Missing a single SSC deadline can cost you an entire year. In 2024, over 50,000 eligible candidates missed the registration window because they weren't tracking the official notification date—the application period closed within just 30 days.
This guide lists every critical SSC CGL exam date for 2026 you need in your calendar. From notification release to final document verification, you'll know exactly when to take action and avoid missing any deadline.
Critical Warning
Understanding this timeline helps you plan preparation strategically. Many aspirants waste months studying without knowing when the exam actually happens, leading to rushed preparation or burnout from starting too early.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
- Notification: Expected mid-September 2026
- Application Window: Late September to mid-October 2026 (30 days)
- Tier 1 Exam: Expected February-March 2026
- Tier 2 Exam: May-June 2026 (2-3 months after Tier 1)
- Tier 3 Exam: August-September 2026
- Final Result: December 2026-January 2027
Source: SSC Annual Calendar 2026 (ssc.nic.in)
SSC CGL 2026 Notification and Application Dates
The Staff Selection Commission typically releases the SSC CGL notification in the second or third week of September each year. Based on historical patterns, expect the SSC CGL 2026 notification between September 12-20, 2026.
The official notification appears on ssc.nic.in under the "Latest News" section. SSC simultaneously opens the application portal for exactly 30 days—no extensions unless technical issues force them.
Expected Application Timeline
- Notification Release: September 15, 2026 (tentative)
- Application Start Date: September 15, 2026
- Application Last Date: October 15, 2026
- Fee Payment Deadline: October 17, 2026 (2 days grace period)
- Correction Window: October 20-22, 2026 (3 days)
The correction window allows you to modify only photograph, signature, and exam center—not category, name, or educational details.
Priya from Bangalore missed her correction window by one day and couldn't fix her incorrectly uploaded signature, leading to verification issues later.
Set three calendar alerts: notification date (to start application immediately), last application date (to avoid last-minute rush), and correction window (to fix any errors).
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date 2026
The Tier 1 computer-based examination typically happens 5-6 months after the application deadline. For SSC CGL 2026, expect Tier 1 between February 15 - March 10, 2026.
SSC conducts Tier 1 across multiple shifts over 10-15 days to accommodate 25+ lakh candidates. Your specific exam date and shift appear on the admit card, released approximately 15 days before the exam.
Tier 1 Critical Dates
- Admit Card Release: Late January 2026 (15-20 days before exam)
- Exam Dates: February 15 - March 10, 2026 (tentative)
- Answer Key Release: Within 5-7 days of last exam date
- Answer Key Objection Window: 3-5 days after key release
- Tier 1 Result: April 2026 (6-8 weeks after exam)
The admit card download link activates on ssc.nic.in only—ignore SMS claiming to provide admit cards via third-party links. Download and take three printouts immediately.
Rohan from Pune downloaded his admit card the night before the exam and discovered his center was 40 km away. He barely reached on time. Check your center location immediately after admit card release to plan travel.
Understanding Normalization Impact
SSC uses normalization across different exam shifts. Your final score depends not just on raw marks but also on shift difficulty. The Tier 1 result typically declares qualified candidates at a 1:20 ratio of total vacancies.
If SSC announces 10,000 vacancies, approximately 2,00,000 candidates qualify for Tier 2. The result appears as a PDF with registration numbers—your individual scorecard with normalized marks comes later.
SSC CGL Tier 2 and Tier 3 Exam Schedule
Tier 2 happens approximately 2-3 months after Tier 1 results. For SSC CGL 2026 cycle, expect Tier 2 between May 20 - June 10, 2026.
Tier 2 Timeline
- Tier 2 Admit Card: Early May 2026
- Tier 2 Exam (Paper 1 & 2): May 20 - June 10, 2026
- Tier 2 Answer Key: June 15-20, 2026
- Tier 2 Result: Late July 2026
Tier 3 (descriptive exam) follows quickly after Tier 2 results. Unlike Tier 1-2, Tier 3 happens on a single day in pen-paper mode.
Tier 3 Timeline
- Tier 3 Admit Card: Mid-August 2026
- Tier 3 Exam Date: Late August or early September 2026 (single day, offline)
- Tier 3 Result: October 2026
The gap between Tier 2 result and Tier 3 exam is only 3-4 weeks. Many candidates ignore descriptive preparation until Tier 2 results, then panic.
Sneha from Kolkata scored 420/600 in Tier 2 but failed Tier 3 because she had only 20 days to learn essay writing from scratch.
Start practicing descriptive writing from Month 4 of your preparation, regardless of where you are in the syllabus. Learn more in our SSC CGL Tier 3 Preparation Guide.
SSC CGL Complete Timeline 2025-2026
| Event | Expected Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | September 15, 2026 | Read detailed notification, check eligibility |
| Application Window | Sep 15 - Oct 15, 2026 | Complete online registration and fee payment |
| Application Correction | Oct 20-22, 2026 | Fix photograph, signature, center errors only |
| Tier 1 Admit Card | Late January 2026 | Download and verify exam center location |
| Tier 1 Exam | Feb 15 - Mar 10, 2026 | Appear with admit card and valid photo ID |
| Tier 1 Result | April 2026 | Check qualification status on SSC website |
| Tier 2 Admit Card | Early May 2026 | Download and prepare for 2-day examination |
| Tier 2 Exam | May 20 - June 10, 2026 | Appear for Paper 1 and Paper 2 on different days |
| Tier 2 Result | Late July 2026 | Check scores and qualification for Tier 3 |
| Tier 3 Exam | Late Aug 2026 | Pen-paper descriptive test (single day) |
| Tier 3 Result | October 2026 | Check qualifying status |
| Tier 4/DV Schedule | November 2026 | Attend skill test or document verification |
| Final Result | Dec 2026 - Jan 2027 | Check final merit list and post allocation |
Source: SSC Annual Examination Calendar 2025-26 (ssc.nic.in)
Your Month-by-Month Action Plan Based on SSC CGL Dates
September 2026 (Notification Month)
- Monitor ssc.nic.in daily from September 10 onwards
- Keep all documents ready (photo, signature, certificates)
- Apply within first week of application window opening
October-January 2026 (Pre-Tier 1 Period)
- Complete entire syllabus by December end
- Take 30-40 full-length mock tests in exam conditions
- Focus on speed and accuracy from January onwards
- Download admit card immediately when released
February-April 2026 (Tier 1 Phase)
- Appear for Tier 1 with confidence
- Challenge incorrect answer key questions with proof
- Don't start Tier 2 prep until result declaration (conserve energy)
May-July 2026 (Tier 2 Phase)
- Focus exclusively on Mathematics and English depth
- Practice 90-question papers in 2-hour time limits
- Balance both papers—don't neglect English for Math
August-October 2026 (Tier 3 & Beyond)
- Write 2-3 practice essays and letters daily
- Appear for Tier 3 even if you think Tier 2 didn't go well (results surprise many)
- Practice typing speed if targeting posts requiring DEST/CPT
Check our SSC CGL Preparation Strategy for detailed month-wise study plans aligned with these exam dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will SSC CGL 2026 notification be released?
The SSC CGL 2026 notification will likely release in mid-September 2026, between September 12-20, based on historical patterns. SSC releases notifications in September for the Combined Graduate Level Examination every year. Monitor the official website ssc.nic.in from September 10 onwards, as SSC doesn't announce notification dates in advance—it appears directly on the portal.
How much time gap is there between Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams?
Approximately 2-3 months gap exists between Tier 1 result declaration and Tier 2 exam date. For SSC CGL 2026, if Tier 1 happens in February-March 2026, results will come in April 2026, and Tier 2 will be scheduled for May-June 2026. Use this time strategically to deepen your Mathematics and English preparation rather than taking a complete break.
Can SSC change exam dates after releasing the admit card?
Yes, SSC can postpone exam dates even after admit card release, though it's rare. This happened during COVID-19 when multiple exam cycles got delayed. SSC announces date changes through official notifications and updates admit cards accordingly. Always check the official website 2-3 days before your exam for any last-minute updates or center changes.
What if I miss the SSC CGL application deadline?
If you miss the application deadline, you cannot apply for SSC CGL 2026—there are no extensions except for technical glitches. You'll have to wait for the next year's notification (SSC CGL 2026). Set multiple reminders from the notification release date. Apply within the first 10 days of the window opening to avoid last-day server issues.
When does SSC release the final result and post allocation?
The final SSC CGL result typically comes 12-15 months after Tier 1 exam date. For SSC CGL 2026 (Tier 1 in Feb-March 2026), expect final results in December 2026 or January 2027. Document verification happens before final result for qualified candidates. Post allocation depends on your Tier 2 marks and preference list submitted during application.
Conclusion: Never Miss Another SSC Deadline
The SSC CGL exam dates 2026 span an entire year from notification to final result. Missing even one deadline—application window, correction period, or admit card download—can eliminate you from the selection process regardless of your preparation level.
Save this timeline immediately. Set calendar reminders for notification release (mid-September 2026), application deadline (mid-October 2026), and admit card dates (January, May, August 2026). Visit the official SSC website weekly from September 2025 to catch any updates.
Track SSC CGL 2025 Dates Automatically
Our smart calendar tool sends you automatic reminders for every SSC CGL deadline and helps you plan your preparation timeline.