SSC CGL Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Nationality & Physical Standards

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    The SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria is qualified by the Staff Selection Commission to those individuals who would like to participate in the Combined Graduate Level Examination.

    It is important that the candidate must be aware of the CGL Eligibility Criteria including age limit, qualification, nationality and physical standards of concrete posts before filling out the application form.

    The candidate should be aware of the Age Limit, SSC CGL Qualification etc. since they might be different depending on the post. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be allowed to participate in the recruitment process.

    SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Overview

    Therefore, here is a brief overview of the requirements that you must fulfil in order to be eligible to take the SSC CGL exam.
    Eligibility FactorRequirement
    Age Limit18–32 years (varies depending on the post)
    Educational QualificationBachelor’s degree from a recognized university
    NationalityIndian citizen or other eligible categories
    Number of AttemptsNo fixed limit
    Physical StandardsOnly required in selected posts.

    Candidates must satisfy all these SSC CGL requirements to participate in the recruitment process.

    SSC CGL Age Limit 2026

    In the case of the SSC CGL, age restriction depends on role, and thus you have to check each individually.


    Only, keep in mind that the age is calculated by the date placed in the notification. Moreover, in case you belong to a reserved group you may receive additional years based on the government regulations.

    Age LimitWork CategoryDepartments / Posts Included
    18–32TechnicalJunior Statistical Officer (JSO)
    20–30Gazetted / FieldASO: CSS, Railway, MEA, AFHQ
    Investigation: Sub-Inspector (CBI)
    18–30Inspector (Group B/C)Income Tax: Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT)
    Excise/Customs: Inspector (Excise, Preventive, Examiner)
    Enforcement: Asst. Enforcement Officer (ED)
    Others: Inspector Posts, Inspector (Narcotics), Section Head
    Intelligence / NIAASO (IB, MeitY), Sub-Inspector (NIA), SI/JIO (Narcotics Control Bureau)
    Accounts / AdminDivisional Accountant (C&AG), Executive Assistant (CBIC), Research Assistant (NHRC), Office Superintendent
    18–27AuditorOffices under C&AG, CGDA, and other Ministries
    AccountantOffices under C&AG, CGA, and other Ministries
    Clerical / AdminPostal & Sorting Assistant, Senior Secretariat Assistant, Senior Administrative Assistant (MES), Upper Division Clerk (BRO)
    Entry-Level FieldTax Assistant (CBDT, CBIC), Sub-Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics)

    SSC CGL Age Relaxation 2026

    The candidates belonging to reserved categories are eligible to get relaxation in the upper SSC CGL age limit as per government rules.
    Category
    Age Relaxation
    OBC
    3 years
    SC/ST
    5 years
    PwBD (Unreserved)
    10 years
    PwBD (OBC)
    13 years
    PwBD (SC/ST)
    15 years
    Ex-Servicemen (ESM)
    3 years after deduction of military service rendered from actual age as on 01.08.2026
    Defence Personnel disabled during hostilities
    3 years
    Defence Personnel disabled during hostilities (SC/ST)
    8 years
    Central Govt. Civilian Employees (3+ years service)
    Up to 40 years
    Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ST)
    Up to 45 years
    Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated
    Up to 35 years
    Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated (SC/ST)
    Up to 40 years

    The SSC CGL age relaxation is given to reserved category candidates to add extra years to their age limit.

    SSC CGL Educational Qualification 2026

    You should also take note of the qualifications of every job. As an illustration, the jobs of the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator require applicants with education in Mathematics or Statistics. Ensure that you complete the qualifications that are required before the deadline in the official notice. Otherwise, your application may be rejected.

    SSC CGL Educational Qualification 2026 (Post-Wise)

    Post Name

    Educational Qualification

    Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

    Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12 OR Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as a subject at the graduation level

    Statistical Investigator Grade II

    Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as a subject in all years/semesters of graduation

    Research Assistant in NHRC

    Essential: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, 1 year of research experience, and a degree in Law or Human Rights

    Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) / Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO)

    Essential: Bachelor’s degree and CA, CMA, MBA (Finance), or Master’s in Commerce/Finance

    All Other Posts

    Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university

    Important Note
    • According to SSC CGL requirements from the official SSC website, the candidates should have acquired the necessary qualification before the cutoff date as specified.
    • These qualifications are not mandatory, but candidates with them may get an added advantage.

    SSC CGL Nationality Criteria 2026

    The candidates who wish to apply for SSC CGL should satisfy the nationality criteria prescribed by the Commission.

    Indian Citizen: The candidates who are citizens of India can apply for SSC CGL. The proof of citizenship may be required during the process of verification.

    Subject of Nepal or Bhutan: Candidates who are citizens of Nepal or Bhutan can also apply for SSC CGL. They must have valid documents to prove their eligibility to work in India.

    Persons of Indian Origin: The candidates who are of Indian origin and have migrated from the following countries with the intention of permanently settling in India are eligible for SSC CGL: Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam.

    Such candidates should have acquired a certificate of eligibility from the Govt. of India.

    SSC CGL Physical Standards 2026

    The candidates applying for the posts must also fulfill the physical and medical requirements specified by the SSC.

    The requirements specified by the SSC for the posts of the SSC CGL include the requirements like the height of the candidates, the chest measurement of the candidates (for males), the weight of the candidates (for females), the requirements related to the vision of the candidates, etc.

    Additionally, the candidates are also expected to undergo physical efficiency tests like walking or cycling.

    SSC CGL Physical Standards Summary Table (All Posts)

    The following table highlights the physical requirements of the major SSC CGL positions:

    PostHeight (Male)
    Height (Female)
    Chest (Male)
    Weight (Female)
    Vision Requirement
    Inspector (Central Excise / Examiner / Preventive Officer) & Inspector / SI in CBN
    157.5 cm
    152 cm
    81 cm (5 cm expansion)
    48 kg
    Not specified
    Sub-Inspector in NIA
    170 cm
    150 cm
    76 cm with expansion
    Not specified
    6/6 & 6/9 distant vision
    SI / Junior Intelligence Officer in NCB
    165 cm
    152 cm
    76 cm with 5 cm expansion
    Not specified
    6/6 & 6/9 distant vision

    Documents Required for SSC CGL Eligibility Verification

    According to SSC CGL eligibility criteria, the candidates are required to submit the following documents during the verification process:
    • Graduation certificate and mark sheets
    • Class 10 certificate as age proof
    • Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates
    • PwD certificate (for candidates with disabilities)
    • Ex-servicemen certificate (for ex-servicemen)
    • Valid ID proof issued by the government
    • Passport-size photographs

    SSC CGL Number of Attempts

    There is no specific limit on the number of attempts that a candidate can take for the SSC CGL exam. 

    The candidate can take as many attempts as he/she wishes as long as he/she meets all the SSC CGL criteria, such as age limit, qualification, etc., set by the SSC. 

    The flexibility in this rule will enable the candidates to perform better in the exam and secure their desired post.

    Can Final-Year Students Apply for SSC CGL?

    According to the SSC CGL eligibility criteria, yes, final-year students are also eligible for SSC CGL. However, students must ensure that they complete their graduation and attain the degree before the document verification process.

    In other words, failing to produce the requisite documents of qualification within the stipulated time period will render students disqualified.

    Important Points About SSC CGL Eligibility

    • Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree.
    • The SSC CGL age limit is different for different posts.
    • Candidates belonging to the reserved category will be granted age relaxation.
    • Physical criteria will be applicable for enforcement officers.
    • There is no restriction on the number of attempts.

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    FAQs About - SSC CGL Eligibility 2026

    The SSC CGL eligibility criteria include the age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and physical standards.