SSC CGL 2026: Check Notification, Examination date, Eligibility Criteria, Vacancy details

    Sankul Asati·Updated 21 June 2026
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    The SSC CGL 2026 application process is ongoing, with the last date to apply being 22 June 2026. The Tier-1 exam is scheduled for August–September 2026, while the Tier-2 exam will be held in December 2026. Candidates should regularly check ssc.gov.in for admit card and city slip updates.

    What is the SSC CGL Exam?

    The SSC CGL Exam (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) is an all India level competitive exam conducted to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various government ministries, departments and organisations in India.

    It is one of the most sought-after examinations for graduates who wish to have stable government jobs with a good salary, perks, and career growth. The recruitment process consists of Tier I, Tier II and other skill tests depending on the post.

    SSC CGL Notification 2026

    The respective authority, “SSC”, has officially released the SSC CGL 2026 notification on 21st May 2026 on the official website of the authority, i.e., ssc.gov.in. This notification includes all the SSC CGL job details for Group B and Group C posts across various government departments.

    The authority conducts the SSC CGL exam 2026 to determine the eligibility of the candidates against the posts. Whoever clears this exam will be selected for the posts. Let us tell you here that the examination will be conducted in CBT (Computer-based test) mode by the authority, and the detailed exam schedule has been released by the authority on its official website.
    Let’s check out more details on the SSC CGL recruitment with the help of the table below.

    SSC CGL 2026 Notification: Highlights

    Particulars

    SSC CGL details

    Name of the conducting authority

    Staff Selection Commission (SSC) 2026

    Notification release date of SSC CGL job details

    21st May 2026

    SSC CGL exam 2026 name

    CGL - Combined Graduate Level examination

    Level of examination

    Graduate level

    Official website

    ssc.gov.in

    Examination frequency

    Once a year

    Selection process

    SSC CGL tier 1

    SSC CGL tier 2

    Application mode

    Online

    SSC CGL 2026 Important dates

    Candidates can check out the important SSC CGL exam date in the table drafted below, along with other SSC CGL details:
    Important EventsDates
    SSC CGL notification 2026 release date21st May 2026
    Registration form release date of SSC CGL job details21st May 2026
    Last Date to Apply Online22nd June, 2026 (until 11:00 PM)
    Last Date for Fee Payment23rd June, 2026 (until 11:00 PM)
    Correction Window Dates29th June to 1st July 2026
    SSC CGL Admit card 2026 release dateTo be notified separately on ssc.gov.in (approx. 1 week before Tier 1 exam)
    SSC CGL tier 1 exam dateAugust – September 2026
    SSC CGL tier 2 exam dateDecember 2026
    Admit Card Release Date1 week before the exam
    SSC CGL Result dateTo be announced after exam completion 

    SSC CGL 2026 OTR (One-Time Registration) Requirement

    The One-Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in is mandatory for a candidate before applying for SSC CGL 2026 or any other SSC exam. OTR is a one-time process and registered profile can be used for future SSC examinations. Aadhaar authentication is mandatory during OTR.

    SSC CGL 2026 Apply online

    In order to register for the SSC CGL exam 2026, candidates must follow some steps, which we have mentioned in the section below:
    • Step1: First of all, visit the official website of the SSC
    • Step 2: Search for the SSC CGL details under the SSC CGL recruitment 2026 notification on the homepage.
    • Step 3: Now, tap on the registration section to get the form.
    • Step 4: Candidates need to fill out this form by filling out all the necessary credentials, such as name, contact details, email ID, etc.
    • Step 5: After creating an account and filling out the form, enter all the educational details.
    • Step 6: Upload documents now, such as certificates, photographs, etc.
    • Step 7: Once the form is filled out, pay the application fee via available payment methods.
    • Step 8: Submit the form by tapping on the “submit” tab.
    • Step 9: Save the form by taking its screenshot for future reference.

    SSC CGL 2026 Application Correction Window

    SSC has announced a correction window from 29th June 2026 to 1st July 2026 (till 11:00 PM) for candidates to rectify errors in their submitted application form, including online fee payment corrections. No changes will be permitted after 1st July 2026. This is the time for the candidates to carefully go through the submitted forms.

    SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria

    Before applying for the SSC CGL exam 2026, candidates must verify whether they meet the criteria or not. For this purpose, they must check the eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification. Also, they can check the same here:

    Name of the posts

    Educational qualification

    JSO (Junior Statistical Officer)

    Required bachelor’s degree from any recognized institute. Required 60 % marks in Maths in 12th class

    Grade II Statistical Investigator

    Required bachelor’s degree from any recognized institute with Economics, Statistics, and Maths

    NHRC (Research Assistant in the National Human Rights Commission)

    Required bachelor’s degree from any recognized institute or its equivalent.

    For other posts

    Required bachelor’s degree in any stream from any recognized institute.

    SSC CGL 2026 Age limit

    All the candidates who are interested in the SSC CGL posts must lie within the age limit set by the respective authority. Therefore, before applying, they must look into the age limit criteria so that they can verify whether they are eligible for the posts or not.
    Let us tell you here that the age limit varies according to every post. Generally, it is between 18 and 32 years as of 2026. Also, the age relaxation is provided by the authority according to the category of the candidate.

    SSC CGL job details

    The SSC has released around 12,256 vacancies under the SSC CGL recruitment notification. For more details, let’s check out the SSC CGL job details according to the department and category of candidates here:
    SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy DetailsVacancies
    Total SSC CGL 2026 Vacancies12,256 (Expected)
    Group B PostsIncluded in total 12,256 (post-wise list to be released by SSC)
     
    Group C PostsPost-wise list to be compiled and released by SSC
    Department-wise VacanciesPost-wise list to be compiled and released by SSC
    Category-wise VacanciesPost-wise list to be compiled and released by SSC
    Official Vacancy ReleaseAlong with a detailed post-wise list by SSC

    SSC CGL 2026 AAO Post Details

    SSC CGL 2026 has introduced two new roles, Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer which were not there in the previous SSC CGL cycles. These are classified as Group "B" Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) posts.

    The pay scale is Level 8 (Rs. 47,600 – Rs. 1,51,100) and they are the highest paying posts in SSC CGL 2026. Desirable qualifications include CA, CMA, Company Secretary, Master’s in Commerce, MBA, or Master’s in Business Studies.

    The posts in AAOs are classified into Central and State Cadre. In respect of State Cadre posts, there will be a language requirement.

    SSC CGL Application Fee 2026

    To complete the registration process of the SSC CGL recruitment 2026 process, candidates must submit the application fee, which was previously decided by the authority. Candidates can choose any payment method to submit their payment, such as BHIM UPI, Mastercard, etc. Check the payment details here:

    Category of candidates

    Application fee

    General

    Rs 100 only

    OBC

    Rs 100 only

    SC

    Exempted

    ST

    Exempted

    PWBD

    Exempted

    ESM

    Exempted

    Women candidates

    Exempted

    SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process

    The Staff Selection Commission has set various stages for the selection process. All candidates must pass all of these processes to become eligible for their desired posts.

    Check the selection process here:

    • SSC CGL Tier 1- Preliminary examination
    • SSC CGL Tier 2 – Main examination
    • Document verification process
    • Final selection

    SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Exam Pattern

    Tier 1 Exam: 100 MCQs for 200 marks to be completed in 60 minutes in total with 15 minutes per section (sectional timing introduced in 2026). Negative marking: -0.50 Marks for each wrong answer. There are 4 sections – General Intelligence & Reasoning (25Q), General Awareness (25Q), Quantitative Aptitude (25Q), English Comprehension (25Q) Tier 1 is qualifying only. Marks are not counted in the final merit.

    SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2 Exam Pattern

    Paper 1 is Compulsory for all which includes 450 marks total (150 MCQs × 3 marks each). Held in two sessions on the same day. Covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge. In Paper 1, sectional timing will be used (Section 1:30+30 min; Section 2:40+20 min; Section 3: 15 min; Section 4: 15 min). Negative marking: 1 mark for every wrong answer.

    SSC CGL Syllabus

    SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus: Reasoning, General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension. The Tier 1 syllabus comprises basic concepts while Tier 2 involves higher level questions along with Computer Knowledge and Data Entry Skill Test in some posts.

    Key change in 2026: Sectional timing has been introduced in Tier 1 (15 minutes per section). Tier 2 now includes Paper 3 (Finance & Economics/Governance) exclusively for AAO and Assistant Accounts Officer posts.

    SSC CGL Salary details 2026

    Candidates can check the salary structure here:

    Name of the post

    SSC CGL details  for Pay level

    Payment range

    Assistant section officer (CSS)

    Level 7

    Rs. 44, 900 to Rs. 1,42,400

    Income tax inspector

    Level 7

    Rs. 44, 900 to Rs. 1,42,400

    Central Excise Inspector

    Level 7

    Rs. 44, 900 to Rs. 1,42,400

    Preventive officer inspector

    Level 7

    Rs. 44, 900 to Rs. 1,42,400

    Examiner inspector

    Level 7

    Rs. 44, 900 to Rs. 1,42,400

    Sub Inspector CBI

    Level 7

    Rs. 44, 900 to Rs. 1,42,400

    Junior statistical officer

    Level 6

    Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400

    Sub inspector

    Level 6

    Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400

    Divisional accountant

    Level 6

    Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400

    Auditor

    Level 5

    Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300

    Junior accountant

    Level 5

    Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300

    Tax assistant CBEC

    Level 4

    Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100

    Tax assistant CBDT

    Level 4

    Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100

    SSC CGL 2026 New Changes

    The SSC CGL 2026 notification introduced a lot of major structural changes compared to the previous years. Candidates are advised to keep a check on these updates before starting their preparation:

    1. Tier 1 Sectional Timing:

    The four sections in Tier 1 have a fixed time of 15 minutes each. Once time for a section expires, candidates cannot move freely between sections.

    2. New Paper 3 in Tier 2 for AAO Posts:

    A new Paper 3 (General Studies – Finance and Economics) has been added in Tier 2, for the candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer posts only. Paper 3: (200 marks) (100 questions, 2 hours duration).

    3. AAO and Assistant Accounts Officer Posts Reintroduced:

    The posts of Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer have been reintroduced this year. These are some of the best paying jobs under SSC CGL in the Level 8 pay scale (Rs. 47,600 – Rs. 1,51,100).

    4. Expanded Eligibility for Statistical Investigator Grade-II:

    The eligibility criteria for Statistical Investigator Grade-II has been widened to include graduates in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science and Information Technology besides the traditional Statistics/Mathematics/Economics requirement.

    5. Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication and Live Photo:

    For all applicants, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory in 2026. Also, a live photo must be taken at the time of submission of the form (Static uploaded photos are no longer accepted). Now, scribes have to register via OTR (One-Time Registration) and authenticate via OTP.

    6. Tier 1 is Qualifying Only:

    As reconfirmed in the 2026 notification, Tier 1 is only a screening/qualifying test. The final merit and selection is based on Tier 2 marks only. Candidates need to clear sectional cutoffs in each section of Tier 2 Paper 1.

    Paper 2 (For JSO/Statistical Investigator Grade-II only:

    200 marks (100 MCQs, 2 hrs. Statistics. Wrong answer: -0.50 marks. No section timing.

    Paper 3 (For AAO/Assistant Accounts Officer only – NEW in 2026):

    200 marks (100 MCQ's, 2 hours Covers General Studies-Finance and Economics. No section timings. The final merit for AAO posts is based on the combined marks of Paper 1 + Paper 3.

    SSC CGL Admit Card 2026

    The SSC CGL Admit card is mandatory for all candidates who want to appear in the SSC CGL exam 2026. Without having a proper and valid admit card, no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall.

    Therefore, it is necessary to keep it handy while appearing in the exams. Let us tell you that the admit cards will be issued on the official website of the authority, @www.ssc.gov.in. After that, candidates can download it by visiting the same official website.

    How to download the SSC CGL Admit card

    1. Visit the official website of SSC ssc.gov.in
    2. Go to the “Admit Card” tab on the home page
    3. Choose Your SSC Region (NR, CR, WR, ER etc.)
    4. Please enter your Registration Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth
    5. Enter captcha code and click on Submit button
    6. Your SSC CGL Admit Card will be displayed on screen.
    7. Download and print it clearly for exam day
    8. Please verify all the details like name, exam centre, timing etc. carefully before taking printout.

    SSC CGL 2026 Cut off

    SSC CGL cut off 2026 list varies every year according to the marks obtained by candidates. With the help of the cut-off list, candidates can get an idea about what marks they should get to become qualified for the exams.
    We have suggested the cut-off list according to the category of the candidates here:

    Category

    Cut off marks list

    SC

    252.0 marks

    ST

    241.0 marks

    OBC

    271.0 marks

    EWS

    265.0 marks

    UR

    287.0 marks

    ESM

    223.0 marks

    OH

    234.0 marks

    PWD

    143.0 marks

    SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key

    Once the examinations are completed, the authority releases the answer key on its official website. This answer key is to be proved a most important for candidates as they can verify their response in the exam. 

    It contains the answers to the questions that appeared in the SSC CGL exam 2026. Candidates can download it from the official website, determine their score, and proceed with their further selection processes.

    SSC CGL 2026 Result

    The result of the examinations will be released after completing all the procedures, such as checking the exams, releasing the answer key, etc. The respective authority releases the result on the official website @www.ssc.gov.in. Candidates can use this website to check their results.

    All they need to do is just enter their details on the login page and submit them. Within a few minutes, the result will appear on their screen. 
    Here, candidates must save their results by getting a screenshot or printing. This step will help them to keep it as a reference for their future use.

    How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2026?

    Candidates must prepare well for the SSC CGL Exam by studying regularly and making a proper study plan. Regular practice and revision can improve speed, accuracy and performance in the exam.

    1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

    The first step of your preparation should be a complete knowledge of the SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern. Identify the important topics and create a realistic study plan.

    2. Practice Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

    Solve SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers regularly to understand the exam trends, level of difficulty, and frequently asked topics. PYQs also help in improving the speed and accuracy.

    3. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly

    Full length and sectional SSC CGL Mock Tests will help you to analyse your level of preparation. Mock tests are useful for time management, identifying weak areas and building confidence for the exam.

    4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

    Current Affairs is an important part of the General Awareness section. Read daily current affairs, monthly magazines, and important government schemes, reports and events.

    5. Revise Consistently

    Regular revision is a must to remember the concepts and formulas. Make short notes and revise them frequently before the examination.

    6. Analyze Your Performance

    Go through your mistakes and work on your weaker sections after each mock test or practice session to improve your overall score.

    FAQs About SSC CGL 2026

    Yes, SSC released the SSC CGL 2026 notification on 21 May 2026 at ssc.gov.in for various Group B and Group C posts.