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SSC CGL 2026
SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination · एसएससी संयुक्त स्नातक स्तरीय परीक्षा
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL is the Staff Selection Commission's annual exam for graduates, filling Group B and Group C posts such as Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, Auditor and Junior Statistical Officer in central ministries and departments.
The Combined Graduate Level Examination is one of the largest central government recruitments for graduates. Selection is through a two-tier computer-based test followed by document verification; some posts also require a skill test (DEST or CPT).
Posts are allotted by merit and the preferences a candidate fills in, so the same exam can lead to a desk job in a ministry, an inspector role in CBIC or Income Tax, or an audit and accounts role.
- Conducting body
- SSC
- Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university
- Age limit
- 18–32 years
- Exam stages
- 3 stages: Tier 1, Tier 2 (Paper I), Tier 2 (Paper II – Statistics)
- 2026 vacancies
- 12,256 vacancies
- Negative marking
- 0.50 marks per wrong answer
SSC CGL 2026: important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 21 May 2026 |
| Online application starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last date to apply (after reopening) | 25 Jun 2026 |
| Tier 1 exam | 30 Sep 2026 (tentative) |
| Tier 1 exam ends | 30 Oct 2026 (tentative) |
| Tier 2 exam | To be announced |
Latest SSC CGL updates
No SSC CGL updates have been published yet. We check the official website twice a day.
How to apply for SSC CGL
- 1Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in — done once and used for every SSC exam
- 2Log in on ssc.gov.in and open the SSC CGL application form while the notification is live
- 3Fill in post preferences, exam centres and educational details, and capture/upload the photograph and signature as instructed
- 4Pay the ₹100 fee online (BHIM UPI, net banking or card) unless your category is exempt
- 5Submit the form and download the application copy for your records
Apply on ssc.gov.in ↗Official portal. JobJha never collects applications or fees.
SSC CGL eligibility
- Educational qualification
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Junior Statistical Officer requires 60% in Mathematics at Class 12 or Statistics as a subject at graduation; Statistical Investigator Grade II requires Statistics as a subject at graduation.
- Age limit
- 18–32 years
- Nationality
- Citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or other categories as specified in the notification.
Application fee
| Category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (male) | ₹100 |
| Women, SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-servicemen | Exempted (no fee) |
SSC CGL exam pattern
| Stage | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Computer-based test | 100 | 200 | 60 min |
| Tier 2 (Paper I) | Computer-based test | 150 | 450 | 150 min |
| Tier 2 (Paper II – Statistics) | Computer-based test | 100 | 200 | 120 min |
SSC CGL syllabus
Tier 1
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, Similarities and differences, Space visualisation, Spatial orientation, Coding and decoding, Classification, Series (number, letter, figure), Blood relations, Venn diagrams, Syllogism, Embedded figures, Paper folding and cutting
Tier 1
General Awareness
Current events, Indian history, Indian culture, Geography, Indian polity and Constitution, Economic scene, General science, Scientific research
Tier 1
Quantitative Aptitude
Number system, Percentage, Ratio and proportion, Averages, Interest, Profit and loss, Time and work, Time and distance, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Data interpretation
Tier 1
English Comprehension
Spot the error, Fill in the blanks, Synonyms and antonyms, Idioms and phrases, One-word substitution, Active and passive voice, Direct and indirect speech, Cloze passage, Reading comprehension
Tier 2
Mathematical Abilities
Number systems, Fundamental arithmetic operations, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics and probability
Tier 2
Reasoning and General Intelligence
Semantic and symbolic analogy, Figural classification, Number series, Coding and decoding, Critical thinking, Emotional and social intelligence, Problem solving, Drawing inferences
Selection process
- 1Tier 1 computer-based test (screening)
- 2Tier 2 computer-based test (merit)
- 3Skill test (DEST / CPT) where applicable
- 4Document verification
How to prepare for SSC CGL
- Treat Tier 1 as a speed filter: 100 questions in 60 minutes leaves 36 seconds per question.
- Tier 2 decides your rank. Quant and English together carry 225 of the 390 merit marks in Paper I.
- Fill post preferences carefully: allocation depends on your rank and the order of preference you submit.
- Practise the Data Entry Speed Test early; it is qualifying but candidates fail it every year.
Practice for SSC CGL
Reading the syllabus is step one. Timed practice under the real SSC CGL pattern is what moves your score. Our partner platform EduJha offers practice with instant scoring and explanations.
SSC CGL: frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC CGL?
The age limit for SSC CGL is 18–32 years (as on 1 August of the exam year). Upper age relaxation: OBC (non-creamy layer) 3 years, SC / ST 5 years, PwBD (Unreserved) 10 years, PwBD (OBC) 13 years, PwBD (SC/ST) 15 years, Ex-servicemen 3 years.
What is the educational qualification for SSC CGL?
To apply for SSC CGL: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Junior Statistical Officer requires 60% in Mathematics at Class 12 or Statistics as a subject at graduation; Statistical Investigator Grade II requires Statistics as a subject at graduation.
What is the selection process of SSC CGL?
The SSC CGL selection process is: Tier 1 computer-based test (screening) → Tier 2 computer-based test (merit) → Skill test (DEST / CPT) where applicable → Document verification.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. Tier 1: 0.50 marks per wrong answer; Tier 2 (Paper I): 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I, II and Computer Knowledge; Tier 2 (Paper II – Statistics): 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
How to apply for SSC CGL?
Apply online on the official portal (https://ssc.gov.in/login): 1) Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in — done once and used for every SSC exam; 2) Log in on ssc.gov.in and open the SSC CGL application form while the notification is live; 3) Fill in post preferences, exam centres and educational details, and capture/upload the photograph and signature as instructed; 4) Pay the ₹100 fee online (BHIM UPI, net banking or card) unless your category is exempt; 5) Submit the form and download the application copy for your records.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL 2026 has 12,256 notified vacancies, as per the official notification.
Is SSC CGL Tier 1 counted in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 is a screening stage. The final merit list is prepared from Tier 2 marks.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, if they will complete their degree by the cut-off date given in the notification and can produce proof at document verification.