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SSC CGL 2026 Notification Released: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination 2026, 21 May 2026, one of India’s most popular and highly sought-after government recruitment examinations. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for SSC CGL because it opens doors to multiple prestigious posts in different Central Government Ministries, Departments, Constitutional Bodies, and Organizations. According to the official notification, around 12,256 tentative vacancies have been announced this year, and the number may increase further later.
Candidates who are preparing for government jobs or planning to start their preparation now should carefully read the complete details before applying.
SSC CGL 2026 Notification Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Job Category | Central Government Job |
| Vacancy | Approx. 12,256 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June 2026 to 1 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | August–September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Tier 2 Exam | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | SSC |
Official schedule and application dates are clearly mentioned in the notification.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should remember these important dates and avoid waiting until the final day because heavy traffic on the SSC portal can create issues.
Important Dates:
- Application Start: 21 May 2026
- Last Date to Submit Form: 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 23 June 2026
- Application Correction Window: 29 June 2026 to 1 July 2026
- Tier 1 Exam: August–September 2026
- Tier 2 Exam: December 2026
Notice of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details
The official notification mentions approximately 12,256 vacancies, which are currently tentative and may increase later after receiving updated data from departments.
Looking at previous year trends:
| Year | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 12,256 |
| 2025 | Around 14,500 |
| 2024 | Around 17,000 |
| 2023 | Around 8,000 |
| 2022 | 37,409 |
The vacancy count remains good, and candidates have a strong opportunity this year.
Major Posts Under SSC CGL 2026
SSC CGL recruits candidates for many respected posts under the Central Government departments.
Popular posts include:
- Assistant Section Officer
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
- Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO)
- Inspector of Income Tax
- Inspector (Central Excise)
- Inspector (Examiner)
- Inspector (Preventive Officer)
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Sub Inspector (CBI)
- Sub Inspector (NIA)
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Postal Assistant
- Tax Assistant
Post details and pay levels are mentioned in the notification.
SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit
The age requirement varies according to posts.
The major age categories are:
- 18–27 years
- 20–30 years
- 18–30 years
- 18–32 years
Age will be calculated as of 1 August 2026.
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 | As per rules |
Educational Qualification
For most posts:
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation can also apply, provided they complete the required qualification before the prescribed date.
Special Qualification Requirements for Certain Posts
Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree
Desirable:
- CA
- MBA (Finance)
- M.Com
- Company Secretary
- Cost & Management Accountant
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Candidates must have:
- 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12
OR
- Statistics as a subject in Graduation
Statistical Investigator Grade II
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in:
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Related fields
Salary Structure in SSC CGL 2026
SSC CGL offers attractive salary packages according to different pay levels.
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
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
Candidates can apply only through online mode.
Steps:
- Visit the SSC official website
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Complete Aadhaar authentication if available
- Fill the application form carefully
- Upload signature and required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and save a copy of the application
SSC has advised candidates not to wait till the last date to submit forms.
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Marks Distribution, Selection Process, Expected Cutoff, and Preparation Tips
Based on the official SSC CGL 2026 notification and the standard SSC exam structure:
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
SSC CGL selection happens in multiple stages:
Stage 1: Tier I (Qualifying + Shortlisting Stage)
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Objective-type questions
- Used for shortlisting candidates for Tier II
Stage 2: Tier II
- Computer-Based Test
- Includes multiple papers depending on the posts selected
Document Verification
- Educational documents
- Category certificates
- Identity proof
- Other required documents
For some posts:
- Physical Standards Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Medical Examination
Certain posts like Inspector, CBI SI, NIA SI, Preventive Officer, etc. require additional standards.
SSC CGL Tier I Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Exam Duration: 60 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer
SSC CGL Tier II Exam Pattern
Paper I (Compulsory for all candidates)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 450 |
Additional:
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
Paper II
For:
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Paper III
For:
- Assistant Audit Officer
- Assistant Accounts Officer
SSC CGL 2026 Complete Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Topics:
- Analogies
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Classification
- Number Series
- Alphabet Series
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagram
- Seating Arrangement
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Puzzle
- Mirror Image
General Awareness
Topics:
- History
- Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economy
- Current Affairs
- Static GK
- Science
- Sports
- Awards
- Important Days
- Books and Authors
Quantitative Aptitude
Topics:
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
- Number System
- Simplification
English Language
Topics:
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the blanks
- Active-Passive Voice
- Direct-Indirect Speech
Computer Knowledge
Topics:
- MS Office
- Internet
- Hardware
- Software
- Networking
- Cyber Security
- Operating Systems
Expected SSC CGL 2026 Cutoff
Actual cutoff changes every year based on vacancies and difficulty level.
Expected Tier I cutoff:
| Category | Expected Cutoff (200 Marks) |
|---|---|
| General | 145–160 |
| OBC | 140–150 |
| EWS | 140–150 |
| SC | 125–135 |
| ST | 115–125 |
Expected cutoff for top posts like:
- Income Tax Inspector
- Examiner
- Assistant Audit Officer
- CBI SI
Usually remains higher.
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL 2026
1. Complete basics first
Focus on:
- Arithmetic
- Grammar
- Reasoning concepts
2. Daily current affairs
Spend:
- 20–30 minutes daily
3. Practice previous year papers
Practice at least:
- Last 5–10 years papers
4. Mock tests
Target:
- 2–3 full mock tests weekly initially
- Daily mocks before the exam
5. Focus on speed + accuracy
Because negative marking exists, avoid random guessing.
6. Subject-wise daily routine
- Quant: 2 hours
- Reasoning: 1.5 hours
- English: 1 hour
- GK: 1 hour
7. Revise regularly
Keep one day weekly only for revision.
SSC CGL remains one of the biggest opportunities for graduates seeking Central Government jobs. With 12,256 tentative vacancies, multiple departments, attractive salary packages, and several prestigious posts, including Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Audit Officer, Examiner, CBI Sub Inspector, and Assistant Section Officer, candidates should begin preparation immediately.
Interested candidates are advised to read the complete official notification carefully before applying and ensure they meet all eligibility conditions. The official notification and application process are now available on the SSC portal.
