SSC CGL Notification 2026 will be out soon, the form is expected to be released in April 2026. As per the previous year trends, over 8-10 lakhs candidates apply for 15,000 + vacancies. Candidates must keep their documents ready, check the post wise eligibility and stay focused on the tier 2 as it decides the final selection. Interested candidates must start now try to understand the exact exam pattern and must be ready to apply the moment the form is released. Early preparation and accurate understanding will provide them a real advantage over other candidates.
Key Highlights of the SSC CGL 2026:
Candidates can refer to this table to be clear about the exam timings, stages and competition.
| Exam name | Combined graduate level Exam |
| Conducting body | Staff selection commission |
| Vacancies | 15,000+ |
| Notification release date | April 2026 |
| Selection process | Tier 1, Tier 2 and skill test |
| Tier 1 exam date | August to September 2026 |
| Tier 2 exam date | December 2026 |
| Application fee | 100 for UR category and free for SC/ST/female/PwBD |
| Official website | click here |
Important Dates:
These dates are based on the latest official notification cycle and quite close to the official schedule that is yet to be announced:
| Event | Date |
| Notification release | April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | May 2026 |
| Tier 1 exam date | August – September 2026 |
| Tier 2 exam date | Dec 2026 |
SSC CGL 2026 vacancies (expected)
The actual number of vacancies vary every year, but as per the previous notification cycle the expected number of vacancies will be
- 15,000 + across different posts
The detailed post wise and category wise vacancies will be notified once the official notification for 2026 is released.
Application Fee for SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment:
Candidates will have to certain amount fee after the completion of the exam form. The application fee must be submitted online, otherwise forms will not be considered complete.
The application fee varies for different categories:
| Category | Fee (In Rs) |
| UR and OBC | 100 |
| SC, ST, Female and PwBD | NO fee |
what is the eligibility criteria for SSC CGL 2026 posts ?
Understanding the eligibility criteria is very important as if any candidate do not fullfil the eligibility criteria and apply for the post their applications will be rejected at later stages. Hence, applicants must insure that the full fill all the eligibility requirements provided in the official notification.
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Educational qualifications | For all the posts- graduation any stream from a recognised institution For Junior statistical officer– 60 percent in maths OR must have studied statistics as subject during graduation Statistical investigator grade II- graduation with statistics in all the sem |
| Age limit | Group C posts: 18 to 27 years of age For inspector or ASO– must be between 18-30 years JSO– upto 32 years AGE RELAXATIONS: OBC- + 3 year SC or ST – + 5 years PwBD- upto 15 years |
| Nationality | must be an indian citizen OR Subjects of Countries like Nepal or Bhutan OR a person of Indian origin |
How are the candidates selected for SSC CGL posts ?
The selection process is quite simple and it is same for all the except for JSO. It majorly includes 3 stages with sub paper within all the stages.
- Stage 1: Tier 1 for screening the candidates
- Stage 2. Tier 2 (also known as Mains )
- Stage 3. Skill test or physical test
The skill test further includes 2 sub stages namely:
- DEST (data entry speed test)- this is required for Tax assistant
- Computer proficiency test (CPT)- required for the post of Assistant section officer
SSC CGL 2026 Exam pattern:
In order to qualify the exam, applicants must be clear about the stages, papers, duration and negative marking. As even with good preparation, if candidates miss any important about the exam pattern they may loose marks in the actual exam.
Tier 1 Exam pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General knowledge | 25 | 50 |
| Maths | 25 | 50 |
| English language | 25 | 50 |
Total marks are 100 and negative marking of 0.5 marks per wrong ans is also applicable.
Tier 2 pattern
Paper 1:-
- Section 1 (Maths and Reasoning)- 60 questions for 180 marks
- Section 2 (English language and General knowledge) – 70 questions for 210 marks
- Section 3 (computer knowledge)- 20 questions for 60 marks
- Section 4 (DEST) – qualifying only
- Total: 390
Paper 2:- (only for JSO)
- Statistics- 200 marks
Negative marking: 1 mark will be deducted per wrong answer and 0.5 marks in case of statistics paper for JSO.
How to apply for the SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 ?
In order to apply for this recruitment process, candidates can follow the simple steps. In case of any website error, candidates must wait for some time and try again.
- Go to the official website.
- Then click on the Register now option.
- Enter all the details like name date of birth mobile number and email ID.
- Create a login ID and password.
- Fill all the required personal and academic details.
- Upload the documents in required format.
- Pay the application fee using UPI or debit card or net banking.
- Click on the final submit option and take a print out for future reference.
What is the expected salary and allowances of SSC CGL posts 2026 ?
The qualified candidates recive a decent salary amount and some other additional benefits like HRA, medical allowances, etc.
| Level | Posts | Salary |
| 7 | ASO, income tax inspector CBI Si | 44,900 to 1,42,000 |
| 6 | executive assistant, divisional accountant | 35,000 to 1,12,400 |
| 5 | auditor, accountant | 29,000 to 92,300 |
| 4 | tax assistant, postal assistant | 25,500 to 81,10 |
Important links
Candidates who wish to refer to more details about this recruitment process, may refer to the links provided below:
| Webpage | Link |
| Official website | click here |
| Application link | available soon |
| Notification PDF | available soon 2025 notification |
| Homepage | visit here |
Conclusion
SSC CGL notification 2026 is not just an exam but an important recruitment opportunity for candidates who wish to work under different government ministries with job stability and security. Alongwith this the payment scale is also quite competitive as compared to other exams with similar exam patterns and selection process. Also practice PYQs on a regular basis to predict your selection and improve your scores.
FAQs on SSC CGL Notification 2026
Yes, DEST and CPT are needed for some specific posts.
No, actually it’s only qualifying in nature. So, you just need to pass it.
Tier 2 marks decides the final merit.
The total marks for the tier 2 exam are 390.
No, there is no interview stage.
Around 8-9 lakhs candidates apply for this recruitment.
Tier 2 is considered quite difficult.
