Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 12,256 Group B & C Posts
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
- Exam Schedule: August-September 2026 (Tier 1), December 2026 (Tier 2)
- Application Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC), Free (SC/ST/Women/PwBD/ESM)
- Age Limit: 18-32 years
- Salary: ₹35,400-₹112,400 (varies by post)
- Official Website: ssc.gov.in
About SSC CGL Examination
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination is India’s premier government recruitment process for Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries and departments. With 12,256 vacancies across 40 different post types, SSC CGL 2026 represents one of the largest civilian recruitment opportunities this year.
This recruitment cycle offers positions in:
- Revenue & Customs departments
- Foreign Service cadre
- Income Tax Service
- Central Bureau of Investigation
- Various ministry secretariats and attached offices
Successful candidates enjoy:
- Government job security
- Competitive salary packages
- Pension benefits
- Housing allowances
- Regular promotions
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CGL 2026
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Completion of graduation before the date of application
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- General Category: 18 to 32 years
- OBC Category: 18 to 35 years (3 years relaxation)
- SC/ST Category: 18 to 37 years (5 years relaxation)
- Persons with Disability (PwD): Additional 10-year relaxation applicable
Nationality
- Indian citizen
- Subject to Citizenship Act, 1955
Eligibility Checklist
- Bachelor’s degree completed
- Age between 18-32 (with applicable relaxations)
- Indian citizenship
- No criminal record
- Medically fit for the position
- Regular email & mobile access for updates
Vacancy Distribution by Post Type
| Post Type | Vacancies | Grade Pay | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-I Combined Graduate Level | 2,450 | Various | Multiple |
| Combined Graduate Level (Customs/Income Tax) | 1,890 | Higher | Revenue Board |
| Inspector/Sub-Inspector Posts | 3,120 | Grade-IV | Law Enforcement |
| Assistant Posts | 2,380 | Grade-III | Various Ministries |
| Other Group C Posts | 2,416 | Grade-II | Central Offices |
State-wise Distribution: Vacancies are distributed across all states and union territories based on departmental requirements and population norms.
Important Dates for SSC CGL 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Tier 1 (Computer-Based) Exam | August-September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Result | October 2026 (Expected) |
| Tier 2 (Descriptive Paper) Exam | December 2026 |
| Final Result | January 2027 (Expected) |
| Document Verification | February-March 2027 |
Note: Dates are subject to change. Check ssc.gov.in for official confirmations.
Exam Pattern & Structure
Tier 1 (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Sections: General Intelligence, English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness
- Questions: 100 MCQs (25 each section)
- Marking: 1 mark per question, 0.25 negative for wrong answer
- New Feature (2026): Sectional timing introduced
Tier 2 (Descriptive Paper)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Format: Essay (750 words) + Letter/Application (250 words)
- Marking: Total 200 marks
- Evaluation: Manual checking by qualified examiners
Important Change: Sectional Timing
In SSC CGL 2026, each section in Tier 1 has its own dedicated time slot. Candidates cannot move between sections before time expires.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026 Online
Step 1: Visit Official Website
- Go to ssc.gov.in
- Look for “SSC CGL Recruitment 2026” notification
- Click on “Apply Online” link
Step 2: New User Registration
- Click “New Registration”
- Enter email and mobile number
- Set strong password
- Verify email (OTP will be sent)
- Confirm registration
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Login with registered credentials
- Select post preference (you can select 1-3 posts)
- Fill personal details:
- Name, Date of Birth, Address
- Qualification details
- Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PWD)
- Exam center preference
- Upload photo (50KB, JPG format)
- Upload signature (20KB, JPG format)
Step 4: Verify & Preview
- Review all entered information
- Correct any mistakes before submission
- Preview the application form
- Verify mobile number and email
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
- Fee Amount: ₹100 (General/OBC)
- Payment Methods:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Keep Receipt: Save confirmation page
Step 6: Final Submission
- Click “Final Submit”
- Note down Application Number
- Print confirmation page
- This number is your identifier throughout the recruitment process
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee Amount | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General | ₹100 | Mandatory |
| OBC | ₹100 | Mandatory |
| SC/ST | Free | Exempted |
| Women (All Categories) | Free | Exempted |
| PwD Candidates | Free | Exempted |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Free | Exempted |
Payment Methods Accepted:
- SBI/Canara Bank Debit Card
- All Major Credit Cards
- Net Banking (ICICI, HDFC, Axis, IDBI, etc.)
- UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm)
Syllabus Overview
Tier 1 Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions)
- Analogies, classifications, series completion
- Coding-decoding, statement analysis
- Blood relations, matrices
- Spatial reasoning, problem-solving
English Comprehension (25 Questions)
- Reading comprehension passages
- Grammar & vocabulary
- Synonyms-antonyms
- Sentence formation
- Error detection
Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions)
- Arithmetic (percentage, profit-loss, time-work)
- Algebra (equations, identities)
- Geometry (area, volume, coordinate)
- Data interpretation (graphs, charts, tables)
- Trigonometry basics
General Awareness (25 Questions)
- Current events (national & international)
- Indian government & constitution
- History, geography, culture
- Science & technology
- Sports, awards, personalities
- Static knowledge (capitals, important dates)
Tier 2 Syllabus
- English language writing (essay)
- Official correspondence (letter, application)
- Grammar & vocabulary assessment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply for SSC CGL 2026 if I’m from a private college?
A: Yes. SSC CGL accepts degree holders from all recognized universities, including private institutions. Ensure your university is recognized by UGC or your state government.
Q2: Is there an upper age limit?
A: Yes. The upper age limit is 32 years as on 01 August 2026. Category-based relaxations apply (OBC: 35, SC/ST: 37, PwD: 47, ESM: up to 48).
Q3: Can women candidates apply?
A: Yes. Women candidates can apply for all posts in SSC CGL 2026. No separate quota; they compete in the general merit list.
Q4: What is the negative marking in Tier 1?
A: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. No mark is deducted for unanswered questions.
Q5: How many times can I appear in SSC CGL?
A: There’s no limit on the number of attempts before reaching the upper age limit. After 32 years (or category relaxation limit), you become ineligible.
Q6: What documents are required during Tier 1 exam?
A: Admit card is mandatory. Photo identity (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License) is also required. No other documents needed for Tier 1.
Q7: When will admit cards be released?
A: Admit cards are typically released 7-10 days before the Tier 1 exam. The exact date will be announced on ssc.gov.in.
Q8: Is sectional timing compulsory in all sections?
A: Yes. The 2026 pattern has dedicated time for each section. You cannot view questions from another section during allotted time.
Q9: What’s the expected cutoff for General category?
A: Cutoffs vary by post. Generally, for combined posts, it ranges between 90-120 marks (out of 200 in Tier 1). Check previous year cutoffs on ssc.gov.in.
Q10: Can I change my post preference after submission?
A: No. Once submitted, post preference cannot be changed. Select carefully during application.
Q11: What if I forget my application number?
A: You can retrieve it using your email/mobile number on ssc.gov.in. Check your registered email for the confirmation message.
Q12: Are there any subject-specific posts?
A: Most Group C posts don’t require specific subjects. Group B posts may have discipline preferences mentioned in detailed notification.
Q13: How long is the recruitment process?
A: Typically 8-10 months from application deadline to final result declaration. Document verification may extend the timeline.
Q14: Will there be interview?
A: No. Selection is based on Tier 1 & Tier 2 exam scores only. No interview for SSC CGL.
Q15: Is background verification compulsory?
A: Yes. Selected candidates must pass background verification and character verification before final appointment.
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL 2026
Time Management Strategy
- 3 Months Out (June-August): Build foundation, complete syllabus once
- 2 Months Out (August-September): Practice full-length mock tests
- 1 Month Out (Before Exam): Revision, take 1 test daily, analyze weak areas
Subject-Wise Focus Areas
General Intelligence: Logic, patterns, visual reasoning
English: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary
Quantitative Aptitude: DI, arithmetic, simplification
General Awareness: Current events, history, geography, science
Study Resources
- Official SSC notification & previous year papers
- Standard textbooks (Arihant, Paramount for each subject)
- Free resources: YouTube channels, government websites
- Mock tests: TestBook, IndiaBix, SSC official portal
- Daily current affairs tracking
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | ssc.gov.in/recruitment |
| Exam Schedule | Check Notices section |
| Download Notification | ssc.gov.in/pdf/2026/cgl |
| Previous Papers | ssc.gov.in/resources |
How to Check Admit Card
- Visit rrb.digialm.com (when released)
- Enter Registration Number and DOB
- Click Submit
- Download and Print the admit card
- Keep 2-3 copies for exam day
- Official Support: ssc.gov.in/contact
- Email: Specific address provided in notification
- Postal Address: Check on official website
Important: Admit card is mandatory. No entry without it.
Final Reminders
✓ Apply before 22 June 2026 — No late submissions accepted
✓ Double-check email & mobile — These are your communication channels
✓ Screenshot application number — Needed for admit card download
✓ Update profile after exam — For faster document verification
✓ Join official channels — For updates on exam schedule & results
✓ Prepare early — 3+ months of consistent study recommended
Need Help?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. For official details, visit ssc.gov.in. Candidates are responsible for verifying all information from official sources before applying.
Published: 7 June 2026
Last Updated: 7 June 2026
Application Deadline: 22 June 2026 (15 days remaining)