the name of the exam
- Download the result PDF
- Search using Ctrl+F and enter your roll number
- If your name/roll number is there, you are selected
The SSC CGL examination is conducted in several shifts and dates, so the SSC employs normalisation. This process is done before preparing the final merit list.
SSC Cut-Off Trends (2022–2024)
SSC exam criteria for final selection include passing the written exam cut-off and passing each stage of the selection process.
Cut-off is the minimum marks obtained to get selected at each stage. It is different each year, depending on the number of vacancies, the number of candidates and the difficulty of the exam.
All the exams conducted by the SSC are normalised. Cut-offs are written in decimals - not whole numbers. The table below shows the official latest cut-off scores for the most common post.
SSC GD Constable - CBT Paper 1 Cut Off (Male, All-India, Normalised Scores out of 160)
|
Exam |
Year |
UR |
OBC |
EWS |
SC |
ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SSC GD Constable |
2022 |
153.56 |
152.28 |
— |
138.45 |
127.34 |
|
2023 |
160.44 |
158.12 |
156.78 |
144.22 |
133.56 | |
|
2024 |
153.56 |
152.28 |
150.91 |
137.51 |
133.12 |
SSC CPO SI - Paper 1 Cut Off (Male Candidates, Normalised Scores out of 200)
|
Exam |
Year |
UR |
OBC |
EWS |
SC |
ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SSC CPO SI |
2022 |
126.84 |
112.43 |
121.56 |
97.34 |
87.12 |
|
2023 |
128.96 |
114.82 |
123.14 |
99.21 |
89.44 | |
|
2024 |
119.80 |
113.50 |
111.43 |
89.85 |
82.65 |
SSC CGL - Tier 1 Cut Off (Posts other than JSO/SI Grade II, Normalised Scores out of 200)
|
Exam |
Year |
UR |
OBC |
EWS |
SC |
ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SSC CGL Tier 1 |
2022 |
162.28 |
155.34 |
158.12 |
140.22 |
129.44 |
|
2023 |
164.50 |
157.82 |
161.23 |
143.18 |
132.67 | |
|
2024 |
153.18 |
146.23 |
142.01 |
114.97 |
106.36 |
SSC CHSL – Tier 1 Cut Off (Normalised Scores out of 200)
|
Exam |
Year |
UR |
OBC |
EWS |
SC |
ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SSC CHSL Tier 1 |
2022 |
181.50 |
173.25 |
176.50 |
158.75 |
148.25 |
|
2023 |
183.00 |
175.50 |
178.00 |
161.25 |
151.00 | |
|
2024 |
186.50 |
178.75 |
181.25 |
164.50 |
154.25 |
SSC MTS – Cut Off (Normalised Scores out of 150)
|
Exam |
Year |
UR |
OBC |
EWS |
SC |
ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SSC MTS |
2022 |
110.50 |
103.25 |
106.75 |
94.50 |
86.25 |
|
2023 |
112.75 |
105.50 |
109.00 |
96.75 |
88.50 | |
|
2024 |
115.25 |
108.00 |
111.50 |
99.25 |
91.00 |
Important Notes:
- SSC cut-offs depend on the normalisation process
- Tier 1 is qualifying; Tier 2 is final merit (for CGL/CHSL)
- Cut-offs differ each year due to:
- Vacancies
- Difficulty level
- Number of candidates
SSC Salary Structure: Post-Wise Breakdown
The SSC recruitment results in central government jobs with a pay scale as per the 7th Pay Commission.
The total in-hand salary is Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance (DA) + House Rent Allowance (HRA) + Transport Allowance + other allowances. Here's the salary table for each post:
Post | Exam | Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand Salary (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Inspector (IT/Customs) | SSC CGL | Pay Level 7 | ₹44,900/month | ₹65,000 – ₹75,000+ |
Assistant Section Officer | SSC CGL | Pay Level 6 | ₹35,400/month | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 |
Tax Assistant | SSC CGL | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500/month | ₹38,000 – ₹48,000 |
LDC / JSA | SSC CHSL | Pay Level 2 | ₹19,900/month | ₹30,000 – ₹38,000 |
GD Constable | SSC GD | Pay Level 3 | ₹21,700/month | ₹32,000 – ₹40,000 |
Multi-Tasking Staff | SSC MTS | Pay Level 1 | ₹18,000/month | ₹26,000 – ₹32,000 |
Sub-Inspector (CAPF) | SSC CPO | Pay Level 6 | ₹35,400/month | ₹54,000 – ₹64,000 |
Junior Engineer | SSC JE | Pay Level 6 | ₹35,400/month | ₹54,000 – ₹66,000 |
Other Benefits & Perks
- CGHS Medical benefits for self & family
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) twice in a block of 4 years
- Government accommodation or HRA (8% to 27% of basic salary, depending on city)
- Contribution to National Pension System (NPS)
- Group Insurance through CGEGIS
- Study leave and sponsorship for higher education
Career growth is one of the most appealing features of an SSC job. Employees are eligible for increments annually after the probation period and can appear for departmental examinations and promotions every 4-8 years.
For example, a Tax Assistant (Pay Level 4) can be promoted to Income Tax Officer (Pay Level 7).
SSC Study Material & Best Books
Picking the right study material is equally important as actually studying. If you use the wrong books, you will waste time and cause more confusion than assistance to yourself!
Below you will find a list of the most recommended books by toppers/coaching experts for each subject area.
Subject-Wise Best Books for SSC CGL / CHSL Preparation
- Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, R.S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations, R.S. Aggarwal
- English: Objective General English, S.P. Bakshi (Arihant); Word Power Made Easy, Norman Lewis
- General Awareness: Lucent's General Knowledge; NCERT Books (Class 6–10)
- SSC CGL Complete Guide: SSC CGL Tier 1 & Tier 2 Guide, Disha Experts
- Previous Year Papers: 20 Practice Sets for SSC CGL / CHSL, Arihant / Kiran
The best way to prepare for the SSC exam is to practice regularly by taking mock tests. Mock tests help you manage your time, identify any weaknesses you may have, and allow you to gain experience with taking real tests.
SSC Exam Preparation Tips 2026
A Smart way to prepare for an Exam is through consistent effort, having appropriate study Materials, and regularly checking your progress through self-assessments.
Below is a systematic approach that has been successful for many students in passing their Exams:
Step One: Understand the Exam
Find out what to study by checking the syllabus, pattern, and cutoffs for the test.
Step Two: Create a Study Plan
Plan to study 4–5 hours per day, and give extra attention to areas that you are weak in.
Step Three: Start with the Basics
Before moving on to more complex material, focus on the basics first.
Step Four: Use Previous Years' Question Papers
Using previous years' question papers to help you understand what types of questions might show up on the actual test.
Step Five: Use Mock Tests
Develop a schedule of weekly mock tests and understand any mistakes you may have made.
Step Six: Study Current Affairs
For 20–30 minutes per day, study current affairs that may impact society at all levels in your location.
FAQ’s About the SSC Exam
It is a central job recruitment examination by the government. Applicants should have passed 10th, 12 th or graduation and should meet the age restriction.
SSC conducts 8+ major exams every year, such as CGL, CHSL, GD Constable, MTS, CPO, JE, Stenographer, and Selection Post.
The minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age varies by exam (23–32 years), with relaxation for SC/ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates.
Salary varies according to the post, with a general range of 26,000 to 75,000 per month, along with allowances.
A majority of the exams are online (CBT), with a few descriptive papers being offline.
The number of attempts is unlimited. All qualified applicants have the opportunity to apply in any given year.
It is an exam taken by graduates to secure Group B and C officer-level jobs in the government departments.