The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the SSC CGL 2026 Notification for more than 12,256 vacancies across various Group B and Group C posts in central government departments and ministries. Lakhs of aspirants from all over India were eagerly waiting for the SSC CGL recruitment notification, and now the online application process has finally started on the official SSC portal.
SSC CGL is considered one of the biggest government recruitment examinations in India because it offers highly respected posts, excellent salary packages, job security, promotions, and central government benefits. Every year, millions of candidates apply for this exam to secure prestigious jobs in departments such as Income Tax, CBI, CBIC, Ministries, Audit Departments, and many more.
Candidates who have completed graduation from a recognized university can now apply online through the official SSC website. According to the notification, the registration process has already started and the last date to apply online is expected to be 22 June 2026.
If you are planning to prepare for SSC CGL 2026, then this article will provide complete details regarding eligibility, age limit, vacancy details, important dates, salary, selection process, exam pattern, and step-by-step application process.
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts under the Government of India.
Through SSC CGL, candidates get opportunities to work in prestigious departments such as:
- Income Tax Department
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
- Central Secretariat Services
- Enforcement Directorate
- Narcotics Department
- Railway Departments
- Intelligence Agencies
SSC CGL is one of the most preferred exams because of:
- High salary
- Government allowances
- Pension benefits
- Work-life balance
- Promotions
- Job security
- Social respect
SSC CGL 2026 Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256+ |
| Job Type | Central Government Jobs |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | August–September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 + Tier 2 |
| Official Website | SSC Official Website |
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details
SSC has announced approximately 12,256 vacancies for multiple departments and ministries. These vacancies are tentative and may increase later depending on departmental requirements.
Some popular posts included in SSC CGL 2026 are:
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- Income Tax Inspector
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- CBI Sub-Inspector
- Inspector Examiner
- Preventive Officer
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Tax Assistant
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Postal Assistant
- Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
The number of vacancies this year is considered very high, which increases the chances of selection for candidates.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must remember all important dates related to SSC CGL 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | August–September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | December 2026 |
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out the application form, candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institution.
For some posts like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), additional requirements related to Mathematics or Statistics may apply.
Final year students can also apply if they complete graduation before the document verification stage.
SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit
The age limit varies according to the post.
Generally:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved category candidates as per government rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwD | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| PwD | No Fee |
| Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
Candidates can pay the fee through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The SSC CGL 2026 selection process consists of two major stages:
Tier 1 Examination
This is qualifying in nature.
Subjects included:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Tier 2 Examination
Tier 2 is the main merit-deciding examination.
Subjects include:
- Mathematical Abilities
- English Language
- Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
Some posts also require:
- Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
SSC CGL 2026 New Changes
SSC has introduced some important changes in the examination process this year.
Sectional Timing Introduced
One of the biggest changes is sectional timing in Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Candidates will get limited time for each section separately.
This means:
- Better speed management is required
- Time cannot be transferred between sections
- Accuracy becomes more important
Live Photograph Mandatory
Candidates now need to capture a live photograph during the application process using webcam or smartphone camera. Pre-uploaded photographs may not be accepted.
SSC CGL 2026 Salary
SSC CGL posts offer excellent salaries along with government allowances.
Average in-hand salary ranges between:
- ₹35,000 to ₹80,000 per month
Depending on the post and city category, employees also receive:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Medical Benefits
- Pension Benefits
Best SSC CGL Posts in 2026
Here are some of the most popular posts among aspirants:
- Assistant Section Officer (MEA)
- This post under the Ministry of External Affairs is famous for foreign postings and high allowances.
- Income Tax Inspector
- One of the most respected posts with investigation-related work.
- CBI Sub-Inspector
- Candidates interested in investigative work highly prefer this role.
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- This post provides excellent promotion opportunities and power.
- Examiner & Preventive Officer
- These are highly attractive customs-related posts.
How to Apply Online for SSC CGL 2026
Candidates can apply online only through the official SSC portal.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to:
SSC Official Portal
Step 2: Complete OTR Registration
Candidates must complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
Provide:
- Name
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Aadhaar Details
Step 3: Login to Dashboard
Use your registration credentials to log in.
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Enter:
- Educational details
- Category
- Exam centre preference
- Personal details
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload:
- Live photograph
- Signature
- Required certificates
Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Pay online through available payment methods.
Step 7: Final Submission
Submit the form and download the final application PDF for future use.
Documents Required for SSC CGL 2026
Candidates should keep these documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- Passport Size Photo
- Signature
- Category Certificate
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Mobile Number
- Email ID
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English | 25 | 50 |
Total:
- 100 Questions
- 200 Marks
Negative marking is applicable.