The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 notification. For aspirants preparing for central government jobs, this is one of the most anticipated recruitment drives of the year. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the SSC CGL 2026 notification, from vacancies and important dates to the exam pattern and application process.
SSC CGL 2026 Notification
The SSC CGL 2026 official notification was released on May 21, 2026. The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Graduate Level Examination every year to recruit eligible candidates for various Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts across different ministries, departments, and organisations of the Government of India. The application process is entirely online, and the recruitment involves multiple tiers of computer-based testing.
Vacancies
For the 2026 recruitment cycle, the SSC has announced approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies.12,256 tentative vacancies These vacancies are distributed across nearly 60 different post categories, including roles like Assistant Audit Officer, Inspector (CGST & Central Excise), Sub-Inspector (CBI), and Junior Statistical Officer. The Commission will publish the detailed, post-wise, and category-wise vacancy breakdown separately on the official website in due course.
Important Exam Dates
Candidates must keep track of the following crucial schedule to ensure they do not miss any deadlines:
Notification Release Date: May 21, 2026
Starting Date for Online Application:Starting Date for Online Application: May 21, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online: June 22, 2026 (up to 11:00 PM)
Last Date for Online Fee Payment: June 23, 2026 (up to 11:00 PM)
Application Correction Window: June 29, 2026, to July 1, 2026 (up to 11:00 PM)
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date (Tentative): August to September 2026
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date (Tentative): December 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the SSC CGL 2026 exam, candidates must fulfil the following basic eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification:Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institute is mandatory for all posts. Certain specialised posts like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) or Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) may require specific subjects at the degree level or in Class 12.
Age Limit: The minimum age limit is generally 18 years, and the maximum is 32 years, depending on the specific post applied for. Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories (SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen) as per government norms.
Application Fee
The application fee for the SSC CGL exam is nominal and inclusive of exemptions for specific categories:
General/OBC/EWS Male Candidates: Rs. 100
Women Candidates (All categories): Exempted from fee payment
SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen:SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen: Exempted from fee payment
Note: If you make errors in your application, the correction window allows modifications for a fee of Rs. 200 for the first time and Rs. 500 for the second time.Note: If you make errors in your application, the correction window allows modifications for a fee of Rs.500 for the second time.
Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL 2026 selection process consists of two stages, both conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format.
Tier 1 Exam (Qualifying Nature): The Tier 1 exam is mandatory for all candidates and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, totalling 200 marks. The duration is 1 hour (60 minutes).
General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks)
General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks)
Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks)
English Comprehension (25 questions, 50 marks)
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Tier 2 Exam (Final Merit): Candidates who clear Tier 1 will appear for Tier 2, which consists of three papers:
Paper I:Paper I: Compulsory for all posts. It tests Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. It also includes a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
Paper II:Paper II: Only for candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.
Paper III:Paper III: Only for candidates applying for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts.
Syllabus
The syllabus for SSC CGL remains vast and requires structured preparation.
General Intelligence & Reasoning: Topics include analogies, similarities and differences, spatial orientation, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetic reasoning, and figural classification.
General Awareness: Questions are designed to test general awareness of the environment around the candidate and its application to society. It includes current affairs, history, culture, geography, economic scene, general policy, and scientific research.
Quantitative Aptitude: This section covers whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership business, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work, basic algebraic identities, graphs of linear equations, triangles, circles, and basic trigonometry.
English Comprehension:English Comprehension: Candidates' ability to understand correct English, their basic comprehension, writing ability, vocabulary, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, and reading comprehension will be tested.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can fill out the application form by following these steps:
Visit the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in.
If you are a new user, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process. If already registered, log in using your credentials.
Click on the "Apply" link for the "Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026" on your dashboard.
Fill in all the required personal, academic, and communication details carefully.
Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
Proceed to pay the application fee online via UPI, Net Banking, or credit/debit cards.
Review all details and submit the application form. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Other Important Things
Preparation Strategy:Preparation Strategy: With the Tier 1 exam scheduled for August-September, candidates have roughly three months to prepare. At Jayakrishnan EduTips, we highly recommend starting with a structured timetable, focusing heavily on consistent practice with mock tests and previous years' question papers.
City Intimation & Admit Cards:City Intimation & Admit Cards: The exam city intimation slips and admit cards will be released on the regional SSC websites a few days before the examination dates.
Photograph Rules: Ensure the uploaded photograph is recent, clear, and without spectacles or caps, as strict adherence to photo guidelines is crucial to avoid your application getting rejected.