SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 12256 Group B & Group C Posts

SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 12256 Group B & Group C Posts

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has published the Combined Graduate Level Examination Notification 2026 on 21 May 2026. The recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 12,256 Group B and Group C posts across various Ministries and Departments. Candidates within the age range as specified in the official notification and holding a Graduation Degree are eligible to apply online at https://ssc.gov.in. The application process will be active from 21 May 2026 to 22 June 2026, and candidates can easily access the notification PDF and apply link below.

SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF

Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003, has issued the official notice for Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 vide F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 dated 21-05-2026.The notification includes complete information on vacancies, eligibility, age limits, reservation, examination scheme, syllabus, exam centres, application process, and candidate instructions. Applicants should read the official notice carefully before submitting the form.

SSC CGL 2026 Overview

SSC is conducting Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 for approximately 12,256 vacancies in Group B and Group C posts under different Ministries, Departments, and Government of India organizations. The application process is online only, and the last date to submit the application form is 22 June 2026.

Organization Name Staff Selection Commission (SSC), New Delhi
Examination Name Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (SSC CGL 2026)
Advertisement No. F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 dated 21-05-2026
Post Name Various Group B (Gazetted/Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts including Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (IT/CE), Sub Inspector (CBI/NIA), Junior Statistical Officer, Assistant Audit Officer, Tax Assistant, Auditor, Accountant, Postal Assistant, and more
Total Vacancies Approximately 12,256 (tentative; updated vacancies will be on https://ssc.gov.in)
Pay Scale Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100) to Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600–1,51,100) depending on the post
Application Mode Online only at https://ssc.gov.in or via mY SSC mobile app
Official Website https://ssc.gov.in
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SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates

Event Date
Date of Notification 21-05-2026
Opening of Online Applications 21-05-2026
Last Date for Submission of Online Applications 22-06-2026 (23:00 hours)
Last Date for Online Fee Payment 23-06-2026 (23:00 hours)
Window for Application Form Correction (with online payment) 29-06-2026 to 01-07-2026 (23:00 hours)
Age Calculated As On 01-08-2026
Educational Qualification Cut-off Date 01-08-2026
Tier-I Computer Based Examination (Tentative) August – September, 2026
Tier-II Computer Based Examination (Tentative) December, 2026

SSC CGL 2026 – Post-wise Vacancy Details

A total of approximately 12,256 vacancies are available across Group B and Group C posts spread over multiple Pay Levels. Post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be updated on the SSC website. State-wise/Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission; candidates may approach the concerned User Departments for such details.

Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600–1,51,100) – Group B Gazetted (Non-Ministerial)

S.No. Post Name Department / Ministry Age Limit
1 Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG 18–30 years
2 Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG 18–30 years
3 Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. under C&AG 18–30 years

Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900–1,42,400) – Group B

S.No. Post Name Department / Ministry Age Limit
1 Assistant Section Officer Central Secretariat Service 20–30 years
2 Assistant Section Officer Intelligence Bureau 18–30 years
3 Assistant Section Officer Ministry of Railways 20–30 years
4 Assistant Section Officer Ministry of External Affairs 20–30 years
5 Assistant Section Officer AFHQ 20–30 years
6 Assistant Section Officer Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology 18–30 years
7 Assistant / Assistant Section Officer Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations 18–30 years
8 Inspector of Income Tax CBDT 18–30 years
9 Inspector (Central Excise) CBIC 18–30 years
10 Inspector (Preventive Officer) CBIC 18–30 years
11 Inspector (Examiner) CBIC 18–30 years
12 Assistant Enforcement Officer Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Dept. of Revenue 18–30 years
13 Sub Inspector Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 20–30 years
14 Inspector Posts Dept. of Posts, Ministry of Communications 18–30 years
15 Inspector Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance 18–30 years

Pay Level 6 (Rs. 35,400–1,12,400) – Group B

S.No. Post Name Department / Ministry Age Limit
1 Assistant / Assistant Section Officer Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations 18–30 years
2 Executive Assistant CBIC 18–30 years
3 Research Assistant National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) 18–30 years
4 Divisional Accountant Offices under C&AG 18–30 years
5 Sub Inspector National Investigation Agency (NIA) 18–30 years
6 Sub-Inspector / Junior Intelligence Officer Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA) 18–30 years
7 Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation 18–32 years
8 Statistical Investigator Grade-II Ministry of Home Affairs 18–30 years
9 Office Superintendent CBDT 18–30 years
10 Section Head Director General of Foreign Trade 18–30 years

Pay Level 5 (Rs. 29,200–92,300) – Group C

S.No. Post Name Department / Ministry Age Limit
1 Auditor Offices under C&AG 18–27 years
2 Auditor Offices under CGDA 18–27 years
3 Auditor Other Ministry / Departments 18–27 years
4 Accountant Offices under C&AG 18–27 years
5 Accountant Controller General of Accounts 18–27 years
6 Accountant / Junior Accountant Other Ministry / Departments 18–27 years

Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100) – Group C

S.No. Post Name Department / Ministry Age Limit
1 Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant Dept. of Posts, Ministry of Communications 18–27 years
2 Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Central Govt. Offices / Ministries other than CSCS cadres 18–27 years
3 Senior Administrative Assistant Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence 18–27 years
4 Tax Assistant CBDT 18–27 years
5 Tax Assistant CBIC 18–27 years
6 Sub-Inspector Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance 18–27 years

Note: Final allotment of posts is made on the basis of merit-cum-preferences given by the candidates. Once a post is allotted, no change will be made due to non-fulfilment of any post-specific physical/medical/educational standard. Some posts (Inspector CE/Examiner/Preventive Officer, Sub Inspector in CBI/NIA/CBN, SI in NCB) have specific Physical Standards, Physical Tests, and Medical Standards as per Annexure-XV & XVI of the notification.

SSC CGL 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Criteria Details
Nationality Citizen of India, or subjects/persons of specified neighboring and migrated countries as permitted under Government of India rules, with eligibility certificate wherever required.
Essential Educational Qualification Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or equivalent for most posts, as on 01-08-2026.
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level; or Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level.
Statistical Investigator Grade-II Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence.
Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer Bachelor’s Degree is essential. Desirable qualifications include CA, CMA, CS, M.Com, MBA (Finance), or M.B.E.
Appearing Candidates Final year candidates may apply, but they must possess the essential qualification on or before 01-08-2026.
Distance Learning Degrees Accepted only if approved by Distance Education Bureau, UGC, for Central Government employment. Proof must be produced at document verification.
BRO Posts Only male candidates are eligible for vacancies reported in Border Roads Organization.

SSC CGL 2026 – Age Limit

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Age will be calculated as on 01-08-2026. The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation or Secondary Examination Certificate will be treated as final.

Age Limit (Post-wise) Date of Birth Range (Both Inclusive)
18 to 27 years 02-08-1999 to 01-08-2008
20 to 30 years 02-08-1996 to 01-08-2006
18 to 30 years 02-08-1996 to 01-08-2008
18 to 32 years (JSO) 02-08-1994 to 01-08-2008

Age Relaxation

Code Category Relaxation Beyond Upper Age Limit
01 SC / ST 5 years
02 OBC 3 years
03 PwBD (General) 10 years
04 PwBD (OBC) 13 years
05 PwBD (SC/ST) 15 years
06 Ex-Servicemen 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age
08 Defence Personnel disabled in operations (General) 3 years
09 Defence Personnel disabled in operations (SC/ST) 8 years
10 Central Govt. Civilian Employees with 3+ years regular service (Group C posts only) Up to 40 years of age
11 Central Govt. Civilian Employees SC/ST with 3+ years regular service (Group C posts only) Up to 45 years of age
12 Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated and not remarried Up to 35 years of age
13 Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated SC/ST and not remarried Up to 40 years of age

SSC CGL 2026 – Application Fee

Category Fee
General / OBC / EWS (Male) Rs. 100/- (Non-Refundable)
Women Candidates (All categories) NIL (Exempted)
SC / ST NIL (Exempted)
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) NIL (Exempted)
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation NIL (Exempted)

Fee must be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and RuPay debit cards. Fee once paid will not be refunded, and applications without required fee payment will be rejected.

Correction Window Fee: Rs. 200/- for first correction and Rs. 500/- for second correction. This applies to all candidates, including fee-exempt applicants.

SSC CGL 2026 – Selection Process

Selection is through a two-tier Computer Based Examination (CBE). Marks scored in CBE conducted in multiple shifts will be normalized as per the procedure published by SSC vide Notice dated 02-06-2025. There is no provision for re-evaluation/re-checking of scores at any stage.

Tier-I: Computer Based Examination

Subject No. of Questions Maximum Marks Time
A. General Intelligence & Reasoning 25 50 1 hour (Sectional timer: 15 min per section)
1 hour 20 min for scribe-eligible PwBD candidates
B. General Awareness 25 50
C. Quantitative Aptitude 25 50
D. English Comprehension 25 50
Total 100 200

Tier-I consists of Objective Type / MCQ questions, set in English and Hindi (except English Comprehension). Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.

Tier-II: Computer Based Examination

Tier-II is conducted in Paper-I, Paper-II, and Paper-III in separate shifts/days.

Paper Section / Subject Questions Marks Duration
Paper-I (Compulsory for all posts) Section-I: Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence 30+30 = 60 180 Session-I: 2 hrs 15 min; Section-I: 1 hr timer
Section-II: English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness 45+25 = 70 210 1 hr timer
Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying, mandatory) 20 60 15 min
Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) (qualifying, mandatory) Session-II: 15 min
Paper-II (JSO / Statistical Investigator only) Statistics 100 200 2 hours
Paper-III (AAO / AAcO only) General Studies (Finance and Economics) 100 200 2 hours

Negative marking in Tier-II: 1 mark per wrong answer in Section-I, II, III of Paper-I; 0.50 marks in Paper-II and Paper-III. Section-III (CKT) and Section-IV (DEST) are qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify all sections of Paper-I separately. Higher standards of CKT and DEST are set for specific posts (CSS, MEA, AFHQ, SFIO, CBIC, Postal etc.). Compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is available for PwBD candidates eligible for scribe.

SSC CGL 2026 – Scheme of Examination & Syllabus (Brief)

Paper / Section Key Topics
Tier-I: General Intelligence & Reasoning Analogies, similarities, space visualization, problem solving, arithmetic reasoning, number series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, embedded figures, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, social intelligence
Tier-I: General Awareness Current events, India and neighbouring countries, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research
Tier-I: Quantitative Aptitude Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio, averages, SI/CI, profit & loss, discount, time & work, time & distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, bar charts, pie charts
Tier-I: English Comprehension Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, writing ability
Tier-II Paper-I Sec-I: Mathematical Abilities Number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics & probability
Tier-II Paper-I Sec-II: English Language & Comprehension Vocabulary, grammar, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, sentence improvement, comprehension passages (current affairs + editorial based)
Tier-II Paper-I Sec-III: Computer Knowledge Computer basics, MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint), Internet & e-mail, networking & cybersecurity basics
Tier-II Paper-II: Statistics Data collection, frequency distribution, central tendency, dispersion, correlation, regression, probability, sampling theory, statistical inference, ANOVA, time series, index numbers
Tier-II Paper-III: General Studies (Finance & Economics) Part A (Finance & Accounts, 80 marks): Financial accounting, GAAP, books of accounts, depreciation, bank reconciliation. Part B (Economics & Governance, 120 marks): Economic concepts, Indian economy, governance, financial markets, budget basics

SSC CGL 2026 – Exam Centres

The examination will be conducted through 9 SSC Regions covering all states and union territories. Candidates must choose three examination centres, in order of priority, within the same region.

Central Region: Agra, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Patna, Gaya Eastern Region: Kolkata, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Gangtok Karnataka Kerala Region: Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mysuru Madhya Pradesh Region: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Raipur North Eastern Region: Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Agartala Northern Region: Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun North Western Region: Chandigarh, Shimla, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar Southern Region: Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Coimbatore, Madurai Western Region: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Panaji

No request for change of centre will be entertained after submission of the application. SSC may add, cancel, or shift candidates to another centre depending on administrative requirements.

Competition Level Analysis for SSC CGL 2026

The overall competition level for SSC CGL 2026 is expected to remain very high because the examination attracts a massive number of graduate applicants every year across India. Even with around 12,256 vacancies, the effective competition ratio remains extremely tough for high-demand posts.

  1. Applicant volume is huge: SSC CGL is among the most sought-after central government exams, and premium posts receive intense preference from top scorers.
  2. Tier-I acts as the main screening stage: With negative marking and sectional timing, both speed and accuracy matter. Candidates targeting top posts generally need a very strong Tier-I score.
  3. Tier-II gets post-specific: Specialized posts like JSO and AAO attract a smaller but more qualified pool, making domain preparation more important than raw competition numbers.
  4. DEST and CKT can eliminate candidates: Although qualifying in nature, poor performance in these sections can disqualify otherwise strong candidates for certain posts.
  5. Physical standards create an extra filter: Certain Inspector and Sub Inspector posts require physical and medical fitness standards that are checked separately by user departments.

Who Should NOT Apply for SSC CGL 2026?

  1. Candidates who will not possess a Bachelor’s Degree by 01-08-2026.
  2. Candidates who fall outside the age limit for all eligible posts even after applicable relaxation.
  3. OBC Creamy Layer candidates intending to claim OBC reservation.
  4. Candidates who cannot meet post-specific physical or medical standards for the posts they plan to prefer.
  5. Non-matriculate Ex-Servicemen or those who have not completed the required length of service.
  6. Candidates applying for JSO without the required Mathematics or Statistics qualification.
  7. Female candidates applying specifically for BRO vacancies, where only male candidates are eligible.
  8. Distance-learning degree holders without valid UGC-DEB approval for the relevant period.

Common Mistakes / What to Check Before Applying SSC CGL 2026

  1. Not generating a fresh OTR on the new SSC website.
  2. Using a pre-existing photograph instead of live photo capture where required.
  3. Uploading blurred or wrongly sized signature files.
  4. Selecting the wrong reservation category without valid supporting certificate.
  5. Ignoring post-specific standards before locking post preferences.
  6. Choosing JSO or AAO related preferences without being ready for Paper-II or Paper-III.
  7. Skipping Aadhaar-based authentication even when eligible.
  8. Waiting until the final date for application submission.
  9. Missing the answer key objection window after examination.
  10. Confusing the correction window fee structure.

How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026

Candidates must apply online only at https://ssc.gov.in or through the mY SSC mobile application (available on Google Play Store). No other mode of application is accepted. Candidates who have not generated OTR on the new website must do so first. Once OTR is generated on the new website, it remains valid for all future examinations on that portal.

Candidates are advised to opt for Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR. Aadhaar-authenticated candidates get significant exemptions: their applications are not rejected for photograph/signature standards, and they need not carry photo ID at the examination venue.

Steps to Apply:

  1. Generate One-Time Registration (OTR) at https://ssc.gov.in (mandatory; use Aadhaar-based authentication if possible)
  2. Complete OTR profile and lock it
  3. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) including live photograph capture via camera
  4. Upload scanned signature (JPEG/JPG, 10–20 KB, 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm)
  5. Fill the Examination Specific Module (post preferences, exam centre choices – 3 centres within same region in order of priority)
  6. Pay application fee of Rs. 100/- online (if applicable) by 23-06-2026
  7. Preview/Print the application to verify all details before final submission
  8. Use the correction window (29-06 to 01-07-2026) if any correction is needed (chargeable)
  9. Keep printout of application and all documents for at least 3 years

Documents to Keep Ready for Document Verification (after final selection):

  • Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate (proof of date of birth)
  • Mark sheets for all years/semesters of Graduation + Provisional/Degree Certificate
  • SC/ST Certificate in prescribed format (Annexure of the notification)
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate in prescribed format (Annexure-X); must be valid as on closing date of application
  • EWS Income & Asset Certificate valid for FY 2026–27 (issued based on income for FY 2025–26) in prescribed format (Annexure-XI)
  • PwBD Disability Certificate from competent authority specifying type of disability (as per Annexure-XII to XIII)
  • Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate and other relevant ESM documents
  • Equivalence certificate (for equivalent qualifications other than standard degrees)
  • DEB/UGC approval letter (for Distance Learning degree holders)
  • Certificate of proficiency in State Regional/official language (for AAO/Assistant Audit Officer State Cadre)

Apply Online at: https://ssc.gov.in | Toll Free Helpline: 1800 309 3063

Important Instructions for SSC CGL 2026 Candidates

  • Final allotment is based on merit-cum-preference, and no alternate post will be offered if a candidate fails post-specific standards after allotment.
  • OBC candidates claiming reservation must not belong to the creamy layer as on the closing date of application.
  • EWS certificate must be valid for FY 2026–27 and should be based on income for FY 2025–26.
  • PwBD candidates must choose the correct sub-category in the application form because no later change is allowed.
  • Scribe rules are strict: the scribe must complete OTR, be Aadhaar-authenticated, and cannot assist more than one candidate.
  • Compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is available to eligible PwBD candidates.
  • Tentative answer keys can be challenged online by paying Rs. 100 per question within the specified period only.
  • No re-evaluation or re-checking of scores is available at any stage.
  • Candidates should preserve the application form and related documents for at least 3 years.
  • Candidature remains provisional until certificates and documents are verified by the Appointing Authority.
  • Fraudulent claims of reservation status may lead to debarment from all SSC examinations.
  • Any update in exam schedule or process will be communicated through the SSC website only.
  • Applications without the required fee, unless exempted, or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.

SSC CGL 2026 – Important Links

SSC CGL Group B & Group C Online Form 2026 – FAQs

Q1. What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?

The last date to submit the online application form for SSC CGL 2026 is 22 June 2026 (23:00 hours). The fee payment can be made until 23 June 2026 (23:00 hours).

Q2. How many vacancies are available in SSC CGL 2026?

Approximately 12,256 vacancies are available for Group B and Group C posts across various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. The exact vacancy details will be updated on the official SSC website.

Q3. What is the educational qualification required for SSC CGL 2026?

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent as on 01-08-2026. For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), candidates need either 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level or a degree with Statistics as a subject. Final year appearing candidates can also apply but must possess the degree by the cut-off date.

Q4. What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?

The age limit varies by post: 18-27 years for Group C posts, 18-30 years or 20-30 years for most Group B posts, and 18-32 years for Junior Statistical Officer. Age will be calculated as on 01-08-2026, with relaxations available for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10-15 years), and Ex-Servicemen as per rules.

Q5. What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026?

General, OBC, and EWS male candidates must pay Rs. 100/- as a non-refundable application fee. Women candidates (all categories), SC/ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen eligible for reservation are exempted from the fee. Fee payment can be made through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or debit cards.

Q6. What is the selection process for SSC CGL 2026?

Selection is through a two-tier Computer Based Examination. Tier-I has 100 questions (200 marks) covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier-II includes Paper-I (mandatory for all), Paper-II (for JSO/Statistical Investigator), and Paper-III (for AAO). Both tiers have negative marking.

Q7. When will the SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I exam be conducted?

The Tier-I Computer Based Examination is tentatively scheduled for August-September 2026, while Tier-II is expected in December 2026. Exact dates will be announced on the official SSC website closer to the exam.

Q8. Can I apply for SSC CGL 2026 if I am in the final year of graduation?

Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of their Bachelor’s Degree can apply, but they must possess the essential educational qualification on or before 01-08-2026. If the university declares results after this date, the candidature will be invalid even if exams were completed earlier.

Q9. Is there any correction window for SSC CGL 2026 application?

Yes, the correction window will be open from 29-06-2026 to 01-07-2026 (23:00 hours). The first correction costs Rs. 200/- and the second correction costs Rs. 500/-. This fee applies to all candidates, including those who were exempted from the initial application fee.

Q10. What is the pay scale for SSC CGL 2026 posts?

Pay scales range from Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500-81,100) for Group C posts like Postal Assistant and Tax Assistant to Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600-1,51,100) for Group B Gazetted posts like Assistant Audit Officer. Pay Level 7 posts include Assistant Section Officer and Inspector positions (Rs. 44,900-1,42,400).