SSC CGL
Combined Graduate Level
SSC released the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 notice on 21 May 2026 for approximately 12,256 Group B and Group C vacancies. Applications finally closed on 25 June 20...
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SSC CGL — What You'll Find Here
Students commonly search for SSC CGL Mock Test, SSC CGL Free Mock Test, SSC CGL Test Series, SSC CGL Admit Card, SSC CGL Call Letter, and SSC CGL Salary. This page covers those topics in one place so you can move from exam research to mock-test practice faster.
About SSC CGL 2026
SSC released the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 notice on 21 May 2026 for approximately 12,256 Group B and Group C vacancies. Applications finally closed on 25 June 2026 after a two-day reopening; Tier I is scheduled for August–September 2026 and Tier II for December 2026.
SSC CGL 2026 at a Glance
Official 2026 Highlights
- Approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies; SSC will publish updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies separately.
- Tier I: August–September 2026; Tier II: December 2026.
- Tier I has four separately timed 15-minute subject blocks.
- Tier II Paper I is compulsory for all posts; Computer Knowledge and DEST are qualifying.
- Paper II applies to JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade-II; Paper III applies to Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer posts.
- All posts carry All India Service Liability; final allocation is merit-cum-preference based.
SSC CGL 2026 — Official Highlights
Confirmed details from SSC notice F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 and the 23 June 2026 reopening notice.
Group B & Group C Recruitment
Recruitment covers central ministries, departments, organisations, constitutional bodies, statutory bodies and tribunals.
Pay Levels 4 to 8
Notified pay scales run from ₹25,500–81,100 at Level 4 to ₹47,600–1,51,100 at Level 8.
Two-Tier Written Selection
Tier I shortlists candidates; applicable Tier II scoring components determine final merit. No interview is prescribed.
Broad Post Choice
Posts include audit/accounts officers, section officers, inspectors, investigators, auditors, accountants, assistants and clerical cadres.
The application and correction windows are closed. SSC states that the schedule and vacancy count are tentative and may be updated on ssc.gov.in.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern — Tier I & Tier II
SSC CGL 2026 has two computer-based tiers. Tier I is used for category-wise shortlisting. Tier II Paper I is compulsory for all; Paper II and Paper III apply only to specified posts. All four sections of Paper I must be qualified separately.
Tier I
Tier I — Computer Based Examination
Tier I is an objective screening examination. Each subject has its own 15-minute timer; candidates cannot freely redistribute the 60 minutes. Each question carries 2 marks and every wrong answer attracts a 0.50-mark penalty.
| Section / Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Key Points
- Negative marking: 0.50 in Tier I; 1 mark in Sections I, II and III of Tier II Paper I; 0.50 in Papers II and III.
- Tier I and Tier II marks may be normalized when an examination is conducted in multiple shifts.
- Computer Knowledge and DEST are mandatory and qualifying for all posts, with higher standards for specified posts.
- DEST is a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
- Final merit uses Tier II only; the applicable papers depend on the post.
- There is no interview in the notified selection scheme.
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus — Official Subject Coverage
Tier I covers Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English. Tier II Paper I deepens those subjects and adds Computer Knowledge plus DEST. Paper II covers Statistics; Paper III covers Finance, Accounts, Economics and Governance. The official notice sets different subject levels rather than a single graduation-level standard.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Preparation Tips
- Practise verbal and non-verbal sets under the notified sectional timer.
- Use official previous papers to learn SSC question formats.
Post-specific age limits are reckoned on 1 August 2026, and essential educational qualifications must also be possessed by 1 August 2026. The reopening notice moved closing-date-linked eligibility conditions from 22 June to 25 June 2026.
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limits | Depending on the post: 18–27, 18–30, 20–30 or 18–32 years as on 1 August 2026. |
All Other Posts | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
Junior Statistical Officer | Bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least 60% in Mathematics at Class 12, or a bachelor’s degree with Statistics as a degree-level subject. |
Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science/Engineering/Technology/Application, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence. |
State-Cadre Audit/Accounts Posts | Bachelor’s degree plus matriculation-level proficiency certification in the regional/official language of the concerned State. |
Nationality/Citizenship | Citizen of India; subject of Nepal or Bhutan; or specified person of Indian origin intending permanent settlement in India, subject to a Government of India eligibility certificate where required. |
SSC CGL 2026 Upper-Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service from actual age as on 1 August 2026 |
| Defence personnel disabled in qualifying operations | 3 years; 8 years for SC/ST |
| Eligible Central Government civilian employees — Group C posts | Up to 40 years; up to 45 years for SC/ST, subject to service conditions |
Important Notes
- ⚠Final-year candidates may apply, but must possess the required qualification by 1 August 2026.
- ⚠Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) lists CA/CMA/CS or specified postgraduate qualifications as desirable, not essential.
- ⚠Physical/medical standards apply to specified posts including CBIC inspectors, CBN inspector/sub-inspector, NCB, CBI, NIA and BRO posts.
- ⚠Only male candidates are eligible for vacancies, if any, reported by the Border Roads Organisation.
- ⚠Candidates should verify the exact post, age band and physical/medical requirements before submitting post preferences.
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
Selection is based on Tier I shortlisting and the applicable Tier II papers. Post preference, vacancy, category, eligibility and post-specific standards determine final allocation. No interview is prescribed.
Tier I Computer Based Examination
A 100-question, 200-mark screening test with four 15-minute subject timers. Category-wise and post-group cutoffs shortlist candidates for Tier II.
Tier II Paper I
Compulsory for all candidates. All four sections must be qualified separately; Computer Knowledge and DEST are qualifying components.
Tier II Paper II / Paper III where applicable
Paper II is for JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade-II. Paper III is for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer.
Online Post Preference
Candidates must submit their post and department preferences before result/first-round tentative allocation. Preferences are final and irreversible.
Final Merit, Verification & Post-Specific Checks
Final merit uses applicable Tier II scoring components. User departments conduct document verification and any required physical/medical tests after selection.
Failure to meet a preferred post’s educational, physical or medical standards can cancel candidature; SSC does not then switch the candidate to another post.
Key Points
- ✓Tier I marks are used for shortlisting; final merit is based on Tier II only.
- ✓Separate Tier I cutoffs apply for statistical posts, audit/accounts officer posts and other posts.
- ✓Minimum qualifying marks are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS and 20% for other categories, subject to actual cutoffs.
- ✓All posts carry All India Service Liability.
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details
SSC notified approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies, if any, will be published under “For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy” on ssc.gov.in. SSC explicitly states that it does not collect state-wise or zone-wise vacancy figures.
| State / Post | Gen | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
All India — combined tentative total | Awaited | Awaited | Awaited | Awaited | Awaited | 12,256 |
Do not treat coaching-site category or state estimates as official. SSC will publish the updated post-wise/category-wise breakup separately.
- The notified total is approximate and tentative.
- State-wise and zone-wise vacancy data is not collected by SSC.
- Reservation is determined from vacancies reported by the participating user departments.
- Ex-Servicemen reservation applies to Group C posts only.
Do not treat coaching-site category or state estimates as official. SSC will publish the updated post-wise/category-wise breakup separately.
SSC CGL 2026 Official Notification Released
Notice F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 was released on 21 May 2026 for approximately 12,256 vacancies. A 23 June notice reopened applications for two days.
Open official notificationSSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
The 21 May notice published the original schedule. SSC reopened applications on 23 June and moved the final application, fee-payment and correction deadlines as shown below.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
Official Notification Release | 21 May 2026 | Expected |
Initial Online Application Opening | 21 May 2026 | Expected |
Initial Online Application Deadline | 22 June 2026 | Expected |
Reopened Application Window Begins | 23 June 2026 | Expected |
Final Online Application Deadline | 25 June 2026 | Expected |
Final Online Fee-Payment Deadline | 26 June 2026 | Expected |
Correction Window Opens | 1 July 2026 | Expected |
Correction Window Closes | 3 July 2026 | Expected |
Tier I Computer Based Examination | August–September 2026 | Expected |
Tier II Computer Based Examination | December 2026 | Expected |
Key Points
- The final application deadline after reopening was 25 June 2026 at 23:00 hours.
- The reopening notice moved closing-date-linked eligibility conditions to 25 June 2026.
- Tier I and Tier II schedules are tentative; changes will be announced only on ssc.gov.in.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
Applications were accepted through the new SSC website or mySSC mobile app. The final application deadline was 25 June 2026 after a two-day reopening; fee payment closed on 26 June and corrections closed on 3 July 2026.
Create or Use New-Portal OTR
Complete One-Time Registration on ssc.gov.in. OTR from the old ssc.nic.in website is not valid on the new portal.
Choose Aadhaar Authentication
SSC advises Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR. Follow the portal instructions if using another identity-verification route.
Open the CGL 2026 Application
Log in and select Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026. Enter qualification, category, centre and other required details accurately.
Capture Live Photograph
Use the application camera with good light and a plain background. Face the camera directly without cap, mask or spectacles; do not photograph an existing printed/digital photo.
Upload Signature and Certificates
Upload the signature and any required disability certificate in the notified format, then preview every field before submission.
Pay Fee and Save the Form
Pay online if not exempt, confirm that payment status is complete, and retain the submitted application and records.
SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee
Documents to Keep Ready
Live photograph
Plain background, eye-level camera, full frontal face; no cap, mask or spectacles.
Signature
Approximate dimensions 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm; signature must be clear and not miniature.
Disability certificate (if applicable)
Required when claiming reservation, scribe facility or both.
OTR identity and contact details
Use active mobile/email details and verify all OTR information.
Qualification/category records
Enter details exactly as supported by certificates required at verification.
Key Points
- More than 28 lakh applications were successfully submitted during the initial window.
- The final application deadline was 25 June 2026 at 23:00 hours.
- Post preferences are collected later through an online option form, not treated as part of this initial application workflow.
Important Notes
- ⚠SSC accepts applications only through its new website or mySSC mobile app.
- ⚠A clear live photograph is mandatory under the notification instructions.
- ⚠Applicants should retain the application form and examination records for at least three years.
SSC CGL 2026 Admission Certificate
SSC issues admission certificates online for each computer-based tier. The notification does not announce a fixed release date; candidates should monitor ssc.gov.in and follow the instructions printed on the certificate.
No hard-copy dispatch schedule is stated. Use only SSC’s official portal for admission-certificate updates.
How to Download
- 1Visit ssc.gov.in and open the relevant CGL 2026 notice/admission-certificate link.
- 2Sign in with the registration credentials requested by SSC.
- 3Verify name, roll number, examination date, shift, venue and reporting instructions.
- 4Download and print the admission certificate and follow every instruction printed on it.
Documents Required at Exam Centre
Important Notes
- The allotted date, shift, centre and reporting instructions on the admission certificate are controlling.
- Carry the exact identity and supporting documents specified by SSC for your authentication route.
Key Points
- Only provisionally accepted applicants are assigned roll numbers and admission certificates.
- Qualified candidates receive separate admission certificates for later stages.
- Check SSC’s website regularly; the notice does not promise a specific number of days before the examination.
Download the SSC CGL admit card from the official website.
VisitSSC CGL 2026 Preparation Strategy
Prepare around the notified sectional timers and Tier II structure. Tier I requires balanced speed across four locked 15-minute subjects; Tier II requires deeper accuracy and separate preparation for qualifying Computer Knowledge and DEST.
Candidates targeting statistical or audit/accounts officer posts should prepare the additional paper from the beginning rather than waiting for Tier I results.
Study Plan & Strategies
Complete the official Tier I and Paper I syllabus; diagnose weak subjects.
Use the exact SSC timers for each Tier I and Tier II subject.
Topic-wise Preparation Tips
Tier I Timed Practice
- Practise each subject in a strict 15-minute block.
- Run full four-block mocks so a weak section does not prevent qualification.
- Track accuracy because each wrong answer costs 0.50 mark.
Tier II Paper I
- Prioritize the 390 merit marks in Maths, Reasoning, English and General Awareness.
- Practise the exact 30/30/40/20-minute sectional timers.
- Do not ignore Computer Knowledge; it is mandatory, qualifying and negatively marked.
DEST
- Practise a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
- Build accuracy first; the allowed error percentage depends on category and higher standards apply to specified posts.
Post-Specific Papers
- JSO/Statistical Investigator candidates need graduation-level Statistics for Paper II.
- Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer candidates need Finance, Accounts, Economics and Governance for Paper III.
Key Takeaways
- Tier I now has sectional timing; old composite-timer strategies are outdated.
- Tier II Paper I scoring sections determine merit for most posts.
- Negative marking is heavier in Tier II Paper I, including Computer Knowledge.
- Use the official syllabus as the boundary for books and mock tests.
SSC CGL 2026 Examination Centres
The notification lists centres under nine SSC regions. Candidates had to choose three centres, in priority order, within the same region. SSC may add, cancel or divert centres.
Central Region — Bihar & Uttar Pradesh
Eastern Region — A&N, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim & West Bengal
Karnataka Kerala Region — Karnataka, Kerala & Lakshadweep
Madhya Pradesh Region — Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
North Eastern Region
Northern Region — Delhi, Rajasthan & Uttarakhand
North Western Region
Southern Region — Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu & Telangana
Western Region — Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, DNH & Daman and Diu
Key Points
- All three centre preferences had to be within the same SSC region.
- SSC does not entertain requests to change the selected centre later.
- SSC may divert candidates to another centre or add/cancel centres.
Important
The admission certificate confirms the actual allotted centre. The notification’s centre list is tentative.
The admission certificate confirms the actual allotted centre. The notification’s centre list is tentative.
Important Notes
- Follow the reporting and identity instructions printed on the admission certificate.
- Use the region-specific contact details in the official notification if SSC directs candidates to a regional office.
SSC CGL 2026 Result & Merit Process
SSC will publish Tier I shortlisting and Tier II allocation/result notices on its official website. The notification does not prescribe result-release dates, so speculative month estimates should not be treated as official.
Note
SSC’s published notice/write-up and candidate login are authoritative for cutoffs, marks and allocation status.
Result Timeline
Separate category-wise cutoffs are fixed for statistical posts, audit/accounts officer posts and all other posts.
How to Check Result
- 1Visit ssc.gov.in and open the Results/Notices area.
- 2Open the Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 result notice.
- 3Search the published list using the roll number and read the accompanying write-up.
Key Points
- Final merit is based on overall Tier II performance, not Tier I marks.
- For most posts, merit uses Sections I and II of Paper I subject to qualifying Computer Knowledge and DEST.
- JSO/Statistical Investigator merit includes Paper II; Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer merit includes Paper III.
- Post preferences are final and must be submitted within SSC’s option-form window.
Check scorecard & result at the official website.
VisitWhat the Merit Process Uses
The applicable Tier II components vary by post, while Computer Knowledge and DEST remain qualifying.
Important Notes
- There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of scores.
- Success in the examination does not itself create a right to appointment.
SSC CGL 2026 Pay Levels & Benefits
Notified basic-pay ranges span Level 4 (₹25,500–81,100) through Level 8 (₹47,600–1,51,100).
Post-Wise Salary Structure
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | Level 8 | ₹47,600 | Posting-dependent | Group B Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) |
| ASO / Income Tax & CBIC Inspectors / AEO / CBI SI | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | Posting-dependent | Group B |
| Divisional Accountant / JSO / NIA SI and other listed posts | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | Posting-dependent | Group B |
| Auditor / Accountant / Junior Accountant | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | Posting-dependent | Group C |
| Postal Assistant / SSA-UDC / Tax Assistant and listed posts | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | Posting-dependent | Group C |
| Salary Component | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level 8 | ₹47,600–1,51,100 |
| Pay Level 7 | ₹44,900–1,42,400 |
| Pay Level 6 | ₹35,400–1,12,400 |
| Pay Level 5 | ₹29,200–92,300 |
| Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500–81,100 |
SSC CGL Perks & Benefits
Central Government Allowances
Admissible allowances depend on the post, rules and place of posting.
Leave & Service Benefits
Governed by the service rules of the allocated department/cadre.
Retirement Benefits
Apply under the prevailing Central Government rules for the appointed post.
Key Points
- Pay level is post-specific; SSC CGL does not have one common salary.
- Do not compare posts using unsourced in-hand estimates alone.
- Review classification, pay level, posting liability and job profile before ranking preferences.
SSC CGL Career Growth — Cadre-Specific Paths
SSC CGL is an entry route into many unrelated services and cadres. There is no single promotion ladder across Income Tax, Customs, CBI, C&AG, CSS, Postal and other departments; promotions follow each allocated department’s recruitment and service rules.
Progression follows the concerned secretariat/cadre rules and may use seniority, departmental examinations and vacancy position.
Promotion follows CBDT/CBIC cadre rules; field profile and transfer liability vary by charge/zone.
Audit and accounts cadres have their own confirmation, examination and promotion requirements. Direct-recruit audit/accounts officers must pass the prescribed subordinate service examination during probation.
CBI, NIA, ED, NCB and related posts follow separate agency service, training, medical and promotion rules.
Advancement depends on the user department’s seniority, examination, vacancy and recruitment rules.
Certifications & Accelerators
Departmental Examinations
Requirements vary by cadre and can affect confirmation or promotion.
Post-Specific Training
The allocated user department determines induction and role-specific training.
Key Points
- A higher pay level does not guarantee the same promotion speed in every department.
- Departmental examinations may be compulsory for confirmation or advancement in some cadres.
- Compare job profile, location liability and cadre rules before submitting post preferences.
Promotion Details
Promotion timelines are not specified in the SSC examination notice and should not be represented as one guaranteed cross-department ladder.
Growth Tips
- Read the user department’s recruitment and service rules after allocation.
- Complete mandatory probation, language, training and departmental-exam requirements on time.
- Base post preferences on the actual cadre rather than generic “SSC CGL promotion” claims.
SSC CGL 2026 Posting & Service Liability
The notification states that selected candidates are liable to serve anywhere in India. The user ministry, department or organisation may allot a State, Union Territory or zone after final selection.
Transfer Policy
All posts carry All India Service Liability. Actual first posting and later transfers are controlled by the allocated user department/cadre, not by a single SSC-wide transfer policy.
Zone & Circle-Wise Posting
Central secretariat and ministry cadres
Revenue and tax cadres
Audit and accounts cadres
Investigation and enforcement agencies
Post-Wise Posting Details
Assistant Section Officer
CSS, MEA, Railways, AFHQ and other listed bodiesAs allotted by the relevant cadre/department
Inspectors / Tax Assistants
CBDT and CBICDepartmental zones, charges and field offices across India
Audit/accounts posts
C&AG, CGA, CGDA and other officesAllocated offices across India; state-cadre rules may apply
CBI / NIA / ED / NCB posts
Respective investigation/enforcement agencyHeadquarters or field units with all-India liability
Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant
Department of PostsPostal circles/offices as allocated
Note
Treat location claims from unofficial preference lists as indicative only; the user department’s allocation is controlling.
Key Points
- SSC does not guarantee home-state or preferred-city posting.
- A selected candidate may need to acquire local-language proficiency in the allotted State/UT/zone for confirmation.
- Posting and transfer rules must be checked with the allocated user department.
SSC CGL Notification, Vacancies & Dates
Answers below reflect the 21 May 2026 official notice and the 23 June reopening notice.
SSC CGL Eligibility & Application
SSC CGL Exam Pattern & Selection
Daily current affairs
SSC CGL Current Affairs — Daily Updates
Stay updated with exam-relevant news for SSC CGL. Key facts, MCQ angle, and free PDFs.
Open daily SSC CGL updates
Official Links for SSC CGL 2026
Authoritative notices, admission certificates, results and vacancy updates.
Official notice F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 dated 21 May 2026.
Official 23 June notice revising the final application, fee and correction deadlines.
Official application route; the application window is closed.
Use “For Candidates” on the official site for tentative vacancies, answer keys and related updates.
