SSC CGL 2026 Notification OUT: 12,256 Vacancies, Apply Online 21 May–22 June @ ssc.gov.in

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the most-awaited Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 Notification on 21 May 2026 via official advertisement bearing F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1. With approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies across some of the most prestigious Group "B" and "C" posts in the Central Government — including Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer in CSS/MEA/IB/Railways, Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer/Examiner), Sub-Inspector in CBI/NIA/NCB, Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED), Inspector Posts, Junior Statistical Officer, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, and Upper Division Clerk — this is the single biggest hiring drive for graduates in 2026.

Online applications are accepted from 21 May 2026 to 22 June 2026 (23:00 hours) exclusively via ssc.gov.in. The Tier-I Computer-Based Examination is tentatively scheduled for August–September 2026, and the Tier-II examination is planned for December 2026. With a nominal application fee of just ₹100 (and full exemption for women, SC, ST, PwBD, and ESM candidates), this is the most accessible gateway to Central Government employment for Indian graduates.

This comprehensive guide covers every critical detail you need to apply with confidence — the complete post list across Pay Levels 4 to 8, post-wise age limits, educational qualifications, application fee, exam scheme, Tier-I & Tier-II pattern, detailed syllabus, expected cutoffs, salary structure, step-by-step application process, required documents, examination centres, and FAQs. Read carefully, apply early, and prepare strategically.

📌 SSC CGL 2026 — Quick Overview

📅 Important Dates — SSC CGL 2026

🎯 Posts Available — Pay Level-Wise Breakdown

💎 Pay Level-8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) — Group "B" Gazetted

⭐ Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) — Group "B"

🔷 Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) — Group "B"

🔹 Pay Level-5 (₹29,200 – ₹92,300) — Group "C"

🔸 Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) — Group "C"

✅ Eligibility — Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)

🎁 Age Relaxation (Beyond Upper Age Limit)

🎓 Educational Qualification (as on 01 August 2026)

💰 Application Fee

Payment Modes: BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro / RuPay Debit Cards. Online only — no offline mode available. Fee once paid is non-refundable and non-adjustable.

📝 SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern — Tier-I (CBT)

📝 SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern — Tier-II (CBT)

📘 Paper-I (Mandatory for ALL Posts)

📗 Paper-II — Statistics (Only for JSO / SI Grade-II)

📕 Paper-III — General Studies (Finance & Economics) (Only for AAO / AAcO)

📚 SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus — Tier-I Overview

💵 Salary Structure (Approx. In-Hand)

Additional Benefits: Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (city-wise — Metro 27% / Y-class 18% / Z-class 9%), Transport Allowance, Medical Facility (CGHS), Pension (NPS), Group Insurance, Gratuity, LTC, Earned Leave, Casual Leave, Children Education Allowance.

📝 How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026 — Step by Step

1. Visit the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in
2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC portal (old OTR from ssc.nic.in is NOT valid). Provide Mobile, Email, Aadhaar (recommended)
3. Verify Mobile & Email via OTP. Auto-generated password will be sent to registered mobile and email
4. Login using Registration Number and Password. Change password on first login
5. Capture LIVE photograph through webcam/mobile (no cap, no spectacles, clear background, eye level)
6. Upload scanned signature (JPEG, 10-20 KB, 6 cm × 2 cm)
7. Click on "Apply" under "Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026"
8. Fill all personal, educational, and category details. Provide preference for Examination Centres (3 centres in same Region)
9. Indicate post preferences for JSO / SI Grade-II / AAO if you possess required EQs
10. Upload PwBD certificate if applying under disability category
11. Preview application and verify all fields carefully
12. Pay the application fee online via BHIM UPI / Net Banking / Debit Card (₹100 for Gen/OBC Male; NIL for Women/SC/ST/PwBD/ESM)
13. Final Submit. Take printout of the application form for records

🌐 SSC CGL 2026 — Examination Centres by Region

📋 Mode of Selection

Minimum Qualifying Marks

DEST Maximum Error %

Final Merit: Merit list will be prepared on the basis of overall performance in Tier-II Examination ONLY, subject to qualifying Section-III & IV of Paper-I. Marks scored in Tier-I are used only for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II.

📚 Recommended Preparation Strategy

🎯 Why SSC CGL is the Best Government Job for Graduates

SSC CGL is unmatched among government recruitments for sheer variety, prestige, salary, and career growth. Within a single examination, you can become an Income Tax Inspector deployed in CBDT investigations, a Sub-Inspector in CBI handling high-profile cases, an Assistant Audit Officer auditing Central Government accounts, an Assistant Section Officer in IB handling intelligence work, or an Inspector in CBIC dealing with customs and GST. With Pay Levels ranging from 4 to 8 (in-hand salary from ₹37,000 to ₹82,000), excellent promotional avenues (most posts have 5-7 promotion stages over 30+ years of service), CGHS medical cover for self + family, pension under NPS, subsidised housing, LTC, and the prestige of working under the Government of India — SSC CGL is the single biggest career inflection point for any Indian graduate.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 June 2026 (23:00 hours). Last date for online fee payment is 23 June 2026 (23:00 hrs).

Q2. How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
Approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies across Group "B" and Group "C" posts. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be uploaded on ssc.gov.in.

Q3. What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026?
₹100 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempted from fee.

Q4. What is the educational qualification required?
For most posts, a Bachelor's Degree from a recognised University is required. For JSO, 60% Math at 12th OR Statistics in Bachelor's. For Statistical Investigator Grade-II, specific Math/Statistics/IT/CS degree required. Final-year students can also apply.

Q5. What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
Age limit varies by post: 18-27 years (Group C), 18-30 years / 20-30 years / 18-32 years (JSO). Age is reckoned as on 01 August 2026. Standard relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/ESM categories.

Q6. When will the SSC CGL Tier-I exam be held?
Tier-I CBT is tentatively scheduled for August–September 2026. Exact dates will be notified on ssc.gov.in approximately 10 days before the exam.

Q7. What is the negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Tier-I: 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer. Tier-II Paper-I (Section-I, II, III): 1 mark per wrong answer. Tier-II Paper-II & III: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.

Q8. Is the final merit based on Tier-I or Tier-II?
Final merit is based ONLY on Tier-II Examination performance. Tier-I is purely a screening test to shortlist candidates for Tier-II.

Q9. Can I change my examination centre after applying?
No. No request for change of Centre of Examination will be considered later under any circumstances. Select centres carefully (3 in same region, in priority order).

Q10. What is the Application Correction Window?
SSC provides a 3-day window from 29 June – 1 July 2026 (23:00 hrs) to make corrections. Fee for correction: ₹200 (first time) and ₹500 (second time). Maximum 2 corrections allowed.

Q11. Which is the most prestigious post in SSC CGL 2026?
Among the most prestigious are: Assistant Audit Officer (Pay Level 8), Assistant Section Officer in CSS/MEA/IB, Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT), Sub-Inspector in CBI, and Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED). All offer excellent salary, career growth, and posting locations.

Q12. How do I apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Apply ONLY online via https://ssc.gov.in. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NEW SSC portal first, then fill the CGL application form, upload live photo + signature, select centres + post preferences, pay fee online, and submit. No offline mode available.

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