The Staff Selection Commission has released the SSC CGL 2026 official notification on 21 May 2026 for 12,256 Group B and Group C vacancies across central government ministries and departments. Graduate candidates aged 18–32 years can apply online at ssc.gov.in. The application window closes on 22 June 2026.
Last verified on: 23 May 2026 (IST)
Key Highlights
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Notification Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 (tentative) |
| Post Category | Group B and Group C |
| Apply Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | August–September 2026 (exact dates to be notified) |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 (tentative) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS male); Nil for exempted categories |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
The SSC CGL 2026 notification announces approximately 12,256 vacancies across 40 Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, organisations, constitutional bodies, and tribunals of the Government of India. The commission has noted that vacancy collection from departments is still in progress; the final post-wise and category-wise breakdown will be published separately on ssc.gov.in under the “Tentative Vacancy” section.
Posts are distributed across five pay levels: Pay Level 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Notable posts include Assistant Section Officer (MEA, CSS, AFHQ), Income Tax Inspector (CBDT), Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED), Sub-Inspector (CBI), Auditor, Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), Assistant Audit Officer (AAO), and Assistant Accounts Officer. The AAO post, included this cycle, falls under Pay Level 8.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution. The qualification must be completed as of 1 August 2026. Candidates in their final year of graduation may apply, but must possess the degree by the cutoff date. Certain posts carry additional requirements: the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) requires a degree with Statistics as a subject in Class 12 or graduation; the Statistical Investigator Grade II requires Statistics as a subject at graduation level; the AAO and Assistant Accounts Officer posts require a Commerce or related background as specified in the notification. Candidates should read the post-wise eligibility table in the official notification PDF before applying.
Age Limit and Relaxation
Age is calculated as of 1 August 2026. The post-wise upper age limits are as follows:
- 18–27 years (certain posts)
- 18–30 years (majority of posts)
- 20–30 years (specific posts)
- Up to 32 years (JSO and select posts)
Age relaxation applies as follows: SC/ST candidates – 5 years; OBC candidates – 3 years; PwBD (General) – 10 years; PwBD (OBC) – 13 years; PwBD (SC/ST) – 15 years; Ex-Servicemen – as per applicable government rules. Candidates should verify the exact relaxation for their specific post from the official notification.
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 to permanently settle in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries to permanently settle in India, as detailed in the official notification.
Salary and Pay
SSC CGL posts are filled under five pay levels of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix:
- Pay Level 4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 (basic pay range)
- Pay Level 5: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300
- Pay Level 6: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
- Pay Level 7: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
- Pay Level 8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (AAO/Assistant Accounts Officer)
In-hand gross salary varies by post and city of posting due to HRA, DA, and other central government allowances. Confirmed allowance amounts for specific postings are not disclosed in the notification and will depend on the department and posting location.
Selection Process
Selection for SSC CGL 2026 is based on two examination stages followed by document verification. There is no interview stage.
Tier 1: A Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising four sections — General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Sectional timing has been introduced this cycle; each section carries a dedicated time limit. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature and is used to shortlist candidates for Tier 2.
Tier 2: A computer-based exam consisting of three papers. Paper I (mandatory for all candidates) covers mathematical abilities, reasoning, English language and comprehension, general awareness, and computer proficiency. Paper II is for candidates applying for JSO posts. Paper III is for candidates applying for AAO/Assistant Accounts Officer posts. Sectional timing is also applicable in Tier 2 Paper I.
Document Verification: Candidates who clear Tier 2 are called for document verification. Post allotment is based on merit-cum-preference. Failure to meet post-specific educational, medical, or physical requirements at DV stage may result in rejection of candidature.
Important Dates
| Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | August–September 2026 (exact dates to be notified separately) |
| Tier 2 Exam | December 2026 (tentative) |
Application Fee
The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS (male) candidates. The following categories are fully exempted from paying the fee: Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen.
Payment can be made online through UPI, Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit Card. The fee payment deadline is 23 June 2026 at 11:00 PM. The commission advises against waiting until the last hour due to potential website load.
How to Apply
- Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done. OTR is mandatory before filling the application form.
- During OTR, you may opt for Aadhaar-based authentication, which enables identity verification at the CBT stage without carrying a separate photo ID or recent photograph.
- Log in using your registered credentials and select “Apply” against the CGL 2026 notification.
- Fill in personal, educational, and category details as required. Select your preferred exam centres.
- Upload the required photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable) before 23 June 2026.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records.
- If any correction is needed, use the correction window between 29 June and 1 July 2026. Exam city once submitted cannot be changed.
Documents Required
- Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, or driving licence)
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per specifications in the notification)
- Scanned signature
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/ESM), if applicable
- Educational qualification certificates (degree marksheet and certificate)
- Date of birth proof (Class 10 certificate or board marksheet)
- Any post-specific qualification certificate (e.g., Statistics subject proof for JSO; Commerce degree for AAO)
Documents listed above are required at the Document Verification stage. Candidates are advised to keep originals and self-attested copies ready well before the DV call letter is issued.
Offer and Notice Verification — Scam Warning
SSC has issued warnings against fake recruitment circulars circulating on social media, Telegram channels, and WhatsApp groups. The only valid source for SSC CGL 2026 information is ssc.gov.in. Any notification that appears on a third-party website, PDF shared via messaging apps, or a link not originating from ssc.gov.in should be treated as unverified.
SSC does not conduct recruitment through private agents, consultancies, or intermediaries. No fee other than the official ₹100 (where applicable) is charged at any stage. Candidates who receive calls, messages, or emails claiming guaranteed selection, early result access, or asking for money should report them to SSC through the official contact channels listed on ssc.gov.in. Always cross-check admit card and result notices directly on the official portal.
Official Links
- SSC Official Website — ssc.gov.in
- SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF — ssc.gov.in (Notifications Section)
- Apply Online / OTR Portal — ssc.gov.in
- Tentative Vacancy List — ssc.gov.in (Vacancies Section)
Note: The exact PDF URL for the CGL 2026 notification is published under the “Latest Notifications” or “What’s New” section on ssc.gov.in. Bookmark and check that page directly rather than relying on third-party links.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the SSC CGL 2026 notification released and where?
The official notification (F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1) was released on 21 May 2026 on ssc.gov.in. The online application process opened the same day.
2. How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
Approximately 12,256 vacancies have been announced. The commission has stated that vacancy collection from departments is still ongoing, and the final post-wise and category-wise breakdown will be updated separately on ssc.gov.in.
3. What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 22 June 2026 at 11:00 PM. The deadline for online fee payment is 23 June 2026 at 11:00 PM.
4. Is there an interview stage in SSC CGL 2026?
No. The selection process consists of Tier 1 (CBT), Tier 2 (CBT), and Document Verification. There is no interview or personality test at any stage.
5. What is new in SSC CGL 2026 compared to previous years?
Two key changes are mentioned in the official notification: sectional timing has been introduced in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Paper I (each section now has a dedicated time limit), and AAO (Assistant Audit Officer) and Assistant Accounts Officer posts have been included this cycle under Pay Level 8.
6. Who is exempted from paying the SSC CGL 2026 application fee?
Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted from fee payment. All other candidates (General, OBC, EWS male) are required to pay ₹100 online by 23 June 2026.
