SSC CGL 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the highly anticipated recruitment notification for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination, 2026. This premium national-level examination serves as a pathway for graduates looking to secure positions as Group “B” and Group “C” officers within various central government ministries, departments, and administrative organizations.
A massive total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced for this cycle. The online application link became active today, May 21, 2026, and candidates can submit their digital applications until June 22, 2026.
SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 (CGL 2026) |
| Post Classification | Group B & Group C (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 Posts |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India (All India Postings) |
| Application Mode | Online Mode |
| Official Portal | ssc.gov.in |
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Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 June 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Schedule | August – September 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Schedule | December 2026 |
Application Fees
The examination fee must be deposited online using standard digital infrastructure windows before the closing deadline.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates) | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | ₹0/- (Exempted) |
| All Categories of Female Candidates | ₹0/- (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online Only (Net Banking, Cards, UPI) |
Age Limit (Post-Specific)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years.
- Maximum Age: Varies between 30 to 32 Years depending strictly on the assigned post code and pay matrix profile.
- Age Relaxation: Upper age limit relaxations are applicable for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD candidates as per Government of India statutory rules.
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Educational Qualification
- General Base Requirement: A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized University or equivalent institution.
- Specialist Posts: Specific position profiles like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) require matching subject criteria (e.g., a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the Class 12th level, or graduation with Statistics as a core subject).
Key Post Designations
Selected candidates are appointed to high-ranking administrative profiles, including:
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO) – Central Secretariat Service (CSS), MEA, IB, MoD
- Inspector of Income Tax / Central Excise / Preventive Officer / Examiner
- Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO) – Directorate of Enforcement
- Sub-Inspector (SI) – Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) & NIA
- Auditor / Accountant / Junior Accountant – C&AG and CGA
- Tax Assistant / Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
Selection Process
- Written Exam (Tier-I+ Tier-II)
- Skill Test (as per post recruitment)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Tier-1 Examination (Computer-Based Test)
Tier-1 acts as a primary screening checkpoint. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a maximum value of 200 marks, with a test duration of 60 minutes. There is a negative marking penalty of 0.50 marks for each incorrect response.
| Subject Module | Questions | Maximum Marks | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | Objective (MCQs) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematics) | 25 | 50 | Objective (MCQs) |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | Objective (MCQs) |
| General Awareness (GK & Current Affairs) | 25 | 50 | Objective (MCQs) |
Tier-2 Examination & Final Merit
Candidates who pass the Tier-1 cut-off bounds advance to the Tier-2 level.
- Tier-2 evaluates advanced mathematical abilities, English reasoning competency, general knowledge, data entry speed indices, and basic computer proficiency.
- Crucial Focus: Marks scored in Tier-1 are not added to the final selection list. The final merit ranking layout is determined solely by candidate performance in the Tier-2 examination.
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How to Apply Online for SSC CGL 2026
- Visit the official web portal of the Staff Selection Commission: ssc.gov.in.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new candidate on the updated website, select “Login or Register” -> “Register Now” to set up your primary OTR tracking profile. If already registered, log into your profile using your OTR number and account password.
- Initiate Application Form: Navigate to your candidate dashboard, look for the current live tracking card marked “Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026”, and select the “Apply” link.
- Verify Profile Parameters: Review your pre-filled OTR metrics, select your single state choice regional preference layout, and pick your top three choice cities for written test locations.
- Live Photo Capture: Use the updated platform’s real-time camera tool framework to capture a clear, well-lit live photograph of yourself matching the background rules, and upload a scanned clear image copy of your formal signature.
- Fee Settlement: Submit the non-refundable registration fee of ₹100 online using net banking tools or UPI options (Exempted categories like SC/ST/Females will automatically bypass this step).
- Final Printout: Complete your entry checks on the preview layout block, click “Final Submit”, and download a hard copy printout profile of your final system-generated application sheet for your reference.
Important Related Links
| Title | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Download Official Notification | Download Now |
| SSC Official Website | Visit Now |
FAQs – SSC CGL 2026 Notification
Ans: Yes. Final-year graduation candidates are eligible to apply. However, they must obtain and produce their final passing degree certificate or official marks aggregate on or before the strict educational qualification cut-off date specified in the official notification.
Ans: No. The Tier-1 exam serves strictly as a qualifying screening check to shortlist candidates for the advanced rounds. The final merit list ranking and post-allocation tracking are calculated solely using the marks scored in the Tier-2 examination.
Ans: Yes. For every incorrect answer marked in the Tier-1 examination layout, a deduction penalty of 0.50 marks is applied from the total score.
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