The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) 2026 examination. This prestigious exam recruits graduates for various Group B and Group C positions across central government ministries, such as the Income Tax Department, Customs, and the CBI. With 12,256 vacancies announced for the 2026 cycle, this guide covers everything you need to know, including exam dates, eligibility criteria, the selection process, exam pattern, and salary structure.
SSC CGL 2026 Notification Out
The official SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on May 21st, detailing the recruitment process for 12,256 posts. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal until June 22nd, 2026 (11:00 PM). You can find the official notification PDF linked within the exam overview table below.
SSC CGL Posts Classification
The Staff Selection Commission conducts the competitive SSC CGL Exam to fill prestigious Group B and Group C vacancies in diverse government departments and organizations. A comprehensive list of SSC CGL Posts, their classifications, and corresponding ministries is provided in the table below.
| SSC CGL Posts List | ||
| SSC CGL Post | Classification of Post | Department/Ministry |
| Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Group “B” | Officer (Central Cadre) Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG |
| Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | |
| Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of External Affairs, AFHQ | |
| Assistant | Other Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations | |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue | |
| Sub Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation | |
| Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | |
| Junior Statistical Officer | M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation | |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Registrar General of India | |
| Inspector of Income Tax | Group “C” | CBDT |
| Auditor | Offices under C&AG, CGDA | |
| Accountant/ Junior Accountant | Other Ministry/ Departments | |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/ Upper Division Clerks | Central Govt. Offices/ Ministries other than CSCS cadres | |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT/ CBIC | |
SSC CGL 2026 Exam- Overview
With over 25 lakh aspirants competing for these limited positions annually, the selection process is highly competitive. To maximize your chances of success, it is critical to initiate your preparation immediately. Start by reviewing the following key highlights of the SSC CGL 2026 exam.
| SSC CGL 2026 Exam—Summary | |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL 2026 |
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level |
| Notification No. | F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 | 12256 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Registration Dates | 21st May to 22nd June 2026 |
| Exam Type | National Level |
| Qualification | Bachelor's Degree (Graduation) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 Years |
| Selection Process |
|
| Application Fee | Rs. 100 (Women/SC/ST/PwBD/ESM exempted) |
| Salary | Varies post-wise (Pay Level 4 to 7) |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
| Helpline (Toll Free) | 1800 309 3063 |
| Notification PDF | Download Link (Official) |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Score Card 2026 Released - Click Here to View
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
The official registration schedule for the SSC CGL 2026 exam has been announced alongside the notification. Candidates must submit their application forms by June 22nd, with the final deadline for fee payment set for June 23rd, 2026. Please refer to the important dates summary below.
| Events | Dates |
| Notification Release Date | 21st May 2026 |
| SSC CGL Apply Online Starts | 21st May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22nd June 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 23rd June 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Application Form Correction Dates | 29th June to 1st July 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | August-September 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 |
What is the tentative SSC CGL 2026 exam date?
According to the official notification, the Tier 1 examination is scheduled for August-September 2026, followed by the Tier 2 examination in December 2026. Only candidates with successfully accepted applications will be eligible to appear for these exams.
SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 Details
The SSC CGL 2026 recruitment drive offers 12,256 vacancies across 40 different Group B and Group C posts. Notably, the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer vacancies have been included in this cycle, featuring an attractive pay scale ranging from Rs. 47,600 to Rs. 1,51,100.
View the historical vacancy trends below:
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 12256 |
| 2025 | 14582 |
| 2024 | 18174 |
| 2023 | 8415 |
| 2022 | 37409 |
| 2021 | 7621 |
| 2020 | 7035 |
| 2019 | 8428 |
| 2018 | 11271 |
| 2017 | 9276 |
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The commission has established strict eligibility guidelines regarding educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality. Full details regarding the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria can be found in the official notification as follows:
Education Qualification (as on 01/08/2026)
- For Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer: Bachelor's Degree (Essential). Desirable: Chartered Accountant, Cost & Management Accountant, Company Secretary, Master's in Commerce, MBA, or Master's in Business Studies.
- For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) – Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised University with a minimum 60% in Mathematics in Class 12
or in any discipline with statistics as one of the subjects in graduation. - For Statistical Investigator Grade II: Graduation degree from any recognised university with economics, statistics, or mathematics as a compulsory or elective subject.
- For Research Assistant in National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university or institute with a minimum of one year of research experience in any recognised university or recognised research institution.
- For remaining posts – Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognised university.
📱 Practice with our Free SSC CGL Tier 1 Live Test (Sectional Timing included)
(Available Sat 9AM – Sun 10PM)
Age Limit (as on 01/08/2026)
Candidates generally must be between 18 and 32 years of age. Please refer to the table provided below for specific post-wise age requirements.
| Posts | Age Limit |
| Pay Level-8 (Rs. 47,600 – Rs. 1,51,100) | |
| Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) in Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | 18-30 years |
| Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) in Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) in Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG | |
| Pay level-7 (Rs. 44900 to Rs. 142400) | |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Intelligence Bureau | 18–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | |
| Assistant Section Officer in Other Ministries/Dept./Org. | |
| Assistant/Assistant Section Officer in Other Ministries/Dept./Org. | |
| Inspector of Income Tax in CBDT | |
| Inspector (Central Excise) in CBIC | |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) in CBIC | |
| Inspector (Examiner) in CBIC | |
| Asst. Enforcement Officer, Dept. of Revenue | |
| Inspector Posts in DOP | |
| Inspector in the Central Narcotics Bureau | |
| Section Head in the Director General of Foreign Trade | |
| Sub-Inspector in CBI | 20–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer in Central Secretariat Service | |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Railways | |
| Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of External Affairs | |
| Assistant Section Officer in AFHQ | |
| Pay level- 6 (Rs. 35400 to Rs. 112400) | |
| Assistant/Assistant Section Officer in Other Ministries/Dept./Org | 18-30 years |
| Executive Assistant in CBIC | |
| Research Assistant in NHRC | |
| Divisional Accountant in Offices C & AG | |
| Sub-Inspector in NIA | |
| Sub-Inspector in NCB- MHA | |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II in MHA | |
| Office Superintendent in CBDT | |
| Junior Statistical Officer in the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation | 18–32 years |
| Pay level- 5 (Rs. 29200 to Rs. 92300) | |
| Auditor in C & AG | 18–27 years |
| Auditor in Other Ministries/Dept. | |
| Auditor in CGDA | |
| Accountant in C & AG | |
| Accountant in the Controller General of Accounts | |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant in Other Ministry Dept. | |
| Pay level- 4 (Rs. 25500 to Rs. 81100) | |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | 18–27 years |
| Sr. Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerks in CGO/CSOs | |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | |
| Tax Assistant in CBDT | |
| Tax Assistant in CBIC | |
| Sub Inspector in CBN | |
Upper Age Relaxation
We have outlined the standard upper-age relaxation norms applicable to various reserved categories for the SSC CGL 2026 examination below.
| SSC CGL Age Relaxation | |
| Categories | Age relaxation |
| SC/ ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwD + General | 10 years |
| PwD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwD + SC/ ST | 15 years |
| Candidates domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir between 1st January, 1980, to 31st December, 1989 | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years |
| Defense Personnel who are disabled in any hostile military activity | 3 years |
| SC/ST Defence Personnel who are disabled during any hostile military activity | 8 years |
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India, Nepal, or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who settled in India before January 1, 1962, or individuals of Indian origin who have migrated from countries such as Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of settling permanently in India.
Major Changes in SSC CGL 2026 Exam
- This year, AAO posts (Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer) have been notified in the notification.
- SSC has introduced sectional timing for both Tier 1 and Paper 1 of Tier 2 Exam.
- Now there are three papers in the Tier 2 exam, wherein Paper is common, Paper 2 is for JSO posts and Paper 3 for AAO.
Check Key Updates and Changes for the SSC CGL 2026 Exam Here
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The Staff Selection Commission follows a two-tier SSC CGL selection process to shortlist candidates for the various Group B and C positions in the 2026 recruitment drive.
Stage 1 (Tier-I): A Computer-Based Examination serving as a qualifying stage.
Stage 2 (Tier-II): Consists of Paper I (mandatory for all), Paper II (for Junior Statistical Officer applicants), and Paper III (for Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer applicants).
Final recruitment is determined by merit and the candidate’s post preferences. Note that once a post has been allotted by the Commission, no requests for changes will be entertained.
Q. Is there a limit on the number of attempts for SSC CGL?
Ans: No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts, provided the candidate remains within the prescribed upper age limit.Q. Is 140 a good score in SSC CGL?
Ans: Given that cutoff marks typically hover between 150-160, a score of 140 is generally viewed as a "decent score," though it may fall short of top-tier requirements.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern Revised
The Staff Selection Commission has introduced revisions to the SSC CGL Exam Pattern, specifically regarding time management. The exam continues to be conducted in two tiers:
| Tier | Type | Mode |
| Tier – 1 (Qualifying) | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based (online) |
| Tier – 2 (Paper 1, 2, 3) |
| Computer-Based (online) |
Tier-I Examination
Tier I features objective-type, multiple-choice questions in both Hindi and English (excluding English Comprehension). There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. Notably, a new sectional timing of 15 minutes per subject has been implemented this year.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Timings |
| 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 |
Click here for the revised SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus
The Preliminary exam assesses candidates across four primary sections: General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. A comprehensive breakdown of the SSC CGL Syllabus for Tier 1 is provided below.
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | General Awareness/ GK | Quantitative Aptitude | English Comprehension |
| Classification | Static General Knowledge (Indian History, Culture etc.) | Simplification | Reading Comprehension |
| Analogy | Science | Interest | Fill in the Blanks |
| Coding-Decoding | Current Affairs | Averages | Spellings |
| Series | Indian Geography | Mensuration | Cloze Test |
| Non-Verbal | Current CM & Governors | DI | Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Word Formation | Sports | Percentage | Idioms and Phrases |
| Matrix | Books and Authors | Ratio and Proportion | One word Substitution |
| Important Schemes | Problem on Ages | Sentence Correction |
View Detailed SSC CGL Syllabus for Tier 1 & 2
SSC CGL 2026 Online Form
Online registration for SSC CGL 2026 commenced on May 21st, 2026. Eligible candidates must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) and submit their formal application via the official website at www.ssc.gov.in.
Click for Step-by-Step SSC CGL 2026 Application Guide
SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee
The application fee is Rs. 100, payable online via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or major Credit/Debit cards. Female candidates and those from SC, ST, PwBD, or ESM categories are exempt from this fee. The deadline for online payment is June 23rd, 2026 (23:00 hours). Please note that all application fees are non-refundable.
SSC CGL Salary Structure
Under the 7th Pay Commission, the gross in-hand salary for SSC CGL positions generally ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 65,000 per month, varying based on the specific post and the HRA of the city of posting.
| Posts | Level | Pay Scale | Grade Pay | Initial Pay | Gross Salary |
| Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Level 8 | ₹ 47,600 to ₹ 1,51,100 | ₹ 4800 | ₹ 47,600 | ₹63,000 - ₹70,000 |
| Assistant Section Officer (CSS) | Level 7 | ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400 | ₹4600 | ₹44,900 | ₹55,000 - ₹65,000 |
| Inspector (Income Tax) | |||||
| Inspector (Central Excise) | |||||
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | |||||
| Inspector (Examiner) | |||||
| Sub Inspector (CBI) | |||||
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Sub Inspector (NIA) Divisional Accountant | Level 6 | ₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400 | ₹4200 | ₹35,400 | ₹45,000 - ₹55,000 |
| Auditor & Accountant/Junior Accountant | Level 5 | ₹29,200 - ₹92,300 | ₹2800 | ₹29,200 | ₹40,000 - ₹50,000 |
| Tax Assistant (CBEC) & Tax Assistant (CBDT) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 - ₹81,100 | ₹2400 | ₹25,500 | ₹35,000 - ₹45,000 |
SSC CGL Preparation Tips
Strategic preparation is essential for cracking the SSC CGL exam. Top performers from previous years recommend these SSC CGL Preparation Tips to help you streamline your study approach:
Step 1: Master the official syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly to understand exactly what is tested.
Step 2: Develop a 90-day study schedule. Dedicate 6–8 hours daily, focusing extra time on areas where you are weakest.
Step 3: Solve previous year's question papers to identify recurring themes and patterns.
Step 4: Take at least two full-length mock tests weekly to track your speed, accuracy, and improvement.
Step 5: Read daily newspapers to stay updated on General Awareness and Current Affairs, which account for 25 questions in Tier 1.
Step 6: Practice with time-bound constraints. Since 2026 features new sectional timing, you must adapt your practice habits accordingly.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Centres
The SSC CGL 2026 exam will be held at various centers nationwide. You may select your preferred location during the application process. Your allocated center will be printed on your admit card, which will be released one week prior to the exam.
| Examination Centers | SSC Regions and States | Address of the Regional Offices/ Website |
| Agra, Allahabad, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Patna | Central Region (CR)/ Bihar and Uttar Pradesh | Regional Director (CR), Staff Selection Commission, 21-23, Lowther Road, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh-211002. (http://www.ssc-cr.org) |
| Gangtok, Ranchi, Barasat, Berhampore (WB), Chinsurah, Jalpaiguri, Kolkata, Malda, Midnapur, Siliguri, Berhampore(Odisha), Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Keonjhargarh, Sambalpur, Port Blair | Eastern Region (ER)/ Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim and West Bengal | Regional Director (ER), Staff Selection Commission, 1st MSO Building,(8th Floor), 234/4, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal-700020 (www.sscer.org) |
Key centers include: Bangalore, Dharwar, Gulbarga, Mangalore, Mysore, Kochi, and Kozhikode (Calicut). Additional centers: Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. | Karnataka, Kerala Region (KKR)/ Lakshadweep, Karnataka and Kerala | Regional Director (KKR), Staff Selection Commission, 1st Floor, “E” Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560034 (www.ssckkr.kar.nic.in) |
| Bhopal, Chindwara, Guna, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Khandwa, Ratlam, Satna, Sagar, Ambikapur, Bilaspur Jagdalpur, Raipur, Durg | Madhya Pradesh Sub-Region (MPR)/ Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh | Dy. Director (MPR), Staff Selection Commission, J-5, Anupam Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh-492007 (www.sscmpr.org) |
Northern centers: Almora, Dehradun, Haldwani, and Srinagar. Other regions: Haridwar, Delhi, Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sriganganagar, and Udaipur. | Northern Region (NR)/ NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand | Regional Director (NR), Staff Selection Commission, Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 (www.sscnr.net.in) |
| Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, Leh, Rajouri, Srinagar(J&K), Kargil, Dodda, Hamirpur, Shimla, Bhathinda, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, Chandigarh | North Western Sub-Region (NWR)/ Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab | Dy. Director (NWR), Staff Selection Commission, Block No. 3, Ground Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Sector-9, Chandigarh 160009 (www.sscnwr.org) |
| Guntur, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Puducherry, Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Warangal | Southern Region (SR)/ Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. | Regional Director (SR), Staff Selection Commission, 2nd Floor, EVK Sampath Building, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600006 (www.sscsr.gov.in) |
| Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Bhavnagar, Kutch, Amravati, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Pune, Thane, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Akola, Jalgaon, Ahmednagar, Alibaug, Panaji | Western Region (WR)/ Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra | Regional Director (WR), Staff Selection Commission,1st Floor, South Wing, Pratishtha Bhawan, 101, Maharshi Karve Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra-400020 (www.sscwr.net) |
| Itanagar, Dibrugarh, Guwahati(Dispur), Jorhat, Silchar, Kohima, Shillong, Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Agartala, Aizwal | North Eastern Region (NER)/ Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. | Regional Director (NER), Staff Selection Commission, Housefed Complex, Last Gate-Basistha Road, P. O. Assam Sachivalaya, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam 781006 (www.sscner.org.in) |
SSC CGL 2026 Cut Off
The commission publishes category-wise and post-wise cutoff marks along with the results. For your reference, you may review last year’s Tier 1 cutoff data provided in the table below.
| SSC CGL Previous Year Cut Off | ||||
| Categories | Finance/AAO | JSO | Statistical Investigator Gr.II | All Other Posts |
| General | 169.67168 | 168.53975 | 172.36025 | 150.04936 |
| EWS | 167.18331 | 166.06750 | 158.76802 | 143.44441 |
| OBC | 166.28763 | 165.86857 | 152.42184 | 145.93743 |
| SC | 154.29292 | 148.50911 | -- | 126.68201 |
| ST | 148.98918 | 146.65109 | 127.32602 | 118.16655 |
| OH | 147.95269 | 132.72381 | -- | 115.98466 |
| HH | 126.86400 | 80.99998 | 49.14875 | 77.72754 |
| Others-PWD | 109.82718 | -- | 40.00000 | 57.45303 |
| VH | -- | 114.60998 | 82.56201 | 121.59662 |
| ESM | -- | -- | -- | 100.29326 |
FAQs
Yes, the SSC CGL 2026 notification was officially published on May 21st, 2026.
The Tier 1 exam is tentatively scheduled for August-September 2026; confirmed dates will be updated in due course.
There are 12,256 vacancies available for the 2026 recruitment cycle.
The exam consists of two stages: Tier 1 (qualifying) and Tier 2 (the main competitive examination).
The major change for 2026 is the introduction of strict sectional timing in both tiers, along with the inclusion of new AAO vacancies.
Yes, One-Time Registration (OTR) on the official website ssc.gov.in is mandatory for all applicants.
The application fee is Rs. 100 for General/OBC candidates, with exemptions for women, SC, ST, PwBD, and ESM candidates.
Yes, Tier 1 focuses on speed and basic concepts, while Tier 2 tests advanced knowledge and in-depth conceptual understanding.
A score of 150+ in Tier 1 for the General category is typically considered sufficient to move on to the Tier 2 stage.
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