SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 — 12,256 Posts Group B & Group C — 40+ Posts Across Central Govt. Departments • Apply 21 May–22 June 2026 • Tier 1: Aug–Sep 2026 • Tier 2: Dec 2026 • ssc.gov.in
| 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 |
- 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.
Official PDF at ssc.gov.in — read fully before applying — all eligibility conditions are legally binding21 May 2026🟢 Out
Complete OTR + Aadhaar eKYC first — then fill application — select up to 20 post preferences21 May 2026🟢 Open Now
Apply at least 4–5 days before deadline — SSC portal crashes regularly on last day22 June 2026
One-time opportunity to correct non-OTR fields — name changes not allowed — fee corrections possible29 June–1 July 2026
Sectional timing applies — 4 sections — neg. marking –0.50 — multiple shifts across IndiaAug–Sep 2026
Final merit based solely on Tier 2 — Paper 1 has DEST (qualifying) — sectional timing appliesDecember 2026Upcoming
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:
Group: B (Gazetted) | Requires: Paper 3 in Tier 2 | No Physical Standards
Group: B (Non-Gazetted)
Group: B (Non-Gazetted) | Physical & Medical for SI CBI/NIA
Group: C | Paper 2 in Tier 2 for JSO
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. | ||||
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.
| 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 (with 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. | ||
| 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) | |
| Women Candidates (All Categories) | FREE (Exempted) | |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | FREE (Exempted) | |
| Ex-Servicemen (eligible ESM) | FREE (Exempted) | |
| 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 the SBI working hours on or before 23 June 2026. | ||
| 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 National Pension System (NPS). | |||
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: you should prepare hard enough to comfortably clear Tier 1 cut-offs, but never at the expense of Tier 2 preparation.
Tier 1 — Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)
| 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 (Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & GI + English) | ALL posts | 3 sections of 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 | Computer Knowledge: 20Q×3=60 (MCQ, qualifying for ASO) | DEST: Typing test (qualifying for DEO/TA) | Qualifying | 45 min | No neg. marking for CKT/DEST |
| Paper 2 — Statistics | JSO / Stat. Investigator Grade II only | 100 MCQ questions on Statistics at graduate level | 200 marks | 2 hours | –0.50 per wrong |
| Paper 3 — General Studies (Finance & Economics) | AAO / AAccO only | 100 MCQ questions on Finance, Accounts, and Economics (Graduate/professional level) | 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. | |||||
| Subject | Tier | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Tier 1 + Tier 2 P1 | Analogies; Series (number, letter, figure); Classification; Blood relations; Directions and distances; Coding-decoding; Syllogisms; Seating arrangement; Puzzles; Matrix; Statement-Conclusion; Non-verbal reasoning (patterns, paper folding, mirror image) |
| General Awareness | Tier 1 | Current affairs — last 6 months; Indian History (Modern, Medieval, Ancient — emphasis on Modern); Geography (India + World); Indian Polity & Constitution; Economics (basic concepts); Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology — Class 10 level); Books & Authors; Sports; Important dates; Government 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 (2D & 3D); Geometry; Trigonometry; Algebra; Data Interpretation (bar, pie, table, line graph); Statistics (mean, median, mode) — advanced level in Tier 2 |
| English Language & Comprehension | Tier 1 + Tier 2 P1 | Reading comprehension (RC); Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, one-word substitution); Grammar (active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, error detection, sentence improvement); Para jumbles; Cloze test; Fill in the blanks — advanced level in Tier 2 with longer RC passages |
| Statistics (Paper 2 — JSO only) | Tier 2 P2 | Collection, Classification, Presentation of data; Measures of central tendency & dispersion; Correlation & Regression; Probability theory; Random variables; Sampling theory; Hypothesis testing; Analysis of variance; Index Numbers; Time series analysis; Official statistics of India |
| Finance & Economics (Paper 3 — AAO only) | Tier 2 P3 | Indian financial system — RBI, SEBI, IRDAI; Union Budget — structure and concepts; Financial statements and analysis; Auditing principles; Concepts of cost accounting; Indian Economy — GDP, inflation, economic policy; Fiscal policy; Economic reforms; WTO and trade; Demand-Supply analysis; National income |
| Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) | Tier 2 — Qualifying | Computer hardware and software basics; Operating systems; MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Internet and email; Database basics; Computer abbreviations; Cybersecurity basics — qualifying in nature 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. Not merit-based — pass or fail only. | ||
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 the order of their priority. The 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.
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.
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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