SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date Out Soon @ssc.gov.in, Check Latest Updates
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The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially notified the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 to fill 12,256 Group B and C vacancies. With over 28 lakh applications submitted, the stage is set for the upcoming Tier 1 and Tier 2 selection process. This year features significant updates, including 3 papers in Tier 2 (including AAO) and the critical introduction of sectional timing for both Tiers. Stay updated with the complete SSC CGL 2026 exam schedule below.
About SSC CGL 2026 Exam
SSC conducts the CGL examination to recruit for prestigious Group B and C roles across Central Government Ministries and Departments. The selection process consists of two stages—Tier 1 and Tier 2—both held in a computer-based format. With no interview stage, selection is based solely on Tier 2 performance. The SSC CGL pay scale ranges from Level 4 to 8 under the 7th CPC, with final post allotment determined by merit and candidate preferences.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the SSC CGL, provided candidates meet the age criteria of 18 to 32 years. Since age limits and educational qualifications vary by specific post, applicants should carefully review the official notification requirements before proceeding.
SSC CGL 2026- Highlights
Highlight | Details |
Recruitment Details | Exam Name: Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 Post Name: Various (Group B and C) Vacancy: 12,256 Exam Level: Pan India |
Application Process | Application Mode: Online Application Dates: Over Apply at: www.ssc.gov.in Application Fee: Rs. 100/- One-Time Registration (OTR) Required? Yes |
Eligibility Criteria | Age Limit: 18 to 32 years (as per post) Age Relaxation: Applicable Qualification: Graduation (Minimum) (Stream as per post) Nationality: Indian |
Selection Process | Tier 1 (Qualifying) (Computer-Based Test) Tier 2 (Merit-making) (Computer-Based Test) Document Verification |
Salary | Rs. 25,500 - 1,51,100/- (As per post) |
SSC CGL Exam Date 2026 Out Soon
The application window for SSC CGL 2026 has concluded. According to the official notification, the Tier 1 Exam 2026 is scheduled for September 2026, followed by the Tier 2 Exam in December 2026. Specific exam dates, shift timings, and venue details will be released via admit cards on the official SSC website. Bookmark this page for the latest announcements regarding examination schedules.
Events | Dates |
Notification Date | 21st May 2026 |
Online Application Started | 21st May 2026 |
Last Date to Submit the form | 25th June 2026 (11 PM) (Extended) |
Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 26th June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
Application Form Correction Window (Including Online Payment) | 1st to 3rd July 2026 (11:00 PM) |
Tier 1 Exam Date | September 2026 |
Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 |
Answer Key | 7-10 days after exam |
SSC CGL Notification 2026 PDF
The official SSC CGL 2026 Notification confirms a total of 12,256 vacancies. The notification PDF, available on the official website, serves as the primary resource for recruitment guidelines. Given the significant changes to the exam structure this year, it is essential for all aspirants to read the document thoroughly.
Download Official SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF
SSC CGL Vacancy 2026
The 12,256 vacancies cater to diverse graduate-level roles across various Central Government sectors. This year's recruitment cycle includes the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) positions. Please note that these vacancy figures are tentative and subject to change by the Commission.
Sr. No. | Post Name | Ministry/Department | Classification |
1 | Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG | Group “B” Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) |
2 | Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG | |
3 | Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Department under C&AG | |
4 | Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | Group “B” |
5 | Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | |
6 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | |
7 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | |
8 | Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | |
9 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Electronics & IT | |
10 | Assistant/Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries/Departments | |
11 | Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | |
12 | Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | |
13 | Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | |
14 | Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | |
15 | Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement | |
16 | Sub Inspector | CBI | |
17 | Inspector Posts | Department of Posts | |
18 | Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | |
19 | Assistant/Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries/Departments | |
20 | Executive Assistant | CBIC | |
21 | Research Assistant | NHRC | |
22 | Divisional Accountant | Offices under C&AG | |
23 | Sub Inspector | NIA | |
24 | Sub-Inspector/Junior Intelligence Officer | Narcotics Control Bureau | |
25 | Junior Statistical Officer | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation | |
26 | Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Ministry of Home Affairs | |
27 | Office Superintendent | CBDT | |
28 | Section Head | DGFT | |
29 | Auditor | Offices under C&AG | Group “C” |
30 | Auditor | Offices under CGDA | |
31 | Auditor | Other Ministries/Departments | |
32 | Accountant | Offices under C&AG | |
33 | Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | |
34 | Accountant/Junior Accountant | Other Ministries/Departments | |
35 | Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts | |
36 | Senior Secretariat Assistant/UDC | Central Govt. Offices/Ministries | |
37 | Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services | |
38 | Tax Assistant | CBDT | |
39 | Tax Assistant | CBIC | |
40 | Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics |
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SSC CGL 2026, candidates must adhere to specific age limits, nationality requirements, and academic qualifications. Refer to the comprehensive eligibility breakdown below for detailed information.
Post-Wise Age Limit (As on 1/8/2026)
Age eligibility varies by post, and the Commission provides applicable age relaxations for reserved category candidates.
Post Group | Age Limit |
Group B | 18 To 32 years (For some posts minimum age is 20 years and the maximum age is 30 years. Refer to official notification for post-wise age limit) |
Group C | 18 To 27 years |
Post-wise Qualification
Post Name | Essential Qualification |
Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University/Institute Desirable: CA/CMA/Company Secretary/Master’s in Commerce/Business Studies/MBA (Finance)/Business Economics |
Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised University Desirable: CA/CMA/Company Secretary/Master’s in Commerce/Business Studies/MBA (Finance)/Business Economics Proficiency in the Regional/Official Language of the State at the matriculation level |
Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | Bachelor’s Degree + Proficiency in the Regional/Official Language of the State at the matriculation level |
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor’s Degree with 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12 OR Statistics as a subject at the degree level |
Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor’s Degree: in Statistics/Mathematics/Economics/Demography/Population Studies/ Operation Research/IT/Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Computer Technology/Computer Application/Data Science/Artificial Intelligence |
All Other Posts | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University or equivalent |
Age Relaxation
Category | Age Relaxation |
SC/ST | 5 years |
OBC | 3 years |
PwBD | 10 years |
PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deduction of military service |
Defence Personnel disabled in operation | 3 years |
Defence Personnel disabled in operation (SC/ST) | 8 years |
Central Govt. Civilian Employees | 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 |
Nationality
Candidates must satisfy the following citizenship criteria:
- a citizen of India, or
- a subject of Nepal, or
- a subject of Bhutan, or
- a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (Formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Is there a limit to the number of attempts for SSC CGL?
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts, provided the candidate remains within the prescribed age limit and satisfies all other eligibility requirements.
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
- Tier 1 (Objective paper, CBT Mode)
- Tier 2 (Objective paper+Skill Test, CBT Mode)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
The current SSC CGL selection process does not include a descriptive paper or an interview.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern (New)
The implementation of sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 marks a major update. Review the updated exam pattern below.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
- Exam Mode: Online
- Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 100 (25 per section)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 1 hour (15 mins per section)
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer
Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 Mins |
Total | 100 | 200 | 60 Mins |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The exam structure now comprises three papers: Paper 1 is mandatory for all, while Papers 2 and 3 are specific to JSO and AAO posts, respectively.
- The exam mode is completely online
- Questions in Tier 2 are asked in MCQ format only
- There is no descriptive paper in CGL Tier 2 Exam.
- There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
- There is sectional timing in Sections 1 and 2 of Paper I as shown below.
Paper | Session | Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Weightage |
Paper I | Session I | Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes | 23% |
Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes | 23% | |||
Section II | English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 minutes | 35% | ||
General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 minutes | 19% | |||
Section III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 minutes | - | ||
Session II | Data Entry Speed Test | One Data Entry Task | Qualifying | 15 minutes | - | ||
Paper II | For JSO only | Statistics | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | - |
Paper III | for AAO only | General Studies | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | - |
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus
The official SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 encompasses General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English for both tiers. Additionally, Tier 2 includes modules on Computer Knowledge and a Data Entry Speed Test.
Section | Topics To Cover |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Similarities & Differences, Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Figural Classification, Arithmetic Number Series, Non-verbal Series, Coding-Decoding, Statement Conclusion, Syllogistic Reasoning, Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Figural Analogy, Semantic Classification, Number Classification, Figural Classification, Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series, Word Building, Numerical Operations, Symbolic Operations, Trends, Venn Diagrams, Drawing Inferences, Pattern Folding & Unfolding, Embedded Figures, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence |
General Awareness | Current Affairs, General Awareness of Environment & Society, Everyday Science, India & Neighboring Countries, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research |
Quantitative Aptitude | Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Interest, Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture & Alligation, Time & Distance, Time & Work, Algebra, Surds, Linear Equations, Geometry, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Mensuration, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere, Pyramid, Trigonometry, Heights & Distances, Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart |
English Comprehension | English Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Sentence Structure, Writing Ability, Correct Usage of English, Basic Understanding & Communication Skills |
How Sectional Timing Changes SSC CGL Preparation in 2026?
With the introduction of sectional timing, candidates cannot toggle between sections once the allotted time expires. Success in the 2026 exam now demands a balanced preparation strategy focusing on speed, accuracy, and subject-matter proficiency.
SSC CGL Pay Level and Salary
The SSC CGL Pay Level spans 4 to 8, with Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) roles offering the highest salary bracket of Rs. 47,600 to Rs. 1,51,100.
Pay Level | Salary Range |
Level 8 | Rs. 47,600 - 1,51,100 |
Level-7 | Rs. 44,900 – 1,42,400 |
Level-6 | Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 – 92,300 |
Level-4 | Rs. 25,500 – 81,100 |
Is SSC CGL a recommended career path post-graduation?
Absolutely. SSC CGL provides stable government employment, competitive salary packages, clear promotion pathways, and comprehensive job security within Central Government ministries.
Practice Now: SSC CGL 2026 Mock Tests
Check Out: SSC CGL 2026 Online Coaching Classes
SSC CGL 2026 Online Form
The SSC CGL 2026 online registration period has officially closed. Applicants were required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding document uploads and fee payments to ensure their applications were processed successfully.
Application Fee
The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 was Rs. 100 for General and OBC candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible Ex-Servicemen were exempted from payment.
SSC CGL 2026 Post Preference Guide
When selecting post preferences, candidates should prioritize factors beyond salary, such as job profiles, promotion prospects, posting locations, and work-life balance. Group B posts are generally favored for their compensation and career growth trajectory.
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and CSS
- Income Tax Inspector
- Examiner
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
- Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO).
SSC CGL Examination Centre List
Candidates were instructed to select their preferred Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam centers carefully during the application process, as post-submission changes are not permitted. To review the complete list of available exam city codes, please check the link below.