Updated on 31.05.2026
Update: SSC CGL 2026 Notification Released: 21 May 2026
The Staff Selection Commission conducts the SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) examination to recruit eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in the Government of India.
If you have completed your graduation and want a stable, respected, and well-paying government job, SSC CGL offers opportunities in departments like:
Income Tax, Customs, CBI, Ministries, and Central Government offices through posts such as Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer (ASO), Auditor, and Tax Assistant.
On this page, you will find a complete guide to SSC CGL 2026, including notification details, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, vacancy, selection process, and step-by-step instructions to apply online through the official SSC website.
If you want to explore other major exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, you can also check our SSC Jobs section, where we cover important SSC recruitments including SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD, SSC CPO, SSC Stenographer, and more.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Apply Start | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 22 June 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 23 June 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Tier 1 Exam (CBT) | Aug–Sep 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam (CBT) | December 2026 |
| Tentative vacancies | 12,256 |
| Website | https://ssc.gov.in/ |
SSC CGL Overview
Here is a quick look at the fundamental details of the Combined Graduate Level examination.
| Field | Details |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Posts | Group B & C |
| Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 18–32 years (varies strictly by post) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Examination) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1, Tier 2 |
| Job Location | All India |
SSC CGL Notification & Updates
SSC CGL 2026 notification has been released. Candidates can check eligibility, exam dates, vacancies, syllabus, and application details through the official notification PDF.
Download SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF
What is SSC CGL Exam?
The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam is the government’s primary hiring tool for filling Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ vacancies across major central departments.
Passing this exam secures you a position in powerful bodies like the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and various central ministries.
Depending on the exact post you secure through your final rank, your daily work could be a standard administrative desk job or an active field assignment involving law enforcement and regular physical inspections.
SSC CGL Posts & Job Profile
Group B vs Group C
Group ‘B’ positions sit higher on the pay scale (Pay Level-6 ,7, 8) and bring more authority and responsibility.
Group ‘C’ positions (Pay Level-4 and 5) serve as the clerical, auditing, and tax-assistant backbone of government departments.
Top posts: Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer, Inspector, Assistant Section Officer,
Inspectors handle executive and field duties in departments like Income Tax, Customs, or Central Excise. Assistant Section Officers (ASOs) form the administrative core of ministries like External Affairs, Railways, and the Intelligence Bureau.
Auditors manage government accounts, process bills, and maintain financial records under the CAG and CGDA.
Work profile clarity
Your final rank dictates your daily life. Auditors and Tax Assistants handle files, spreadsheets, and routine accounting tasks.
ASOs manage secretariat work, drafting notes, and processing inter-departmental files.
Inspectors, particularly in the CBI or Narcotics, conduct inspections and enforcement duties, physical inspections, and strict law enforcement duties, which require meeting strict medical criteria.
Work environment
Ministry desk jobs offer a standard, predictable office environment.
Field posts involve unpredictable hours and travel.
Importantly, every CGL post carries an All India Service Liability.
You can be posted anywhere in the country, and you might need to learn the local language of your assigned state to function smoothly. Check our detailed article on SSC CGL Post Preference to learn more about various posts and their benefits and drawbacks.
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (Graduation)
You need a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university. Final-year students can apply, but they must possess the required educational qualification on or before 01.08.2026.
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12 OR Statistics as a subject at degree level.
Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related subjects.
Age Limit
Age limits depend entirely on the post you want. The brackets are generally 18-27 years, 20-30 years, 18-30 years, or 18-32 years as of the notification’s crucial date.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years (after deducting military service) |
Nationality
You must be an Indian citizen, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from specific countries (like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Kenya) intending to settle permanently in India.
For complete details on SSC CGL Eligibility 2026, including post-wise age limit, qualification, relaxation rules, and final year eligibility, check our detailed SSC CGL Eligibility article.
SSC CGL Selection Process
Tier 1 (Qualifying)
Step 1 → Sit for the one-hour Tier 1 online exam.
Step 2 → Clear the category-wise cutoff to get shortlisted. Tier 1 is a qualifying screening stage used for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2. There is sectional timing in Tier-1.
Final merit and post allocation are based primarily on Tier 2 performance and post preferences.
Tier 2 (Main exam)
Step 3 → Appear for the Tier 2 online exam, which includes multiple sections, a computer knowledge test, and a typing test.
Step 4 → Secure your final rank based strictly on your aggregate Tier 2 score and the post preferences you submitted. Check the detailed article on how to prepare for Tier 2 Exams of SSC CGL.
Document Verification
Step 5 → Wait for the Commission to forward your files to your assigned ministry or department.
Step 6 → Report directly to your specific user department for physical document verification (checking original degrees, IDs, and category certificates) and medical tests.
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
Tier 1 subjects
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Time allowed |
| A. GI and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 1 hour (sectional timer of 15 minutes in each section). For scribe 1 hour and 20 minutes and sectional timer of 20 minutes for each section. |
| B. GK Or General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| C. Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| D. English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Tier 2 structure
| Tier | Paper | Session | Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Time allowed |
| II | Paper-I | Session-I | Section-I: A: Mathematical Abilities B: Reasoning and GI | 30 30 (Total = 60) | 60*3 = 180 | 1 hour (For Section-I) (30 Minutes sectional timer for each subject). For scribe, total time 80 minutes, and sectional timer of 40 mins for each subject |
| Section-II: A: English Language and Comprehension B: General Awareness | 45 25 (Total = 70) | 70*3 = 210 | 1 hour (For Section-II) (Sectional Timer 40 Mins for Subject A, and 20 Mins for Subject B. )With Scribe 80 mins, and Sectional timer 55 Mins for subject A, and 20 Mins for subject B. | |||
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 20*3 = 60 | 15 Minutes | |||
| Session-II | Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | One Data Entry Task | – | 15 Minutes. With scribe 20 mins. | ||
| II | Paper-II | Statistics (Only for JSO/Statistical Investigator Gr. II) | 100 | 100*2 = 200 | 2 hours | |
| Paper-III* | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 100*2 = 200 | 2 hours (2 hours and 40 minutes with scribe) |
*For Assistant Audit Officer/ Assistant Accounts Officer only who’re shortlisted from tier 1
Candidates are required to qualify in all sections of Paper 1. This is mandatory. For more details on exam pattern of SSC CGL check the article, SSC CGL Exam Pattern: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Pattern Explained.
Negative marking
| Tier / Section | Negative Marking Penalty |
| Tier-I (All Subjects) | 0.50 marks for each wrong answer |
| Tier-II (Paper-I: Section-I, II, and III) | 1 mark for each wrong answer |
| Tier-II (Paper-II: Statistics & Paper III) | 0.50 marks for each wrong answer |
SSC CGL Syllabus
Reasoning
This section checks how well your brain processes logic.
You will face questions on analogies, visual memory, problem-solving, number series, Venn diagrams, coding-decoding, and pattern folding.
Quantitative Aptitude
This covers basic to advanced mathematics. You need to solve arithmetic problems like percentages, profit and loss, averages, and time and work.
It also features heavy advanced math topics, including algebra, geometry (circles, triangles, tangents), trigonometry, and mensuration.
English
This tests your fundamental grasp of the English language.
Expect questions on grammar rules, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, spotting errors, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, cloze tests, and reading comprehension passages.
General Awareness
This is the general knowledge portion. It covers current affairs, basic science, Indian history, geography, economics, and general polity, with a specific focus on India and its neighboring countries.
For complete details about the SSC CGL syllabus, check our detailed article on SSC CGL Syllabus:Tier 1 & Tier 2.
SSC CGL Salary & Benefits
Pay Levels (Level 4–8)
Jobs are divided into five main salary brackets.
Pay Level-8 offers the highest basic pay (₹ 47600 to 151100), followed by Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400), followed by Level-6, Level-5, and Level-4 (₹25,500 to ₹81,100).
Post-wise salary
Level-8 includes top executive roles like Assistant Audit Officer followed by Level-7 which includes top executive roles like Income Tax Inspectors and Assistant Section Officers.
Level-6 covers Junior Statistical Officers and Divisional Accountants.
Level-5 covers Auditors and Junior Accountants, while Level-4 handles Tax Assistants and Postal Assistants.
Allowances
On top of the basic pay, the government provides standard allowances.
These usually include Dearness Allowance (DA) to counter inflation, House Rent Allowance (HRA) depending on the tier of your posting city, and Transport Allowance. For complete salary details of SSC CGL salary, check our detailed article on SSC CGL In-hand salary, perks and pay levels.
Best Posts in SSC CGL
Top posts of SSC CGL include: AAO, CBI SI, Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Preventive Officer etc.
SSC CGL Cut OFF Details
Understanding the SSC CGL cutoff at different stages of the examination is important for setting realistic score targets. Read our detailed SSC CGL Cut Off article to explore previous years’ cutoffs, expected trends, and category-wise analysis.
SSC CGL Salary After 8th Pay Commission
Since SSC CGL posts fall under central government pay levels, salaries and allowances may increase after the implementation of the 8th Central Pay Commission.
Revised pay structures have not been officially announced yet, but future updates may affect pay levels, DA, HRA, and overall in-hand salary for SSC CGL employees.
Candidates can also check our detailed 8th Pay Commission updates and salary revision coverage.
How to Apply for SSC CGL?
OTR (One-Time Registration)
You must create a One-Time Registration profile on the new official website (ssc.gov.in). Old accounts from the previous ssc.nic.in website will not work.
Aadhaar-based authentication is strongly recommended because such applications are less likely to be rejected due to photograph or signature-related issues.
Steps
Log into your new account, locate the latest Combined Graduate Level Examination link, and hit apply.
Fill in your highest graduation details, pick three exam centers in your preferred region, verify the information, and accept the final declaration.
Documents
The biggest change is the photo rule. You cannot upload a pre-saved passport photo.
The website requires you to capture a live photo through your webcam or phone. Ensure good lighting and a plain background, and do not wear glasses or a cap. You also need to upload a scanned signature (10 to 20 KB in JPEG format).
Fee
The application fee is ₹100.
Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen are exempted from paying the fee.
You can pay online using UPI, debit cards, or net banking.
SSC CGL Preparation Tips
Tier-wise strategy
Tier 1 is a screening stage used for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2, while final merit is based on Tier 2 performance.
Tier 2 is the real battle because it single-handedly decides your job. Pour all your energy into mastering Math and English for Tier 2.
Do not ignore the computer and typing tests; they are qualifying, but failing them means immediate rejection.
Quant practice
Do not just memorize formulas. Build a strong foundation in basic arithmetic before moving to advanced topics like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and mensuration.
Regular practice is important for improving speed, accuracy, and time management.
Mock tests
Since SSC CGL is conducted in computer-based mode with negative marking and sectional timing in Tier 2, candidates should regularly practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
For detailed preparation strategy of SSC CGL, check our detailed guide on SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for Beginners: Complete Study Plan.
Common Mistakes in SSC CGL
Ignoring Tier 2: Treating Tier 1 as the final goal and ignoring Tier 2 subjects early on is a major mistake because Tier 2 plays the biggest role in final selection and post allocation.
Weak quant base: Avoiding topics like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and mensuration can negatively affect performance because Mathematical Abilities form an important section of Tier 2.
No revision: Reading continuously without regular revision can lead to forgetting formulas, concepts, and vocabulary, resulting in unnecessary negative marking and lower scores.
Who Should Apply for SSC CGL?
Graduates: Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, as well as final-year students who will possess the required qualification on or before 01 August 2026.
Government job aspirants: Candidates seeking stable central government jobs with Pay Level-4 to Pay Level-8 salary structures, allowances, promotion opportunities, and postings across different ministries and departments may consider SSC CGL.
FAQ on SSC CGL 2026
1. How should I choose the best post in SSC CGL based on salary, work-life balance, and promotion?
Candidates often prefer higher pay-level posts such as Assistant Audit Officer (AAO), Income Tax Inspector, and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) because of salary, authority, and career growth opportunities. Candidates looking for more office-based administrative roles may prefer posts like ASO, Auditor, or Accountant.
2. Is Tier 2 more important than Tier 1 in SSC CGL, and how should preparation differ?
Tier 1 is used for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2, while final selection depends mainly on Tier 2 performance, post preference, and qualifying required tests. Tier 1 preparation generally focuses on speed and accuracy, whereas Tier 2 requires deeper conceptual understanding and consistent practice.
3. Which SSC CGL posts involve field work and which are purely desk jobs?
Desk-oriented roles include Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, and many Assistant Section Officer posts. Field-oriented roles may involve inspections, investigations, enforcement duties, and outdoor assignments, especially in departments like Income Tax, Customs, CBI, NIA, and Narcotics.
4. How does posting location affect salary and lifestyle in SSC CGL jobs?
Government employees receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on the city category (X, Y, or Z city). Employees posted in metro cities generally receive higher allowances, although living expenses are also comparatively higher.
5. What is the real in-hand salary after deductions in SSC CGL posts?
In-hand salary depends on the pay level, posting city, allowances, and deductions such as NPS contributions. Higher pay-level posts generally receive significantly better salary packages along with government allowances and benefits.
6. How fast are promotions in SSC CGL compared to other government exams?
Promotion speed varies depending on the department, vacancy availability, cadre structure, and seniority. Different SSC CGL posts follow different promotion hierarchies and career progression systems.
7. Is SSC CGL a better option than banking jobs for long-term career growth?
SSC CGL and banking careers offer different work environments and growth opportunities. SSC jobs are generally known for administrative roles, government benefits, and stable work structure, while banking careers may offer faster promotions and performance-based growth.
8. How many attempts are realistically needed to clear SSC CGL for an average student?
The number of attempts required varies depending on preparation quality, consistency, competition level, and exam strategy. Regular practice, revision, and mock tests play an important role in improving performance.
9. What mistakes do repeat aspirants make in SSC CGL preparation?
Many repeat aspirants focus heavily on theory revision while ignoring mock test analysis and weak areas. Some candidates also underestimate qualifying sections such as the Computer Knowledge Test or Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
10. Can a beginner prepare for SSC CGL without coaching and still clear it?
Many candidates clear SSC CGL through self-study using standard books, online learning resources, previous-year papers, and regular mock test practice.
11. How should working professionals prepare for SSC CGL effectively?
Working professionals should follow a consistent study schedule and focus on daily revision, practice questions, and weekend mock tests to maintain preparation continuity alongside their job.
12. What is the safest backup plan if I fail SSC CGL after multiple attempts?
Since SSC CGL shares syllabus overlap with exams like SSC CHSL, RRB NTPC, IB ACIO, and various state-level government exams, candidates often prepare for multiple competitive exams together.