SSC CGL 2026 (Combined Graduate Level Examination)

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the notification for the SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination) Recruitment 2026. This highly anticipated recruitment drive aims to fill a significant number of Group B and Group C posts across various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. With approximately 12,256 vacancies, this is a golden opportunity for graduates seeking a stable and rewarding career in the central government. The online application process commenced on May 21, 2026, and interested candidates must apply by June 22, 2026. Ensure you review the complete eligibility criteria, application process, and important dates detailed in the official notification before applying.

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination) Recruitment 2026: Key Details

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) invites online applications for the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2026. This examination is a gateway to prestigious Group B and Group C positions in diverse government organizations. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree and meeting the specified age criteria are encouraged to apply. All essential information, including the official notification PDF and the direct apply link, is provided below for your convenience.

Important Dates for SSC CGL 2026

Candidates should mark these crucial dates for the SSC CGL 2026 examination to ensure timely application and preparation:

Vacancy Details: SSC CGL 2026

A total of approximately 12,256 vacancies have been announced for Group B and Group C posts. These positions are distributed across various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations under the Government of India. While the exact post-wise and category-wise breakdown will be updated on the SSC website, here’s a glimpse into the types of posts available across different pay levels:

Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600–1,51,100) – Group B Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)

Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900–1,42,400) – Group B

Pay Level 6 (Rs. 35,400–1,12,400) – Group B

Pay Level 5 (Rs. 29,200–92,300) – Group C

Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100) – Group C

Note: Final post allotment is based on merit-cum-preferences. Some posts have specific physical/medical standards, which candidates must meet. Refer to Annexure-XV & XVI of the official notification for details on posts requiring physical standards.

SSC CGL Salary Details 2026

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination offers attractive salary packages based on the Pay Level of the allotted post. The salary ranges from Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8, along with various allowances as per government rules. Here’s a summary:

• Pay Level 8: Rs. 47,600 – 1,51,100 (e.g., Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer)
• Pay Level 7: Rs. 44,900 – 1,42,400 (e.g., Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (Central Excise))
• Pay Level 6: Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400 (e.g., Junior Statistical Officer, Sub Inspector NIA)
• Pay Level 5: Rs. 29,200 – 92,300 (e.g., Auditor, Accountant)
• Pay Level 4: Rs. 25,500 – 81,100 (e.g., Postal Assistant, Tax Assistant)

In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates will be eligible for various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other benefits as applicable to Central Government employees.

Eligibility Criteria for SSC CGL 2026

To be eligible for the SSC CGL 2026, candidates must meet specific criteria related to nationality, educational qualification, and age limit. It is crucial to review these requirements carefully before applying.

Age Limit for SSC CGL 2026

The age limit for various posts under SSC CGL 2026 is calculated as on 01-08-2026. The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation or Secondary Examination Certificate will be considered final. Specific age limits for different posts are as follows:

Age Relaxation

Relaxations in the upper age limit are provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per Government of India rules:

Application Fee for SSC CGL 2026

The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 varies by category. It is essential to pay the fee by the stipulated deadline to ensure your application is considered valid.

The fee must be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and RuPay debit cards. Please note that fees once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances, and applications without the required fee payment will be summarily rejected.

Correction Window Fee

If you need to make corrections to your application form during the correction window (29-06-2026 to 01-07-2026), a fee will be charged:

• First correction: Rs. 200/-
• Second correction: Rs. 500/-

This correction fee applies to all candidates, including those who were initially exempted from the application fee.

SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process

The selection process for the SSC CGL 2026 involves a two-tier Computer Based Examination (CBE). Marks obtained in CBEs conducted in multiple shifts will be normalized as per the procedure published by SSC. There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of scores at any stage.

Tier-I: Computer Based Examination (Qualifying)

Tier-I is an objective type, Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination. It is qualifying in nature, and marks are used for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II. The exam is set in English and Hindi (except for English Comprehension). There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

Tier-II: Computer Based Examination (Scoring)

Tier-II consists of Paper-I (compulsory for all posts), Paper-II (for Junior Statistical Officer/Statistical Investigator Grade-II), and Paper-III (for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer). It is conducted in separate shifts/days.

Negative Marking in Tier-II: 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, II, III of Paper-I. 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II and Paper-III. Section-III (Computer Knowledge Test) and Section-IV (Data Entry Speed Test) are qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify all sections of Paper-I separately. Higher qualifying standards for CKT and DEST are set for specific posts (e.g., CSS, MEA, AFHQ, SFIO, CBIC, Postal). Compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is available for PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe.

SSC CGL 2026 Scheme of Examination & Syllabus (Brief)

Understanding the syllabus is key to effective preparation. Here’s a brief overview of the topics covered in Tier-I and Tier-II examinations:

For a detailed syllabus and exam pattern, candidates are advised to refer to the official notification PDF.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Centres

The SSC CGL 2026 examination will be conducted across various cities in India, organized under 9 SSC Regional Offices. Candidates are required to choose three examination centres in order of priority, all within the same region, during the application process. No request for a change of centre will be entertained after the application submission.

Some of the major exam centres include:

• 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

SSC reserves the right to add, cancel, or shift candidates to another centre based on administrative requirements.

Why This Recruitment Is Important

The SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination) Recruitment 2026 is a significant event for several reasons:

• Massive Opportunity: With approximately 12,256 vacancies, it offers one of the largest recruitment drives for graduate-level positions in the Central Government.
• Diverse Career Paths: It opens doors to a wide array of Group B and Group C posts across various prestigious Ministries and Departments, catering to different skill sets and career aspirations.
• Job Security & Benefits: Central Government jobs are highly sought after for their stability, attractive salary packages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
• Pan-India Reach: The examination attracts candidates from all corners of the country, promoting national integration and providing opportunities to a broad demographic.
• Pathway to Influence: Many of these roles involve critical administrative and executive functions, offering a chance to contribute directly to governance and public service.

For many graduates, cracking the SSC CGL is a dream come true, providing a platform to build a respectable and impactful career.

Who Should Apply for SSC CGL 2026?

This recruitment is ideal for:

• Graduates from any recognized university who are looking for a stable and reputable career in the Central Government.
• Candidates who meet the age criteria as on 01-08-2026, including those eligible for age relaxation.
• Individuals with a strong aptitude for subjects like General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
• Aspirants who are dedicated to preparing for a competitive examination with multiple tiers.
• Those seeking diverse roles in various government ministries and departments, from administrative to investigative positions.
• Candidates who are in their final year of graduation, provided they will obtain their degree by the cut-off date of 01-08-2026.

Who Should NOT Apply for SSC CGL 2026?

Candidates should reconsider applying if they fall into any of the following categories:

• Those who will not possess a Bachelor’s Degree by the cut-off date of 01-08-2026.
• Candidates whose age falls outside the specified limits for all eligible posts, even after considering applicable relaxations.
• OBC Creamy Layer candidates who intend to claim OBC reservation, as they are not eligible for such benefits.
• Individuals who cannot meet the post-specific physical or medical standards for their preferred posts.
• Non-matriculate Ex-Servicemen or those who have not completed the required length of service to claim ESM benefits.
• Candidates applying for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) without the mandatory Mathematics (60% in 12th) or Statistics qualification at the degree level.
• Female candidates specifically applying for Border Roads Organization (BRO) vacancies, as these are reserved for male candidates only.
• Holders of distance learning degrees that are not approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), UGC, for Central Government employment.

Documents Required for Document Verification (After Selection)

Candidates provisionally selected for appointment will be required to produce the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies during the Document Verification (DV) stage:

1. Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate: As proof of Date of Birth.
2. Graduation Certificates: Mark sheets for all years/semesters of Bachelor’s Degree + Provisional/Degree Certificate.
3. Category Certificates (if applicable):
   • SC/ST Certificate in the prescribed format (as per Annexure of the notification).
   • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure-X), which must be valid as on the closing date of application.
   • EWS Income & Asset Certificate valid for FY 2026–27 (issued based on income for FY 2025–26) in the prescribed format (Annexure-XI).
   • PwBD Disability Certificate from a competent authority specifying the type of disability (as per Annexure-XII to XIII).
4. Ex-Serviceman Documents: Discharge certificate and other relevant ESM documents.
5. Equivalence Certificate: For qualifications declared equivalent to a standard degree.
6. DEB/UGC Approval Letter: For candidates holding Distance Learning degrees.
7. Proficiency Certificate: Certificate of proficiency in State Regional/official language (for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer State Cadre, if required).
8. Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, etc.
9. Passport Size Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.
10. Any other document as specified in the official notification.

Common Mistakes To Avoid in SSC CGL 2026 Application

To ensure a smooth application process and avoid rejection, candidates should be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Not Generating Fresh OTR: Failing to create a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website, which is mandatory for all applicants.
• Incorrect Photograph Upload: Using an old or pre-existing photograph instead of the required live photo capture, or uploading blurred/improperly sized images.
• Signature Issues: Uploading a blurred, wrongly sized, or incorrectly formatted signature file.
• Wrong Reservation Category: Selecting an incorrect reservation category without a valid supporting certificate, or claiming OBC reservation while belonging to the creamy layer.
• Ignoring Post-Specific Standards: Not checking physical or medical standards for specific posts before locking preferences, which can lead to disqualification later.
• Applying for Specialized Posts Without Preparation: Opting for JSO or AAO related preferences without being adequately prepared for Paper-II or Paper-III.
• Skipping Aadhaar Authentication: Not opting for Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR, which offers benefits like exemption from photo/signature rejection and not needing a photo ID at the exam venue.
• Last-Minute Application: Waiting until the final days to submit the application, risking server overload and technical issues.
• Missing Correction Window: Not utilizing the application correction window for rectifying errors, or misunderstanding its fee structure.
• Incomplete Application: Submitting an application without paying the required fee (if applicable) or leaving mandatory fields blank.

How To Apply for SSC CGL 2026

The application process for SSC CGL 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application:

1. One-Time Registration (OTR):
   • Visit the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in.
   • If you haven’t already, generate a One-Time Registration (OTR) profile. This is mandatory for all new applicants on the updated portal.
   • It is highly recommended to opt for Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR for significant benefits.
   • Complete your OTR profile with accurate details and lock it.
2. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF):
   • Log in using your OTR credentials.
   • Proceed to fill out the Common Application Form.
   • Capture a live photograph using a webcam/camera as specified by SSC. Ensure it meets the prescribed standards (clear, front-facing, no caps/goggles).
   • Upload your scanned signature (JPEG/JPG format, 10–20 KB, dimensions 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm).
3. Fill the Examination Specific Module:
   • Select your post preferences carefully.
   • Choose three examination centres in order of priority, ensuring all are within the same SSC region.
4. Pay Application Fee:
   • If applicable (General/OBC/EWS male candidates), pay the application fee of Rs. 100/- online.
   • Payment can be made through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or various debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, RuPay).
   • Ensure payment is completed by the deadline: 23-06-2026.
5. Preview and Submit:
   • Before final submission, carefully preview your entire application form to verify all details.
   • Make any necessary corrections at this stage.
   • Once satisfied, submit the application.
6. Correction Window (if needed):
   • If you discover errors after final submission, utilize the correction window from 29-06-2026 to 01-07-2026.
   • Note that corrections are chargeable (Rs. 200 for first, Rs. 500 for second).
7. Print Application:
   • Take a printout of your submitted application form for your records.
   • Keep all related documents safe for at least 3 years.

For any assistance, you can contact the SSC Toll Free Helpline: 1800 309 3063.

Important Instructions for SSC CGL 2026 Candidates

Candidates applying for the SSC CGL 2026 should keep the following crucial instructions in mind:

• Post Allotment: Final allotment is based on merit-cum-preference. No alternative post will be offered if a candidate fails to meet post-specific physical/medical standards after allotment.
• Reservation Claims: OBC candidates claiming reservation must ensure they do not belong to the creamy layer as on the closing date of application. EWS certificate must be valid for FY 2026–27, based on income for FY 2025–26.
• PwBD Category: PwBD candidates must choose the correct sub-category in the application form, as no changes are allowed later.
• Scribe Rules: 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.
• Answer Key Challenge: Tentative answer keys can be challenged online by paying Rs. 100 per question within the specified period only.
• No Re-evaluation: There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of scores at any stage.
• Document Preservation: Candidates should preserve the application form and all related documents for at least 3 years.
• Provisional Candidature: 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.
• Updates: Any updates regarding the exam schedule or process will be communicated exclusively through the SSC website.
• Application Rejection: Applications without the required fee (unless exempted) or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.