SSC CGL 2026 — Complete Exam Hub

Vacancy Details

The Commission has notified approx. 12,256 tentative vacancies under SSC CGL 2026, across various Group "B" and Group "C" posts in different Ministries/Departments/Organizations of the Government of India and Constitutional/Statutory Bodies/Tribunals. Vacancies are tentative and updated separately on the Commission's website.

• Vacancies are collected and updated by the Commission and published under "For Candidates → Tentative Vacancy" on ssc.gov.in.
• Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, ESM and PwBD candidates applies as determined by the respective Indenting Ministries/Departments/Cadres.
• ESM vacancies are reserved for Group "C" posts only.
• Selected candidates for Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer are allocated to offices across India based on vacancies, merit and State/UT preference.
• Only male candidates are eligible for any vacancies reported in the Border Roads Organization (BRO).

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for SSC CGL 2026, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions as laid down in the official notice:

• Nationality/Citizenship: As specified in Section 5 below.
• Age: Varies by post — 18–27, 20–30, 18–30 or 18–32 years as on 01.08.2026 (see Age Limit section).
• Educational Qualification: Minimum a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University/Institute, with specific additional requirements for certain posts (see Educational Qualification section).
• Final-year candidates: Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can also apply, but must possess the essential qualification as on 01.08.2026.

Nationality / Citizenship

A candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

A candidate belonging to categories (b), (c) or (d) above must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)

The age limit varies by post and Pay Level. The crucial reckoning date is 01 August 2026.

The DoB entered in the Online Application Form must exactly match the Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate. No subsequent change request will be considered, and mismatches can lead to rejection of candidature at any stage.

Age Relaxation

Permissible relaxation in the upper age limit for different categories:

• The crucial date for claiming SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/ESM status or any other benefit is the closing date for receipt of the Online Application Form.
• ESM who have already secured civil government employment using ESM reservation benefits are generally not eligible for ESM fee/reservation benefit again, subject to conditions in DoP&T OM dated 14.08.2014.
• A Matriculate Ex-Serviceman with at least 15 years of service is eligible for ESM-reserved Group "C" vacancies; non-graduate ESM with less than 15 years of service (not completing it within one year of the closing date) are not eligible.
• ESM candidates are not eligible for Group "B" posts.

Educational Qualification (as on 01.08.2026)

Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre)

• Essential: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institute.
• Desirable: CA / Cost & Management Accountant / Company Secretary / M.Com / MBA (Finance) / Masters in Business Economics.

Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre)

• Essential: Bachelor's Degree, plus proficiency (reading, writing, speaking & understanding at matriculation level) in the Regional/official language of the concerned State, backed by a certificate from a recognized Board.
• Desirable: Same as Central Cadre AAO above.

Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

• Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level, OR
• Bachelor's Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level.

Statistical Investigator Grade-II

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science/Engineering/Technology/Application, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence from a recognized University/Institute.

All Other Posts

• Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.

Attempts

• Candidates may apply every year the exam is conducted, as many times as they wish.
• The only binding limits are the age limit and educational qualification eligibility for the relevant post/year — once a candidate crosses the upper age limit for a post (accounting for any applicable relaxation), they become ineligible for that post in future cycles.
• Only one Online Application Form is allowed per candidate per cycle; multiple forms for the same cycle lead to cancellation and debarment.

Tier-I Exam Pattern

Tier-I is a single-session Objective Type, Multiple Choice Computer Based Examination, set in English & Hindi (except English Comprehension).

• Duration is 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each section.
• Candidates eligible for scribe (Para 7.1, 7.2, 7.3) get an extended duration of 1 hour 20 minutes, with sectional timers of 15+5=20 minutes per section.
• Negative marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Questions in Parts A, B & C are at Graduation level; Part-D questions are commensurate with Graduation level too, per the official Indicative Syllabus note.

Tier-II Exam Pattern

Tier-II includes Paper-I (compulsory for all posts), plus Paper-II (Statistics) for JSO/Statistical Investigator Grade-II and Paper-III (General Studies – Finance & Economics) for AAO/Assistant Accounts Officer shortlisted candidates.

Paper-I (2 hours 15 minutes + 15-minute DEST session)

• Session-I (2h 15m) covers Section-I (1 hour), Section-II (1 hour) and Section-III (15 min), run back-to-back.
• Session-II (15 min, after a break for re-registration) covers Section-IV (DEST) only.
• It is mandatory to qualify all Sections of Paper-I separately.
• Negative marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I, II & III; 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Paper-II & Paper-III.
• Higher qualifying standards for Computer Knowledge Test & DEST apply to specific posts (e.g. ASO in CSS/MEA/AFHQ, Assistant in SFIO/GSI/IMD, Inspector CBIC variants, Postal/Sorting Assistant, Tax Assistant).

Paper-II — Statistics (for JSO & Statistical Investigator Grade-II only)

Paper-III — General Studies (Finance & Economics) (for AAO/AAO Accounts only)

Complete Syllabus (Indicative)

Tier-I: General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies (semantic, symbolic/number, figural), classification, series, coding-decoding
• Space visualization & orientation, Venn diagrams, drawing inferences
• Punched hole/pattern-folding & unfolding, embedded figures, indexing, address matching
• Problem solving, word building, numerical & symbolic operations, trends, critical thinking, emotional & social intelligence

Tier-I: General Awareness

• Current events of national & international importance
• History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research
• Everyday scientific observation as expected of any educated person

Tier-I: Quantitative Aptitude

• Number systems, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio & proportion, averages
• Interest, profit & loss, discount, partnership, mixture & alligation, time & distance, time & work
• Basic algebra, graphs of linear equations, geometry (triangles, circles, tangents), mensuration
• Trigonometric ratios, heights & distances, histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram, pie chart

Tier-I: English Comprehension

• Ability to understand correct English, basic comprehension & writing ability

Tier-II Paper-I, Section-I: Mathematical Abilities

• Number systems, fundamental arithmetical operations, algebra, geometry, mensuration
• Trigonometry (ratios, complementary angles, heights & distances, standard identities)
• Statistics & probability — tables, graphs, measures of central tendency, simple probability

Tier-II Paper-I, Section-I: Reasoning & General Intelligence

• Semantic/symbolic/number analogy & classification, trends, space orientation, Venn diagrams
• Pattern folding/unfolding, embedded figures, critical thinking, problem solving, coding-decoding

Tier-II Paper-I, Section-II: English Language & Comprehension

• Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms, spot the error, fill in the blanks
• Idioms & phrases, one word substitution, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration
• Sentence/paragraph shuffling, cloze passage, comprehension passages (at least one book/story-based, two current-affairs based)

Tier-II Paper-I, Section-II: General Awareness

• Same broad areas as Tier-I General Awareness — History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, Polity, Science

Tier-II Paper-I, Section-III: Computer Knowledge / Proficiency

• Computer basics — CPU, I/O devices, memory, back-up devices, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet & email, web browsing, e-banking
• Networking basics & cyber security — devices, protocols, threats (hacking, virus, worms, trojans), preventive measures

Tier-II Paper-II: Statistics (JSO & Statistical Investigator Grade-II)

• Collection, classification & presentation of statistical data; measures of central tendency & dispersion
• Moments, skewness & kurtosis; correlation & regression; probability theory & random variables
• Sampling theory, statistical inference, analysis of variance, time series analysis, index numbers

Tier-II Paper-III: General Studies — Finance & Economics (AAO/AAO Accounts)

• Part A — Finance & Accounts: Financial accounting nature/scope, GAAP, single/double entry, bank reconciliation, journal/ledger/trial balance, trading & P&L accounts, balance sheet, depreciation, inventory valuation
• Part B — Economics & Governance: C&AG constitutional role, Finance Commission, micro-economics basics, demand & supply, production & cost, market forms & price determination, Indian economy (national income, population, poverty & unemployment, infrastructure), economic reforms since 1991, money & banking (RBI, fiscal policy, FRBM Act 2003), role of IT in governance

Post-wise Salary

As per the official notice, SSC CGL 2026 posts span five Pay Levels of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix:

Exact starting basic pay depends on the specific post allotted; higher Pay Levels (7 & 8) generally correspond to Group "B" Gazetted/Non-Gazetted roles, while Level-4 & Level-5 are Group "C" roles.

Estimated In-Hand Salary

Actual in-hand pay depends on the specific department, posting city (X/Y/Z HRA class), deductions (NPS/CGEGIS/professional tax etc.) and the current DA rate at the time of joining.

Pay Level — Full 7th CPC Matrix Snapshot

Pay Level determines the starting basic pay and annual increment structure under the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix — check the "Salary — Pay Scale" and "Vacancy Details" sections above for which posts fall under each level.

Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised twice a year as per Government of India rates.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Slab depends on city classification (X/Y/Z) where quarters are not provided.
• Transport Allowance (TA): As per pay level and city classification.
• Other allowances: Special duty allowance, deputation allowance or department-specific allowances, where applicable, as per respective cadre rules.

Job Profile

• Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer: Gazetted supervisory audit/accounts role under C&AG offices.
• Assistant Section Officer / Assistant: Administrative & secretarial functions in Central Secretariat, IB, Railways, MEA, AFHQ and other Ministries.
• Inspector (Income Tax / Central Excise / Preventive Officer / Examiner): Tax assessment, enforcement, and anti-evasion field/desk duties under CBDT/CBIC.
• Sub-Inspector (CBI/NIA/CBN/NCB): Investigation and enforcement duties in specialized central agencies.
• Auditor / Accountant / Tax Assistant: Accounts maintenance, audit support and tax record-keeping in respective offices.
• Postal/Sorting Assistant: Counter, sorting and administrative operations in Department of Posts.

Promotion

In general, Group "B" & "C" central government employees progress through their department's departmental promotion hierarchy based on seniority, vacancy availability, departmental exams and service record, as per the rules of the respective cadre. Direct recruits to Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer posts must additionally qualify the "Subordinate Audit/Accounts Service Examination" during probation for confirmation. Candidates should refer to their allotted department's official promotion/cadre rules for exact timelines and eligibility.

Department List

SSC CGL 2026 posts are spread across the following Ministries/Departments/Organizations, as listed in the official notice:

Post Preference Guide

• Preference for various posts and departments is taken through an Online Option Form on the Commission's website, before declaration of the First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA)/final result.
• A candidate will not be considered for a post/department if they have not indicated a preference for it.
• Options once submitted are final and cannot be changed subsequently under any circumstances.
• Candidates who do not submit post preferences within the stipulated time will not be considered for any post in the FRTA/result, with no further opportunity granted.
• Posts with specific Physical Standards/Physical Tests/Medical Standards must be preferenced carefully — candidates must ensure they meet those requirements before opting in, since a post cannot be changed later if they fail post-selection tests.
• Final allotment is made strictly on the basis of merit-cum-preference.

Required Documents (at Document Verification)

• Matriculation / Secondary Certificate.
• Educational Qualification Certificate (mark sheets for all years/semesters + Provisional/Degree Certificate in original).
• Caste/Category Certificate, if belonging to a reserved category.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities Certificate, in the prescribed format, if applicable.
• For Ex-Servicemen: Serving Defence Personnel Certificate (Annexure-VII), Undertaking (Annexure-VIII), and Discharge Certificate if discharged.
• Relevant certificate if claiming any age relaxation.
• Certificate for Central Government Civilian Employees, where applicable (Annexure-VI).
• No Objection Certificate, if already employed in Government/Government undertakings.
• Change-of-name supporting documents (marriage/divorce/Gazette notification), if applicable.
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs and one original Photo ID Proof, unless Aadhaar Based Authentication was completed during OTR.

Photo Guidelines

You do not need a pre-existing photograph — the Online Application Module captures a live photo via webcam/camera while you fill the form.

• Find a place with good light and a plain background.
• Ensure the camera is at eye level before taking the photo.
• Position yourself directly in front of the camera and look straight ahead.
• Face must be fully inside the delineated frame — not too close, not too far.
• No cap, mask or glasses/spectacles while capturing the photo.
• Never capture a photo of a pre-existing printed photograph — such applications are summarily rejected.
• Appearance on exam day must match the application photograph — mismatches can lead to being marked "suspicious" and denied entry.

Signature Guidelines

• The most common rejection reason is a "miniature" signature — cut a box and sign within it so the signature occupies most of the box.
• Blurred, illegible or miniature signatures are rejected summarily (except for Aadhaar Based Authentication applicants).

Application Fee

How to Apply — Step by Step

• Step 1 — One-Time Registration (OTR): Register on the new SSC website (ssc.gov.in). OTR generated on the old ssc.nic.in site will not work — you must re-register.
• Step 2 — Complete Personal Details: Name, DoB, Father's/Mother's name — exactly as per Matriculation Certificate.
• Step 3 — Aadhaar or Document-based verification: Opt for Aadhaar-Based Authentication (recommended) or upload Proof of Name/DoB/Address/Gender documents.
• Step 4 — Create Password & complete Additional Details: Category, nationality, address, disability status (if any).
• Step 5 — Declare & submit OTR — once generated, it remains valid for all future SSC exams on the new website.
• Step 6 — Login & fill the Examination Application Form: Educational qualification, examination centre preferences, medium of exam, PwBD/scribe declarations if applicable.
• Step 7 — Capture live photo & upload signature as per the specifications above.
• Step 8 — Preview, agree to declaration & submit the form — no edits possible after final submission (except during the correction window).
• Step 9 — Pay the application fee online (if applicable) before 23 June 2026.
• Step 10 — Take a printout of the submitted form for your records.

Admit Card

• The Admission Certificate (admit card) is issued separately for Tier-I and Tier-II, downloadable from the relevant SSC Regional Office website.
• It carries the candidate's photograph, roll number, exam centre, date & shift/session timing.
• Carry the admit card along with a valid original Photo ID Proof (unless Aadhaar Based Authentication was used) to the exam venue.
• Report at the exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card — late entry is not permitted.

Answer Key

• Tentative Answer Keys of each Tier are placed on the Commission's website after the respective examination.
• Candidates may go through the Answer Keys and submit online representations within a stipulated time limit, on payment of ₹100 per question (non-refundable).
• Representations through any other mode (letter, application, email, etc.) are not entertained.
• Representations are scrutinized before finalizing the Answer Keys; the Commission's decision is final.
• The Final Answer Key is used for processing the result and is uploaded after the result of that Tier is declared.
• The Commission's "Guidelines regarding Challenge/Objection Management System" (Notice dated 10.04.2026) apply to this examination.

Result

• Tier-I result: category-wise shortlist of candidates qualifying for Tier-II, based on minimum qualifying marks/cut-off.
• Tier-II result: candidates who qualify all mandatory sections of Paper-I (and Paper-II/III where applicable) are ranked for the Final Result.
• Marks scored in Computer Based Examinations conducted in multiple shifts are normalized using the Commission's published procedure (Notice dated 02.06.2025), and normalized scores determine final merit and cut-off.
• Final Result (First Round of Tentative Allocation / FRTA) is prepared on the basis of overall performance in Tier-II Examination only, combined with post preferences submitted via the Online Option Form.
• No waiting/reserve list is maintained by the Commission after the final result is declared.

Cut Off

Minimum Qualifying Marks (Tier-I Section-wise; Paper-I Sections I–III, Paper-II & Paper-III of Tier-II)

Maximum Errors Allowed in DEST (Section-IV of Paper-I)

These are the minimum qualifying standards defined in the notice — they are not the same as the "cut-off" (the actual last-rank marks for a post/category), which depends on the number of vacancies, difficulty level and number of applicants each cycle, and is published only after the result. This is a fresh notification, so post-wise category cut-off figures for 2026 are not yet available.

Previous Year Papers

• Practising previous years' Tier-I & Tier-II papers helps build familiarity with question difficulty and time management, even though the notified pattern/marks may change year to year — always cross-check against the current official pattern above.
• Use the free official Mock Test on ssc.gov.in for a pattern-accurate practice experience.
• For Paper-II (Statistics) and Paper-III (Finance & Economics), focus practice on standard graduate-level textbooks in those subjects alongside past papers, since these papers apply only to JSO/Statistical Investigator Grade-II and AAO/AAO Accounts respectively.

Important Instructions

• Apply well before the closing date — heavy last-day website load can prevent submission, and the Commission is not responsible for such failures.
• Only one Online Application Form is allowed per candidate; multiple forms lead to cancellation and debarment.
• Name, DoB, Father's & Mother's name must exactly match the Matriculation Certificate throughout OTR and application.
• Keep your application form and other exam-related documents (score/marks, answer response sheet, etc.) for at least 3 years, as per DoPT guidelines.
• There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of scores at any Tier — no correspondence on this will be entertained.
• The schedule of examinations in this notice is tentative; any change is communicated only through the Commission's official website.
• Metric systems of weights and measures are used in the question papers wherever necessary.
• Toll-Free Helpline for application difficulties: 1800 309 3063.