The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the much-awaited Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2026, opening doors for thousands of graduates to secure prestigious Group B and Group C central government jobs. The notification, released on May 21, 2026, marks the beginning of one of the largest government recruitment drives this year.
Candidates who have long aspired to join the central government in various departments, ministries, and offices across India can now submit their applications online through the official SSC website. With approximately 12,256 vacancies expected to be filled, this examination is expected to attract millions of applicants from all over the country.
Important Dates to Remember
Before beginning the application process, candidates should note down the following crucial dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 21, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 22, 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | June 23, 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | June 29 – July 1, 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam | August – September 2026 |
| Tier-II Exam | December 2026 |
Total Vacancies and Post Details
This year, the commission has announced approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies for various Group B and Group C posts. While this figure represents a reduction compared to previous years, it remains a significant number for government job aspirants.
The recruitment covers a wide range of positions across different ministries and departments, including:
| Post Name | Classification |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | Group B |
| Inspector (IT/CE) | Group B |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI/NIA) | Group B |
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | Group B |
| Assistant Accounts Officer | Group B |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Group B |
| Auditor | Group C |
| Accountant | Group C |
| Tax Assistant | Group C |
| Postal Assistant | Group C |
Note: The commission has clarified that the current vacancy count is tentative and subject to change based on departmental requirements. Post-wise and category-wise vacancy details will be announced separately on the SSC official website.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CGL 2026
Before applying, candidates must carefully verify that they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualification
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General Posts: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university as of August 1, 2026.
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Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Applicants must have either secured at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the 10+2 (Intermediate) level, or studied Statistics as a subject during graduation.
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Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at the graduation level.
Age Limit (as of August 1, 2026)
The age limit varies depending on the post:
| Post Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Most Group B and Group C posts | 18 to 27 years |
| Posts requiring higher experience | 20 to 30 years |
| Some specialized posts | 18 to 30 years |
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | Up to 30-32 years |
Age Relaxation: SC/ST candidates receive 5 years of relaxation, OBC candidates receive 3 years, while PwBD and Ex-Servicemen are entitled to relaxation as per government norms.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil (Exempted) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Nil (Exempted) |
| All Women Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
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Correction Fee: If a candidate makes changes during the correction window, a fee of ₹200/- for the first correction and ₹500/- for subsequent corrections will be applicable.
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Payment Mode: Online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to complete your SSC CGL 2026 application:
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Visit the Official Website: Go to ssc.gov.in, the official portal of the Staff Selection Commission.
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Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new user, click on “New User/Register Now” and complete the OTR process by providing basic details.
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Log in to Your Account: Use your registration number and password to log in.
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Fill the Application Form: Carefully enter all personal, educational, and communication details as requested.
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Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the specified format.
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Pay the Application Fee: Choose an online payment method and complete the transaction. Check your category for fee exemption.
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Review and Submit: Double-check every detail before clicking the final submit button.
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Download Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The selection for SSC CGL 2026 will be conducted in two main stages, both in computer-based mode.
| Stage | Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-I | Computer Based Test (CBT) | Screening / Shortlisting |
| Tier-II | Computer Based Test (CBT) | Final Selection / Merit |
Detailed Exam Pattern
Tier-I Examination Pattern
Tier-I serves as a qualifying stage to shortlist candidates for the main examination.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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Negative Marking: 0.50 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
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Language: All sections except English Comprehension are available in both English and Hindi.
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Candidates eligible for scribe facility receive 1 hour and 20 minutes (20 minutes per section).
Tier-II Examination Pattern
Tier-II is the most crucial stage as the final merit list is primarily based on performance in this examination.
Paper-I (Compulsory for all candidates):
| Session | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 min |
| Session-I | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 min |
| Session-II | English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 min |
| Session-II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 min |
| Session-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 60 | 15 min |
| Session-IV | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Qualifying | – | 15 min |
Paper-II (Only for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts): Focuses on Statistics.
Paper-III (Newly added for AAO posts): Focuses on General Studies (Finance and Economics).
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive attractive pay scales as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC):
| Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) | Typical Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Postal Assistant, Tax Assistant |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | Auditor, Accountant |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Assistant Section Officer |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | Inspector, Sub-Inspector |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | Assistant Audit Officer, Junior Statistical Officer |
Application Correction Window
Candidates who make errors in their application forms will have an opportunity to rectify them. The correction window will remain active from June 29 to July 1, 2026. During this period, applicants can edit or correct their submitted details after paying the prescribed correction fee.
Helpline and Support
For any queries or technical issues, candidates can reach out to:
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Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 309 3063
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Official Website: ssc.gov.in
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Mobile App: mY SSC App for updates and notifications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When was the SSC CGL 2026 notification released?
Answer: The Staff Selection Commission released the official SSC CGL 2026 notification on May 21, 2026, along with the start of the online application process.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Answer: The last date to submit online applications is June 22, 2026, by 11:00 PM. The fee payment deadline is June 23, 2026.
Q3. How many vacancies have been announced for SSC CGL 2026?
Answer: Approximately 12,256 vacancies have been announced for Group B and Group C posts across various central government departments and ministries. The commission has clarified that these numbers are tentative and may be updated later.
Q4. What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026?
Answer: General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay ₹100/-. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying any fee
Q5. What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
Answer: The minimum age is 18 years, and the maximum age ranges from 27 to 32 years depending on the post. Age is calculated as of August 1, 2026. SC/ST receive 5 years relaxation, and OBC receive 3 years relaxation.
