SSC CGL 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Cut Off & Free Mocks
Master the Staff Selection Commission CGL Exam with expert-designed courses, pattern-accurate mock tests, and personalized analytics to land your dream central government role.
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SSC CGL 2026 Overview
Official recruitment figures for the 2026 cycle.
Registration Date
9 Jun – 4 Jul 2025
Exam Date
18 – 19 Jan 2026
Salary
₹25,500 – ₹1,42,400 / month
Total Vacancies
14,582 Posts
Eligibility
Any Graduate
Guide Contents
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
The SSC CGL exam is conducted annually and attracts millions of aspirants across India. This examination opens doors to various government jobs including Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, and Assistant in different ministries.
Full Form of SSC CGL
SSC CGL full form is Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level. The "Combined" in the name indicates that this single examination is used to fill multiple posts across various government departments, making it a comprehensive recruitment drive.
Why SSC CGL is Popular Among Job Seekers
SSC CGL is one of the most sought-after government exams in India because it offers job security, attractive salary packages, growth opportunities, and prestigious positions in central government departments. The exam provides an opportunity for graduates from any stream to secure a stable government job with excellent benefits including pension, medical facilities, and work-life balance.
SSC CGL posts come with power, responsibility, and respect in society. The examination pattern is structured yet manageable with proper preparation, making it accessible to candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
SSC CGL 2026 Free Mock Tests
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SSC CGL Exam Overview 2026
The SSC CGL examination is conducted in four tiers, each designed to test different skills and abilities of candidates. The complete selection process includes computer-based tests, descriptive paper, computer proficiency test, and document verification.
SSC CGL Notification and Important Dates 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL Notification Release | March-April 2026 |
| Application Start Date | March 2026 |
| Application Last Date | April-May 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | May-June 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | Sep-Oct 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 3 Exam Date | November 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier 4 Exam Date | December 2026 |
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580+ Selections
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Income Tax
120+
ASO in CSS
85+
Excise/GST
110+
Auditors
200+
Arjun Sharma
Income Tax Inspector
From Delhi
Priya Patel
ASO in MEA
From Mumbai
Rahul Verma
Central Excise Inspector
From Lucknow
Ananya Iyer
Assistant Audit Officer
From Chennai
Recent Changes in SSC CGL 2025-26
SSC has introduced several student-centric updates in the latest cycle to improve transparency and accessibility. From mobile-app based applications to a proposed waiting-list system, here is everything new you should know:
Aadhaar Biometric Auth
Mandatory Aadhaar authentication at Registration, Application, and Exam Centre (Face/Fingerprint).
'mySSC' Mobile App
All-in-one app for OTR, applications, and generating UID tokens for exam entry.
New Posts Added
Introduction of Section Head (DGFT) and Office Superintendent (CBDT) positions.
Sliding Scheme (Waiting List)
Proposed mechanism to fill non-joining vacancies from an extended cut-off list.
Policy Update for PwBD
Original disability certificates are now mandatory for scribes/extra time. No self-attested copies allowed.
SSC CGL Vacancy 2026
For 2025, a total of 14,582 vacancies were announced for Group B and C posts across various central government departments. We can expect the similar number of vacancies for 2026. Exact vacancies are updated on the official website at ssc.gov.in under the tentative vacancy section.
Reservation is provided for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per government rules. Candidates should note that zone-wise or state-wise vacancies are not released by the Commission. The SSC follows reservation policies based on the guidelines of the Indenting Departments. Candidates can check the SSC CGL 2025 Vacancy through the table below:
Post-wise Vacancy Distribution
Total Vacancies: 14,582
Scroll down or search to explore more posts
Historical Vacancy Trends
Year-wise recruitment analysis (2017-2025)
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from any recognised university or institution. The stream of study is completely flexible — Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, or any other discipline are all accepted. Final-year students may also submit applications, but must produce proof of degree completion at the document verification stage.
*Statistical Investigator/JSO posts require Statistics/Maths background.
SSC CGL Age Limit
The age bracket varies across posts. Broadly, candidates between 18 and 30 years are eligible, with certain posts allowing up to 32 years. The upper age ceiling is reckoned as of 01.08.2026.
- Group B Inspector posts: 18 to 30 years
- Junior Statistical Officer: 18 to 32 years
- Auditor / Accountant: 18 to 27 years
- Tax / Postal Assistant: 18 to 27 years
SSC CGL Age Limit — Post-wise Breakdown
Age computed as on 01.08.2026
| Post Name | Department / Ministry | Group | Age Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | Group B | 20–30 yrs |
| Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | Group B | 20–30 yrs |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | Group B | 20–30 yrs |
| Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | Group B | 20–30 yrs |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Assistant / ASO | Other Ministries / Organisations | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Group C | 18–30 yrs |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement, Dept. of Revenue | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Sub Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation | Group B | 20–30 yrs |
| Inspector Posts | Department of Posts | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Section Head | DGFT | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Executive Assistant | CBIC | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Research Assistant | NHRC | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Divisional Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Sub Inspector | NIA | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Sub-Inspector / Junior Intelligence | Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA) | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Junior Statistical Officer | MoSPI | Group B | 18–32 yrs |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Ministry of Home Affairs | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Office Superintendent | CBDT | Group B | 18–30 yrs |
| Auditor | Offices under C&AG | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Auditor | Offices under CGDA | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Auditor | Other Ministry / Departments | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Accountant / Junior Accountant | Other Ministries / Departments | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Postal / Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| SSA / UDC | Central Govt. Offices (non-CSCS cadres) | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, MoD | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Tax Assistant | CBIC | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | Group C | 18–27 yrs |
SSC CGL Age Relaxation 2026
Upper-age concessions granted per category as per Government of India norms.
| Category | Relaxation Granted |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| Physically Handicapped — General | 10 years |
| Physically Handicapped — OBC | 13 years |
| Physically Handicapped — SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen — General | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen — OBC | 6 years |
| Ex-Servicemen — SC/ST | 8 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (General, Group B) | 5 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (OBC, Group B) | 8 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ST, Group B) | 10 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (General, Group C) | Up to 40 years of age |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (OBC, Group C) | Up to 43 years of age |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ST, Group C) | Up to 45 years of age |
| J&K Domicile — General/UR | 5 years |
| J&K Domicile — OBC | 8 years |
| J&K Domicile — SC/ST | 10 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women — Group C / General | Up to 35 years of age |
| Widows / Divorced Women — Group C / OBC | Up to 38 years of age |
| Widows / Divorced Women — Group C / SC&ST | Up to 40 years of age |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities — General | 5 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities — OBC | 8 years |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Hostilities — SC/ST | 10 years |
SSC CGL Qualification — Post-wise
Specific academic requirements for select posts beyond the standard graduation criterion.
| Post Name | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Any bachelor's degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level, OR a degree where Statistics was studied as a full subject throughout the programme. |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university where Statistics was offered across all parts and semesters as a dedicated subject — not merely a single optional paper. |
| Research Assistant (NHRC) | A bachelor's degree plus at least one year of research experience at a recognised university or research institution. |
| All Other Posts | A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university — no specific stream requirement. |
Nationality
Candidates must be either a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from designated countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Physical Standards
Required only for specific posts like Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive/Examiner).
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Qualifying Nature • Computer Based Test
100
Questions
200
Marks
60
Minutes
-0.50
Negative
25 Q | 50 M
25 Q | 50 M
25 Q | 50 M
25 Q | 50 M
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Deciding Factor • Computer Based Test
Maths, Reasoning, English & GA
130 Q | 390 Marks
Duration: 2 Hours 15 Mins | Negative: -1 Mark per wrong answer
Statistics
100 Q | 200 Marks
Duration: 2 Hours | Negative: -0.50 Marks per wrong answer
Tier 3 (Descriptive)
Pen & Paper mode. Essay/Letter writing. 100 Marks. 60 Minutes. Qualifying nature.
Tier 4 (Skill Test)
DEST (Data Entry) or CPT (Computer Proficiency) depending on the post. Qualifying nature.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
Tier 1 Overview
Questions cover General Intelligence (Logic/Analogies), General Awareness (History/Current Affairs), Quant (Arithmetic/Geometry), and English (Grammar/Vocab).
Explore Subject-Wise Topics
Quantitative Aptitude
Arithmetic
- Percentage
- P&L
- Ratio
- Time & Work
- SI & CI
Advance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
English Language
Grammar
- Tenses
- Voice
- Narration
- Error Spotting
Vocabulary
- Idioms
- One Word
- Synonyms
- Cloze Test
Reasoning (GI)
Verbal
- Series
- Analogy
- Blood Relation
- Syllogism
Non-Verbal
- Paper Cutting
- Mirror Image
- Dice
- Matrix
General Awareness
Static GK
- History
- Polity
- Geography
- Science
Current
- Sports
- Awards
- Schemes
- World Events
Posts and Salary Structure
Level 8
₹47,600+
Assistant Audit Officer
Level 7
₹44,900+
Income Tax Inspector / ASO
Level 6
₹35,400+
Divisional Accountant
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA, Transport Allowance, and other benefits. Gross salary is significantly higher than the basic pay shown above.
SSC CGL Post Name, Department and Classification
SSC CGL posts are categorized into Group B and Group C based on pay levels and seniority. Group B positions are typically higher in rank and may be Gazetted, while Group C roles are technical or clerical.
| Post Name | Department | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | Group B |
| Assistant Section Officer | MeitY | Group B |
| Assistant Sector Officer | Other Depts | Group B |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Group C |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Group B |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Group B |
| Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | Group B |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Enforcement Directorate | Group B |
| Sub Inspector | CBI | Group B |
| Inspector Posts | Dept of Posts | Group B |
| Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | Group B |
| Section Head | DGFT | Group B |
| Executive Assistant | CBIC | Group B |
| Research Assistant | NHRC | Group B |
| Divisional Accountant | C&AG | Group B |
| Sub Inspector | NIA | Group B |
| Sub-Inspector/Junior Intelligence | Narcotics Control Bureau | Group B |
| Junior Statistical Officer | MoSPI | Group B |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | MHA | Group B |
| Office Superintendent | CBDT | Group B |
| Auditor | Offices under C&AG | Group C |
| Auditor | Offices under CGDA | Group C |
| Auditor | Other Depts | Group C |
| Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group C |
| Accountant | CGA | Group C |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | Dept of Posts | Group C |
| SSA/UDC | Other Central Govt Offices | Group C |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | MES (Defence) | Group C |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT | Group C |
| Tax Assistant | CBIC | Group C |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics | Group C |
Preparation Strategy
Tier 1 Strategy
- 1Understand PatternKnow the marking scheme and time limits.
- 2Plan EffectivelyDivide time equally among 4 sections. Focus on basics first.
- 3Speed & AccuracyCrucial for solving 100 questions in exactly 60 minutes.
- 4Right ResourcesUse standard books like RS Aggarwal and Lucent.
Tier 2 & 3 Strategy
Deep Conceptual Focus
For Tier 2, focus entirely on building deep conceptual understanding for Maths and English as these are the ultimate deciding factors.
Daily Writing Practice
For Tier 3, practice daily essay and letter writing to significantly improve your expression, vocabulary, and coherence under time pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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