SSC CGL 2026 Notification, 12256 Vacancy, Eligibility, Exam Date, Pattern

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the SSC CGL 2026 exam notification on its official website, ssc.gov.in, aiming to fill a total of 12,256 vacancies for various Group B and Group C posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply till 22nd June 2026 on the website.

Also, SSC has introduced some changes for this year's examination. This year, there will be 3 papers in Tier 2, including AAO, and the most significant change is the introduction of sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. In this article, we provide the complete details on the SSC CGL 2026 Notification, including vacancy distribution, eligibility criteria, direct link to apply online, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, and much more.

About SSC CGL 2026 Exam

SSC conducts the Combined Graduate Level Exam to fill Group B and Group C posts in Central Government Ministries/Departments/Institutions/Officers. The exam consists of two stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2 and both are conducted in a computer-based mode. There is no interview, and selection is totally dependent on Tier 2 marks. The SSC CGL Pay level ranges from 4 to 8 as per 7th CPC, and candidates can choose their preferred post while filling out the application. Allotment is made based on the final merit list and marks.

There is no fixed limit of number of attempts as long as the candidate is within the age limit of 18 to 32 years. The age limit and academic qualification varies for some posts, so candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying for the SSC CGL 2026 Exam.

SSC CGL Notification 2026 PDF

As per the official SSC CGL Notification 2026, a total of 12,256 vacancies will be filled this year. The official notification was released on 21st May 2026 in PDF format on the SSC website. This document provides important details related to the whole SSC CGL Recruitment. Since, SSC has made some significant changes this year, it is advised to all applicants to read the Notification before applying.

​Download SSC CGL Notification Official PDF 2026​

SSC CGL 2026- Highlights

SSC CGL 2026 - Important Dates

The Commission has announced the important dates for SSC CGL 2026 Exam. The Tier 1 Exam 2026 will be conducted in August–September 2026, while the Tier 2 Exam is scheduled for December 2026. The exact exam dates, shift timings, exam city details, and admit card release schedule will be notified separately on the official SSC website.

SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 (AAO Re-introduced)

Total vacancy for graduate-level posts is 12,256 across various central government ministries/departments/institutions. This year, SSC has also included the Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Account Officer post in the list. The vacancy is tentative in nature and the Commission may or may not change the total vacancy in due course of time.

Last 9 Years Vacancy Trends

This year (2026), the vacancy is slightly lower compared to 2025 and 2024. The table below mentions the year-wise data, so you can analyse for yourself.

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for SSC CGL 2026 must meet the required age limit, educational qualification, and nationality criteria. The table below shows the complete eligibility details, including age limits, qualifications, and nationality requirements for the exam.

Post-Wise Age Limit (As on 1/8/2026)

The age limit is different for different posts, and relaxations are provided to reserved category candidates.

Post-wise Qualification

Age Relaxation

Nationality

A candidate must be either:

• a citizen of India, or
• a subject of Nepal, or
• a subject of Bhutan, or
• a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (Formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

How many attempts are allowed in SSC CGL?
There is no fixed number of attempts in SSC CGL. Candidates can appear till they meet the age limit and eligibility criteria.

SSC CGL 2026 Online Form

The SSC CGL 2026 online application process has begun on the official SSC website. Before submitting their applications, candidates should carefully review the instructions provided in the notification. The official guidelines include detailed information regarding document uploads, form completion, fee payment, and other important requirements to ensure successful registration.

SSC CGL Apply Online 2026 Link - Active

Application Fee

The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 is Rs. 100/- for General and OBC candidates. Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempted from fee payment.

SSC CGL 2026 Post Preference Guide

While making a choice regarding post, candidates must consider job profile, promotion opportunities, posting location, work-life balance, and career growth and not just salary. Mostly candidates prefer Group B posts as it offers high pay and better career growth prospects. Some of the most sought-after SSC CGL posts are:

• Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and CSS
• Income Tax Inspector
• Examiner
• Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
• Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO).

How to Choose SSC CGL Post?

Here are some factors to consider while deciding post preferences:

Work Profile: It depends on whether you prefer office-based administrative work or field duties. Based on job profile and location you can choose as per your suitability.

Promotion Opportunities: Must review the promotion hierarchy for each before making a choice.

Posting Location: If you prefer fixed working hours and fixed job location, then prefer Ministry jobs

Work-Life Balance: Administrative posts usually offer fixed working hours and a better work-life balance compared to field-oriented jobs.

Salary and Allowances: Although most SSC CGL posts provide attractive salaries, allowances and benefits may vary depending on the department and posting location.

SSC CGL Selection Process

The Selection Process consists of two examination stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2. There is no Interview in the process.

Stage 1: Tier 1/Prelims Exam

• The Tier 1 exam is a computer-based test.
• This stage is qualifying in nature, and marks are not added to the final list.
• Only those who qualify in Tier 1, will be called for Tier 2.

Stage 2: Tier 2/Mains Exam

• Like Tier 1, this is also a CBT mode test, and candidates who pass Tier 1, will be eligible for Tier 2.
• It consists of both an Objective paper and a Typing/Skill Test.
• Tier 2 consists of Papers I, II, and III. Paper I is compulsory for all posts, and others are post-specific.
• This stage decides the final merit list.

Stage 3: Answer Key & Objection Process

• SSC will release provisional answer keys and response sheet for both Tier 1 and Tier 2.
• Candidates can check official answers to the questions asked in the exam.
• An objection window will opened and after considering the answer key objections, a final answer key will be released by SSC.

Stage 4: Document Verification (DV)

• SSC will verify educational certificates, category certificates, ID proof, and other required documents.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern (New)

SSC has introduced sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 stages this year. Check the tier-wise exam pattern below.

Tier 1 Exam Pattern

• Exam Mode: Online
• Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
• Total Questions: 100 (25 per section)
• Total Marks: 200
• Duration: 1 hour (15 mins per section)
• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer

Tier 2 Exam Pattern

This year, there will be 3 papers in total: Paper 1 is compulsory for all and Paper 2 and 3 are for JSO and AAO post only, respectively.

• The exam mode is completely online
• Questions in Tier 2 are asked in MCQ format only
• There is no descriptive paper in CGL Tier 2 Exam.
• There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
• There is sectional timing in Sections 1 and 2 of Paper I as shown below.

SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus

The Commission has officially released the SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 in the official notification which means the candidates don't have to refer to anything else. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 consists of General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and General English. Other than this Tier 2 also consists of Computer Knowledge and Data Speed Entry Test.

How Sectional Timing Changes SSC CGL Preparation in 2026?

SSC has introduced sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Candidates will now get a fixed time for each section and will not be able to switch between sections during the allotted time. As a result, aspirants must prepare all subjects equally well and focus on improving both speed and accuracy within the allotted time.

SSC CGL Pay Level and Salary

The SSC CGL Pay Level ranges from 4 to 8 and the post that has the highest salary are Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) i.e., Rs. 47,600 - 1,51,100. Check salary range for other posts as well.

Is SSC CGL a good career option after graduation?
Yes, SSC CGL offers stable government jobs, attractive salary, promotions, allowances, and job security in Central Government departments.

SSC CGL Mock test 2026- Attempt Now!

SSC CGL Online Coaching 2026 - Click to Check

SSC CGL Examination Centre List

While filling out the application form, candidates are advised to choose the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam centres carefully, as no requests for centre changes will be entertained later. Candidates can pick and choose the city of their convenience and carefully fill it in the application form along with centre code. If you want to know the names of all available cities, then check here:

SSC CGL Exam Centre 2026- Click to Check