SSC CGL 2026 Notification — Dates, Vacancies, Eligibility & How to Apply Online
SSC CGL 2026 notification expected in March. Check tentative dates, expected vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and how to apply on ssc.gov.in.
Official Links
What is SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination) is one of India's biggest government job exams. It is conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to fill Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries and departments. These include posts in the Income Tax Department, Central Excise, Customs, CBI, Ministry of External Affairs, Election Commission, and many others.
The SSC CGL 2026 notification has not been released yet. Based on the official SSC Calendar 2026-27, the notification is expected in March 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 2026 (tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply | April 2026 (tentative) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | To be announced |
| Tier 1 Exam | May–June 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
| Result | To be announced |
Note: All dates above are tentative, based on the SSC Calendar 2026-27. Final dates will be confirmed once the official notification is released.
Vacancy Details
SSC has not announced the vacancy count for CGL 2026 yet. For reference:
- SSC CGL 2025 had 14,582 vacancies
- SSC CGL 2024 had 18,236 vacancies
- SSC CGL 2026 is expected to have 15,000–20,000 vacancies (estimated)
The exact number and category-wise breakdown will be available in the official notification.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- General age limit: 18 to 30 years for most posts (up to 32 years for some posts)
- Age relaxation is available for SC/ST, OBC, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen as per government rules
- Exact age limits vary by post and will be confirmed in the notification
Educational Qualification
- Minimum: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university
- For JSO posts: 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level
- For Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Statistics as a subject in graduation
Nationality
- Indian citizen
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible as per SSC rules
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100 (expected, based on previous years) |
| SC / ST / PwD / Women / Ex-Servicemen | Nil (exempted) |
Note: The 2026 fee will be confirmed in the official notification. The above is based on previous years' pattern.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the MySSC portal or MySSC mobile app (if not already registered)
- Log in and fill the SSC CGL 2026 application form
- Upload required documents — photograph, signature, and other certificates
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records
Selection Process
SSC CGL 2026 selection will happen in these stages:
- Tier 1 — Computer-Based Test (Preliminary): 60 minutes, 200 marks
- Tier 2 — Computer-Based Test (Mains): 2 hours 15 minutes
- Document Verification (DV)
Exam Pattern
Tier 1 (Preliminary)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (Online)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Subjects:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Tier 2 (Mains)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (Online)
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Sections:
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning and General Intelligence
- English Language and Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge / Proficiency
- Paper-II: Statistics (for specific posts like JSO and Statistical Investigator)
Preparation Tips
- Start early — Begin with NCERT books for basics in Maths, Reasoning, and General Awareness
- Practice previous year papers — SSC often repeats question patterns. Solve at least 5 years of past papers
- Focus on speed — Tier 1 gives only 60 minutes for the entire paper. Practice with a timer
- Current affairs matter — Read a daily newspaper or follow a current affairs app for General Awareness
- Take mock tests weekly — Online mock tests help you get comfortable with the computer-based format
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will SSC CGL 2026 notification come out?
The notification is expected in March 2026 as per the SSC Calendar 2026-27. Keep checking ssc.gov.in for the official announcement.
Q: How many vacancies are expected in SSC CGL 2026?
Vacancies have not been announced yet. Based on previous years (14,582 in 2025 and 18,236 in 2024), around 15,000–20,000 vacancies are expected.
Q: What is the minimum qualification for SSC CGL 2026?
A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university is required. Some posts like JSO require additional qualifications in Mathematics or Statistics.
Q: Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes, there is negative marking in both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Typically, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in Tier 1.
Q: Can women candidates apply for free?
Yes, women candidates of all categories are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q: What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
The general age limit is 18 to 30 years for most posts, with relaxation for reserved categories. Some posts allow up to 32 years.
Important Links
- Official SSC Website: ssc.gov.in
- Official Notification PDF: Will be available once released
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page is based on the SSC Calendar 2026-27 and previous years' patterns. All information will be updated once the official SSC CGL 2026 notification is released. Always verify details on ssc.gov.in before applying.