The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 notification, opening the door to thousands of Central Government job opportunities across India. SSC CGL is one of the most prestigious recruitment examinations for graduates, offering appointments in ministries, departments, constitutional bodies, tribunals, and government offices.
According to the official notification, 12,256 vacancies are expected to be filled through SSC CGL Recruitment 2026. Selected candidates may be appointed as Income Tax Inspectors, Assistant Section Officers, Auditors, Accountants, Statistical Officers, Tax Assistants, and several other Group B and Group C posts.For graduates dreaming of a secure government career with attractive salary packages, regular promotions, and nationwide opportunities, SSC CGL 2026 is a recruitment drive that should not be missed.
SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 Overview
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| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Vacancies | 12,256 |
| Job Type | Central Government Jobs |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 29 June to 01 July 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam | August–September 2026 |
| Tier-II Exam | December 2026 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Why SSC CGL Is Most Popular Government Exam
Every year, millions of candidates compete for SSC CGL because it offers:
- Central Government employment
- Excellent salary and allowances
- Job security
- Pension benefits
- Fast promotions
- Nationwide posting opportunities
- Work-life balance
- Career growth across departments
Unlike many state-level recruitments, SSC CGL provides access to prestigious ministries and national-level departments.
SSC Combined Graduate Level 2026 Vacancy Details
The Commission has announced approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies.
Major Posts Included
Pay Level 8
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
- Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO)
Salary:
₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100
Pay Level 7
- Assistant Section Officer (CSS)
- Assistant Section Officer (MEA)
- Inspector of Income Tax
- Inspector (Central Excise)
- Inspector (Examiner)
- Inspector (Preventive Officer)
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Sub Inspector (CBI)
Salary:
₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
Pay Level 6
- Junior Statistical Officer
- Statistical Investigator Grade-II
- Divisional Accountant
- Sub Inspector (NIA)
Salary:
₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
Pay Level 5
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Junior Accountant
Salary:
₹29,200 – ₹92,300
Pay Level 4
- Tax Assistant
- Postal Assistant
- Sorting Assistant
- Senior Secretariat Assistant
Salary:
₹25,500 – ₹81,100
Download SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 Official Notification PDF
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria Education Qualification
General Requiremen
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University.
For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Candidates must have:
- 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12
- OR
- Statistics as a subject in Graduation
For Statistical Investigator Grade-II
Degree in:
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Population Studies
- Demography
Final-year students can apply if they complete graduation before 01 August 2026.
SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit
Age will be calculated as on 01 August 2026.
| Post Category | Age Limit |
| Most Posts | 18–27 Years |
| Inspector & ASO Posts | 18–30 Years |
| Some Posts | 20–30 Years |
| JSO Posts | Up to 32 Years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As Per Rules |
CGL Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date Apply Online | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June – 01 July 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam | Aug–Sep 2026 |
| Tier-II Exam | December 2026 |
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
Total
- Questions: 100
- Marks: 200
- Duration: 60 Minutes
Negative Marking
0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 Complete Details
Section-I
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning & General Intelligence
Section-II
- English Language
- General Awareness
Section-III
- Computer Knowledge Test
Section-IV
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
Paper-II is only for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts.
Paper-III is only for AAO and Assistant Audit Officer posts.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Preparation Topics
Quantitative Aptitude
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Average
- Time & Work
- Time & Distance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Series
- Analogy
- Classification
- Venn Diagram
- Puzzle
- Logical Reasoning
English
- Error Detection
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Geography
- Economy
- Polity
- Science
- Static GK
SSC CGL Physical Standards for Inspector Posts
Some posts require Physical Efficiency Tests (PET).
Male Candidates
- Height: 157.5 cm
- Chest: 81 cm (5 cm expansion)
Female Candidates
- Height: 152 cm
- Weight: 48 Kg
Candidates should check the detailed notification for post-wise standards.
SSC CGL Salary Pay Level, In-Hand Salary
The actual in-hand salary depends on posting location and allowances.
| Pay Level | Approx In-Hand Salary |
| Level 4 | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Level 5 | ₹40,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Level 6 | ₹50,000 – ₹65,000 |
| Level 7 | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Level 8 | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000+ |
Best Posts Under SSC CGL 2026
Many candidates prefer these posts due to salary and growth:
- Assistant Audit Officer
- Assistant Accounts Officer
- Income Tax Inspector
- Assistant Section Officer (MEA)
- Assistant Section Officer (CSS)
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Sub Inspector (CBI)
- Inspector (Examiner)
How to Apply Online for SSC CGL Recruitment 2026
Step 1:- Visit SSC official website.
Step 2:- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
Step 3:- Login and select SSC CGL 2026.
Step 4:- Fill application form.
Step 5:- Capture live photograph.
New Live Photo Capture Rule
SSC has introduced a live photograph capture system.
Candidates must:
- Sit in good lighting
- Use a plain background
- Keep camera at eye level
- Look directly into the camera
- Avoid caps, masks and spectacles
Applications with improper photographs may be rejected.
Step 6:- Upload signature.
Step 7:- Pay fee.
Step 8:- Submit and download application.
SSC CGL Application Fee 2026 Category-Wise Details
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | Nil |
| Women | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil |
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL 2026
- Focus on Quantitative Aptitude daily.
- Read current affairs regularly.
- Solve previous year papers.
- Practice mock tests every week.
- Improve English vocabulary.
- Work on speed and accuracy.
- Analyze mistakes after each test.
SSC CGL Notification Direct links
| Action | Direct links |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click here to Download |
| Official SSC website | https://ssc.gov.in/home |
| Apply Online Link | Click here to Apply |
| Join Telegram | Click here to Join |
Final Verdict
SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 offers one of the largest opportunities for graduates seeking Central Government jobs. With 12,256 vacancies, attractive salaries, promotion opportunities, and prestigious postings across India, this examination remains one of the most competitive and rewarding recruitment processes in the country. Candidates should complete their applications before the deadline and start preparation early to maximize their chances of selection.
FAQ– CGL Notification 2026
What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Ans: 22 June 2026 is the last date to apply SSC CGL.
How many vacancies are in SSC CGL 2026?
Ans: 12,256 vacancies across various ministries and departments.
What is the salary of SSC CGL posts?
Ans: SSC CGL salary varies by post:
Entry-level: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
Higher posts (AAO, Inspector): up to ₹1,51,000+ with allowances
What is the application fee?
Ans: ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates.
Is there negative marking?
Ans: Yes, negative marking applies in Tier-I and Tier-II.
Can final-year students apply?
Ans: Yes, subject to completion of degree by the 01 August 2026.
What is the highest salary post in SSC CGL?
Ans: Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer are among the highest-paying posts.
Is SSC CGL very difficult to crack?
Ans: SSC CGL is moderate difficulty, but highly competitive. With proper preparation (6–12 months), it is possible to crack in the first attempt.
How many attempts are allowed in SSC CGL?
Ans: There is no fixed attempt limit, but candidates must fall within the age limit criteria.
Is SSC CGL a mini IAS?
Ans: SSC CGL is colloquially referred to as a “mini IAS” because it recruits for prestigious, high-level Group B and C administrative roles within central government ministries.
Can I wear shoes in the SSC exam?
Ans: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams generally prohibit closed shoes and boots.
Is 120 a good score in SSC CGL?
Ans: A score of 120 marks out of 200 is decent and proves your basic concepts are strong. However, depending on your category, it may fall short of the Tier 1 cut-off, which hovered around for the General category.
Can I clear CGL in 3 months?
Ans: Yes, you can clear SSC CGL in 3 months if you already have decent basic aptitude. Cracking it from scratch in this timeframe is highly difficult, so your success relies on a hyper-focused, high-efficiency strategy.
