The wait is finally over. In the first place, the Staff Selection Commission officially released the SSC CGL notification on May 21, 2026, announcing 12,256 vacancies across 40 Group B and Group C posts in various central government ministries and departments. Online applications are now live at ssc.gov.in, and the registration window runs until June 22, 2026. Coupled with over 25 lakh applicants expected this year, SSC CGL 2026 remains one of the most competitive and most sought-after national-level recruitment exams for graduates in India.
One key change this year that every aspirant must know upfront is that SSC has introduced sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. That changes the preparation approach significantly, and we will cover that in detail further down.
What Is SSC CGL 2026, and Who Conducts It?
SSC CGL stands for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026. Accordingly, the Staff Selection Commission conducts this examination every year to recruit candidates for Group B (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts across various central government ministries, departments, and organisations. In addition, it is one of the largest and most competitive government recruitment exams in India, attracting candidates from every state and background who hold a graduation degree.
The selection happens through a structured two-tier process. You have to qualify for a Tier I computer-based test followed by a merit-based Tier II computer-based test, after which document verification finalises the recruitment. SSC CGL offers some of the most respected and well-paying central government positions available to graduates, making it a primary career target for lakhs of aspirants every year.
| Detail | Information |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level |
| Notification Number | F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Registration Dates | May 21 to June 22, 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University/Institute |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 Years |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (Qualifying) + Tier 2 (Scoring) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 100/- (Women/SC/ST/PwBD/ESM exempted) |
| Salary | Pay Level 4 to 7 (varies post-wise) |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
| Helpline (Toll-Free) | 1800 309 3063 |
What Are the Important Dates for SSC CGL 2026?
Every aspirant must keep these dates saved and act before the deadlines close.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | May 21, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | May 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 22, 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | June 22, 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | June 29 to July 1, 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | August – September 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 |
How Many Vacancies Does SSC CGL 2026 Announce?
SSC CGL 2026 officially announces 12,256 vacancies across 40 Group B and Group C posts. The post-wise and category-wise vacancy breakdown is available at ssc.gov.in under For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy. Notably, Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer vacancies are back this year, with a pay scale of Rs. 47,600 to Rs. 151,100.
Here is how vacancy trends have moved over the years:
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 12,256 |
| 2025 | 14,582 |
| 2024 | 18,174 |
| 2023 | 8,415 |
| 2022 | 37,409 |
| 2021 | 7,621 |
| 2020 | 7,035 |
| 2019 | 8,428 |
| 2018 | 11,271 |
| 2017 | 9,276 |
What Posts Come Under SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL recruits for Group B and Group C posts across multiple ministries, departments, and organizations. Here is the full post list:
| Post | Classification | Department / Ministry |
| Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Group B | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG |
| Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | Group B | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | Group B | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG |
| Assistant Section Officer | Group B | Central Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of External Affairs, AFHQ |
| Assistant | Group B | Other Ministries/Departments/Organisations |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | Group B | CBIC |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Group B | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue |
| Sub Inspector | Group B | Central Bureau of Investigation |
| Inspector | Other Ministries/Departments | Central Bureau of Narcotics |
| Junior Statistical Officer | Group B | M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Group B | Registrar General of India |
| Inspector of Income Tax | Group C | CBDT |
| Auditor | Group C | Offices under C&AG, CGDA |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant | Group C | Other Ministry/Departments |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerks | Group C | Central Govt. Offices/Ministries other than CSCS cadres |
| Tax Assistant | Group C | CBDT/CBIC |
What Are the Major Changes in SSC CGL 2026?
Furthermore, three significant changes appear in SSC CGL that candidates must factor into their preparation:
The Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts are back this year after being absent in some previous cycles. Sectional timing has been introduced in both Tier 1 and Paper 1 of Tier 2 — this is a major structural shift that requires a different time management strategy during preparation. Additionally, Tier 2 now has three papers, where Paper 2 is exclusively for JSO post applicants and Paper 3 is for AAO post applicants.
Who Is Eligible for SSC CGL 2026?
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification requirement for SSC CGL depends on the specific post a candidate wants to apply for, but the majority of posts require a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university. In fact, for a few specific posts, additional conditions apply.
However, for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks in mathematics at the Class 12th level or a graduation degree in any discipline with statistics as one of the subjects at the degree level.
In addition, for Statistical Investigator Grade II, candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognised university with economics, statistics, or mathematics as a compulsory or elective subject.
For the Research Assistant post in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), candidates need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institute., Coupled with it, you need a minimum of one year of research experience in a recognised university or research institution.
However, for all remaining posts under SSC CGL, a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university is sufficient.
Age Limit
It’s important to note that the age limit for SSC CGL varies by post and pay level. The general age bracket runs from 18 to 32 years, but specific posts have tighter windows. Furthermore, here is the complete post-wise age limit:
Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 142,400):
| Post | Age Limit |
| Assistant Section Officer in Central Secretariat Service | 20–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Intelligence Bureau | 18–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of External Affairs | 20–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Electronics and IT | 20–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in AFHQ | 20–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in Ministry of Electronics and IT | 18–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in Other Ministries/Departments | 18–30 years |
| Inspector of Income Tax in CBDT | 18–30 years |
| Inspector (Central Excise) in CBIC | 18–30 years |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) in CBIC | 18–30 years |
| Inspector (Examiner) in CBIC | 18–30 years |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer, Department of Revenue | 18–30 years |
| Sub-Inspector in CBI | 20–30 years |
| Inspector Posts in DOP | 18–30 years |
| Inspector in the Central Narcotics Bureau | 18–30 years |
| Section Head in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade | 18–30 years |
Pay Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 112,400):
| Post | Age Limit |
| Executive Assistant in CBIC | 18–30 years |
| Research Assistant in NHRC | 18–30 years |
| Divisional Accountant in the Offices of C&AG | 18–30 years |
| Sub-Inspector in NIA | 18–30 years |
| Sub-Inspector in NCB-MHA | 18–30 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer in Ministry of Statistics | 18–32 years |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II in MHA | 18–30 years |
| Office Superintendent in CBDT | 18–30 years |
Pay Level 5 (Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300):
| Post | Age Limit |
| Auditor in C&AG | 18–27 years |
| Auditor in Other Ministries/Departments | 18–27 years |
| Auditor in CGDA | 18–27 years |
| Accountant in C&AG | 18–27 years |
| Accountant in the Controller General of Accounts | 18–27 years |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant in Other Ministries | 18–27 years |
Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100):
| Post | Age Limit |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | 18–27 years |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerk | 18–27 years |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | 18–27 years |
| Tax Assistant in CBDT | 18–27 years |
| Tax Assistant in CBIC | 18–27 years |
| Sub Inspector in CBN | 18–27 years |
Upper Age Relaxation for SSC CGL
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| Physically Handicapped – General | 10 years |
| Physically Handicapped – OBC | 13 years |
| Physically Handicapped – SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen – General | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen – OBC | 6 years |
| Ex-Servicemen – SC/ST | 8 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – General (Group B) | 5 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – OBC (Group B) | 8 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – SC/ST (Group B) | 10 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – General (Group C) | Up to 40 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – OBC (Group C) | Up to 43 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – SC/ST (Group C) | Up to 45 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated – General (Group C) | Up to 35 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated – OBC (Group C) | Up to 38 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated – SC/ST (Group C) | Up to 40 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities – General | 5 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities – OBC | 8 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities – SC/ST | 10 years |
| J&K Domicile Candidates – General | 5 years |
| J&K Domicile Candidates – OBC | 8 years |
| J&K Domicile Candidates – SC/ST | 10 years |
Nationality
To appear for SSC CGL, a candidate must be a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
What Is the SSC CGL 2026 Revised Exam Pattern?
SSC has revised the SSC CGL exam pattern this year, specifically the timing. Furthermore, the examination runs in two tiers as shown below:
| Tier | Type | Mode |
| Tier 1 (Qualifying) | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Tier 2 (Paper 1, 2, 3) | Paper 1: Compulsory for all posts; Paper 2: For JSO applicants; Paper 3: For AAO applicants | Computer-Based (Online) |
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions set in both English and Hindi, except for English Comprehension. Negative marking applies at 0.50 marks per wrong answer. The biggest change this year is the introduction of sectional timing, each subject now carries a strict 15-minute window, meaning you cannot borrow time from one section to cover another.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Timing |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
This sectional timing change is significant for your preparation strategy. So, you can no longer spend 30 minutes on Reasoning and rush through General Awareness in 5 minutes; every section demands its own dedicated speed practice.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Applicability | Mode |
| Paper 1 | Compulsory for all posts | Computer-Based Online |
| Paper 2 | Only for JSO (Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation) applicants | Computer-Based Online |
| Paper 3 | Only for AAO (Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer) applicants | Computer-Based Online |
Paper 1 of Tier 2 also carries sectional timing this year, which is another key change candidates must factor into their Tier 2 preparation from the start.
What Is the SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus?
The SSC CGL Tier I syllabus covers four major sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Here is what each section covers:
General Intelligence and Reasoning: Classification, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Series, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Word Formation, Matrix
General Awareness / GK: Static General Knowledge (Indian History, Culture), Science, Current Affairs, Indian Geography, Current CMs and Governors, Sports, Books and Authors, Important Government Schemes
Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Interest, Averages, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Problems on Ages
English Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Spellings, Cloze Test, Synonyms and Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution, Sentence Correction
What Salary Do You Get After SSC CGL Selection?
Currently, the salary structure after SSC CGL selection is one of the biggest draws for aspirants. In addition, Different posts carry different pay levels, and the in-hand salary depends on the pay scale, the city of posting (which affects HRA), and the applicable allowances.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale (INR) | Grade Pay |
| Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | ₹4,800 |
| Assistant Section Officer (CSS/MEA/IB/Railways) | Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ₹4,600 |
| Inspector of Income Tax / Central Excise / Preventive Officer | Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ₹4,600 |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer / Sub-Inspector (CBI) | Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ₹4,600 |
| Junior Statistical Officer / Divisional Accountant | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ₹4,200 |
| Sub-Inspector (NIA) / Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ₹4,200 |
| Auditor (C&AG / CGDA) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | ₹2,800 |
| Accountant / Junior Accountant | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | ₹2,800 |
| Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹2,400 |
| Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹2,400 |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk | Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹2,400 |
Beyond the basic pay, selected candidates under SSC CGL also receive Dearness Allowance. House Rent Allowance based on posting city, Transport Allowance, as well as other applicable central government benefits. The gross monthly package, after adding these allowances, can be significantly higher than the basic pay alone.
What Is the Application Fee for SSC CGL 2026?
Moreover, the application fee for SSC CGL is Rs. 100. Candidates pay this fee online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or using Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit cards. However, offline payment is not accepted.
Furthermore, women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories are fully exempted from the application fee. All applications go through the SSC One Time Registration (OTR) process on the official portal at www.ssc.gov.in before filling the CGL-specific application form.
How to Apply Online for SSC CGL 2026?
The application process for SSC CGL runs completely online at ssc.gov.in. Here is the step-by-step process to complete it without any confusion.
- Start by visiting ssc.gov.in and clicking on “Apply,” then select “Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026.” So, register using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate your unique registration ID.
- After registration, carefully fill out the online application form with all required personal, educational, and other details. Accordingly, capture a live photo via webcam or mobile camera as per the instructions provided on screen.
- Further, upload your signature and any other required documents in the specified format. Pay the application fee online using BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay debit cards if you fall under a fee-paying category.
- Finally, submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Moreover, the final-year graduation students can also apply, provided they can submit their final degree or provisional certificate before the cutoff date mentioned in the notification.
Official Online Application link ( Active )
What Are the Exam Centres for SSC CGL 2026?
Furthermore, SSC CGL conducts the exam across the country through its nine regional offices. Candidates choose their nearest exam centre when filling out the application form, and the allotted centre appears on the admit card, which is released one week before the exam.
| Region | States Covered | Regional Office Address |
| Central Region (CR) | Bihar, Uttar Pradesh | Regional Director (CR), SSC, 21-23, Lowther Road, Allahabad, UP-211002 |
| Eastern Region (ER) | Andaman & Nicobar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, West Bengal | Regional Director (ER), SSC, 1st MSO Building (8th Floor), 234/4, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata-700020 |
| Karnataka Kerala Region (KKR) | Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Kerala | Regional Director (KKR), SSC, 1st Floor, “E” Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru-560034 |
| Madhya Pradesh Sub-Region (MPR) | Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh | Dy. Director (MPR), SSC, J-5, Anupam Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh-492007 |
| Northern Region (NR) | NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand | Regional Director (NR), SSC, Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 |
| Northwestern Sub-Region (NWR) | Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab | Dy. Director (NWR), SSC, Block No. 3, Ground Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Sector-9, Chandigarh-160009 |
| Southern Region (SR) | Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana | Regional Director (SR), SSC, 2nd Floor, EVK Sampath Building, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai-600006 |
| Western Region (WR) | Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra | Regional Director (WR), SSC, 1st Floor, South Wing, Pratishtha Bhawan, 101, Maharshi Karve Road, Mumbai-400020 |
| North Eastern Region (NER) | Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura | Regional Director (NER), SSC, Housefed Complex, Last Gate-Basistha Road, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam-781006 |
What Is the Best Preparation Strategy for the SSC CGL Examination?
In addition, a structured preparation approach makes the difference between clearing SSC CGL and missing the cutoff. Here is a step-by-step strategy that actually works.
Hence, start by studying the official syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly before picking up any book. However, knowing what gets tested and how many marks it carries shapes every decision you make in preparation. After that, build a 90-day study plan and allocate 6 to 8 hours of focused study daily, giving more time to weaker subjects.
Additionally, work through previous year papers from 2017 to 2025. PYQs reveal exactly which topics repeat, what the question difficulty looks like, and where the marks actually come from. Take at least two full-length mock tests every week, and crucially analyse every mistake afterwards rather than just noting the score. Speed and accuracy both improve through this review process.
At last, read a newspaper daily. Altogether, the, General Awareness section in Tier 1 has 25 questions, and current affairs play a significant role there. Finally, practice with the new sectional timing, 15 minutes per section in Tier 1 is a major change for 2026, and you need to build that speed discipline into your mocks well before the actual exam.
What Is the Previous Year Cut-Off for SSC CGL?
Here is the previous year’s Tier 1 cut-off data across categories to help you set a realistic target:
| Category | Finance/AAO | JSO | Statistical Investigator Gr. II | All Other Posts |
| General | 169.67 | 168.54 | 172.36 | 150.05 |
| EWS | 167.18 | 166.07 | 158.77 | 143.44 |
| OBC | 166.29 | 165.87 | 152.42 | 145.94 |
| SC | 154.29 | 148.51 | — | 126.68 |
| ST | 148.99 | 146.65 | 127.33 | 118.17 |
| OH | 147.95 | 132.72 | — | 115.98 |
| HH | 126.86 | 81.00 | 49.15 | 77.73 |
| Others-PwD | 109.83 | — | 40.00 | 57.45 |
| VH | — | 114.61 | 82.56 | 121.60 |
| ESM | — | — | — | 100.29 |
Conclusion
In essence, SSC CGL 2026 is now open, the notification is out, and the clock is ticking toward the June 22 application deadline. Together with 12,256 vacancies across 40 prestigious central government posts and a transparent two-tier selection process, this recruitment cycle gives a large pool of graduate candidates a genuine shot at building a long-term government career. The new sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2, and the return of AAO and Assistant Audit Officer vacancies,, make this year’s cycle worth approaching with fresh eyes, even if you have attempted SSC CGL before. However, revise your strategy, build your speed for the sectional timer, solve PYQs from the past several years, and give your preparation the serious time commitment it needs starting today.
Also read –
Yes, the SSC CGL notification was officially released on May 21, 2026, announcing 12,256 vacancies across 40 Group B and Group C posts. The notification PDF is available on the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in and covers all details, including eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, and important dates.
SSC CGL announces a total of 12,256 vacancies across 40 Group B and Group C posts in various central government ministries, departments, and organizations. The post-wise and category-wise vacancy breakup is available at ssc.gov.in under the Tentative Vacancy section for candidates to check in detail.
Yes, completing the One-Time Registration (OTR) at ssc.gov.in is mandatory before a candidate can fill the SSC CGL application form. Candidates who have not registered on the SSC portal before must complete OTR first using a valid email ID and mobile number, after which they can proceed to fill and submit the application.
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