SSC CGL 2026 Notification Out: 12,256 Vacancies, Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Complete Guide
SSC CGL 2026 Notification Out at ssc.gov.in – Apply Online for 12,256 Group B & C Vacancies
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
SSC is conducting Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 for approximately 12,256 vacancies in Group B and Group C posts under different Ministries, Departments, and Government of India organizations. The application process is online only, and the last date to submit the application form is 22 June 2026.
| Organization Name | Staff Selection Commission (SSC), New Delhi |
| Examination Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (SSC CGL 2026) |
| Advertisement No. | F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 dated 21-05-2026 |
| Post Name | Various Group B (Gazetted/Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts including Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (IT/CE), Sub Inspector (CBI/NIA), Junior Statistical Officer, Assistant Audit Officer, Tax Assistant, Auditor, Accountant, Postal Assistant, and more |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 12,256 (tentative; updated vacancies will be on https://ssc.gov.in) |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100) to Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600–1,51,100) depending on the post |
| Application Mode | Online only at https://ssc.gov.in or via mY SSC mobile app |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 21-05-2026 |
| Opening of Online Applications | 21-05-2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Online Applications | 22-06-2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 23-06-2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Window for Application Form Correction (with online payment) | 29-06-2026 to 01-07-2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Age Calculated As On | 01-08-2026 |
| Educational qualification Cut-off Date | 01-08-2026 |
| Tier-I Computer Based Examination (Tentative) | August – September, 2026 |
| Tier-II Computer Based Examination (Tentative) | December, 2026 |
SSC CGL 2026 – Post-wise Vacancy Details
A total of approximately 12,256 vacancies are available across Group B and Group C posts spread over multiple Pay Levels. Post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be updated on the SSC website. State-wise/Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission; candidates may approach the concerned User Departments for such details.
ALSO READE MORE
THIS ARTICLE READ IN HINDI CLICK THIS LINK
👉👉👉वाराणसी (प्राचीन काशी) विश्व के सबसे प्राचीन सतत बसे हुए नगरों में से एक है और हिंदू धर्म का प्रमुख तीर्थ स्थल हैAlso read 👉👉_Why Did Partition Happen Despite Khilafat Unity? Full Historical Analysis (1919–1947)
👉👉👉क्या मृत्यु अंत है या शुरुआत? | Afterlife Truth Explained with Science & Real Experiences
Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600–1,51,100) – Group B Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)
| S.No. | Post Name | Department / Ministry | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | 18–30 years |
| 2 | Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | 18–30 years |
| 3 | Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | 18–30 years |
Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900–1,42,400) – Group B
| S.No. | Post Name | Department / Ministry | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | 20–30 years |
| 2 | Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | 18–30 years |
| 3 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | 20–30 years |
| 4 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | 20–30 years |
| 5 | Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | 20–30 years |
| 6 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | 18–30 years |
| 7 | Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations | 18–30 years |
| 8 | Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | 18–30 years |
| 9 | Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | 18–30 years |
| 10 | Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | 18–30 years |
| 11 | Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | 18–30 years |
| 12 | Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Dept. of Revenue | 18–30 years |
| 13 | Sub Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | 20–30 years |
| 14 | Inspector Posts | Dept. of Posts, Ministry of Communications | 18–30 years |
| 15 | Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | 18–30 years |
Pay Level 6 (Rs. 35,400–1,12,400) – Group B
| S.No. | Post Name | Department / Ministry | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations | 18–30 years |
| 2 | Executive Assistant | CBIC | 18–30 years |
| 3 | Research Assistant | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | 18–30 years |
| 4 | Divisional Accountant | Offices under C&AG | 18–30 years |
| 5 | Sub Inspector | National Investigation Agency (NIA) | 18–30 years |
| 6 | Sub-Inspector / Junior Intelligence Officer | Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA) | 18–30 years |
| 7 | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation | 18–32 years |
| 8 | Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Ministry of Home Affairs | 18–30 years |
| 9 | Office Superintendent | CBDT | 18–30 years |
| 10 | Section Head | Director General of Foreign Trade | 18–30 years |
Pay Level 5 (Rs. 29,200–92,300) – Group C
| S.No. | Post Name | Department / Ministry | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auditor | Offices under C&AG | 18–27 years |
| 2 | Auditor | Offices under CGDA | 18–27 years |
| 3 | Auditor | Other Ministry / Departments | 18–27 years |
| 4 | Accountant | Offices under C&AG | 18–27 years |
| 5 | Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | 18–27 years |
| 6 | Accountant / Junior Accountant | Other Ministry / Departments | 18–27 years |
Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100) – Group C
| S.No. | Post Name | Department / Ministry | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Dept. of Posts, Ministry of Communications | 18–27 years |
| 2 | Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk | Central Govt. Offices / Ministries other than CSCS cadres | 18–27 years |
| 3 | Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | 18–27 years |
| 4 | Tax Assistant | CBDT | 18–27 years |
| 5 | Tax Assistant | CBIC | 18–27 years |
| 6 | Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | 18–27 years |
Note: Final allotment of posts is made on the basis of merit-cum-preferences given by the candidates. Once a post is allotted, no change will be made due to non-fulfilment of any post-specific physical/medical/educational standard. Some posts (Inspector CE/Examiner/Preventive Officer, Sub Inspector in CBI/NIA/CBN, SI in NCB) have specific Physical Standards, Physical Tests, and Medical Standards as per Annexure-XV & XVI of the notification
SSC CGL 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India, or subjects/persons of specified neighboring and migrated countries as permitted under Government of India rules, with eligibility certificate wherever required. |
| Essential Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent for most posts, as on 01-08-2026. |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level; or Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level. |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence. |
| Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | Bachelor's Degree is essential. Desirable qualifications include CA, CMA, CS, M.Com, MBA (Finance), or M.B.E. |
| Appearing Candidates | Final year candidates may apply, but they must possess the essential qualification on or before 01-08-2026. |
| Distance Learning Degrees | Accepted only if approved by Distance Education Bureau, UGC, for Central Government employment. Proof must be produced at document verification. |
| BRO Posts | Only male candidates are eligible for vacancies reported in Border Roads Organization. |
SSC CGL 2026 – Age Limit
Age will be calculated as on 01-08-2026. The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation or Secondary Examination Certificate will be treated as final.
| Age Limit (Post-wise) | Date of Birth Range (Both Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| 18 to 27 years | 02-08-1999 to 01-08-2008 |
| 20 to 30 years | 02-08-1996 to 01-08-2006 |
| 18 to 30 years | 02-08-1996 to 01-08-2008 |
| 18 to 32 years (JSO) | 02-08-1994 to 01-08-2008 |
Age Relaxation
| Code | Category | Relaxation Beyond Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | SC / ST | 5 years |
| 02 | OBC | 3 years |
| 03 | PwBD (General) | 10 years |
| 04 | PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| 05 | PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| 06 | Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| 08 | Defence Personnel disabled in operations (General) | 3 years |
| 09 | Defence Personnel disabled in operations (SC/ST) | 8 years |
| 10 | Central Govt. Civilian Employees with 3+ years regular service (Group C posts only) | Up to 40 years of age |
| 11 | Central Govt. Civilian Employees SC/ST with 3+ years regular service (Group C posts only) | Up to 45 years of age |
| 12 | Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated and not remarried | Up to 35 years of age |
| 13 | Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated SC/ST and not remarried | Up to 40 years of age |
SSC CGL 2026 – Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- (Non-Refundable) |
| Women Candidates (All categories) | NIL (Exempted) |
| SC / ST | NIL (Exempted) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | NIL (Exempted) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation | NIL (Exempted) |
Fee must be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and RuPay debit cards. Fee once paid will not be refunded, and applications without required fee payment will be rejected.
Correction Window Fee: Rs. 200/- for first correction and Rs. 500/- for second correction. This applies to all candidates, including fee-exempt applicants.
SSC CGL 2026 – Selection Process
Selection is through a two-tier Computer Based Examination (CBE). Marks scored in CBE conducted in multiple shifts will be normalized as per the procedure published by SSC vide Notice dated 02-06-2025. There is no provision for re-evaluation/re-checking of scores at any stage.
ier-I: Computer Based Examination
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 1 hour (Sectional timer: 15 min per section) 1 hour 20 min for scribe-eligible PwBD candidates |
| B. General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| C. Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| D. English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier-I consists of Objective Type / MCQ questions, set in English and Hindi (except English Comprehension). Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Tier-II: Computer Based Examination
Tier-II is conducted in Paper-I, Paper-II, and Paper-III in separate shifts/days.
| Paper | Section / Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I (Compulsory for all posts) | Section-I: Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30+30 = 60 | 180 | Session-I: 2 hrs 15 min; Section-I: 1 hr timer |
| Section-II: English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | 45+25 = 70 | 210 | 1 hr timer | |
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying, mandatory) | 20 | 60 | 15 min | |
| Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) (qualifying, mandatory) | - | - | Session-II: 15 min | |
| Paper-II (JSO / Statistical Investigator only) | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-III (AAO / AAcO only) | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CGL 2026 – Scheme of Examination & Syllabus (Brief)
| Paper / Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Tier-I: General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, similarities, space visualization, problem solving, arithmetic reasoning, number series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, social intelligence |
| Tier-I: General Awareness | Current events, India and neighbouring countries, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research |
| Tier-I: Quantitative Aptitude | Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio, averages, SI/CI, profit & loss, discount, time & work, time & distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, bar charts, pie charts |
| Tier-I: English Comprehension | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, writing ability |
| Tier-II Paper-I Sec-I: Mathematical Abilities | Number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics & probability |
| Tier-II Paper-I Sec-II: English Language & Comprehension | Vocabulary, grammar, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, sentence improvement, comprehension passages (current affairs + editorial based) |
| Tier-II Paper-I Sec-III: Computer Knowledge | Computer basics, MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint), Internet & e-mail, networking & cybersecurity basics |
| Tier-II Paper-II: Statistics | Data collection, frequency distribution, central tendency, dispersion, correlation, regression, probability, sampling theory, statistical inference, ANOVA, time series, index numbers |
| Tier-II Paper-III: General Studies (Finance & Economics) | Part A (Finance & Accounts, 80 marks): Financial accounting, GAAP, books of accounts, depreciation, bank reconciliation. Part B (Economics & Governance, 120 marks): Economic concepts, Indian economy, governance, financial markets, budget basics |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 Exam Pattern (Qualifying)
Tier 1 is objective (MCQ), 60 minutes duration, with negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (total) |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 | - |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | - |
English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | - |
Total | 100 | 200 | 60 mins |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Scoring)
Tier 2 is compulsory Paper 1 for all posts (divided into sessions/modules), with additional papers for specific posts. Negative marking applies (typically 1 mark in certain modules as per SSC).
Paper 1 (Compulsory for All Posts) – Conducted in two sessions on the same day.
Session | Section | Module | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Session I | Section I | Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 (3 marks each) | 1 hour (total for Section I) |
Session I | Section I | Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | - |
Session I | Section II | Module-I | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 (3 marks each) | 1 hour (total for Section II) |
Session I | Section II | Module-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | - |
Session II | Section III | Module-I | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 (3 marks each) | 15 minutes |
Session II | Section III | Module-II | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 1 Task (2000 key depressions) | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Paper 2: Statistics – 100 questions, 200 marks (for Junior Statistical Officer - JSO posts only)
Paper 3: General Studies (Finance & Economics) – For Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts (details in official notification).
DEST is qualifying and mandatory for most posts (exemptions for certain PwBD candidates).
SSC CGL 2026 – Exam Centres
The examination will be conducted through 9 SSC Regions covering all states and union territories. Candidates must choose three examination centres, in order of priority, within the same region.
Central Region: Agra, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Patna, Gaya Eastern Region: Kolkata, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Gangtok Karnataka Kerala Region: Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mysuru Madhya Pradesh Region: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Raipur North Eastern Region: Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Agartala Northern Region: Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun North Western Region: Chandigarh, Shimla, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar Southern Region: Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Coimbatore, Madurai Western Region: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Panaji
No request for change of centre will be entertained after submission of the application. SSC may add, cancel, or shift candidates to another centre depending on administrative requirements.
Competition Level Analysis for SSC CGL 2026
The overall competition level for SSC CGL 2026 is expected to remain very high because the examination attracts a massive number of graduate applicants every year across India. Even with around 12,256 vacancies, the effective competition ratio remains extremely tough for high-demand posts.
- Applicant volume is huge: SSC CGL is among the most sought-after central government exams, and premium posts receive intense preference from top scorers.
- Tier-I acts as the main screening stage: With negative marking and sectional timing, both speed and accuracy matter. Candidates targeting top posts generally need a very strong Tier-I score.
- Tier-II gets post-specific: Specialized posts like JSO and AAO attract a smaller but more qualified pool, making domain preparation more important than raw competition numbers.
- DEST and CKT can eliminate candidates: Although qualifying in nature, poor performance in these sections can disqualify otherwise strong candidates for certain posts.
- Physical standards create an extra filter: Certain Inspector and Sub Inspector posts require physical and medical fitness standards that are checked separately by user departments.
Who Should NOT Apply for SSC CGL 2026?
- Candidates who will not possess a Bachelor's Degree by 01-08-2026.
- Candidates who fall outside the age limit for all eligible posts even after applicable relaxation.
- OBC Creamy Layer candidates intending to claim OBC reservation.
- Candidates who cannot meet post-specific physical or medical standards for the posts they plan to prefer.
- Non-matriculate Ex-Servicemen or those who have not completed the required length of service.
- Candidates applying for JSO without the required Mathematics or Statistics qualification.
- Female candidates applying specifically for BRO vacancies, where only male candidates are eligible.
- Distance-learning degree holders without valid UGC-DEB approval for the relevant period.
Common Mistakes / What to Check Before Applying SSC CGL 2026
- Not generating a fresh OTR on the new SSC website.
- Using a pre-existing photograph instead of live photo capture where required.
- Uploading blurred or wrongly sized signature files.
- Selecting the wrong reservation category without valid supporting certificate.
- Ignoring post-specific standards before locking post preferences.
- Choosing JSO or AAO related preferences without being ready for Paper-II or Paper-III.
- Skipping Aadhaar-based authentication even when eligible.
- Waiting until the final date for application submission.
- Missing the answer key objection window after examination.
- Confusing the correction window fee structure.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
Candidates must apply online only at https://ssc.gov.in or through the mY SSC mobile application (available on Google Play Store). No other mode of application is accepted. Candidates who have not generated OTR on the new website must do so first. Once OTR is generated on the new website, it remains valid for all future examinations on that portal.
Candidates are advised to opt for Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR. Aadhaar-authenticated candidates get significant exemptions: their applications are not rejected for photograph/signature standards, and they need not carry photo ID at the examination venue.
Steps to Apply:
- Generate One-Time Registration (OTR) at https://ssc.gov.in (mandatory; use Aadhaar-based authentication if possible)
- Complete OTR profile and lock it
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) including live photograph capture via camera
- Upload scanned signature (JPEG/JPG, 10–20 KB, 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm)
- Fill the Examination Specific Module (post preferences, exam centre choices - 3 centres within same region in order of priority)
- Pay application fee of Rs. 100/- online (if applicable) by 23-06-2026
- Preview/Print the application to verify all details before final submission
- Use the correction window (29-06 to 01-07-2026) if any correction is needed (chargeable)
- Keep printout of application and all documents for at least 3 years
Documents to Keep Ready for Document Verification (after final selection):
- Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate (proof of date of birth)
- Mark sheets for all years/semesters of Graduation + Provisional/Degree Certificate
- SC/ST Certificate in prescribed format (Annexure of the notification)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate in prescribed format (Annexure-X); must be valid as on closing date of application
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate valid for FY 2026–27 (issued based on income for FY 2025–26) in prescribed format (Annexure-XI)
- PwBD Disability Certificate from competent authority specifying type of disability (as per Annexure-XII to XIII)
- Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate and other relevant ESM documents
- Equivalence certificate (for equivalent qualifications other than standard degrees)
- DEB/UGC approval letter (for Distance Learning degree holders)
- Certificate of proficiency in State Regional/official language (for AAO/Assistant Audit Officer State Cadre)
Apply Online at: https://ssc.gov.in | Toll Free Helpline: 1800 309 3063
Important Instructions for SSC CGL 2026 Candidates
- Final allotment is based on merit-cum-preference, and no alternate post will be offered if a candidate fails post-specific standards after allotment.
- OBC candidates claiming reservation must not belong to the creamy layer as on the closing date of application.
- EWS certificate must be valid for FY 2026–27 and should be based on income for FY 2025–26.
- PwBD candidates must choose the correct sub-category in the application form because no later change is allowed.
- Scribe rules are strict: the scribe must complete OTR, be Aadhaar-authenticated, and cannot assist more than one candidate.
- Compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is available to eligible PwBD candidates.
- Tentative answer keys can be challenged online by paying Rs. 100 per question within the specified period only.
- No re-evaluation or re-checking of scores is available at any stage.
- Candidates should preserve the application form and related documents for at least 3 years.
- Candidature remains provisional until certificates and documents are verified by the Appointing Authority.
- Fraudulent claims of reservation status may lead to debarment from all SSC examinations.
- Any update in exam schedule or process will be communicated through the SSC website only.
- Applications without the required fee, unless exempted, or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.
Join the conversation