The Staff Selection Commission has released the SSC CGL Recruitment Notification on 21st May 2026. The Commission has announced approximately 12,256 vacancies for the SSC CGL 2026 recruitment cycle. Check SSC CGL 2026 Notification, Exam latest updates, online application form, exam date, admit card, study plan, exam pattern, and more from the article below.
SSC CGL 2026 — Quick Highlights
- Notification released: 21 May 2026 (LIVE) · F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1
- Vacancies: ~12,256 (tentative) · post-wise breakdown pending
- Apply: 21 May – 22 June 2026 · ₹100 fee (Women / SC / ST / PwBD / ESM exempt)
- Tier-I exam: Aug – Sep 2026 · 15-minute sectional timer per section (NEW)
- Tier-II exam: Dec 2026 · Paper-III (Finance & Economics) returns for AAO / Asst. Accounts Officer
- Sectional cut-off: Only at Tier-II (qualify each section separately, Para 13.9.6)
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Notification Released | 21 May 2026 (LIVE) — 132-page Notice of Advertisement |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 (Tentative) across ~60 post categories · post-wise will be published later by SSC |
| Online Application | 21 May 2026 – 22 June 2026 (upto 2300 hrs) |
| Last Date — Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (upto 2300 hrs) |
| Correction Window | 29 June – 01 July 2026 (upto 2300 hrs) · ₹200 (1st) / ₹500 (2nd) |
| Tier-I Exam (Tentative) | August – September 2026 · 15-min sectional timer |
| Tier-II Exam (Tentative) | December 2026 · Paper-I + Paper-II (JSO/SI) + Paper-III (AAO/Asst. Accounts Officer) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university |
| Age Limit | 18 – 32 years (post-specific; standard SSC relaxations apply) |
| Selection Process | Tier-I (qualifying) → Tier-II (final merit) |
| Pay Range | ₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100 (7th CPC Pay Levels 4 – 8) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 · Women / SC / ST / PwBD / ESM exempt |
| Toll-free Helpline | 1800 309 3063 (application difficulties) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
sSC CGL Notification 2026 PDF Download
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC CGL Notification 2026 PDF for candidates preparing for various Group B and Group C government posts. You can download the SSC CGL Notification 2026 PDF directly through the link given below.
Download SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF
SSC CGL 2026 Notification Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 (11 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (11 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June to 01 July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | August-September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 |
SSC CGL Vacancy Trends [2026-2017]
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 12256 |
| 2025 | 15118 |
| 2024 | 17727 |
| 2023 | 8415 |
| 2022 | 37409 |
| 2021 | 7621 |
| 2020 | 7035 |
| 2019 | 8428 |
| 2018 | 11271 |
| 2017 | 9276 |
What’s Changing — CGL 2025 vs CGL 2026
| Change | CGL 2025 | CGL 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-I sectional timer | No (60 min total) | 15 min per section |
| Tier-II Paper-I Section-I | 60 min total (Math + Reasoning combined) | 30 min Math + 30 min Reasoning (hard split) |
| AAO recruitment (Paper-III) | No | Yes |
| Vacancies | 15,130 (final) · initial 14,582 | 12,256 (tentative) |
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier-I (Computer Based Examination) — Sectional Timing Confirmed
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes total 15-min sectional timer per part |
| B. General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| C. Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| D. English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total Tier-I | 100 | 200 | 60 min |
Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Medium: English + Hindi for all sections except English Comprehension. Questions in Parts A, B & D at graduation level; Part C at 10th-standard level.
Tier-II — Paper-I (all) + Paper-II (JSO/SI) + Paper-III (AAO)
| Paper | Section / Sub-part | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I (compulsory · all posts) | Section-I · A — Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 min | −1 |
| Section-I · B — Reasoning & GI | 30 | 90 | 30 min | −1 | |
| Section-II · A — English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 | 40 min | −1 | |
| Section-II · B — General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 20 min | −1 | |
| Section-III — Computer Knowledge Test qualifying | 20 | 60 | 15 min | −1 | |
| Section-IV (Session-II) — DEST qualifying | 1 task | — | 15 min | — | |
| Paper-II JSO / SI only | Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hrs | −0.5 |
| Paper-III AAO / Asst. Accounts Officer | General Studies — Finance & Economics | 100 | 200 | 2 hrs | −0.5 |
Mandatory to qualify all four Sections of Paper-I separately. Tier-II marks (Paper-I + Paper-II/III where applicable) determine final merit; Tier-I is qualifying only.
Sectional Cut-off in SSC CGL 2026
Is there sectional cut-off in CGL 2026 Tier-I?
No. Tier-I has only an overall category-wise qualifying cut-off (e.g. UR ≈ 136 / 200 in CGL 2025). There is no per-section minimum at Tier-I — only the total counts.
Is there sectional cut-off in CGL 2026 Tier-II?
Yes (Para 13.9.6). Candidates must qualify each section of Paper-I separately. The sections are:
| Section / Paper | Subject(s) | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Section-I | Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & GI | All posts |
| Section-II | English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | All posts |
| Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test qualifying | All posts |
| Section-IV | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) qualifying | All posts |
| Paper-II | Statistics counts in merit | JSO / Statistical Investigator |
| Paper-III | Finance & Economics counts in merit | AAO / Asst. Accounts Officer |
Para 13.9.6 carries over from CGL 2025 (was Para 13.8.6) — not a 2026 change, but often missed by candidates.
What is the minimum qualifying mark per section?
SSC sets a category-wise floor on each section (Para 16.1 of the Notification):
| Category | Minimum per section |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwBD / ESM | 20% |
Higher standards for some posts (CKT & DEST)?
For posts where Computer Proficiency or typing speed is essential, SSC sets a higher qualifying standard in Section-III (CKT) and Section-IV (DEST):
| Post | Department / Ministry |
|---|---|
| ASO | CSS / MEA / AFHQ |
| Inspector (CGST / Central Excise) | CBIC |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC |
| Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC |
| Executive Assistant | CBIC |
| Assistant (SFIO) | Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
| Assistant (GSI) | Ministry of Mines |
| Assistant | India Meteorological Department |
| Postal Asst / Sorting Asst | Dept. of Posts |
Posts with higher DEST standard only (CKT remains regular): Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC), UDC / SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics. See Notification Para 13.9.9-b and 13.9.10.4
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register OTR | One-Time Registration on the new ssc.gov.in portal (skip if already registered). |
| 2 | Open the CGL 2026 application | Notification is LIVE since 21 May 2026 under Notice Board → Latest Updates. Log in and click Apply next to “Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026”. |
| 3 | Fill personal + post + centre details | Post preferences (in order of priority), centre preferences (up to 3 within the same SSC Region), upload photo + signature per SSC’s specs. |
| 4 | Pay fee | ₹100 via BHIM UPI / Net Banking / Visa / Mastercard / Maestro / RuPay debit card. Women / SC / ST / PwBD / ESM exempt. Fee window closes 23 June 2026 (2300 hrs). |
| 5 | Submit + download | Submit before 22 June 2026 (2300 hrs). Download the final acknowledgement PDF. |
| 6 | Correction window (optional) | 29 June – 01 July 2026 (2300 hrs). First correction ₹200, second correction ₹500. Maximum 2 corrections. |
SSC CGL 2026 Salary — Pay-Level Summary
7th CPC pay scales. Gross monthly pay depends on city class (X/Y/Z HRA tier). Figures below are X-city entry gross (27% HRA + current DA), before deductions.
| Pay Level | Basic Pay Band | Gross (X-city, entry) | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | ≈ ₹78,000 – ₹85,000 | Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) — C&AG |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ≈ ₹73,000 – ₹80,000 | Inspector (CGST / Income Tax / Preventive Officer / Examiner), ASO (CSS / IB / MEA / AFHQ / Railways / EPFO), Office Superintendent, Inspector of Posts |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ≈ ₹58,000 – ₹64,000 | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), Statistical Investigator Gr-II, Sub-Inspector (CBI / NIA), Assistant (some cadres) |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ≈ ₹42,000 – ₹46,000 | Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC), Auditor, Accountant, Senior Secretariat Assistant (UDC), Compiler |
SSC CGL 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
When was the SSC CGL 2026 Notification released?
SSC released the Notice of Advertisement on 21 May 2026 (F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, 132 pages). Apply 21 May – 22 June 2026. Fee till 23 June; correction window 29 June – 1 July 2026.
What is the total SSC CGL 2026 vacancy?
Approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies across ~60 posts . SSC will publish post-wise figures as a separate notice on ssc.gov.in. We will mirror it here within hours.
Is there sectional timing in SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I?
Yes. Tier-I has a 15-minute sectional timer per section (Para 13.8). After 15 min the section auto-closes. New in 2026 — CGL 2025 had no sectional timer.
Is there sectional cut-off in SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I?
No. Tier-I has only an overall qualifying cut-off (category-wise — UR / OBC / EWS / SC / ST). No per-section minimum at Tier-I.
Is there sectional cut-off in SSC CGL 2026 Tier-II?
Yes (Para 13.9.6). Candidates must qualify each section of Paper-I separately. Minimum per section: 30% (UR), 25% (OBC/EWS), 20% (SC/ST/PwBD/ESM). Same rule applied in CGL 2025 (was Para 13.8.6).
What is Tier-II Paper-III in SSC CGL 2026?
Paper-III is General Studies (Finance & Economics) — 100 Q × 2 marks = 200 marks · 2 hours · 0.50 negative marking. Mandatory only for AAO / Assistant Accounts Officer applicants. Not new — Paper-III runs whenever AAO is part of the cycle.
What is the SSC CGL Tier-I exam pattern?
4 sections × 25 Q × 2 marks = 200 marks total. Sections: Reasoning, GA, Quantitative Aptitude, English. Total time 60 minutes with 15-min sectional timer per section. Negative marking: 0.50 per wrong answer.
What is the SSC CGL Tier-II exam pattern?
Tier-II structure:
- Paper-I (compulsory): Section-I (Math + Reasoning, 180 marks) + Section-II (English + GA, 210 marks) + Section-III (CKT, 60 marks) + Section-IV (DEST, qualifying)
- Paper-II (JSO / SI only): Statistics — 100 Q × 2 = 200 marks · 2 hrs
- Paper-III (AAO / Asst Accounts only): Finance & Economics — 100 Q × 2 = 200 marks · 2 hrs
Negative marking: 1 mark per wrong in Paper-I Section-I/II/III; 0.50 in Paper-II and Paper-III.
Who is eligible to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Age by post: 18–27 (Tax Asst / JSO / Auditor / Accountant); 18–30 (ASO / Inspector / Executive Asst); 20–30 (AAO); 18–32 (DGFT Section Head etc.). Relaxations: SC/ST +5, OBC +3, PwBD +10–15.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
Calculated as on 01 August 2026 (Para 5.1). Post-specific brackets:
- 18–27: Tax Asst (CBDT/CBIC), Auditor, Accountant, JSO, Compiler, SI Gr-II, UDC
- 18–30: ASO (CSS/IB/MEA/AFHQ/Railways/EPFO/CAT), Inspector (CE/IT/PO/Examiner), Executive Asst, Office Supt, Inspector of Posts
- 20–30: AAO, Sub-Inspector (CBI / NIA)
- 18–32: Section Head DGFT, certain senior-level posts
Relaxations: SC/ST +5 yrs, OBC +3, PwBD +10–15, ex-servicemen / departmental candidates as per rules (Para 5.2).
What is the SSC CGL 2026 application fee?
₹100 (Para 10). Women, SC, ST, PwBD and ESM (eligible for reservation) pay nothing. Pay online via BHIM UPI / Net Banking / Visa / Mastercard / Maestro / RuPay by 23 June 2026 (2300 hrs).
What is the SSC CGL 2026 application correction window?
29 June – 01 July 2026 (2300 hrs), Para 11. Maximum 2 corrections — first costs ₹200, second costs ₹500. Charges are non-refundable.
Can I get a refund of SSC CGL 2026 application fee?
No. Fee and correction charges are non-refundable and cannot be adjusted against any other SSC examination (Notification Para 10.6 and 11.6).
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
- Tier-I: 0.50 marks per wrong (Para 13.8.2)
- Tier-II Paper-I Section-I/II/III: 1 mark per wrong (Para 13.9.8)
- Tier-II Paper-II and Paper-III: 0.50 marks per wrong
- DEST: no negative marking, qualifying only
Is Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) mandatory in Tier-II?
Yes. Section-III of Paper-I — CKT (20 Q × 3 = 60 marks, 15 min) — is mandatory for all posts (Para 13.9.9-a). Qualifying only for most posts, but higher standard required for ASO (CSS/MEA/AFHQ), Inspector (CGST/PO/Examiner), Executive Asst (CBIC), Asst (SFIO/GSI/IMD), Postal Asst.
Which posts have higher DEST standard in SSC CGL 2026?
Per Para 13.9.10.4:
- Higher DEST standard mandatory: Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC); UDC / SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics
- All posts in the higher-CKT list (ASO CSS, Inspector CGST, Inspector PO/Examiner, Executive Asst CBIC, etc.) also need higher DEST standard
Compensatory time: 20 minutes per hour of examination. Own scribe needs OTR + Aadhaar; scribe qualification must be one step below candidate.
How do I choose an examination centre?
Choose 3 centres in order of priority within the same SSC Region (Para 12.2). No change later. SSC reserves the right to add new centres or divert candidates. Each centre has a unique 4-digit code listed in Notification Para 12.1.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for SSC CGL 2026 application?
Aadhaar Based Authentication is strongly recommended (Para 9.3) but not strictly mandatory. Benefits: application is not rejected for photo / signature standard issues; no need to bring physical photo ID to the exam centre.
What is the SSC CGL 2026 selection process?
Two CBE tiers. Tier-I is qualifying only — it shortlists candidates for Tier-II at a ratio decided by SSC. Tier-II decides final merit. Document Verification follows. AAO, JSO, Income Tax Inspector and CBI Sub-Inspector posts also need Medical / PMT clearance before allotment.
When will the SSC CGL 2026 admit card release?
Tier-I admit card typically releases 7–10 days before the exam. With Tier-I tentatively in Aug-Sep 2026, expect admit cards from late July / August 2026. SSC will announce on ssc.gov.in.
What documents do I need at SSC CGL 2026 Document Verification?
At DV you must produce:
- Matriculation/Secondary certificate (date of birth proof)
- Bachelor’s degree marksheets (all years / semesters) + provisional / degree certificate
- Category certificate (SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwBD / ESM) in prescribed format if applicable
- Government photo ID
- Recent passport-size photographs
- For AAO State Cadre — Regional language proficiency certificate at Matric level
- For ODL / Open University degrees — DEB-UGC approval letter for the relevant period
How can I download the SSC CGL 2026 notification PDF?
The Notification PDF (132 pages) has been live on ssc.gov.in since 21 May 2026. SSC will release the post-wise vacancy table as a separate notice and we will mirror it here.
