SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment Notification Out: Apply Online for 12,256 Posts

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the detailed notification for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026. This year, the commission has announced a mega recruitment drive with 12,256 vacant posts in various Group B and Group C cadres. These positions are distributed across different ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. The Combined Graduate Level Exam is one of the most prestigious exams in the country, attracting millions of graduates who aspire to work in high-ranking administrative, inspector, and auditor profiles under the Central Government. Eligible candidates can submit their online applications on the official portal at ssc.gov.in from May 22 to June 22, 2026.

Detailed Post Classification, Vacancies, and Salary Structure

The posts offered through SSC CGL 2026 are categorized under different Pay Levels as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Selected candidates will enjoy not only a handsome basic salary but also attractive allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and medical benefits. Below is the detailed post-wise vacancy and pay scale breakdown:

Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit Conditions

Candidates applying for the SSC CGL 2026 exam must fulfill the following essential eligibility criteria as on the crucial cut-off date:

• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, to settle permanently.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent. For the post of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), candidates require a Bachelor's Degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the 12th standard level, or a Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at graduation level. For Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer, CA, MBA (Finance), or M.Com is a desirable qualification.
• Age Limit (As on August 1, 2026): The general age limit is 18 to 30 years for most of the posts, and 18 to 27 years for Group C clerk and auditor posts. For JSO, the maximum age limit is 32 years. Relaxations in the upper age limit are applicable as per government regulations: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, 10 years for PwD (Unreserved), 13 years for PwD (OBC), and 15 years for PwD (SC/ST).

Tier-1 Examination Pattern and Topic-wise Syllabus

The selection process comprises two phases: Tier I and Tier II. Tier-I is an online computer-based examination that serves as a screening test. It is qualifying in nature, meaning its marks are not added to the final merit list, but candidates must pass it to proceed to Tier-II. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions for 200 marks, with a time duration of 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

Detailed Syllabus for Tier-1:
1. Quantitative Aptitude: Number Systems, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Interest (Simple & Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Basic Algebra, Surds, Graphs of Linear Equations, Triangle and its various kinds of centres, Congruence and similarity of triangles, Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords, common tangents, Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base, Trigonometric Ratio, Degree and Radian Measures, Standard Identities, Complementary Angles, Heights and Distances, Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart.
2. General Intelligence and Reasoning: Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Figural Analogy, Semantic Classification, Symbolic/Number Classification, Figural Classification, Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series, Problem Solving, Word Building, Coding & De-coding, Numerical Operations, Symbolic Operations, Trends, Space Orientation, Space Visualization, Venn Diagrams, Drawing inferences, Punched hole/pattern-folding & unfolding, Figural Pattern-folding and completion, Indexing, Address matching, Date & city matching, Classification of centre codes/roll numbers, Small & Capital letters/numbers coding, decoding and classification, Embedded Figures, Critical thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence.
3. English Comprehension: Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms, Antonyms, Spelling/Detecting Mis-spelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One word substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice of verbs, Conversion into Direct/Indirect narration, Shuffling of Sentence parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage.
4. General Awareness: History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research, Current Affairs (National & International), Books & Authors, Awards & Honours, Sports, Important Days & Dates.

Tier-2 Examination Scheme & Computer Proficiency Module

Tier-II is the final competitive phase consisting of three papers, where Paper-I is mandatory for all posts. Paper-II is only for JSO, and Paper-III is only for Assistant Audit Officer posts. Paper-I consists of objective type questions and is divided into three sections:

• Section I: Module-I (Mathematical Abilities - 30 Qs) and Module-II (Reasoning and General Intelligence - 30 Qs). Total 60 Questions for 180 Marks. Duration: 1 Hour.
• Section II: Module-I (English Language and Comprehension - 45 Qs) and Module-II (General Awareness - 25 Qs). Total 70 Questions for 210 Marks. Duration: 1 Hour.
• Section III: Module-I (Computer Knowledge Test - 20 Qs for 60 Marks, Duration: 15 Minutes) and Module-II (Data Entry Speed Test - DEST Module, Duration: 15 Minutes). DEST requires candidates to type a passage of approximately 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Online Application Procedure

Aspiring candidates must submit their application online by following the steps outlined below:

1. One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in. Click on "Register Now" to create your login credentials by entering personal details, email, and mobile number.
2. Login: Log in using the registration number and password sent to your email.
3. Fill Application Form: Go to the dashboard, locate "Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026", and click on the "Apply" button. Fill in educational details, select three exam center preferences, and verify pre-filled personal information.
4. Live Photo Capture: As per the new SSC guidelines, candidates must capture a live photograph using a webcam or the official SSC Mobile App in clear lighting. Avoid wearing caps, masks, or glasses.
5. Upload Signature: Upload a scanned signature in JPG format (size 10 to 20 KB) with clear visibility.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the online fee of Rs. 100/- through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. SC, ST, PwD, and female candidates are exempted from payment.
7. Final Submission: Review the entire form carefully using the "Preview" button, make corrections if necessary, and click "Submit". Download and print the generated PDF confirmation page.