SSC CGL 2026 — Latest Official Update
Released: 21 May 2026 | Source: SSC Official Notification | ssc.gov.in
📋 Applications Now Open
The Staff Selection Commission officially released the SSC CGL 2026 notification on 21 May 2026. Online applications are open from 21 May 2026 to 22 June 2026. With approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies, this is one of the largest SSC CGL cycles in recent years.🔐 Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication Now Mandatory
SSC has implemented Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for One Time Registration (OTR) in 2026. Candidates who cannot authenticate via Aadhaar must upload KYC documents — proof of name, date of birth, address, photograph, and gender. Ensure your Aadhaar details match your application exactly.⚠️ Old SSC Website OTR Invalid — Generate Fresh OTR
OTR generated on the old SSC website (ssc.nic.in) is NOT valid on the new portal (ssc.gov.in). All candidates — including those who registered previously — must generate a fresh OTR on ssc.gov.in before applying.
What is SSC CGL?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL) is one of India’s most sought-after national-level competitive exams. Conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission, it recruits graduates into prestigious Group B and Group C posts across various Ministries, Departments, and Constitutional Bodies of the Government of India.
From Income Tax Inspectors and CBI Sub-Inspectors to Statistical Officers and Auditors — SSC CGL opens the door to a stable, respected, and well-paying central government career for graduates from any discipline.
Why SSC CGL is the most popular government exam after UPSC:
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Open to graduates from all streams — no specific degree required for most posts
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Over 12,000 vacancies in 2026 — among the highest ever in SSC CGL history
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Salary ranging from ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 depending on post and pay level
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Permanent central government employment with pension, medical, and allowances
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Shorter preparation cycle compared to UPSC — most aspirants crack it in 6–12 months
SSC CGL 2026 — Key Dates & Official Overview {#key-dates}
✅ All dates below are sourced directly from the official SSC CGL 2026 notification published at ssc.gov.in on 21 May 2026.
Important Official Links
Candidates frequently search for direct official links. Bookmark these:
Note: Replace the above links with your direct internal pages for Admit Card, Result, and Answer Key to improve internal linking and reduce bounce rate.
Vacancies — Post-Wise Details
SSC CGL 2026 fills vacancies across Group B and Group C posts in five pay levels. Below is the complete post-wise breakdown from the official notification:
Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) — Group B
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
⚠️ Important Note on Post Allotment: The Commission allots posts based on merit-cum-preference. Once a post is allotted, no change is made if a candidate fails to meet post-specific physical, medical, or educational standards. Candidates must verify all post-specific requirements before submitting preferences.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (as on 01 August 2026)
Final Year Students: Students in their final year can apply. Essential qualification must be possessed as on 01 August 2026.
Distance Learning Degrees: Valid for Central Government posts if the programme was approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), UGC during the relevant period of study.
Nationality
Candidates must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal / Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with intention to permanently settle in India.
Note: Only male candidates are eligible for vacancies reported by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
Age Relaxation
Exam Pattern — Tier I & Tier II
SSC CGL 2026 is conducted in two tiers:
Tier I — Computer Based Test (Qualifying / Screening)
Tier I is a screening test only. Marks scored in Tier I are NOT added to the final merit list. The final merit and post-allocation is based entirely on Tier II marks. Many beginners are confused by this — Tier I only determines who gets shortlisted for Tier II.
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Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates)
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Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer
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Mode: Online — Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Purpose: Screening only — shortlists candidates for Tier II. Tier I marks do NOT count toward final selection.
Tier II — Computer Based Test (Final Merit)
Tier II determines your final rank and post allocation. It consists of two sessions with compulsory and post-specific modules:
Module 1 — Compulsory for All Posts
Module 2 — For Specific Posts Only
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Negative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning; 0.25 for English, GA, Computer Knowledge; 0.50 for Module 2
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Final Merit: Based 100% on Tier II marks — Tier I marks are not included
Syllabus at a Glance
Tier I Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning:
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Analogies, Similarities & Differences, Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation
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Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making
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Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts
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Arithmetical Reasoning, Number Series, Coding-Decoding
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Figural Classification, Non-Verbal Series, Embedded Figures, Statement & Conclusion
Quantitative Aptitude:
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Number Systems, Decimals, Fractions, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
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Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots, Averages
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Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Discount
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Mixture & Alligation, Time & Distance, Time & Work
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Algebra, Geometry — Triangles & Circles, Mensuration
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Trigonometry, Statistical Charts — Histogram, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart
English Language & Comprehension:
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Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases
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Sentence Correction, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks
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Active / Passive Voice, Direct / Indirect Speech
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Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles
General Awareness:
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Current Events — National & International
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History, Culture, Geography, Indian Polity
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Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research
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Environment & Ecology, Awards, Sports, Books & Authors
Tier II Additional Modules
Statistics Module (for JSO):
Data Collection & Classification; Measures of Central Tendency; Measures of Dispersion; Moments, Skewness & Kurtosis; Correlation & Regression; Random Variables; Sampling Theory; Statistical Inference; Analysis of Variance; Time Series; Index Numbers
Finance & Economics Module (for AAO):
Financial Accounting Principles; Basic Economics — Demand & Supply, Production & Cost; Indian Economy — Banking, Monetary Policy, RBI, Public Finance; Union Budget Basics; Indian Economic History
Salary & Pay Scale — Post Wise
SSC CGL 2026 offers five pay levels under the 7th Pay Commission. Approximate monthly in-hand salary includes Basic Pay + DA (~50%) + HRA (27% metro) + TA:
Additional Benefits Across All SSC CGL Posts:
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Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised twice yearly — currently ~50% of basic pay
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House Rent Allowance (HRA): 27% (metro cities), 18% (Class X cities), 9% (others)
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Transport Allowance (TA): ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 per month based on city and level
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Medical: CGHS coverage for employee and family
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Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Hometown or all-India tour reimbursement every 4 years
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Pension: NPS — employer contributes 14% of basic pay
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Annual Increment: 3% of basic pay added automatically each year
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Promotion: Department-based promotion after 5–8 years of service
Inspector Income Tax and Inspector Customs are among the most popular SSC CGL posts due to their Level 7 pay, field duty allowances, and fast promotion track.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Applications are accepted online only at ssc.gov.in. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1 — Generate One Time Registration (OTR)
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Visit ssc.gov.in → Click “Register” if you are a new user
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Complete Aadhaar-based biometric authentication. If Aadhaar auth fails, upload: Proof of Name, Proof of Date of Birth, Proof of Address, Photograph, and Proof of Gender
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⚠️ OTR from the old website (ssc.nic.in) is invalid — generate fresh OTR on ssc.gov.in
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Your new OTR remains valid for all future SSC exams on the new portal
Step 2 — Fill the Application Form
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Log in with OTR credentials → Select “Apply” for CGL 2026
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Fill personal details, educational qualification, and category (UR / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwBD / ESM)
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Select up to 4 preferred exam centres
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Upload photograph and signature as per specifications below
⚠️ Photograph Upload Rules — A Common Rejection Reason
A significant percentage of SSC applications are rejected due to incorrect photographs. Follow these rules strictly: -
Plain white or light background only — no curtains, walls, or outdoor scenes
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No spectacles / sunglasses — even prescription glasses are not allowed in the photo
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No cap or hat — head must be uncovered (exception for religious headgear, which must not cover the face)
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Face must be clearly visible — front-facing, eyes open, neutral expression
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Recent photograph — taken within the last 3 months
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File format: JPEG / JPG only | File size: as specified in the online form (typically 20KB–50KB)
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Do not use passport photo with SSC stamp — upload a digital photo meeting the above specs
If your photograph does not meet these standards, use the Application Correction Window to re-upload.
Step 3 — Pay Application Fee
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General / EWS / OBC (Male): ₹100
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Women / SC / ST / ESM / PwBD: Nil (fee exempted)
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Payment via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa / MasterCard / Maestro / RuPay Credit or Debit Cards
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Last date for fee payment: 23 June 2026, 11:00 PM
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Step 4 — Use the Correction Window (if needed)
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After submission, SSC opens a correction window to fix errors in your form
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Dates will be announced on ssc.gov.in — watch the official site
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No correction is allowed after the window closes
Step 5 — Save and Print Your Application
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After successful submission, print the confirmation page
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Save your Registration Number — needed for all future correspondence, admit card download, and result checking
💡 Pro Tip: Do not wait until 21–22 June to apply. SSC’s server experiences heavy traffic near the deadline, causing login failures. Apply in the first two weeks to avoid last-minute issues.
Preparation Strategy — How to Crack SSC CGL 2026
SSC CGL can be cracked in 6–12 months with a structured, section-wise approach. Here is a phase-wise plan that mirrors what successful candidates follow:
Phase 1 — Foundation (Months 1–3)
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Build Quantitative Aptitude basics from NCERT Maths (Class 8–10)
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Complete a standard English grammar book (SP Bakshi or Plinth to Paramount) cover to cover
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Start reading a newspaper daily — The Hindu or Hindustan Times — for General Awareness
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Focus on Reasoning first — it’s the fastest section to improve with consistent practice
Phase 2 — Deep Practice (Months 4–8)
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Solve 30–40 questions per day per section — consistency matters more than marathon sessions
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High-weightage Quant chapters to master: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Time & Work
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Practice 20 Reading Comprehension passages to build speed and accuracy for English
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Maintain a monthly current affairs notes file — minimum 30 topics per month
Phase 3 — Mock Tests & Revision (Months 9–12)
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Attempt full Tier I mock tests — minimum 3 per week under 60-minute timed conditions
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Analyse every mock test — identify weak chapters, revise those first
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Solve previous 5–10 years of SSC CGL papers — questions regularly follow similar patterns
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For Tier II: shift focus heavily to English (highest marks module) and Reasoning in the final 2 months
Recommended Daily Study Plan:
Best Books for SSC CGL 2026
SSC CGL Cut Off — Historical Trend
Tier I Cut Off (General Category — Out of 200 Marks):
Key Insight: Cut offs have increased by approximately 2–3 marks each year. General category aspirants should target 160+ in Tier I to remain comfortably above the expected cut off.
Final post-allocation cut offs (Tier II) vary significantly by post — Inspector IT / CBI posts have far higher cut offs than Tax Assistant or UDC. Check post-specific cut offs on ssc.gov.in after result declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of vacancies in SSC CGL 2026?
As per the official notification published on 21 May 2026, there are approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies across Group B and Group C posts. Final post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be updated on ssc.gov.in as received from indenting departments.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 June 2026 at 11:00 PM. The last date for online fee payment is 23 June 2026 at 11:00 PM. Apply early — do not wait for the final days to avoid server congestion.
Can final year students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes. Students in their final year can apply. However, they must possess the essential educational qualification as on 01 August 2026, failing which candidature will be cancelled.
Is there any negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes. In Tier I: 0.50 marks per wrong answer. In Tier II Module 1 (Maths and Reasoning): 1 mark per wrong answer. For English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge in Tier II: 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Do Tier I marks count in the final merit list?
No. Tier I is a screening test only. Marks scored in Tier I are NOT added to the final merit list. The final rank and post allocation is based entirely on Tier II marks. Tier I only determines who gets shortlisted for Tier II.
Is my OTR from the old SSC website (ssc.nic.in) valid for SSC CGL 2026?
No. OTR generated on the old website is not valid on the new portal (ssc.gov.in). All candidates must generate a fresh One Time Registration on ssc.gov.in before submitting the application for SSC CGL 2026.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
Age limit varies by post — most Group B posts: 18–30 years; CBI Sub Inspector: 20–30 years; JSO: 18–32 years; most Group C posts: 18–27 years. Age is calculated as on 01 August 2026. SC/ST: +5 years; OBC: +3 years; PwBD: +10 years relaxation.
What is the salary for SSC CGL Inspector Income Tax?
Inspector of Income Tax falls under Pay Level 7 with a basic pay of ₹44,900. Approximate monthly in-hand salary in a metro city is ₹63,000 – ₹78,000 including DA (~50%), HRA (27%), and Transport Allowance.
Which SSC CGL 2026 post is best for career growth?
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) under CAG at Pay Level 8 offers the highest pay and fastest promotion track. Inspector Income Tax and Inspector Customs at Level 7 are most popular due to field allowances and authority. CBI Sub Inspector is preferred by candidates interested in investigative roles.
How many tiers are there in SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL 2026 has two tiers. Tier I is an objective CBT of 200 marks in 60 minutes — qualifying only. Tier II is the final merit examination consisting of a compulsory module (450 marks) plus an additional module for JSO (Statistics) and AAO (Finance & Economics) posts.