SSC CGL Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 12,256 Vacancies

Staff Selection Commission has released the official SSC CGL 2026 notification for 12,256 posts! Check eligibility criteria, fees, patterns.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the detailed notification for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026. This national-level recruitment drive aims to fill an estimated 12,256 tentative vacancies across various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.

The online registration portal is fully active as of May 21, 2026, and eligible graduates can submit their applications until June 22, 2026. Known as the gateway to premier central government positions—such as Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer (ASO), and Central Excise Inspector—the SSC CGL exam continues to be one of the most sought-after competitive evaluations in the country.

SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment: Essential Dates & Timeline

To ensure your application transitions through the verification channels successfully, track the official scheduling timeline outlined below:

Who Can Apply? Eligibility & Age Limits

Candidates must fulfill specific eligibility parameters determined as per the official 2026 guidelines to clear initial profile checks:

1. Educational Qualifications

• Essential Mandate: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute.
• Appearing Candidates: Final-year graduation students can also apply, provided they achieve and present clear proof of passing their degree before the official cutoff date designated by the Commission.
• Specialized Roles: Posts like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) require a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the 12th-grade level, or a degree with Statistics as one of the primary subjects.

2. Age Limit (Calculated as of August 1, 2026)

The age parameters depend on the specific post codes applied for:

• Minimum Age Limit: 18 Years
• Maximum Age Limit: Varies between 30 to 32 Years depending on the specific department structure.
• Category Relaxations: Upper age limits are subject to standard government relaxation rules—3 years for OBC (NCL), 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.

Selection Process & Updated Exam Pattern

The selection framework is entirely computerized and merit-centric, categorized into two primary stages:

Tier-I: Screening Phase (Qualifying)

The Tier-I exam is a computer-based evaluation consisting of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) worth a total of 200 marks. The exam duration is 1 hour.

• Sections Covered: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
• Negative Marking: There is a penalty deduction of 0.50 marks for every incorrect response. Marks scored in Tier-I are normalized but only serve to shortlist candidates for the next stage.

Tier-II: Final Selection Phase

Tier-II determines your position on the final merit list. It includes mathematical abilities, reasoning, English language proficiency, general awareness, and two mandatory components:

• Computer Knowledge Module: A qualifying test assessing foundational computing skills.
• Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): A mandatory typing module executed on the same day to evaluate speed and accuracy.

Application Fee Parameters

• General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹100/-
• Exempted Categories: Women candidates and applicants belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-servicemen (ESM) are completely exempt from paying the application fee.
• Payment Channels: Fees can be paid digitally via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and RuPay cards.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online via New SSC Portal

All registration steps must be processed directly on the commission’s unified portal:

1. Navigate to the Desk: Go directly to the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in.
2. One-Time Registration (OTR): If you haven’t registered on the new portal, click on “Register Now” to generate your permanent OTR credentials using your Aadhaar card, mobile number, and email.
3. Fill Application Details: Log in using your OTR Registration Number and password. Click on the “Apply” link under the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 tab.
4. Academic & Choice Filling: Input your graduation metrics and select your preferred examination centers across your respective regional jurisdiction.
5. Live Photo Capture: Important Note: The new SSC portal utilizes a live photograph capture system. Ensure you use a device with a clear webcam or front camera against a plain, well-lit background. Upload a separate scanned copy of your signature file (10 to 20 KB).
6. Fee Checkout & Print: Review your details using the form summary preview. Proceed to checkout to settle the ₹100 fee (if applicable). Download and securely print the finalized confirmation sheet for your records.