Staff Selection Commission (SSC) announced the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 notification on 21 May 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill roughly 12,256 tentative vacancies in various central ministries, departments, and government organizations. The posts available range from Assistant Section Officer and Inspector of Income Tax to Auditor, Accountant, and Tax Assistant.
The selection process is rigorous, involving a two-tier computer-based examination system. Tier-I serves as a qualifying stage, while the final merit is determined by performance in Tier-II. A significant update for the 2026 cycle is the introduction of sectional timing in the Tier-I exam, requiring candidates to manage their time strictly across four distinct subjects.
Applicants must be Indian citizens with a recognized Bachelor’s degree. The age limit generally falls between 18 and 32 years, though specific limits apply to different post categories. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) and submit their forms well before the June 22 deadline to avoid technical issues caused by heavy server traffic.
Important Dates
| Official Notification Release | May 21, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 22, 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | June 23, 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | June 29 to July 1, 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier-I Exam (Tentative) | August–September 2026 |
| SSC CGL Tier-II Exam (Tentative) | December 2026 |
Application Fee
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid through online modes such as BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit cards.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General, OBC, EWS | Rs. 100 |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
Age Limit Details (As of 2026)
The age limit varies based on the specific pay level and post category.
| Post Category / Pay Level | Age Limit |
| Pay Level 8 (AAO) | 18 – 30 years |
| Pay Level 7 (ASO, Inspector, SI) | 18 – 30 or 20 – 30 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Up to 32 years |
| Pay Level 4 & 5 (Auditor, Tax Assistant) | 18 – 27 years |
Eligibility Criteria
- General Posts: A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institute.
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the Class 12 level OR a Graduation degree with Statistics as a subject.
- Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Data Science, or Computer Science as a compulsory or elective subject.
- Note for Final Year Students: Students in their final year of graduation can apply, provided they complete their qualification before August 1, 2026.
SSC CGL Vacancy Details
| Major Post Categories | Departments |
| Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer | C&AG |
| Assistant Section Officer | CSS, MEA, IB, AFHQ |
| Inspector (Income Tax / Central Excise) | CBDT, CBIC |
| Sub-Inspector | CBI, NIA |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement |
| Junior Statistical Officer | MoSPI |
| Auditor / Accountant | C&AG, CGDA |
| Tax Assistant / UDC | CBDT, CBIC, Various Ministries |
Selection Process
- Tier-I Exam: A computer-based objective test that is qualifying in nature.
- Tier-II Exam: A comprehensive examination consisting of multiple papers. Performance here determines the final merit rank.
- Document Verification: Successful candidates must undergo final eligibility and certificate checking.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Tier-I Exam Pattern (With Sectional Timing)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Sectional Time |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 Minutes |
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer
Step-by-Step Process: Apply Online
- Visit the Website: Go to the official Staff Selection Commission portal at ssc.gov.in.
- Registration: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user.
- Login: Use your registration number and password to log in.
- Find the Exam: Under the “Latest Notifications” tab, click the “Apply” link for Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026.
- Fill Details: Enter personal, educational, and communication details. Select your preferred exam centers.
- Upload Media: Upload your scanned photograph and signature as per the instructions.
- Pay Fee: Pay the Rs. 100 fee online, if applicable.
- Submit & Save: Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the SSC CGL 2026 Notification out?
Yes, the notification was released on May 21, 2026, for over 12,000 vacancies.
2. What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The last date for online application is June 22, 2026, by 23:00 hours.
3. How many vacancies are announced this year?
Approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies have been announced.
4. Can final year students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, final year students can apply if they complete their graduation by August 1, 2026.
5. What is the application fee for female candidates?
Women candidates are completely exempted from paying the application fee.
