The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the SSC CGL 2026 Notification on 21 May 2026, opening the door to 12,256 vacancies across various Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries and departments. The online application window is currently open and closes on 22 June 2026. If you are a graduate aiming for a secure central government job, this is one of the biggest recruitment opportunities of the year.
This post covers everything you need to know — vacancies, eligibility, age limit, salary, exam dates, application fee, selection process, and how to apply.
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 (tentative) |
| Notification Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | August–September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | December 2026 (expected) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
What Is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level examination. It is one of India’s most popular national-level recruitment exams, conducted once a year and attracting more than 25 lakh applicants. Through SSC CGL, the government fills prestigious Group B and Group C posts in departments such as the Income Tax Department, CBI, CBDT, CBIC, and many other central government offices.
Popular posts filled through SSC CGL 2026 include Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant, Junior Statistical Officer, and Sub-Inspector.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
- Notification Released: 21 May 2026
- Online Application Starts: 21 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 22 June 2026
- Tier 1 Exam: August–September 2026
- Tier 2 Exam: December 2026 (expected)
Candidates are advised to apply a few days before the deadline to avoid last-minute website traffic and technical issues.
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Some posts (such as Junior Statistical Officer and Assistant Audit Officer) have specific subject requirements, which are detailed in the official notification.
Age Limit: The general age limit is 18 to 32 years, calculated as of 1 August 2026. However, the exact age range varies from post to post. Upper age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government norms (typically 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC).
Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1962 (subject to conditions).
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment is conducted in two main tiers:
- Tier 1 — A computer-based objective test covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 1 has a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.
- Tier 2 — A more advanced computer-based test, followed by document verification and, for certain posts, a skill or computer proficiency test.
A new feature this year is the introduction of sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2, meaning candidates get a fixed time for each section.
SSC CGL Salary
SSC CGL posts fall under different pay levels of the 7th Pay Commission, with salaries varying by post. Higher posts like Assistant Section Officer and Income Tax Inspector typically fall under Pay Level 7 (around ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 basic), while posts like Tax Assistant fall under lower levels. In addition to the basic pay, employees receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance, along with job security and promotion opportunities.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026
Follow these steps to complete your application before the deadline:
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Before applying, you must register on the new SSC website (ssc.gov.in) if you haven’t already.
- Log in to your SSC account.
- Find the SSC CGL 2026 notification and click on the “Apply” link.
- Fill in the application form carefully with your personal and educational details.
- Upload documents — scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and print a copy of the completed application for your records.
Always verify every detail before final submission, as corrections after the deadline may not be possible (except during the official correction window).
Important Note
Vacancy numbers and dates are based on the official SSC notification and may be revised. Always download and read the official SSC CGL 2026 notification PDF and verify all details at the official website, ssc.gov.in, before applying. REFE JOB is not affiliated with SSC and does not charge any fee.
Conclusion
The SSC CGL 2026 recruitment is a golden opportunity for graduate candidates aiming for a stable and respected central government career, with 12,256 vacancies on offer. With the application window closing on 22 June 2026, eligible candidates should prepare their documents, complete the one-time registration, and apply well before the last date. Start your preparation early, keep an eye on the official website for the Tier 1 admit card, and best of luck for your exam.
Refe is an education writer with over 6 years of experience covering government jobs, competitive exams, and scholarships across India. He writes for REFE JOB to help students and aspirants — from Jammu & Kashmir to Tamil Nadu — get accurate, free, and timely information about SSC, IBPS, UPSC, JKSSB, and state recruitment boards. Every post is sourced from official notifications and government portals.