SSC CGL 2026: Complete Guide
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Exam 2026 is one of India’s most sought-after examinations for graduates aspiring to secure prestigious government jobs in various ministries and departments. With an expected official notification in March 2026 and the Tier-1 exam tentatively scheduled for May–June 2026, aspirants are gearing up to plan their preparation strategically.
What is SSC CGL?
The SSC CGL exam is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organizations. The exam is divided into four tiers:
- Tier-1: Preliminary Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Tier-2: Main Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Tier-3: Descriptive Paper (Pen and Paper Mode)
- Tier-4: Data Entry Skill Test / Computer Proficiency Test (as applicable)
The exam offers opportunities across multiple departments such as Income Tax, Customs, Excise, Central Secretariat, and others, making it a gateway to stable and high-growth government careers.
Important Dates for SSC CGL 2026
While the official SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected in March 2026, here is a tentative schedule based on previous years:
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | March 2026 (after notification) |
| Application Last Date | April 2026 |
| Tier-1 Exam | May–June 2026 (CBT) |
| Tier-2 Exam | August–September 2026 (CBT) |
| Tier-3 Exam | October 2026 (Descriptive Paper) |
| Tier-4 Exam | November 2026 (as applicable) |
| Final Result | December 2026 – January 2027 |
It’s crucial for candidates to regularly check the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in) for the final schedule, as dates may vary slightly.
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details
SSC releases vacancies for multiple posts under Group B and Group C. While official numbers for 2026 will be announced in the notification, an estimate based on recent trends is as follows:
| Post Name | Tentative Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | 200–300 |
| Inspector (Income Tax, Central Excise, etc.) | 300–400 |
| Assistant | 1500–2000 |
| Sub-Inspector (CISF, CBI) | 100–200 |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | 200–300 |
| Tax Assistant | 500–600 |
| Other Group B/C Posts | 2000–2500 |
The total vacancies usually range between 8,000 and 12,000, depending on government requirements. Post-wise distribution can differ, so aspirants should wait for the official notification for exact numbers.
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by SSC. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Nationality/Citizenship
Candidates must be:
- Indian citizens, or
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugees (came to India before January 1, 1962), or
- Persons of Indian origin migrated from specified countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, East African countries).
2. Educational Qualification
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or institution is mandatory. Certain posts like Statistical Investigator Grade-II require a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics or related field, while Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) requires specific commerce, finance, or accounting degrees.
3. Age Limit
Age limits vary by post:
| Post Name | Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | 21–30 years |
| Assistant (Ministries/Departments) | 18–27 years |
| Inspector (CBI, Income Tax) | 20–30 years |
| Sub-Inspector (CISF) | 20–25 years |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | 21–30 years |
| Tax Assistant | 18–27 years |
Year Relaxation: SC/ST, OBC, PwD, Ex-Servicemen categories get age relaxation as per SSC rules.
SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam 2026
The Tier-1 exam is the first stage of the SSC CGL selection process and is a computer-based test (CBT). It is qualifying in nature and marks obtained are considered for shortlisting for Tier-2.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 min |
Negative Marking: 0.5 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Key Highlights
- Tier-1 is objective multiple-choice.
- Questions are designed to test analytical skills, reasoning ability, basic math, general knowledge, and English language proficiency.
- It serves as a screening stage, so aspirants need to clear the cut-off to qualify for Tier-2.
SSC CGL 2026 Application Process
Candidates can apply online through the SSC official website once the notification is released. Steps include:
- Visit ssc.nic.in and navigate to the “CGL 2026” notification.
- Click on Apply Online.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee (typically Rs. 100 for general candidates; fees exempted for SC/ST/PwD).
- Submit and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Tips for SSC CGL 2026 Aspirants (Initial Guidance)
- Understand Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus, sections, and question patterns.
- Time Management: Create a study plan allocating more time to weaker sections.
- Current Affairs: Daily reading of newspapers and monthly magazines for General Awareness.
- Practice Mock Tests: Start with previous year papers to understand difficulty levels.
- Revision: Ensure regular revision to retain formulas, vocabulary, and key concepts.
Detailed SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus
The SSC CGL exam has four sections in Tier-1 and additional sections in Tier-2. Below is a comprehensive syllabus for both:
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Topics Include:
- Analogy, Classification
- Series (Number & Alphabet)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Alphabet & Number Ranking
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Data Interpretation (Simplification, Inequalities)
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror, Water Images, Paper Folding)
Preparation Tips:
- Practice puzzles and reasoning sets daily.
- Focus on time-bound mock tests to improve speed.
- Use shortcuts for series and coding-decoding questions.
2. General Awareness
Topics Include:
- History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern India)
- Geography (World & Indian)
- Polity (Constitution, Governance, Rights)
- Economy & Banking
- Science & Technology (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
- Awards, Books & Authors, Sports, Current Affairs (last 12 months)
Preparation Tips:
- Read daily newspapers and follow monthly current affairs.
- Use SSC-focused GK books for static portions.
- Revise important facts regularly.
- Solve previous years’ GK questions to understand trends.
3. Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematics
Topics Include:
- Number Systems, HCF, LCM
- Simplification / Approximation
- Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work
- Algebra & Geometry basics
- Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics
- Data Interpretation
Preparation Tips:
- Memorize formulas and shortcut methods.
- Practice all topics with timed tests.
- Focus on DI and arithmetic questions as they are scoring and frequently asked.
4. English Comprehension
Topics Include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks / Cloze Test
- Sentence Correction
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- One-word Substitution
Preparation Tips:
- Read editorials and articles to improve vocabulary.
- Practice grammar exercises daily.
- Solve comprehension passages under time constraints.
Tier-2 Exam Syllabus Overview
Tier-2 consists of Mathematics, English Language & Comprehension, Statistics (for select posts), and General Studies (Finance & Economics). The pattern is slightly tougher and carries more weight for final merit.
- Mathematics: Higher difficulty than Tier-1, focus on speed and accuracy.
- English: Advanced comprehension and grammar.
- Statistics: Probability, Sampling, Index Numbers, Regression, Correlation.
- Finance & Economics: Economic concepts, accounting principles, budgets.
Previous Year Trends & Cut-offs
Understanding cut-offs helps aspirants set realistic goals. Below are the Tier-1 cut-offs from SSC CGL 2025 (general trends):
| Category | Cut-off (Tier-1 Marks) |
|---|---|
| UR / General | 135–145 |
| OBC | 130–140 |
| SC | 115–125 |
| ST | 110–120 |
| PwD | 95–105 |
Observations:
- Mathematics and reasoning are usually scoring sections.
- General Awareness carries surprises, so consistent preparation is needed.
- Cut-offs vary slightly each year based on vacancies and difficulty level.
SSC CGL 2026 Preparation Strategy
1st Step: Understand the Exam
- Read previous year papers.
- Familiarize with question types and difficulty levels.
2nd Step: Section-Wise Planning
- Allocate more time to weaker areas.
- Practice mock tests weekly to track improvement.
3rd Step: Revision & Practice
- Make short notes for formulas, dates, and facts.
- Revise regularly to retain important concepts.
4rth Step: Time Management
- Solve Tier-1 in 60 minutes efficiently.
- Do not spend too much time on one question.
5th Step: Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
- Take online mocks to simulate exam environment.
- Analyze performance and improve speed and accuracy.
Step 6: Stay Updated
- Read newspapers, follow current affairs for SSC GK section.
- Use monthly GK magazines or apps.
Expert Tips for SSC CGL 2026
- Daily Practice: Dedicate at least 2–3 hours daily for Tier-1 preparation.
- Accuracy over Attempts: Avoid guesswork; negative marking reduces your score.
- Solve Previous Papers: At least last 5 years’ papers to identify patterns.
- Focus on DI & Reasoning: These sections are scoring with practice.
- Improve Vocabulary: For English comprehension, daily word learning helps.
- Regular Revision: Maintain short notes for formulas, abbreviations, and dates.
SSC CGL 2026 Career Opportunities
Successful candidates can join prestigious central government departments with stable salaries, allowances, and growth opportunities. Some key posts include:
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) – Finance, auditing, accounts.
- Income Tax Inspector – Tax-related posts in Income Tax Department.
- Excise & Customs Inspector – Monitoring import/export duties.
- Statistical Investigator – Data collection and analysis for government projects.
- Sub-Inspector (CISF/CBI) – Security and investigation roles.
The SSC CGL exam opens doors to secure, respectable, and challenging careers in the Indian government sector.
Conclusion
SSC CGL 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates seeking central government jobs with growth potential. Starting preparation early, understanding the exam pattern, following a section-wise study plan, and consistent practice are keys to success. Aspirants should monitor the official SSC website for exact notifications, vacancies, and detailed schedules. With focused preparation and strategic planning, cracking SSC CGL 2026 is achievable.
FAQs:
The official notification for SSC CGL 2026 is expected in March 2026 on the SSC website. Candidates should regularly check ssc.nic.in for updates.
The Tier-1 CBT exam is tentatively scheduled for May–June 2026. Exact dates will be mentioned in the official notification.
Nationality: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before Jan 1, 1962), or persons of Indian origin migrated from specified countries.
Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university or equivalent. Certain posts require specific degrees.
Age Limit: Varies by post (generally 18–30 years), with relaxation for reserved categories.
Based on previous trends, total vacancies are expected to be 8,000–12,000 across multiple posts, including AAO, Inspector, Assistant, Tax Assistant, and Statistical Investigator.
Tier-1 (CBT):
4 Sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
100 questions, 200 marks
Duration: 60 minutes
Negative marking: 0.5 marks per wrong answer
Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4 have advanced sections, including descriptive papers, statistics, and computer proficiency tests.
The application fee is generally Rs. 100 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen candidates are usually exempted from the fee.
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