SSC CGL 2026: Complete Guide & Notification Details
Eligibility, Latest Exam Pattern, Selection Process, Salary & Important Dates
📌 Overview & Quick Info
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is one of the most prestigious central government exams in India. It recruits candidates for Group B (Gazetted & Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts in various ministries and departments.
📊 Total Vacancies: 8,000+ (Expected)
🌐 Official Website: ssc.gov.in
⏳ Application Last Date: 25 July 2026
🎓 Eligibility & Physical Standards
Educational Qualification
| Post Category | Required Education |
|---|---|
| Most Group B & C Posts (ASO, Auditor, Accountant, etc.) |
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Statistical Investigator (JSO) | Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% in Mathematics (12th level) OR Bachelor's with Stats/Maths/Eco. |
| Statistical Investigator (Alternative) | Bachelor’s Degree with at least 65% in Statistics (Graduation level). |
Physical Standards (For Inspector Posts)
Posts like Inspector (CBN), Inspector (Excise Preventive Officer), and Sub-Inspector (CBI) have specific physical requirements:
- Height: Male: 157.5 cm (ST: 162.5 cm) | Female: 152 cm (ST: 157.5 cm)
- Chest (Males only): 81 cm (fully expanded) with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.
- Physical Test: Walking/Cycling test is mandatory for these specific posts.
🎂 Age Limit & Relaxations
Critical Cut-off Date: 1 August 2026
- General / UR: 18 - 30 Years Born: 02 Aug 1996 to 01 Aug 2008
- OBC (NCL): 18 - 33 Years (+3 Yrs) Born: 02 Aug 1993 to 01 Aug 2008
- SC / ST: 18 - 35 Years (+5 Yrs) Born: 02 Aug 1991 to 01 Aug 2008
- PwD: +10 Years Relaxation Gen-PwD up to 40 Years
*Note: Age relaxation is cumulative. Ex-Servicemen get service period deduction. There is no limit on the number of attempts as long as you are within the age limit.
📝 Latest Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Updated)
SSC has revamped the CGL pattern. Tier-1 is now only qualifying, and Tier-2 determines your final merit.
| Tier / Stage | Subjects / Modules | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-I (Qualifying) |
Reasoning, GK, Quant, English (25 Q each) | 100 | 200 | 60 Min |
| Tier-II (Merit) |
Paper I (All Posts): Maths (30), English (45), Reasoning (30), GA (25) |
130 | 390 | 2 Hours |
| Skill Tests: CPT (Computer) / DEST (Data Entry) - Qualifying |
- | - | 15 Min | |
| Document Verification | Final selection stage. Original documents verified. | |||
💰 Salary & Perks (Expected 8th CPC)
Group B Posts
₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400
Pay Level-7 + DA + HRA
Group C Posts
₹29,200 - ₹92,300
Pay Level-5 + DA + HRA
In-Hand Salary
₹65,000 - ₹85,000
Approx. in X Class Cities
📅 Important Dates 2026
- 📢 Notification Release: 27 June 2026
- 🟢 Online Application Starts: 27 June 2026
- 🔴 Last Date to Apply: 25 July 2026 (11:00 PM)
- 💳 Fee Payment Last Date: 26 July 2026 (05:00 PM)
- 📝 Tier-1 Exam Date: September - October 2026 (Expected)
📝 How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
- Visit the official website: ssc.gov.in or ssc.nic.in.
- Click on the "Apply" tab and select "Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026".
- Log in using your OTR (One Time Registration) credentials.
- Fill in the application form, choose your exam centers, and upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee online (₹100 for Gen/OBC males; Exempted for others).
- Submit the form and download a PDF copy for future reference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is there an interview in the SSC CGL selection process?
No, there is no interview for any post under SSC CGL. The selection is purely based on Tier-1, Tier-2, Skill Tests (if applicable), and Document Verification.
Q. Can final-year graduation students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, final-year students whose results are expected on or before the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification can apply provisionally.
Q. What is the negative marking in SSC CGL?
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer in Tier-1, and 0.25 marks for every wrong answer in Tier-2.
Q. Is SSC CGL Tier-1 marks counted for final merit?
No, as per the latest SSC CGL pattern, Tier-1 is only qualifying in nature. You just need to clear the cutoff. Only Tier-2 marks are counted for preparing the final merit list.
Q. What are the physical standards for Inspector posts?
For Inspector (CBN/Excise), males need a height of 157.5 cm and chest of 81 cm. Females need a height of 152 cm. A walking/cycling test is also required.
Q. How many attempts are allowed in SSC CGL?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can apply every year as long as you satisfy the age limit criteria for your category.
🚀 Ready to Start Your Preparation?
Don't wait for the last date. Ensure your OTR is ready and start practicing mock tests today!
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