SSC CGL 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 12,256 Group B & Group C Posts

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the premier Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 recruitment notification. This year, the Commission has announced an impressive 12,256 tentative vacancies across various Group “B” (Gazetted & Non-Gazetted) and Group “C” officer posts within central ministries, executive departments, and subordinate government organizations.

The online application portal is officially open. Aspiring graduates must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) on the upgraded official portal before submitting their applications.

SSC CGL Recruitment 2026: Key Event Timeline

Keep absolute track of these operational dates to ensure you do not encounter network congestion near the final hours.

Event Highlight	Official Dates & Time Limits
Notification Release Date	May 21, 2026
Online Application Starts	May 21, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	June 22, 2026 (11:00 PM)
Last Date for Making Online Fee Payment	June 23, 2026 (11:00 PM)
Application Window Correction Dates	June 29 to July 1, 2026 (11:00 PM)
Tentative Tier-I Exam Date (Computer Based)	August – September 2026
Tentative Tier-II Exam Schedule	December 2026

1. Major Posts, Classifications & Pay Levels

The announced 12,256 vacancies comprise more than 40 graduate-level post classifications across distinct administrative pay brackets.

• Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400): Assistant Section Officer (CSS, IB, Ministry of Railways, MEA, AFHQ, MeitY), Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT), Inspector Central Excise / Preventive Officer / Examiner (CBIC), Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED), Sub-Inspector (CBI), Inspector (Posts).
• Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400): Executive Assistant (CBIC), Research Assistant (NHRC), Divisional Accountant (C&AG), Sub-Inspector (NIA), Junior Statistical Officer (M statistics).
• Pay Level-5 (₹29,200 – ₹92,300): Auditor (Offices under C&AG, CGDA), Accountant / Junior Accountant.
• Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100): Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant, Senior Secretariat Assistant, Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC), Sub-Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics).

2. Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria (As of August 1, 2026)

A. Educational Requirements

• For All General Posts: A valid Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline/stream from a recognized University or Institute.
• For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with a minimum of 60% marks in Mathematics at the 10+2 standard intermediate level OR a Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the fundamental core subjects at the degree level.
• Note: Final-year college students are eligible to apply provided their passing result declaration falls on or before August 1, 2026.

B. Age Limits & Age Relaxations

The core age requirements vary post-wise (generally 18–27 years, 18–30 years, or 20–30 years up to 32 years for JSO).

• Age Calculation Cut-off Date: August 1, 2026.
• Category-wise Upper Age Relaxation:
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
  • SC / ST Candidates: 5 Years
  • PwBD (Unreserved/EWS): 10 Years

3. Notable Changes & Exam Pattern Overview

Important Update: Sectional timings have been streamlined in the Tier-I and Tier-II exam formats this year to bring standardization.

Stage 1: Tier-I Examination (Qualifying Screening Only)

Consists of an objective, multiple-choice format spanning 100 questions (200 marks total) with an explicit duration of 1 hour. Negative marking of 0.50 marks is applied for incorrect attempts.

• Subjects: Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Q), General Awareness (25 Q), Quantitative Aptitude (25 Q), English Comprehension (25 Q).

Stage 2: Tier-II Examination (Merit Deciding)

• Paper-I (Compulsory for all posts): Sectional timings apply. Covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and a mandatory qualifying Computer Knowledge Test module. Includes a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) mapping a 15-minute typing runtime.
• Paper-II: Only for JSO applicants (Statistics module).

4. Procedural Form Submission Guide

1.Complete One-Time Registration (OTR):Portal Baseline.

Access the unified official portal at ssc.gov.in. Click the “Login or Register” tab, choose “Register Now”, and input your core personal details to receive your permanent registration number.

2.Log In with Credentials:Account Access.

Log back into the dashboard via ssc.gov.in using your generated registration index code and custom password.

3.Initiate CGL Form & Feed Data:Form Ingestion.

Locate the “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026” prompt under your active dashboard notifications. Click “Apply”, select your regional exam center choices, and log your high school and graduation percentage tallies.

4.Capture Live Photo & Upload Signature:Live Upload Rules.

Unlike older years, you must capture a crisp Live Photograph directly via an active webcam or smartphone using the official app interface. Ensure a clean, brightly lit, plain background. Upload your neat signature scan file.

5.Submit Fee & Secure Printout:Final Settlement.

Proceed to the payment integration page to execute your fee. Review the filled parameters for typographical errors, press final submit, and export your application PDF document.

• Application Processing Fee: ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS men.
• Exempted Portfolios: All Female applicants, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates are completely exempted from paying the fee.

5. Essential Operational Links for Job Seekers

Resource Type Destination	Active Hyperlink Targets
Apply Online Application Direct Link	Click Here
Download Official Notification Document	SSC CGL 2026 Official Notification PDF
Official Central Authority Site	ssc.gov.in

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I change my details after final form submission?

Ans: Yes. SSC will activate an explicit correction window from June 29 to July 1, 2026. However, a modification penalty of ₹200 for the initial correction and ₹500 for the second sequence will apply.

Q2: What are the photo parameters for the new SSC portal live capture?

Ans: The photo must be a live capture with proper lighting. Do not wear caps, spectacles/glasses, or masks during the live camera configuration phase. Your ears must be completely visible.

Q3: Are Tier-I marks counted for the final merit selection list?

Ans: No. Tier-I serves exclusively as a filtering bridge/qualifying exam. The final selection merit ranking will be drawn up based solely on the aggregate scores achieved in Tier-II Examination papers.