The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially started the recruitment process for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026. This is one of the most popular government examinations in India, offering opportunities to work in various ministries, departments, and government organizations under the Central Government.
According to the notification, approximately 12,256 vacancies are expected to be filled through SSC CGL 2026. Candidates who have completed their graduation can submit their applications online from 21 May 2026 to 25 June 2026.
SSC CGL 2026: Highlights
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 (Tentative) |
| Job Category | Group B & Group C Posts |
| Qualification | Graduation |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Begins | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 June 2026 |
SSC CGL Salary Structure 2026
Candidates selected through SSC CGL can receive salaries under different pay levels ranging from Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8. Depending on the post, the monthly salary may reach up to ₹1,51,100.
| Pay Level | Salary Range | Popular Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | Income Tax Inspector, CBIC Inspector, CBI SI, Assistant Section Officer |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Junior Statistical Officer, NIA SI, Divisional Accountant |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Tax Assistant, Postal Assistant, UDC |
Apart from basic pay, employees also receive benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), medical facilities, pension benefits, and job security.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
Candidates appearing in their final year can also apply, provided they obtain their degree on or before 1 August 2026.
Additional Qualifications for Certain Posts
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Minimum 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12, OR
- Statistics as a subject at graduation level.
Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer
Candidates holding qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBA (Finance), or M.Com may find these posts particularly beneficial.
Age Limit
The age criteria differ according to the post applied for.
| Age Group | Applicable Posts |
|---|---|
| 18–27 Years | Various Group C Posts |
| 18–30 Years | Inspector & Equivalent Posts |
| 20–30 Years | Selected Posts |
| 18–32 Years | Specific Categories of Posts |
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government Rules
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| Women Candidates | No Fee |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
The fee can be paid online through UPI, Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
How to Apply Online for SSC CGL 2026?
Follow these simple steps to submit your application:
Step 1: Complete Registration
Visit the SSC portal and finish the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
Step 2: Verify Details
Use your Aadhaar, mobile number, and email ID for authentication.
Step 3: Login
Sign in using your registration credentials.
Step 4: Select SSC CGL 2026
Choose the Combined Graduate Level Examination from the active recruitment section.
Step 5: Fill Application Form
Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and post preferences.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload your signature and complete the live photograph verification process.
Step 7: Choose Examination Centres
Select three preferred examination centres in order of priority.
Step 8: Pay Fee
Complete online payment if applicable.
Step 9: Submit Form
Review all details and submit the application. Download the final confirmation page for future use.
Application Correction Facility
Candidates who make mistakes while filling out the form can edit their applications during the correction period.
| Correction Attempt | Fee |
|---|---|
| First Correction | ₹200 |
| Second Correction | ₹500 |
Correction Window: 29 June to 1 July 2026
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier-I Examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration: 60 Minutes
Important Points:
- Objective-type questions
- Available in English and Hindi (except English section)
- Negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer
Tier-II Examination
Tier-II consists of multiple papers depending on the post applied for.
Paper-I (Mandatory for All)
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning
- English Language
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge Test
- Data Entry Speed Test
Paper-II
Applicable for JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts.
Paper-III
Applicable for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts.
Negative Marking
- Paper-I: 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Paper-II & III: 0.50 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
Important Dates
| Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Tier-I Examination | August–September 2026 |
| Tier-II Examination | December 2026 |
Useful Web-Links of SSC CGL Recruitment
| Application Form | Registration | Login |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |