SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 : The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the SSC CGL 2026 exam date, scheduled from September 30 to October 30, 2026. This computer-based Tier-1 test fills 12,256 Group B and Group C central government jobs. Candidates can apply online at ssc.gov.in, and check the complete syllabus and pattern here.
The Staff Selection Commission has officially announced the SSC CGL Recruitment 2026. This national-level entrance exam will fill various Group B and Group C positions across central ministries, departments, and administrative offices. It represents one of the most popular paths for graduates looking to secure stable Central Government Jobs with long-term growth prospects.
Qualified candidates will receive appointments to prestigious SSC Jobs. These roles include Income Tax Inspectors, Assistant Section Officers, Auditors, and Tax Assistants. The application window is now closed, and candidates are preparing for the upcoming computer-based examinations scheduled for autumn.
SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular / Parameter | Details (From Official Notification) |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 Posts |
| Post Classification | Group B & Group C |
| Required Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree (Any Discipline) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
The commission has updated its calendar to reflect the exact schedule for the computer-based tests. The SSC CGL 2026 notification release date was May 21, 2026. This marked the official start of the online registration process.
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Candidates should monitor the official schedule closely to avoid missing major events. The official SSC CGL 2026 exam date is now active, with testing shifts spread across a full month to accommodate the high volume of applicants.
| Event / Activity | Official Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 21, 2026 |
| Online Registration Start | May 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 22, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | June 23 to June 25, 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 CBT schedule 2026 | September 30 to October 30, 2026 |
| Tier-2 CBT Exam Date | To be announced later |
Candidates can also check how to download SSC CGL 2026 exam calendar on the official portal to view other upcoming national tests. This helps candidates plan their preparation timeline systematically.
Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown
This year’s SSC Recruitment offers a significant opportunity for government job seekers. The commission has confirmed 12,256 active vacancies. These are distributed across various central ministries and departments.
| Exam Name | Total Vacancies | Required Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2026 | 12,256 | Any Graduation Degree |
The posts are divided into Group B and Group C cadres. Popular positions include Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Central Secretariat Service, Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub-Inspector in CBI, Auditor, and Tax Assistant.
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification
To qualify for the examination, applicants must meet the basic academic and national parameters defined by the commission. Every candidate must hold a valid degree from an accredited institution.
- Educational Qualification: A candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- Post-Specific Requirements: Certain roles, such as Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), require candidates to have specific marks in mathematics at the 10+2 level or a graduation degree containing statistics as one of the major subjects.
- Final Year Students: Students awaiting their final degree results must have met the essential qualification cutoff date specified in the official manual.
Age Limit & Relaxations
Applicants must satisfy the SSC CGL 2026 eligibility criteria age limit guidelines to avoid rejection during the document verification stage. The standard age bracket varies depending on the specific post applied for.
- Minimum Age Limit: 18 years.
- Maximum Age Limit: 32 years (depending on the post).
- Crucial Reference Date: The official cutoff date for calculating the age limit is August 1, 2026.
The commission provides age relaxations for reserved categories under government rules. The breakdown below details these allowances:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years relaxation.
- SC / ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation.
- PwBD (Unreserved): 10 years relaxation.
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 years after deduction of military service rendered.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The commission uses a highly organized structure to evaluate candidates. The SSC CGL 2026 selection process details indicate that candidates must clear multiple stages of testing before receiving a final recommendation.
Stage 1: Tier-1 Computer Based Test (CBT)
The first stage is a screening test. It is mandatory for all candidates and consists of multiple-choice questions. The performance here determines whether you qualify to write the next tier.
Stage 2: Tier-2 Computer Based Test (CBT)
The second stage is more rigorous and includes objective-type papers. It tests advanced knowledge of mathematical abilities, English language comprehension, reasoning, and general awareness. JSO applicants will write an additional specialized paper in statistics.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)
The final stage involves checking original academic and personal identity documents. This stage is conducted by the respective user departments before final appointment letters are issued.
Preparing with the official SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern 2026 is highly helpful. The Tier-1 exam features four primary sections. These sections test reasoning, math skills, English, and general knowledge:
| Subject / Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer in the Tier-1 exam. Speed and accuracy are critical factors in clearing this hurdle.
Salary & Pay Scale
Candidates selected through this exam enjoy an excellent pay scale and salary structure. These positions are divided into different pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
- Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600 to Rs. 1,51,100): Applicable for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer roles.
- Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400): Covers popular inspector posts such as Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, and Assistant Section Officers.
- Pay Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400): Applies to Sub-Inspectors, Assistants, Divisional Accountants, and Junior Statistical Officers.
- Pay Level 5 (Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300): Applies to Auditor roles in offices under C&AG and other ministries.
- Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100): Applies to Tax Assistants, Senior Secretariat Assistants, and Upper Division Clerks.
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates receive multiple allowances, including House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Transport Allowance (TA), and comprehensive medical cover.
How to Apply Online for SSC CGL Recruitment 2026?
Follow these official steps to access the portal and submit applications correctly. If you need to make changes, look for the official correction window dates.
To register, use the SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam 2026 apply online link on the new official portal. Read below to know how to apply online step-by-step:
- Step 1: Go to the official website of the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Under the main menu, click on the “Login or Register” option to begin.
- Step 3: If you are a new user, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) form by entering your basic personal and contact details.
- Step 4: Log in using your newly generated OTR Registration Number and Password.
- Step 5: Navigate to the live dashboard and locate “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026”. Click on “Apply”.
- Step 6: Fill out the detailed online application form. Enter your academic qualifications and choose your preferred exam center locations.
- Step 7: Upload your passport-size photograph and clear signature following the size specifications in the user manual.
- Step 8: Pay the online application fee of Rs. 100 using net banking, UPI, or credit/debit cards. Women, SC, ST, ESM, and PwBD candidates are exempt from payment.
- Step 9: Double-check all entered information in the preview screen before final submission.
- Step 10: Submit the application form and save a printed copy or PDF of the receipt for your future records.
Important Points for Candidates
Preparation requires careful administrative steps. Keep these items in mind to ensure a smooth exam cycle:
- Ensure the uploaded photo meets current live capture standards to avoid automatic application rejection.
- Review the chosen post preferences carefully, as these cannot be changed easily after the final selection rounds.
- Regularly visit the new official portal to download admission certificates and regional shift updates.
Official References & Documentation
Please refer to the following official sources for accurate information and updates regarding this exam:
| Resource / Authority | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Official Notification (Source Link) | Check Now |
| Staff Selection Commission Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |