The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the SSC CGL Notification 2026 on its official website ssc.gov.in. This is one of the most anticipated government recruitment events of the year, offering a golden opportunity for graduates across India to secure prestigious Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ positions in top central government departments such as Income Tax, CBI, Central Excise, Enforcement Directorate, C&AG, and many more.
A total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced across 40 posts making SSC CGL 2026 one of the most significant government recruitment drives this year. The online application window is open from 21 May 2026 to 22 June 2026. Candidates who clear both Tier-I (August–September 2026) and Tier-II (December 2026) will be offered roles with a starting gross salary ranging from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000+ per month, along with excellent government perks and career growth.
Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional aspiring for a stable government career, SSC CGL 2026 is your chance. At GICE Academy, we have helped thousands of students crack SSC CGL with expert faculty, structured study plans, sectional mock tests, and personalised mentorship. Start your preparation today seats are limited!
SSC CGL 2026 | At a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 |
| Post Classification | Group B & Group C (40 Posts) |
| Application Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Correction | 29 June – 01 July 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam Date | August – September 2026 |
| Tier-II Exam Date | December 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Online |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree from a Recognised University |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18 to 32 Years (Post-wise variation applies) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 100/- (Exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/Women/ESM) |
| Selection Process | Tier-I (Qualifying) → Tier-II (Scoring) → Document Verification |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| SSC Helpline | 1800 309 3063 (Toll Free) |
SSC CGL 2026 | Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2026 Notification Release | 21 May 2026 |
| Apply Online — Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Apply Online — Last Date | 22 June 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Application Form Correction Window | 29 June – 01 July 2026 |
| Tier-I (CBT) Exam Date | August – September 2026 |
| Tier-II (CBT) Exam Date | December 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| Women Candidates | No Fee (Exempted) |
| SC / ST Candidates | No Fee (Exempted) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | No Fee (Exempted) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | No Fee (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa/Mastercard/Maestro/RuPay Debit & Credit Cards.
Note: Application fee once paid is non-refundable.
SSC CGL 2026 | Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (came to India before 1 January 1962), or a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam) to permanently settle in India.
Educational Qualification (as on 01 August 2026)
The educational qualification varies by post. Key requirements are:
- For most posts (Tax Assistant, Auditor, Inspector, etc.): Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
- For Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer: Bachelor’s Degree (Essential). Desirable: CA, CMA, CS, M.Com, MBA, or Masters in Business Studies.
- For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 60% in Mathematics at Class 12th level, OR Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as a subject.
- For Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s Degree with Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics as a compulsory or elective subject.
- For Research Assistant (NHRC): Bachelor’s Degree with at least one year of research experience in a recognised institution.
- Final year students can also apply, provided they complete their qualification by 01 August 2026.
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
| Post / Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer | 18–30 Years |
| Assistant Section Officer (IB, MeitY, Railways, MEA, AFHQ), Inspectors, ASO (CSS, Railways, MEA), AEO | 18–30 Years |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI) | 20–30 Years |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 18–32 Years |
| Auditor, Accountant/Junior Accountant, Postal/Sorting Assistant, Tax Assistant, UDC | 18–27 Years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years |
| J&K Domicile (1 Jan 1980 – 31 Dec 1989) | 5 Years |
SSC CGL 2026 | Vacancy Details
The Staff Selection Commission has announced a total of 12,256 vacancies across 40 Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organisations. A major highlight this year is the return of Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer vacancies at Pay Level 8.
Post-wise Vacancy Overview
| Post Name | Department / Ministry | Pay Level | Gross Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer | C&AG (Central & State) | Level 8 | Rs. 63,000–70,000 |
| Assistant Accounts Officer | C&AG (State Cadre) | Level 8 | Rs. 63,000–70,000 |
| Assistant Section Officer | CSS / IB / Railways / MEA / AFHQ | Level 7 | Rs. 55,000–65,000 |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Level 7 | Rs. 55,000–65,000 |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Level 7 | Rs. 55,000–65,000 |
| Asst. Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement | Level 7 | Rs. 55,000–65,000 |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI) | Central Bureau of Investigation | Level 7 | Rs. 55,000–65,000 |
| Junior Statistical Officer | Ministry of Statistics | Level 6 | Rs. 45,000–55,000 |
| Divisional Accountant | C&AG Offices | Level 6 | Rs. 45,000–55,000 |
| Sub-Inspector (NIA) | National Investigation Agency | Level 6 | Rs. 45,000–55,000 |
| Auditor | C&AG / Other Ministries / CGDA | Level 5 | Rs. 40,000–50,000 |
| Accountant / Jr. Accountant | C&AG / CGA / Other Depts. | Level 5 | Rs. 40,000–50,000 |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT / CBIC | Level 4 | Rs. 35,000–45,000 |
| Postal / Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts | Level 4 | Rs. 35,000–45,000 |
| Senior Secretariat Asst. / UDC | Central Govt. Offices | Level 4 | Rs. 35,000–45,000 |
Year-wise SSC CGL Vacancy Trend
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2026 (Current) | 12,256 |
| 2025 | 14,582 – 15,118 |
| 2024 | 17,727 – 18,174 |
| 2023 | 8,415 |
| 2022 | 37,409 |
| 2021 | 7,621 |
| 2020 | 7,035 |
SSC CGL 2026 | Selection Process
The SSC CGL 2026 selection process consists of two computer-based examination tiers followed by a document verification round:
- Tier-I (Qualifying): Computer-Based Objective Test shortlists candidates for Tier-II. Marks are
not counted in the final merit. - Tier-II (Scoring): Computer-Based Exam Paper I is mandatory for all. Paper II is for JSO
aspirants. Paper III is for AAO/AAO posts. Tier-II marks determine the final merit list. - Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents for
verification of age, educational qualification, and category. - Final Merit List & Post Allotment: Based on Tier-II score and the candidate’s post preference.
Post allotment is final no changes are permitted.
Note: There is no fixed number of attempts for SSC CGL. Candidates can appear as long as they are within the prescribed age limit.
SSC CGL 2026 | Exam Pattern
Tier-I Exam Pattern (Qualifying Stage)
Tier-I is an objective (MCQ) online exam consisting of 100 questions for 200 marks to be completed in 60 minutes. A key change for 2026 is the introduction of sectional timing each of the four sections must be completed within exactly 15 minutes.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Section Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
Total: 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Minutes | Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
Tier-II Exam Pattern (Scoring Stage)
Tier-II consists of multiple papers conducted online. All questions are in objective (MCQ) format (except DEST). Negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer applies in Paper I.
| Paper | Session | Section | Module / Subject | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (All Posts) | Session I | Section I | Mathematical Abilities (Module I) + Reasoning & General Intelligence (Module II) | 90 + 90 = 180 | 60 Min |
| Section II | English Language (Module I) + General Awareness (Module II) | 135 + 75 = 210 | 60 Min | ||
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Test (Qualifying) | 60 (Qualifying) | 15 Min | ||
| Session II | Section III | Data Entry Speed Test DEST (Qualifying) | Qualifying | 15 Min | |
| Paper II (JSO Only) | — | — | Statistics | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper III (AAO/AAO Only) | — | — | Finance & Economics / Accountancy | 200 | 2 Hours |
SSC CGL 2026 | Syllabus Overview
Knowing the complete syllabus is the first step towards a targeted preparation strategy. The major subjects tested in SSC CGL 2026 are:
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Classification, Analogy, Coding–Decoding
- Series (Number, Alphabetical, Mixed)
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (Pattern, Mirror Image, Paper Folding)
- Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Word Formation, Matrix, Embedded Figures
- Syllogism, Venn Diagrams
General Awareness (GK & Current Affairs)
- Static GK: Indian History, Culture, Geography, Polity, Economy
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Current Affairs (last 6–12 months)
- Current Chief Ministers, Governors, National/International Events
- Sports, Books & Authors, Awards & Honours
- Important Government Schemes and Policies
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification, Number System, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion
- Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance
- Averages, Ages, Partnership
- Mensuration (2D & 3D), Geometry, Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph)
English Language & Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks, Spelling Errors
- Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases, Sentence Improvement
- Error Spotting / Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles
Computer Knowledge (Tier-II Qualifying)
- Fundamentals of Computer, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet & Networking, Cyber Security Basics
- Input/Output Devices, Memory Types
Statistics (Paper II JSO Post Only)
- Collection & Representation of Statistical Data
- Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion
- Probability Theory, Sampling Theory, Statistical Inference
- Regression, Correlation, Index Numbers, Time Series Analysis
| Start Your SSC CGL 2026 Preparation TODAY! |
|---|
| GICE Academy offers expert-led SSC CGL coaching with full Tier-I & Tier-II coverage. Sectional mock tests with the new 2026 timing pattern | Live classes & recorded lectures Personal doubt-solving sessions | Previous year paper analysis | Printed study material |
| Website: giceacademy.com | Call/WhatsApp: 8879085440 |
SSC CGL 2026 | Salary & Career Growth
One of the biggest reasons SSC CGL attracts over 25 lakh aspirants every year is its attractive salary package, job security, and excellent government benefits. The salary is governed by the 7th Pay Commission and varies post-wise:
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale | Initial Basic Pay | Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAO / Asst. Accounts Officer | Level 8 | Rs. 47,600 – Rs. 1,51,100 | Rs. 47,600 | Rs. 63,000–70,000 |
| Asst. Section Officer / Income Tax Inspector / CBI SI | Level 7 | Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400 | Rs. 44,900 | Rs. 55,000–65,000 |
| JSO / Divisional Accountant / SI NIA | Level 6 | Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400 | Rs. 35,400 | Rs. 45,000–55,000 |
| Auditor / Accountant / Jr. Accountant | Level 5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300 | Rs. 29,200 | Rs. 40,000–50,000 |
| Tax Assistant / Postal Asst. / UDC | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 | Rs. 25,500 | Rs. 35,000–45,000 |
Government Benefits & Perks
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) 8% to 24% of Basic Pay depending on city
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised every 6 months by Government
- Transport Allowance (TA) based on grade and city
- Medical Benefits for self and family under CGHS
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) home/all-India travel reimbursement
- Pension (NPS) & Gratuity on superannuation
- Job Security, Regular Increments, Promotions
- Subsidised housing, canteen facilities in select offices
Career Growth Opportunities
- Tax Assistants can be promoted to Inspector → Senior Tax Assistant → Income Tax Officer
over time - ASO (CSS) cadre offers promotions to Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Joint Secretary
levels - Income Tax Inspectors can rise to ITO (Income Tax Officer) through departmental exams
- CBI Sub-Inspectors can be promoted to Inspector and above through performance and
competitive tests
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide
The entire application process for SSC CGL 2026 is online at ssc.gov.in. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit ssc.gov.in or the mySCC mobile app. Complete
your One-Time Registration if you have not done it previously.
Step 2: Identity Verification: Authenticate via Aadhaar or upload another valid governmentissued photo ID proof.
Step 3: Fill Application Form: Enter your personal details, category, exam centre preferences,
and educational qualifications accurately.
Step 4: Upload Documents: Upload a live photograph (captured via webcam or smartphone
pre-existing photos are NOT accepted and will result in rejection) and your signature as per
prescribed guidelines.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee: Pay Rs. 100/- online via UPI/BHIM, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit
Card (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Maestro). Exempt categories pay no fee.
Step 6: Submit & Save: Review all details carefully before final submission. Download and
print the confirmation page for your records.
Important: The application correction window is open from 29 June to 01 July 2026. Use this period to rectify any mistakes in your submitted form. Exam centre changes are generally NOT permitted after final submission.
Documents Required for SSC CGL 2026 Application
- Scanned passport-size photograph (live, taken via webcam/smartphone)
- Signature in black ink on white paper (1–12 KB)
- Class 10th Marksheet / Certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12th and Graduation Marksheets / Degree Certificate
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Passport, etc.)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) – if applicable
- PwD Certificate – if applicable
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate – if applicable
- Active Mobile Number and Email ID
SSC CGL 2026 | Exam Centres
SSC CGL 2026 will be conducted across exam centres spread all over India. Candidates can choose their preferred centre during the application process. The allotted centre will be mentioned on the admit card released approximately one week before the examination.
| SSC Region | States / UTs Covered | Key Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Central Region (CR) | Bihar, Uttar Pradesh | Agra, Allahabad, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Patna |
| Eastern Region (ER) | Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, West Bengal, A&N Islands | Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Ranchi, Port Blair |
| Karnataka Kerala Region (KKR) | Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep | Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysore |
| Madhya Pradesh Sub-Region (MPR) | Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Raipur, Gwalior |
| Northern Region (NR) | Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand | Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Udaipur |
| North Western Sub-Region (NWR) | Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K, Chandigarh | Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Jammu, Srinagar |
| Southern Region (SR) | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry | Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam |
| Western Region (WR) | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & NH, Daman & Diu | Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Surat, Panaji |
| North Eastern Region (NER) | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura | Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Agartala |
Key Changes in SSC CGL 2026 | What’s New?
- New: Sectional Timing Introduced: Both Tier-I (15 min per section) and Tier-II Paper I now have fixed section-wise time limits. You cannot carry over unused time between sections.
- New: Paper III Added in Tier-II: A dedicated Paper III for AAO (Assistant Audit Officer) and AAO (Assistant Accounts Officer) candidates has been introduced.
- New: Live Photograph Mandatory: Pre-uploaded or pre-existing photographs are no longer
accepted. Candidates must capture a live photo using a webcam or smartphone at the time of application. - New: AAO Posts Returned: Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts (Pay
Level 8 highest in CGL) have been notified again after being absent in recent cycles. - Vacancies: 12,256 Total Vacancies: While lower than the 2024 cycle, this is a significant
opportunity given the prestigious post categories included.
Why Choose GICE Academy for Preparation?
Cracking SSC CGL especially with the new sectional timing format requires smart strategy, consistent practice, and expert guidance. GICE Academy has been the trusted coaching partner for thousands of SSC CGL aspirants across India. Here is why GICE Academy stands out:
| Feature | What GICE Academy Offers |
|---|---|
| Expert Faculty | Experienced teachers with deep expertise in SSC CGL subjects and proven results |
| Structured Batch | Dedicated SSC CGL 2026 batches covering Tier-I & Tier-II completely |
| Sectional Mock Tests | Practice tests with 2026-pattern sectional timings (15-min per section for Tier-I) |
| Full-Length Mock Tests | Weekly full-length mocks with detailed performance analysis & rankings |
| Printed Study Material | Comprehensive notes for all 5 subjects, Quant, Reasoning, English, GK, Computer |
| Previous Year Papers | 10+ years of SSC CGL PYQ practice with detailed solutions and pattern analysis |
| Live + Recorded Classes | Online live sessions for outstation students + recorded lectures for revision |
| Personal Mentorship | 1-on-1 doubt-clearing sessions and performance tracking for every student |
| Current Affairs Capsules | Monthly current affairs magazine and daily GK updates for the General Awareness section |
| Proven Results | Hundreds of GICE Academy students selected in SSC CGL in recent years |
Important Links | SSC CGL 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2026 Official Notification PDF | ssc.gov.in — Notifications Section |
| SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online | ssc.gov.in — Apply Online Section |
| SSC Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
| GICE Academy Website | www.giceacademy.com |
| SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus PDF | ssc.gov.in Syllabus Section |
| SSC Helpline (Toll Free) | 1800 309 3063 |
Conclusion
SSC CGL 2026 is a landmark opportunity for every graduate in India aiming for a stable, prestigious, and well-paying government career. With 12,256 vacancies spread across top departments from CBI and Income Tax to C&AG and Enforcement Directorate the 2026 cycle has something for every aspirant.
The introduction of sectional timing is a game-changer. Candidates who start early, practise with the correct exam pattern, and invest in quality coaching will have a clear edge over those who delay. Do not wait until the last wee begin your preparation now.
| Your Government Job Journey Starts Here! |
|---|
| GICE Academy, India’s Trusted SSC CGL Coaching Partner Expert Faculty | New-Pattern Mocks | Personal Mentorship | Proven Results Admissions Open for SSC CGL 2026 Batch. Enrol Now! |
| Website: giceacademy.com | Call/WhatsApp: 8879085440 |
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official SSC CGL 2026 Notification released at ssc.gov.in. Candidates are advised to download and read the official notification PDF for the most accurate and complete information before applying.
Download official notification for SSC CGL 2026
