SSC CGL 2026: complete exam guide
SSC CGL 2026: 12,256 Group B & C vacancies. Tier 1 from 30 Sep to 30 Oct, Tier 2 in Dec 2026. Check eligibility, syllabus, salary, cut-off and answer key.
Updated 30 October 2026
SSC CGL key facts
- Conducting body
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Posts
- Group B and Group C posts (AAO, ASO, Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant and more)
- Vacancies
- 12,256 (tentative, 2026)
- Qualification
- Bachelor's degree (subject conditions for JSO and SI Gr-II)
- Age limit
- 18–27 / 20–30 / 18–30 / 18–32 years by post, as on 01-08-2026
- Application fee
- ₹100 (women, SC, ST, PwBD, ESM exempt)
- Tier 1 exam
- 30 September – 30 October 2026
- Tier 2 exam
- December 2026
- Selection process
- Tier 1 (qualifying) → Tier 2 (merit) → Document verification
- Pay scale
- Pay Level 4 to 8 (₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100)
What is SSC CGL?
The Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is a national-level recruitment exam held by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Group B and Group C posts in central ministries, departments and attached offices. For the 2026 cycle, SSC has notified 12,256 tentative vacancies, and any graduate who meets the post-wise age limit can apply. This guide is based on the latest SSC notices for the 2026 cycle and the final results of the 2025 cycle.
SSC CGL 2026 important dates and exam pattern
The notification came out on 21 May 2026. Online forms were accepted until 22 June 2026, and the fee could be paid until 23 June 2026. Candidates could edit their forms from 29 June to 1 July 2026. The Tier 1 computer-based exam is scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026, and Tier 2 is planned for December 2026. Full details are on the SSC CGL notification page.
| Stage | What it tests | Role in selection |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (CBT) | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes | Qualifying only |
| Tier 2 Paper 1 (CBT) | Maths, reasoning, English, GA + computer test and DEST | Decides the merit |
| Tier 2 Paper 2 / Paper 3 | Statistics (JSO) / Finance & Economics (AAO) | Post-specific |
| Document verification | Certificates, category and age proof | Before final allotment |
Posts and pay
Posts go from Tax Assistant and Postal Assistant at Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) all the way to Assistant Audit Officer at Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100). In between sit popular posts such as Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, CBIC Inspector, Assistant Enforcement Officer and CBI Sub-Inspector. Compare job profiles, in-hand pay and promotions on the SSC CGL posts and salary page.
Who can apply?
You need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II also ask for specific subjects. The minimum age is 18, and the upper limit is 27, 30 or 32 years depending on the post, counted as on 01 August 2026. Reserved categories get relaxation as per government rules. See the full SSC CGL eligibility rules before you pick your post preferences.
Frequently asked questions
When is the SSC CGL 2026 exam?
Tier 1 is scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026, and Tier 2 is planned for December 2026. The SSC CGL notification page has the full schedule.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
SSC has notified 12,256 tentative vacancies for Group B and Group C posts. The count is tentative and can change; see the SSC CGL vacancies page for the post-wise split.
Do SSC CGL Tier 1 marks count in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 is qualifying only, and the final merit is decided by Tier 2. The SSC CGL exam pattern explains both tiers.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
It is 18–27, 20–30, 18–30 or 18–32 years depending on the post, counted as on 1 August 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories. See the SSC CGL eligibility rules.
What is the salary of SSC CGL posts?
Posts range from Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) for Tax Assistant and Postal Assistant to Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) for Assistant Audit Officer. Compare posts on the SSC CGL posts and salary page.
What is the SSC CGL application fee?
The fee is ₹100. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempt. Details are on the SSC CGL application form page.