SSC CGL Apply Online:
Registration Process, Fee & Dates
SSC CGL 2026 Application — Key Dates
Historical timelines for the CGL 2026 registration cycle. Next cycle dates will be updated upon official notification release.
| Event | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 21 May 2026 |
| Application window opened | 21 May 2026 |
| Original last date to apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Extended fee payment deadline | 26 June 2026 |
| Correction window | Early July 2026 (exact dates varied by source — confirm against the official notification) |
| Tier 1 exam (tentative) | August–September 2026 |
SSC CGL Application Fee
Official category-wise registration fees. Exemption details apply to reserved categories and women.
General / OBC / EWS
Applies to male candidates in the unreserved, other backward classes, and economically weaker sections.
SC / ST / PwBD / ESM / Women
Fully exempted from fee payments. Covers all female candidates irrespective of category.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for SSC CGL
Follow this official walkthrough to complete your OTR registration and exam application form correctly.
Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
Every candidate — first-time or returning — needs an OTR profile before filling any SSC application.
- Go to ssc.gov.in and click "Login / Register".
- Select "New User? Register Now".
- Enter Class 10 certificate details exactly as they appear on the certificate (name, roll number, board, passing year) — mismatches here are one of the most common rejection triggers at document verification.
- Enter a valid, actively-used mobile number and email ID — all further communication comes through these.
- Verify via OTP.
- On successful registration, SSC issues a Registration ID and password. This OTR is permanent and works for every future SSC exam, not just CGL.
Log In and Select the Exam
Log in with your Registration ID and password, then locate "Combined Graduate Level Examination" under active exams and click Apply.
Fill the Application Form
Enter details carefully across sections:
- Educational qualification details
- Category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS) and PwBD status if applicable
- Communication address
- Exam centre preference
- Post preferences, where applicable at this stage
Upload Photograph and Signature
Upload a recent passport-style photograph and a signature scan in the exact format, dimensions, and file size specified in that year's official notification. Specifications can change slightly year to year — always check the current notification rather than reusing an old spec sheet.
Pay the Application Fee
Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card, or generate an offline SBI challan if you prefer to pay in person. SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and women candidates skip this step entirely.
Review and Submit
Check every field carefully — name, date of birth, category, and exam centre are the fields most commonly locked or heavily fee-penalized during correction. Submit the form and download/save the confirmation page immediately.
Use the Correction Window if Needed
SSC opens a short correction window after the main deadline for specific fields. The Registration ID itself can never be changed, since it's permanently tied to your OTR profile.
| Correction Attempt | Fee |
|---|---|
| First correction | ₹200 |
| Second correction | ₹500 |
Documents and Details You'll Need Before You Start
Keep these ready before you sit down to apply — most application errors happen from rushing this step.
Class 10 Certificate
For OTR profiles — checks candidate name, roll number, board, and year.
Graduation Details
Mark sheets and degree certificate specifications for active qualifications.
Active Contacts
A valid, active mobile number and email ID for OTP updates and exam notifications.
Category Certificate
OBC / SC / ST / EWS certification documents (if seeking reservation claims).
PwBD Certificate
Benchmark disability documents to apply for concessions (where applicable).
Passport Photo
Scanned copy of recent photograph compliant with notification guidelines.
Signature Scan
Scanned image of signature compliant with size and format limits.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Ensure your registration details match your official documents exactly to prevent administrative rejection.
Name Mismatch
Name mismatch between OTR and Class 10 certificate — even a spelling variation can cause issues at document verification.
Inactive Contact Info
Using a mobile number or email you don't actively check — password resets and exam city/date communication go here.
Rushed Uploads
Rushing photo/signature uploads — format and size rejections at submission time are common and avoidable by checking specs first.
Last-Minute Submission
Waiting until the last day — the SSC portal reliably slows down or times out under last-day traffic load; submit at least 2-3 days early.
Registration ID Errors
Assuming the Registration ID can be corrected later — it cannot; double-check it immediately after OTR.
After You Apply
Once submitted, next steps in the cycle are:
Admit Card Release
Roughly 1-2 weeks before Tier 1 exam
Tier 1 Exam
Computer-based testing for all eligible applicants
Tier 1 Result & Cutoff
Category-wise qualification thresholds announced
Tier 2 Exam
For candidates who qualified Tier 1 thresholds
Related Pages
Explore other essential resources for your CGL preparation:
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about CGL registrations: