The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 Notification (F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1) on 21 May 2026 for 12,256 vacancies across 40+ Group B and Group C posts in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organisations. Posts range from Assistant Section Officer (CSS/MEA/AFHQ), Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT), Inspector CBIC, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub-Inspector CBI/NIA to Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, DEO, and — new this year — Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer (Level 8). Online applications are open from 21 May to 22 June 2026 at ssc.gov.in. OTR with Aadhaar authentication is mandatory. Tier 1 exam is scheduled for August–September 2026; Tier 2 in December 2026.
Quick Facts:
12,256 Vacancies — Group B & C
Central Govt. — All India Posting
Apply: 21 May–22 June 2026
Tier 1: Aug–Sep 2026 | Tier 2: Dec 2026
OTR + Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory
Age: 18–32 Years (as on 01.08.2026)
Pay: Level 4–8 (₹25,500–₹1,51,100)
Fee: ₹100 (Gen/OBC) | FREE (SC/ST/Women/PwBD/ESM)
NEW: AAO/AAccO — Level 8 Posts Added
Stats:
12,256 — Total Posts
40+ — Post Types
Level 8 — Top Pay Level
22 Jun — Apply Deadline
Aug–Sep — Tier 1 Exam
25L+ — Expected Applications
01. Recruitment Overview
F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 — Released 21 May 2026 — Staff Selection Commission, New Delhi
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Government of India |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination, 2026 |
| Notification No. | F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 |
| Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 (approximate — final count updated as departments submit indents) |
| Post Category | Group B (Gazetted & Non-Gazetted) + Group C — Central Government posts |
| Key Posts | ASO (CSS/MEA/AFHQ), Inspector (Income Tax, CBIC, CEX), AEO, Sub-Inspector (CBI/NIA/NCB), JSO, AAO, AAccO, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, UDC, DEO, Statistical Investigator |
| Application Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Closes | 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 23 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only at ssc.gov.in — OTR + Aadhaar authentication mandatory before applying |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS Male) | Free (Women, SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen) |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised University/Institution (as on 01.08.2026) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 years as on 01 August 2026 (post-wise variation exists) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (Qualifying) → Tier 2 (Merit-Deciding) → Document Verification |
| Tier 1 (Qualifying) | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes — CBT — Sectional timing introduced — Neg. marking: –0.50 |
| Tier 2 (Merit-Deciding) | Paper 1 (All) + Paper 2 (JSO only) + Paper 3 (AAO only) — CBT — Sectional timing — Final merit based solely on Tier 2 |
| Tier 1 Exam (Tentative) | August – September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam (Tentative) | December 2026 |
| Pay Level | Level 4 to Level 8 under 7th CPC (₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100) |
| NEW in 2026 | AAO/AAccO (Level 8) posts added; Sectional timing in Tier 1 & Tier 2; OTR Aadhaar mandatory |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Key Changes in SSC CGL 2026 — What’s New This Year
- AAO & AAccO (Level 8) posts included: Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer — the highest-paying posts in SSC CGL history — have been added to CGL 2026 for the first time in recent cycles. These are under the C&AG and similar financial audit bodies.
- Sectional timing introduced: Both Tier 1 and Paper 1 of Tier 2 now have sectional time limits — you cannot spend all 60 minutes on one section. Candidates must manage time across all sections within their allotted per-section duration.
- Aadhaar-based OTR is mandatory: The old SSC website registrations are not valid. All candidates must complete fresh One-Time Registration (OTR) with Aadhaar authentication on the new SSC portal at ssc.gov.in.
- Vacancies at 12,256: Slightly lower than 2025’s 14,582 — making this cycle more competitive per vacancy.
02. Important Dates & Schedule
Apply by 22 June — fee by 23 June — correction 29 June–1 July — Tier 1 Aug–Sep 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CGL 2026 Notification Released — F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1 — official PDF at ssc.gov.in | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Window Opens — complete OTR + Aadhaar eKYC first, then fill application, select up to 20 post preferences | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application Form (11:00 PM) — apply 4–5 days early, portal often crashes on last day | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window — fix errors in submitted form; name changes not allowed; fee corrections possible | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Admit Card for Tier 1 — download from ssc.gov.in | ~1 week before Tier 1 |
| Tier 1 Exam — Online CBT — 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Min | Qualifying — sectional timing, 4 sections, neg. marking –0.50, multiple shifts across India | Aug–Sep 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam — Paper 1 (All) + Paper 2 (JSO) + Paper 3 (AAO) — Merit-Deciding — final merit based solely on Tier 2 | December 2026 |
| Document Verification — post-preference submission, final allocation | After Tier 2 Result |
Note: OTR + Aadhaar eKYC must be completed before filling the application form — OTR cannot be edited once submitted. If your Aadhaar name differs from your certificate, update Aadhaar at uidai.gov.in first.
03. All Posts — Pay Level, Department & Group
40+ posts from Level 4 to Level 8 — AAO/AAccO newly added — pick preferences after Tier 2
SSC CGL 2026 fills posts across a wide spectrum of Central Government departments. The pay level and prestige of each post varies — and crucially, you do not choose your post before appearing in the exam. Post preference is submitted after Tier 2 results are declared, and final allotment depends on your Tier 2 merit rank, category, and stated preferences. The strategic implication: you should maximise your Tier 2 score to access the highest-preference posts.
Posts by Pay Level:
Level 8 — NEW — ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100
Posts: Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) — CAG departments | Assistant Accounts Officer (AAccO) — CAG/CGA departments
Group: B (Gazetted) | Requires: Paper 3 in Tier 2 | No Physical Standards
Level 7 — ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
Posts: ASO (CSS, MEA, AFHQ, Intelligence Bureau) | Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT) | Inspector CGST/CX (CBIC) | Inspector (Preventive Officer, Examiner) | Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED) | Inspector (NCB, CBN)
Group: B (Non-Gazetted)
Level 6 — ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
Posts: Sub-Inspector in CBI | Sub-Inspector NIA | Statistical Investigator Grade-II (M/o Statistics) | Research Assistant (NIA)
Group: B (Non-Gazetted) | Physical & Medical for SI CBI/NIA
Level 5 — ₹29,200 – ₹92,300
Posts: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) — M/o Statistics | Auditor (CAG, CGDA, CGA) | Accountant/Junior Accountant (CGDA, CAG, CGA) | Senior Secretariat Assistant
Group: C | Paper 2 in Tier 2 for JSO
Level 4 — ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
Posts: Tax Assistant (CBDT, CBIC) | UDC (CSS, various Ministries) | DEO (Various) | Data Entry Operator Grade A (NIC, CAG, M/o Stats) | Court Clerk (Civil Courts)
Group: C | DEST Test in Tier 2
| Post Name | Department | Group | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asst. Audit Officer (AAO) | CAG, various Audit Departments | Group B Gaz | Level 8 | ₹47,600 |
| Asst. Accounts Officer (AAccO) | CAG, CGA departments | Group B Gaz | Level 8 | ₹47,600 |
| Asst. Section Officer (ASO) | CSS, MEA, AFHQ, IB, Others | Group B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT, M/o Finance | Group B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Inspector CGST/Central Excise | CBIC, M/o Finance | Group B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer/Examiner) | CBIC | Group B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Asst. Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement (ED) | Group B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Inspector (Narcotics & CBN) | NCB, CBN | Group B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Sub-Inspector in CBI | Central Bureau of Investigation | Group B | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Sub-Inspector in NIA | National Investigation Agency | Group B | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | M/o Statistics & Programme Impl. | Group C | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Auditor | CAG, CGDA, CGA departments | Group C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Accountant / Junior Accountant | CAG, CGDA, CGA, Railways | Group C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT, CBIC | Group C | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Upper Division Clerk (UDC) | CSS, Various Ministries | Group C | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | NIC, CAG, Various Ministries | Group C | Level 4/5 | ₹25,500–₹29,200 |
Complete post-wise category-wise vacancy details are published on ssc.gov.in. Post-preference form is submitted AFTER Tier 2 result is declared. Physical and medical standards apply for Inspector (CBIC, CEX, PO), SI (CBI, NIA, NCB), and similar field-duty posts.
04. Category-wise Vacancy Overview
12,256 posts across UR, OBC, SC, EWS, ST — post-wise category breakup on ssc.gov.in
Estimated Vacancy Distribution:
UR / General: ~5,000
OBC (NCL): ~3,300
SC: ~1,800
EWS: ~1,200
ST: ~950
About the Vacancy Count: The 12,256 figure is an approximate total released with the initial notification. Post-wise and category-wise detailed vacancies are updated on ssc.gov.in as individual departments confirm their indents. The final count may increase or decrease. Candidates should periodically check the official vacancy notice on ssc.gov.in for the most current post-wise breakdown. Reservation is as per GoI norms — OBC-NCL certificate required in Central Government format for the year 2025-26.
05. Eligibility Criteria
Graduation + age 18–32 years (as on 01.08.2026) — post-wise age and qualification variations exist
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizens only (some posts: nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, or specified categories — refer notification) |
| General Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised University or Institution as on 01 August 2026 |
| Special Qualification — JSO/Stat. Inv. | Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as a subject in any one of the years; OR Bachelor’s Degree with Mathematics at Class XII level (for JSO) |
| Special Qualification — AAO/AAccO | Bachelor’s Degree — Commerce background desirable for commercial stream; CA/CMA/MBA Finance advantageous but not strictly mandated |
| General Age Limit | Minimum 18 years to Maximum 32 years as on 01.08.2026 (born between 02.08.1994 and 01.08.2008) |
| Age — Certain Posts (CBI SI, ASO, Others) | Minimum 20 years, Maximum 30 years as on 01.08.2026 — check post-wise age requirement in official notification |
Age Relaxation — All Categories:
| Category | Relaxation | Max Age (General Posts) |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST | +5 years | 37 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years | 35 years |
| PwBD (General) | +10 years | 42 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | +13 years | 45 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | +15 years | 47 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | Length of service + 3 years | As per GoI rules |
| Central Govt. Employees (3+ years service) | +5 years (certain posts) | As per notification |
Age and qualification calculated as on 01 August 2026 for all posts. Final-year graduation students can apply — degree must be complete before document verification. All documents verified by User Departments after Tier 2.
06. Application Fee
₹100 for General/OBC/EWS men | Free for SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-SM — pay by 23 June 2026
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS — Male candidates | ₹100 | SBI Challan/SBI Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI — through the SSC official portal at ssc.gov.in only |
| SC / ST | FREE (Exempted) | Same as above |
| Women Candidates (All Categories) | FREE (Exempted) | Same as above |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | FREE (Exempted) | Same as above |
| Ex-Servicemen (eligible ESM) | FREE (Exempted) | Same as above |
Fee is non-refundable once paid. Fee payment can be made till 23 June 2026 (one day after form submission deadline). SBI e-challan holders must pay at SBI branches within SBI working hours on or before 23 June 2026.
07. Salary Structure — Post-wise Pay & In-Hand Estimates
7th CPC Pay Matrix Level 4–8 — NPS + DA + HRA + TA — city-wise variation in HRA
SSC CGL 2026 — Pay Level 4 to Level 8 (7th CPC): ₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100 Basic Pay Range
In-hand salary including DA + HRA + TA: ~₹35,000 to ₹85,000+ depending on post & city
Benefits: DA (Periodic), HRA (7.5%–27% of Basic), TA/Transport, NPS Pension, Medical Benefits, LTC
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Est. In-Hand (Metro City X) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAO / AAccO | Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ₹70,000–₹85,000+ |
| ASO (CSS), ITO, Inspector CBIC, AEO | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹65,000–₹80,000+ |
| Sub-Inspector CBI/NIA, JSO | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹52,000–₹65,000+ |
| Auditor, Accountant, Sr. Secretariat Asst. | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹42,000–₹55,000+ |
| Tax Assistant, UDC, DEO | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹35,000–₹48,000+ |
In-hand salary varies by city classification (X/Y/Z) based on HRA rate. City X (metro) has 27% HRA; City Y has 18%; City Z has 9% of basic pay. DA (currently ~50%+ of basic) is revised twice a year. TA is fixed by grade and posting city. All SSC CGL employees are covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
08. Exam Pattern — Tier 1 & Tier 2
Tier 1 is qualifying only — Tier 2 decides final merit — sectional timing in both tiers — no interview
The Most Critical Rule — Tier 1 Does NOT Count in Merit: SSC CGL Tier 1 is a screening/qualifying examination — its marks are not added to the final merit list under any circumstances. The sole purpose of Tier 1 is to shortlist candidates for Tier 2. Your entire final rank and post allotment is based on Tier 2 marks only. A candidate who barely clears Tier 1 but scores exceptionally in Tier 2 will rank above a Tier 1 topper with weak Tier 2 performance. This has a critical practical implication: prepare hard enough to comfortably clear Tier 1 cut-offs, but never at the expense of Tier 2 preparation.
Tier 1 — Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)
100 questions | 200 total marks | 60 minutes (sectional timing) | –0.5 negative marking | CBT, bilingual
| Section | Questions | Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | ~15 min |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | ~15 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | ~15 min |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 50 | ~15 min |
| Total | 100 | 200 marks | 60 minutes total |
Sectional timing is enforced — you cannot move to another section before completing or exhausting the allotted time for each section. Both sectional and overall cut-offs apply. English section is English-only; all other sections are bilingual (Hindi/English).
Tier 2 — Main Examination (Merit-Deciding) — December 2026
| Paper | Applicable To | Structure | Marks | Duration | Neg. Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Session I (Maths + Reasoning/GI + English) | ALL posts | 3 sections MCQ — Maths (30Q×3=90), Reasoning (30Q×3=90), English (45Q×3=135) | 315 marks | ~2.5 hrs | –1 per wrong |
| Paper 1 — Session II (Computer Knowledge Test + DEST) | ALL posts | CKT: 20Q×3=60 (qualifying for ASO) | DEST: typing test (qualifying for DEO/TA) | Qualifying | 45 min | No neg. marking |
| Paper 2 — Statistics | JSO/Stat. Investigator Grade II only | 100 MCQ on Statistics at graduate level | 200 marks | 2 hours | –0.50 per wrong |
| Paper 3 — General Studies (Finance & Economics) | AAO/AAccO only | 100 MCQ on Finance, Accounts, and Economics | 200 marks | 2 hours | –0.50 per wrong |
Final merit is based solely on Tier 2 marks. Tier 1 marks are not counted. Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Qualifying cut-offs for Tier 2: UR — 30%, OBC/EWS — 25%, SC/ST/PwBD — 20% of Paper 1 marks.
09. Syllabus — Key Topics for Tier 1 & Tier 2
Focus on Tier 2 Paper 1 for maximum impact — builds on Tier 1 base with greater depth
| Subject | Tier | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Tier 1 + Tier 2 P1 | Analogies; series (number, letter, figure); classification; blood relations; directions & distances; coding-decoding; syllogisms; seating arrangement; puzzles; matrix; statement-conclusion; non-verbal reasoning |
| General Awareness | Tier 1 | Current affairs (last 6 months); Indian History (emphasis on Modern); Geography (India + World); Indian Polity & Constitution; basic Economics; Science (Class 10 level); Books & Authors; Sports; important dates; govt. schemes; static GK |
| Quantitative Aptitude/Mathematical Abilities | Tier 1 + Tier 2 P1 | Number system; simplification; percentage; profit & loss; SI & CI; ratio & proportion; time-speed-distance; time & work; mensuration; geometry; trigonometry; algebra; data interpretation; statistics — advanced in Tier 2 |
| English Language & Comprehension | Tier 1 + Tier 2 P1 | Reading comprehension; vocabulary; grammar (voice, speech, error detection, sentence improvement); para jumbles; cloze test; fill-in-the-blanks — advanced in Tier 2 |
| Statistics (Paper 2 — JSO only) | Tier 2 P2 | Collection/classification/presentation of data; measures of central tendency & dispersion; correlation & regression; probability theory; sampling theory; hypothesis testing; ANOVA; index numbers; time series; official statistics of India |
| Finance & Economics (Paper 3 — AAO only) | Tier 2 P3 | Indian financial system (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI); Union Budget; financial statements & analysis; auditing principles; cost accounting; Indian Economy (GDP, inflation, policy); fiscal policy; economic reforms; WTO & trade; demand-supply; national income |
| Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) | Tier 2 — Qualifying | Computer hardware/software basics; operating systems; MS Office; internet & email; database basics; computer abbreviations; cybersecurity basics — qualifying for ASO posts in CSS/MEA/AFHQ |
DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is qualifying in nature for DEO and Tax Assistant posts — typically 2000 key depressions per hour, typing speed in English. Pass or fail only, not merit-based.
10. Complete Selection Process
Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Document Verification + Medical (for field posts) — no interview anywhere
Stage 1 — Tier 1 (Qualifying Preliminary Examination)
The Computer Based Test of 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes with sectional timing. Four sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. Negative marking of –0.50 per wrong answer. Both sectional and overall category-wise cut-offs must be cleared to qualify for Tier 2. Tier 1 marks are NOT counted in final merit. Tentatively scheduled for August–September 2026. Admit card downloadable from ssc.gov.in approximately 1 week before exam date.
Stage 2 — Tier 2 (Main Examination — Merit-Deciding)
The most critical stage — conducted tentatively in December 2026. Paper 1 is conducted in two sessions on the same day — Session I covers written sections (315 marks, –1 per wrong), Session II covers Computer Knowledge Test and DEST (qualifying in nature for specific posts). Paper 2 (Statistics, 200 marks) is only for JSO applicants. Paper 3 (Finance & Economics, 200 marks) is only for AAO/AAccO applicants. Final merit list is prepared based entirely on Tier 2 marks within each category and post.
Stage 3 — Post Preference Submission
After Tier 2 results are declared, qualified candidates submit a ranked post preference form online through ssc.gov.in. Candidates rank all available posts in order of priority. Final post allotment is determined by your Tier 2 merit rank within your category and the order of preferences you submit. Changing post preferences after submission is not allowed — strategise your preference list carefully based on salary, location, work profile, and career growth considerations.
Stage 4 — Document Verification (by User Departments)
Shortlisted candidates based on final merit and post preferences are called for Document Verification by the User Department (not SSC). All original certificates must be produced — graduation degree and marksheets, Class X certificate (for DOB), category certificate, Aadhaar, PAN, and any other post-specific documents. Physical and medical standards are also assessed here for relevant posts (CBIC Inspector, CBI/NIA Sub-Inspector, etc.).
Stage 5 — Final Appointment to User Department
Candidates who successfully complete DV receive appointment letters from the User Department and are posted to offices across India. Joining formalities, training period, and posting location are managed by the respective Ministry or Department — not SSC. SSC’s role ends after the DV stage.
11. How to Apply Online — Step by Step
OTR + Aadhaar first — then application form — ssc.gov.in — deadline 22 June 2026 (11 PM)
Step 1 — Complete OTR (One-Time Registration) on the New SSC Portal
Visit ssc.gov.in and click “New User? Register”. Complete the One-Time Registration by entering basic personal details and your Aadhaar number. Complete Aadhaar-based eKYC authentication — an OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Your name, photo, and DOB are fetched directly from UIDAI — these cannot be edited later. If your Aadhaar name differs from your certificates, update Aadhaar at uidai.gov.in before attempting OTR. Candidates registered on the old SSC website must create a fresh OTR on the new portal.
Step 2 — Visit ssc.gov.in and Apply for CGL 2026
Log in to ssc.gov.in with your OTR credentials. Navigate to Apply → SSC CGL 2026. Read the full notification PDF carefully before proceeding. Click Apply Now and fill in the examination application form — this is a separate step from OTR.
Step 3 — Fill Application Details — Category, Qualification, Centre
Enter your category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/General), educational qualification details, date of passing graduation, and percentage. Select your preferred examination centre city from the list provided (up to 3 preferences — final allotment at SSC’s discretion). If you have a PwBD disability, enter your type and percentage of disability. Double-check every field — errors can be corrected only during the 29 June–1 July correction window and not after.
Step 4 — Upload Photograph and Signature
Upload a recent passport-size colour photograph (JPEG, light background, face clearly visible, specific size limits as per SSC guidelines — typically 20–50 KB) and your signature in black ink on white paper. Both must match your physical appearance — biometric capture happens at exam centres and discrepancies can lead to exam denial. Photo and signature specifications are detailed in the notification PDF.
Step 5 — Pay Fee and Submit Application
Pay ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS Male) via SBI Pay, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI by 23 June 2026. Fee-exempt candidates (SC/ST/Women/PwBD/ESM) proceed directly to submission. After payment, submit the form and download the application confirmation page — keep your registration/roll number safe for all future references. If payment is deducted but not reflected after 24–72 hours, check “Transaction Status” on SSC portal before attempting again.
Step 6 — Use Correction Window if Needed (29 June–1 July 2026)
SSC provides a one-time application correction window from 29 June to 1 July 2026. During this period, candidates can correct certain non-OTR fields in their application — such as category, examination centre, and qualification details. OTR-linked fields (name, DOB, photo) cannot be changed. A correction fee may be applicable. Use this window to fix any genuine errors — after 1 July, no changes are possible under any circumstance.
Quick Reference: OTR + Aadhaar eKYC mandatory first | Apply at ssc.gov.in only | Form deadline: 22 June 2026, 11 PM | Fee deadline: 23 June 2026 | Correction window: 29 June–1 July 2026
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026 and when was the notification released?
SSC CGL 2026 notification (F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1) was released on 21 May 2026 for approximately 12,256 vacancies across 40+ Group B and Group C posts. This is slightly lower than 14,582 vacancies in 2025 and higher than earlier cycles. The post-wise and category-wise detailed breakdown is published and updated on ssc.gov.in as departments submit their indents. The approximate count may change upward or downward before finalisation.
Q2. Is Tier 1 score counted in SSC CGL 2026 final merit?
No — categorically not. SSC CGL Tier 1 is a qualifying screening examination. Its marks are never counted in the final merit list under any circumstances. The entire final rank and post allotment is based solely on Tier 2 marks. The implication: clear Tier 1 cut-offs comfortably (study GK, English, Reasoning, and basic Maths consistently), but invest the majority of your preparation time into mastering Tier 2’s advanced Maths, English, and section-specific papers.
Q3. What is new in SSC CGL 2026 compared to previous years?
Four notable changes: First, AAO (Assistant Audit Officer) and AAccO (Assistant Accounts Officer) — the highest-paying Level 8 posts — have been included for the first time in this cycle, attracting Commerce and Finance background candidates. Second, sectional timing has been enforced in both Tier 1 and Paper 1 of Tier 2. Third, Aadhaar-based OTR authentication is mandatory — Aadhaar number is required for registration. Fourth, candidates with old SSC website accounts must create a new OTR on the redesigned ssc.gov.in portal.
Q4. What is the SSC CGL 2026 exam date for Tier 1 and Tier 2?
SSC CGL Tier 1 is tentatively scheduled for August–September 2026 across multiple exam centres in India. Tier 2 is tentatively scheduled for December 2026. These are indicative timelines — confirmed dates and admit card release schedules will be announced separately on ssc.gov.in. Candidates must monitor the official website and check their registered email regularly for updates.
Q5. What are the best posts in SSC CGL 2026 and how are post preferences submitted?
The most prestigious and highly-competitive posts in SSC CGL 2026 are: AAO/AAccO (Level 8) — highest pay, C&AG departments; ASO in CSS (Level 7) — central secretariat, Delhi posting, excellent career growth; Inspector of Income Tax (Level 7) — CBDT, field and office work, investigative powers; Sub-Inspector in CBI (Level 6) — investigative work, physical standards required; JSO (Level 6) — Ministry of Statistics, research work, Statistics graduates preferred. Importantly, post preferences are submitted AFTER Tier 2 results — not before or during the application. Final allotment depends entirely on your Tier 2 merit rank, category, and ranked preference order.
Q6. I am in the final year of graduation. Can I apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, you can apply. SSC allows final-year graduation students to appear in the examination provisionally. However, the degree must be fully complete (results declared and degree awarded) by the time of Document Verification. If your results are not declared by DV time, your candidature is cancelled. The educational qualification cut-off date is 01 August 2026.
Q7. My Aadhaar name differs from my certificate name. What should I do before applying?
This is a critical step before beginning OTR. Since Aadhaar eKYC authentication fetches your name directly from UIDAI databases, your SSC OTR name will match your Aadhaar name — not your certificate name. If these differ, your eligibility could be challenged at DV. Visit uidai.gov.in and apply for a name correction on your Aadhaar card before attempting SSC OTR. The process typically takes 10–15 working days. Do not delay — complete this before 10 June 2026 to leave sufficient time before the 22 June deadline.
Q8. What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026 and who is exempted?
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. Fully exempted — no fee payable: Women candidates (all categories), SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible Ex-Servicemen. Payment is made online only via SBI Pay, Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. Fee can be paid up to 23 June 2026. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
Q9. Does SSC CGL 2026 have negative marking? How much?
Yes, negative marking applies in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. In Tier 1, each wrong answer results in a deduction of 0.50 marks. In Tier 2: Paper 1 Section 1 (Mathematical Abilities), Section 2 (Reasoning & GI), and Section 3 Module 1 (English) carry –1 mark per wrong answer. Paper 2 (Statistics) and Paper 3 (Finance & Economics) carry –0.50 per wrong answer. Computer Knowledge Test and DEST have no negative marking since they are qualifying in nature.
Q10. Is there an attempt limit for SSC CGL 2026?
No fixed attempt limit has been prescribed for SSC CGL. Candidates can appear in the examination any number of times provided they are within the prescribed age limit at the time of each application. The maximum age is 32 years (for most posts) as on 01.08.2026. Age relaxation applies for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, and other reserved categories as per GoI norms. There is no restriction based on number of previous appearances.
13. Official Links & Resources
Apply and verify at ssc.gov.in — download notification PDF for all official details
- SSC CGL 2026 — Official Notification PDF (F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1)
- Apply Online — ssc.gov.in → Apply → SSC CGL 2026 (Active till 22 June 2026)
- SSC OTR Registration (Mandatory First Step) — ssc.gov.in → New User? Register
SSC Contact Details
Organisation: Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Government of India
Website: ssc.gov.in
Help Desk: Available on ssc.gov.in under “Contact Us” — regional offices for region-specific queries
SSC Regional Offices: New Delhi, Allahabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Raipur, Bangalore, Chandigarh — for jurisdiction-wise queries
All updates — Tier 1 admit card, Tier 1 result, Tier 2 schedule, Tier 2 admit card, Tier 2 result, DV schedule — are published exclusively on ssc.gov.in. Monitor the official website regularly and check your registered email for communications.
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