Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Recruitment 2026

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 notification, inviting eligible Indian candidates to apply online for 12,256 vacancies across Group B & Group C posts. This is a Central Government permanent job with a monthly salary ranging from ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400. The last date to submit the online application is 22 June 2026.

The SSC CGL exam is one of the most sought-after government job examinations in India, attracting millions of aspirants each year due to its prestigious posts and career growth opportunities. The competition is intense, with over 20 lakh candidates expected to apply for the 12,256 vacancies. Successfully clearing the CGL exam opens doors to various Group B and Group C non-gazetted posts in various ministries and departments of the Government of India, offering stable careers and attractive remuneration.

The selection process for SSC CGL 2026 involves multiple tiers, typically including a Tier-I Computer Based Examination, a Tier-II Computer Based Examination, and sometimes a Skill Test or Document Verification depending on the post. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for all stages to secure a position in their desired department.

SSC CGL 2026 — Important Highlights

• Recruiting Organization: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
• Post Name(s): Group B & Group C Posts (e.g., Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Auditor, Upper Division Clerk, etc.)
• Total Vacancies: 12,256 Posts
• Job Category: Central Government — Permanent
• Pay Level / Grade Pay: Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8 as per 7th CPC
• Gross Salary: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 per month (approx.)
• Job Location: All India
• Mode of Application: Online
• Official Website: ssc.gov.in
• Application Start Date: 21 May 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 22 June 2026
• Last Date for Fee Payment: 23 June 2026

SSC CGL 2026 — Important Dates

Event	Important Date
Official Notification Released	21 May 2026
Online Application Start Date	21 May 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	22 June 2026
Last Date for Application Fee Payment	23 June 2026
Application Correction Window	To Be Announced
Admit Card Release Date	To Be Announced
Exam Date (Tier-I)	To Be Announced
Result Declaration (Tier-I)	To Be Announced

SSC CGL 2026 — Vacancy Details (Post-Wise & Category-Wise)

The total number of vacancies for SSC CGL 2026 is 12,256 posts, distributed as follows:

Post Name	UR	OBC	SC	ST	EWS	Total
Group B Posts	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]
Group C Posts	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]
Total	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	[Details]	12,256

Note: Specific post-wise and category-wise vacancy details will be released with the detailed notification. The above is an indicative number.

SSC CGL 2026 — Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 32 years (for specific posts, varies)
• Age Relaxation as per Government Rules:
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years additional
  • SC / ST candidates: 5 years additional
  • PwD (General): 10 years additional
  • PwD (OBC): 13 years additional
  • PwD (SC/ST): 15 years additional
  • Ex-Servicemen (ESM): As per Central Government norms

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or its equivalent. Specific posts may have additional requirements, such as:

• Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in CSS, MEA, etc.: Bachelor's Degree.
• Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (Central Excise), Preventive Officer, etc.: Bachelor's Degree.
• Auditor/Upper Division Clerk in various Ministries/Departments/Offices: Bachelor's Degree.
• Compiler in Registrar General of India's Office: Bachelor's Degree with Economics/Statistics/Mathematics as a compulsory or elective subject.
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the core subjects from a recognized University.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and South Sudan with the intention of permanently settling in India. (For detailed information, refer to the official notification).

SSC CGL 2026 — Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances

Candidates selected for SSC CGL posts will be placed in various Pay Levels as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix. The salary structure varies based on the specific post:

• Pay Level 4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 (Basic Pay)
• Pay Level 5: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 (Basic Pay)
• Pay Level 6: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 (Basic Pay)
• Pay Level 7: ₹44,400 – ₹1,42,400 (Basic Pay)
• Pay Level 8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,50,100 (Basic Pay)
• Grade Pay: Applicable as per 7th CPC recommendations.
• Dearness Allowance (DA): As per government rules (currently 50% of Basic Pay).
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on the city of posting (X, Y, Z categories).
• Transport Allowance (TA): As per government rules.
• Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.): ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 and above, depending on the post and location.

The exact in-hand salary will depend on the posting location and applicable allowances.

SSC CGL 2026 — Application Fee

Candidate Category	Application Fee
General / OBC / EWS	₹100
SC / ST Candidates	Free
Female Candidates (All Categories)	Free
PwD (Persons with Disability)	Free
Ex-Servicemen	Free
Accepted Payment Modes	Online: Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI

SSC CGL 2026 — Selection Process

The selection of candidates for SSC CGL 2026 will be done through a multi-stage process:

1. Stage 1 — Tier-I Computer Based Examination: This is a preliminary exam consisting of four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. It tests the basic aptitude and knowledge of the candidates.
2. Stage 2 — Tier-II Computer Based Examination: This tier consists of multiple papers. Paper-I is common for all posts. Paper-II is for those applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Assistant Audit Officer (AAO). Paper-III is for Statistical Investigator Grade-II and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the Ministry of External Affairs, etc.
3. Stage 3 — Document Verification (DV) & Skill Test (if applicable): Candidates shortlisted after Tier-II will be called for Document Verification. For certain posts like Compiler, a Skill Test (like Data Entry Speed Test) may also be conducted.

A final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained by the candidates in Tier-I and Tier-II examinations.

SSC CGL 2026 — Exam Pattern (Tier-I)

Section / Subject	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
General Intelligence and Reasoning	50	100	1 Hour (60 Minutes)	0.50 marks for each wrong answer
General Awareness	50	100	1 Hour (60 Minutes)	0.50 marks for each wrong answer
Quantitative Aptitude	50	100	1 Hour (60 Minutes)	0.50 marks for each wrong answer
English Comprehension	50	100	1 Hour (60 Minutes)	0.50 marks for each wrong answer
Total	200	400	4 Hours (for all sections)

Note: Tier-II exam pattern varies based on the papers opted for. Detailed pattern for all tiers is available in the official notification.

How to Apply Online for SSC CGL 2026

Follow these steps to fill the SSC CGL 2026 online application form before the last date:

1. Visit the official website of SSC: ssc.gov.in
2. Find and click the link for "Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2026 — Apply Online" on the homepage or the 'Latest Notifications' section.
3. Click on "Register Now" if you are a new user. Fill in basic details like Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Educational Qualification, Mobile Number, and Email ID to create your SSC Registration ID and password.
4. Log in using your Registration ID and password.
5. Fill in the remaining details in the application form, including your choice of examination centers, category, and other personal and educational information.
6. Upload a recent passport-size photograph (Specs: 20 KB to 50 KB, 3.5 cm wide x 4.5 cm high) and your signature (Specs: 10 KB to 30 KB, 4 cm wide x 3 cm high) on a white background in JPEG format.
7. Pay the application fee of ₹100 online using Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. Women candidates and those from SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen categories are exempted from fee payment.
8. Review all the details entered in the application form carefully.
9. Click on "Final Submit" to complete the application process.
10. Download the e-receipt and take a printout of the submitted application form for your records.

⚠️ Pro Tip from our experts: Apply at least 5–7 days before the deadline. Government portals frequently experience heavy traffic and technical issues in the final 24–48 hours before the last date, which can lead to failed submissions.

Documents Required for SSC CGL 2026 Application

Keep the following documents ready (scanned copies in JPEG/PDF format) before you start the application:

• 10th Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
• 12th Certificate and Mark Sheet
• Graduation Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets (all years/semesters)
• Caste Certificate (OBC-NCL / SC / ST) — must be in the Central Government format and issued by the competent authority.
• EWS Income and Asset Certificate (if applicable) — issued by a competent authority.
• PwD Certificate with disability % (if applicable) — issued by a Civil Surgeon or other competent medical authority.
• Discharge Certificate for Ex-Servicemen (if applicable).
• Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License (photo identity proof).
• Recent passport-size photograph (white background, taken within last 3 months, 20 KB to 50 KB).
• Scanned signature on plain white paper (black ink, 10 KB to 30 KB).

Important Tips for SSC CGL 2026 Applicants

• 🔔 Set deadline reminders: Add the last date to your phone calendar with a 3-day and 1-day reminder. Last-minute server crashes are common on government portals.
• ✅ Verify eligibility before paying the fee: Application fees are non-refundable in almost all government recruitments, including this one. Ensure you meet all criteria before proceeding.
• 📸 Match document specifications exactly: Photograph and signature files must adhere to the size and dimension specs in the notification — even a minor deviation can cause form rejection.
• 🖨️ Print and preserve your form: Take a printout of the submitted application and the e-receipt immediately. It will be required during the Document Verification stage.
• 📧 Keep your email and mobile number active: All communication — admit card, result, DV call letter — will be sent to the email and mobile number provided in the form.
• 📚 Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Thoroughly study the Tier-I and Tier-II syllabus and exam pattern to strategize your preparation effectively.