Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 12256 Vacancies
SSC CGL 2026
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2026.
- The recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 12,256 vacancies for Group B and Group C posts.
- Eligible candidates with a Graduation Degree can apply online from 21 May 2026 to 22 June 2026.
- The selection process involves a two-tier Computer Based Examination (Tier-I and Tier-II).
- Pay scales range from Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100) to Pay Level 8 (Rs. 47,600–1,51,100).
- Age limits vary by post, with relaxations available for reserved categories.
- Essential educational qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree, with specific requirements for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts.
- The application fee is Rs. 100/- for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; others are exempted.
- Tier-I exam is scheduled for August-September 2026, and Tier-II for December 2026.
- Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards for certain posts.
- The official website for application is ssc.gov.in.
- This is a significant opportunity for graduates seeking prestigious government jobs.
Important Dates
Salary & Pay Scale
Documents Required for Application
- Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Graduation Mark sheets and Degree/Provisional Certificate
- SC/ST Certificate (in prescribed format)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate (valid as on closing date)
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate (valid for FY 2026–27)
- PwBD Disability Certificate
- Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate and other relevant documents
- Equivalence certificate (if applicable)
- DEB/UGC approval letter (for Distance Learning degrees)
- Certificate of proficiency in State Regional/official language (for specific posts)
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or equivalent as on 01-08-2026.
- For JSO: At least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level OR Statistics as a subject at degree level.
- For Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, etc.
- Final year appearing candidates are eligible if they possess the qualification by 01-08-2026.
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Category | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Group B (Gazetted/Non-Gazetted) | Details to be updated on SSC website |
| Group C | Details to be updated on SSC website |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 12,256 (Tentative) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST | NIL |
| PH / PWD | NIL |
| Female | NIL |
| Ex-Servicemen | NIL |
| Payment Mode | Online (BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards) |
Age Limit
Selection & Exam Process
Tier-I: Computer Based Examination
- Objective Type MCQs covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
- Duration: 1 hour (1 hour 20 minutes for scribe-eligible PwBD candidates).
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Tier-II: Computer Based Examination
- Consists of Paper-I (Compulsory for all), Paper-II (for JSO/Statistical Investigator), and Paper-III (for AAO/AACO).
- Paper-I includes sections on Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Test, and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
- Paper-II focuses on Statistics.
- Paper-III focuses on General Studies (Finance and Economics).
- Negative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in Paper-I (Sections I, II, III); 0.50 marks in Paper-II and Paper-III.
- DEST and Computer Knowledge Test are qualifying in nature.
Tier-I: Computer Based Examination
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 1 hour (1 hr 20 min for PwBD) |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Tier-II: Computer Based Examination
Paper-I (Compulsory for all posts)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30+30 = 60 | 180 | 2 hrs 15 min |
| English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | 45+25 = 70 | 210 | ||
| Session-II | Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 20 | 60 | 15 min |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) (qualifying) | – | – | 15 min |
Paper-II (For JSO / Statistical Investigator only)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Paper-III (For AAO / AAcO only)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
Negative marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in Paper-I (Sections I, II, III); 0.50 marks in Paper-II and Paper-III.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in/
- Generate One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new portal (mandatory). Use Aadhaar-based authentication if possible.
- Complete and lock your OTR profile.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF), including capturing a live photograph.
- Upload scanned signature (JPEG/JPG, 10–20 KB, 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm).
- Fill in post preferences and exam centre choices (3 centres within the same region).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 100/- online (if applicable) by 23 June 2026.
- Preview and print the application form to verify details before final submission.
- Use the correction window (29 June – 01 July 2026) if any corrections are needed (chargeable).
- Keep a printout of the application and related documents for at least 3 years.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
SSC CGL 2026 Preparation Strategy
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination is one of the most competitive exams in India, attracting lakhs of graduate aspirants annually. Success in SSC CGL 2026 requires a strategic and disciplined approach. This guide outlines key areas to focus on for effective preparation.
Syllabus Breakdown
Understanding the syllabus is the first step. The SSC CGL exam comprises two tiers: Tier-I (Preliminary) and Tier-II (Main). Both tiers have distinct syllabi:
Tier-I Syllabus:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Covers topics like analogies, syllogisms, coding-decoding, number series, spatial visualization, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- General Awareness: Focuses on current events, Indian history, geography, Indian polity, Indian economy, general science, and static GK.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Includes arithmetic (number systems, percentages, profit & loss, time & work, time & distance), algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and statistics.
- English Comprehension: Tests grammar, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms), sentence structure, comprehension passages, and writing ability.
Tier-II Syllabus:
- Paper-I (Compulsory for all):
- Section-I: Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning & General Intelligence: Advanced topics building on Tier-I.
- Section-II: English Language & Comprehension & General Awareness: Focuses on advanced vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and current affairs.
- Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (Qualifying): Basic computer knowledge, MS Office, internet, and networking.
- Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) (Qualifying): Typing speed test.
- Paper-II (For JSO/Statistical Investigator): Statistics syllabus covering data collection, central tendency, dispersion, correlation, regression, probability, etc.
- Paper-III (For AAO/Assistant Accounts Officer): Finance and Accounts (GAAP, depreciation, bank reconciliation) and Economics & Governance (Indian economy, financial markets, budget).
Exam Pattern Insights
The exam pattern is crucial for understanding the structure, marking scheme, and time management:
- Tier-I: 100 MCQs, 200 marks, 1-hour duration. Negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.
- Tier-II: Multi-paper examination. Paper-I is conducted in two sessions. Paper-II and Paper-III are conducted in separate sessions/days. Negative marking applies (1 mark for Paper-I Sections I, II, III; 0.50 marks for Paper-II & III). DEST and Computer Knowledge Test are qualifying.
- Normalization: Marks in Tier-I and Tier-II are normalized due to multiple shifts.
Effective Preparation Tips
- Start Early & Plan: Begin preparation well in advance. Create a realistic study plan allocating sufficient time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Master the Basics: For Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, ensure a strong foundation in basic concepts. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Build Vocabulary: For English, focus on building vocabulary through reading newspapers, magazines, and vocabulary-building exercises. Practice grammar rules and comprehension passages.
- Stay Updated: For General Awareness, follow current affairs diligently. Read newspapers, watch news channels, and refer to monthly current affairs compilations.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions, identify weak areas, and improve time management. Analyze your performance thoroughly after each test.
- Solve Previous Papers: Solving previous years’ question papers provides valuable insights into the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
- Focus on Tier-II Specifics: For posts like JSO and AAO, dedicate extra time to mastering the specialized subjects (Statistics, Finance & Economics).
- Qualifying Sections: Do not neglect the qualifying sections like Computer Knowledge Test and DEST. Practice typing regularly and revise basic computer concepts.
- Health & Well-being: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, proper diet, and regular exercise to stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your preparation. Consistency and perseverance are key to cracking the SSC CGL exam.
By following a structured approach and dedicating consistent effort, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of success in the SSC CGL 2026 examination.
All information is compiled from official notifications for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify all details from the official notification PDF and official website before applying. We are not responsible for any error or inconvenience caused.