SSC CGL 2026 notification is scheduled for March 2026 and applications will run till April 2026 (as per SSC Examination Calendar).
SSC CGL Tier 1 (CBE) is planned for May–June 2026, and final selection is driven mainly by Tier 2 performance.
Apply online through SSC One-Time Registration (OTR) at ssc.gov.in and follow the official Tier-2 module pattern (Computer + DEST are qualifying).
Official SSC Links (Authority Section)
- SSC Official Website: https://ssc.gov.in
- SSC Examination Calendar 2026–27: https://ssc.gov.in/for-candidates/examination-calendar
- SSC Login / Apply Portal: https://ssc.gov.in/login
Mahendras Internal Links
- SSC Interview Tips (for SSC exams where interview exists):
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-interview-preparation-2026-exams-tips-mistakes-and-expert-strategy-to-crack - Interview Registration (Free Mock Interview):
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/best-institute-for-bank-ssc-and-government-job-interview-preparation-free-mock-interview-by-mahendras - SSC Exam Calendar Explained (your cluster pillar):
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-exam-calendar-2026-explained-full-dates-tier-1-and-tier-2-schedule-notification-and-preparation-strategy - Best Test Series / Mock Discipline:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/which-institute-provides-best-mock-test-for-bank-ssc-railway-and-government-exams-mahendras-leads-in-mock-test-discipline - Upcoming Govt Jobs 2026:
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/upcoming-government-jobs-2026-latest-sarkari-vacancy-notifications-central-and-state-wise
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates (As per SSC Calendar)
Note: Exact day-wise start/end dates will be inside SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF. For now, the calendar months are official guidance.
Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
SSC CGL 2026 Notification | March 2026 |
Apply Online Window | March–April 2026 |
Tier 1 Exam Month | May–June 2026 |
Tier 2 | To be notified |
Read your detailed calendar breakdown here (internal):
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-exam-calendar-2026-explained-full-dates-tier-1-and-tier-2-schedule-notification-and-preparation-strategy
What is SSC CGL 2026 (And Why It’s the #1 Graduate Govt Exam)?
SSC CGL recruits graduates for Group “B” and Group “C” posts in top departments like CBDT (Income Tax), CBIC (Customs/Central Excise), CBI, MEA, CSS, IB, EPFO and many more.
Why students prefer SSC CGL:
- Central government pay levels (Level 4 to Level 7)
- Stable postings, strong promotions, allowances
- No interview stage in CGL (pure exam + merit)
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Summary
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Exam | SSC CGL 2026 |
Full Form | Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level |
Mode | Online (CBT) |
Eligibility | Graduation |
Age | 18–32 (post-wise varies) |
Stages | Tier 1 (Qualifying) + Tier 2 (Merit) |
Official site | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL Posts
Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post |
|---|---|---|
Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | Group “B” |
Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | Group “B” |
Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | Group “B” |
Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | Group “B” |
Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | Group “B” |
Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | Group “B” |
Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations | Group “B” |
Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Group “C” |
Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Group “B” |
Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Group “B” |
Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | Group “B” |
Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue | Group “B” |
Sub Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation | Group “B” |
Inspector Posts | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | Group “B” |
Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | Group “B” |
Section Head | Director General of Foreign Trade | Group “B” |
Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post |
|---|---|---|
Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations | Group “B” |
Executive Assistant | CBIC | Group “B” |
Research Assistant | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | Group “B” |
Divisional Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group “B” |
Sub Inspector | National Investigation Agency (NIA) | Group “B” |
Sub-Inspector / Junior Intelligence Officer | Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA) | Group “B” |
Junior Statistical Officer | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation | Group “B” |
Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Ministry of Home Affairs | Group “B” |
Office Superintendent | CBDT | Group “B” |
Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post |
|---|---|---|
Auditor | Offices under C&AG | Group “C” |
Auditor | Offices under CGDA | Group “C” |
Auditor | Other Ministries / Departments | Group “C” |
Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group “C” |
Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | Group “C” |
Accountant / Junior Accountant | Other Ministries / Departments | Group “C” |
Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post |
|---|---|---|
Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | Group “C” |
Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk | Central Govt. Offices / Ministries other than CSCS cadres | Group “C” |
Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | Group “C” |
Tax Assistant | CBDT | Group “C” |
Tax Assistant | CBIC | Group “C” |
Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | Group “C” |
If your priority is… | Best-fit posts to target |
|---|---|
Highest prestige + desk profile | ASO (CSS/MEA) |
Field + authority + enforcement | CBIC Inspector / Preventive Officer / Examiner |
Investigation profile | CBI SI |
Tax/departmental growth | Income Tax Inspector |
Stats/math specialist | JSO (MoSPI) |
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy
SSC CGL 2026 vacancies will be declared in the official notification PDF.
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026
1) Educational Qualification
- Most posts: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- JSO: Bachelor‟s Degree in any subject from a recognized University or Institute with at least 60% Marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level;
- Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor‟s Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects from a recognized University or Institute. The candidates should have studied the subject of Statistics at Degree Level in Part-I, Part-II and Part-III or in all the six semesters of three year degree course and not simply a paper in any part of the Degree or six semesters at degree level.
2) Age Limit (Post-wise)
S. No. | Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | Group “B” | 20–30 years |
2 | Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
3 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | Group “B” | 20–30 years |
4 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | Group “B” | 20–30 years |
5 | Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | Group “B” | 20–30 years |
6 | Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
7 | Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
8 | Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Group “C” | 18–30 years |
9 | Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
10 | Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
11 | Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
12 | Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
13 | Sub Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation | Group “B” | 20–30 years |
14 | Inspector Posts | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
15 | Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
16 | Section Head | Director General of Foreign Trade | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
S. No. | Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17 | Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries / Departments / Organizations | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
18 | Executive Assistant | CBIC | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
19 | Research Assistant | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
20 | Divisional Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
21 | Sub Inspector | National Investigation Agency (NIA) | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
22 | Sub-Inspector / Junior Intelligence Officer | Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA) | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
23 | Junior Statistical Officer | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation | Group “B” | 18–32 years |
24 | Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Ministry of Home Affairs | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
25 | Office Superintendent | CBDT | Group “B” | 18–30 years |
S. No. | Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
26 | Auditor | Offices under C&AG | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
27 | Auditor | Offices under CGDA | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
28 | Auditor | Other Ministries / Departments | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
29 | Accountant | Offices under C&AG | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
30 | Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
31 | Accountant / Junior Accountant | Other Ministries / Departments | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
S. No. | Name of Post | Ministry / Department / Office / Cadre | Classification of Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
32 | Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
33 | Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk | Central Govt. Offices / Ministries other than CSCS cadres | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
34 | Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
35 | Tax Assistant | CBDT | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
36 | Tax Assistant | CBIC | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
37 | Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | Group “C” | 18–27 years |
3) Age Relaxation (Common)
OBC 3 yrs, SC/ST 5 yrs, PwBD up to 10–15 yrs, Ex-servicemen and govt employees as per SSC rules.
SSC CGL Apply Online 2026
Step A — SSC One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Go to https://ssc.gov.in → Register (OTR)
- Verify mobile/email
- Fill personal details + ID proof + address
- Create login credentials
Step B — Fill SSC CGL 2026 Application
- Login → Select CGL 2026
- Fill education details carefully (especially if applying for JSO)
- Choose exam city preferences
- Upload photo/signature (as per SSC specs in notification)
- Pay fee (if applicable)
- Final submit + download application PDF
SSC CGL Application Fee
- Typically ₹100 (fee exemptions for women/SC/ST/PwBD/ESM as per SSC rules in notification)
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The Computer-Based Examination (CBE) for SSC CGL 2026-27 will be conducted in two tiers:
- Tier-I: Preliminary Examination
- Tier-II: Main Examination
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern (Tier 1 + Tier 2)
Based on SSC Official CGL Syllabus PDF
Tier 1 (Qualifying)
Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Quant | 25 | 50 |
English | 25 | 50 |
Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative marking (Tier 1): commonly 0.50 per wrong (verify with 2026 notification if SSC updates it).
Cumulative Time – 60 minutes
Tier 2 (Merit + Qualifying Modules)
SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Pattern 2026-27
Paper | Session | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper-I | Session-I | Section-I: |
|
|
|
| (2 hours and 15 minutes) | A: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60×3 = 180 | 1 hour (For each section) |
|
| B: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 |
| (1 hour and 20 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates as per Para 7.1, 7.2, 7.3) |
|
|
| Total = 60 |
|
|
|
| Section-II: |
|
|
|
|
| A: English Language and Comprehension | 45 | 70×3 = 210 |
|
|
| B: General Awareness | 25 |
|
|
|
|
| Total = 70 |
|
|
|
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test | 20 | 20×3 = 60 | 15 minutes (for Section-III & IV each) |
| Session-II (15 mins) | Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test | One Data Entry Task | — | 15 minutes |
Paper-II | — | Statistics | 100 | 100×2 = 200 | 2 hours (2 hrs 40 mins for scribe-eligible candidates) |
Conducting Paper-I and Paper-II
- Tier-II will consist of two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, which will be held in separate shifts or on different days.
Paper-I (Compulsory for All Candidates)
- Paper-I is compulsory for all candidates appearing in Tier-II.
- The paper will cover the following sections:
- Section-I:
- A: Mathematical Abilities
- B: Reasoning and General Intelligence
- Section-II:
- A: English Language and Comprehension
- B: General Awareness
- Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test
- Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
Paper-II (Specific to Certain Posts)
- Paper-II will only be for candidates who are applying for the posts of Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation or Statistical Investigator Grade-II in the office of the Registrar General of India (M/o Home Affairs), and who have been shortlisted after Tier-I.
Detailed Breakdown of Paper-I
- Paper-I will be conducted in two sessions on the same day:
- Session-I will include Sections I, II, and III, and will last for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Session-II will include Section-IV, the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), and will last for only 15 minutes.
Session-I (Paper-I)
- Section-I:
- Duration: 1 hour for both Mathematical Abilities (Part A) and Reasoning and General Intelligence (Part B).
- After 1 hour, the section will automatically close.
- Section-II:
- Duration: 1 hour for English Language and Comprehension and General Awareness.
- After 1 hour, this section will automatically close.
- Section-III:
- Duration: 15 minutes for the Computer Knowledge Test.
- After Session-I is completed, candidates will get a break before Session-II.
Session-II (Paper-I)
- Section-IV:
- Duration: 15 minutes for the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
Mandatory Qualification for Paper-I
- It is mandatory for candidates to qualify in all sections of Paper-I separately.
Exam Type and Negative Marking
- Tier-II (Paper-I & Paper-II) will consist of Objective Type, Multiple-Choice Questions.
- Section-IV (DEST) will be an exception, being a skill test.
- Negative Marking:
- 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III of Paper-I.
- 0.50 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer in Paper-II.
Computer Knowledge Test (Section-III)
- The Computer Knowledge Test (Section-III) is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
- For posts requiring Computer Proficiency (e.g., Assistant Section Officer, Assistant in various Ministries), higher qualifying standards will be set compared to other posts.
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)
- Section-IV of Paper-I will include the Data Entry Speed Test for a duration of 15 minutes.
- DEST Skill Test involves typing approximately 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
- Exemption for PwBD (Orthopedic Handicapped) Candidates:
- PwBD candidates (who provide a valid medical certificate from the competent medical authority) are exempted from DEST if they are permanently unfit due to physical disability.
- However, this exemption is not applicable for posts requiring Computer Proficiency or DEST (except for Tax Assistant in CBDT).
- Compensatory Time:
- PwBD candidates eligible for scribes will be given additional compensatory time of 5 minutes for DEST.
Key Highlights for Candidates
- Paper-I is compulsory for all candidates, whereas Paper-II is only for specific posts (JSO and Statistical Investigator).
- Candidates must qualify all sections of Paper-I separately.
- Negative marking is applicable in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
- The DEST is mandatory for posts requiring Data Entry and is qualifying in nature.
- PwBD candidates may be exempt from DEST under specific conditions.
SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus (Tier 1 + Tier 2)
Reasoning (High scoring)
- Analogy, series, coding-decoding, syllogism, direction, Venn, figure, matrix, non-verbal
Quant (Tier 1 + Tier 2 focus)
- Arithmetic (percentage/ratio/average/profit loss/DI/time work)
- Algebra basics, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry basics
- Speed math + approximation (critical for Tier 2)
English (Tier 2 differentiator)
- RC, error spotting, sentence improvement, cloze, vocab
- Grammar rules + practice sets
GA/GS (where toppers win)
- Polity, economy, history, geography, science
- Current affairs (last 6–8 months)
Computer (Tier 2 qualifying)
- MS Office basics, internet, networking, cybersecurity basics, shortcuts
Stats (JSO only)
- Distribution, measures, correlation/regression, sampling, probability
Salary (Pay Level 4–7)
SSC CGL salary varies by post. Typical gross band (approx):
- Pay Level-7 (₹ 44900 to 142400)
- Pay Level-6 (₹ 35400 to 112400)
- Pay Level-5 (₹ 29200 to 92300)
- Pay Level-4 (₹ 25500 to 81100)
SSC CGL 2026 Preparation Plan
The Only Strategy That Works: “Concept → Practice → Mock → Analysis → Revision”
Most students do mocks but skip analysis. Your page should force analysis.
Phase 1: Foundation (Day 1–30)
Daily (5–7 hrs)
- Quant: 2 hrs (arithmetic + DI)
- Reasoning: 1 hr
- English: 1 hr (RC + grammar)
- GA: 1 hr (static + CA)
- Revision: 30–45 min
Weekly
- 2 full mocks + deep analysis
- 1 sectional test per day (alternate Quant/English/Reasoning)
Phase 2: Speed + Accuracy (Day 31–60)
- 3–4 full mocks/week
- Advanced quant (geometry/mensuration) + error log
- RC daily + 40–60 vocab/day
- GA: revise static notes + monthly CA PDFs
Phase 3: Tier-2 Focus (Day 61–90)
- 4–5 full mocks/week
- Tier 2 quant sets + time-bound practice
- Computer module: 20–30 mins/day (qualifying but must clear)
- DEST practice: 10–15 mins/day typing routine
👉 Test series link
https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/which-institute-provides-best-mock-test-for-bank-ssc-railway-and-government-exams-mahendras-leads-in-mock-test-discipline
Mistakes That Destroy Selection
- OTR details mismatch with ID proof
- Wrong category or wrong “JSO eligibility” selection
- Ignoring Tier-2 qualifying modules (Computer/DEST)
- Giving mocks without analysis (same errors repeat)
- GA revision not scheduled (GA is retention game)
Interview Clarification
✅ SSC CGL has no interview.
But students still search “SSC interview tips” because other SSC exams may have interviews/skill rounds.
So add these two internal links as helpful resources (and keep this page sticky):
- https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ssc-interview-preparation-2026-exams-tips-mistakes-and-expert-strategy-to-crack
- https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/best-institute-for-bank-ssc-and-government-job-interview-preparation-free-mock-interview-by-mahendras
FAQs
- SSC CGL 2026 notification kab aayega?
March 2026 expected as per SSC calendar. - SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 kab hoga?
May–June 2026 as per SSC calendar. - SSC CGL apply online last date 2026?
April 2026 (month as per calendar; exact date in notification). - SSC CGL me interview hota hai?
No, SSC CGL selection is through Tier 1 + Tier 2 exams. - Tier 1 qualifying hai?
Yes, Tier 1 is used for qualifying/shortlisting. - Tier 2 me Computer/DEST hota hai?
Yes, Tier-2 includes qualifying modules; Computer Knowledge Test is qualifying. - DEST kya hai?
Data Entry Speed Test (qualifying skill module under Tier-2 structure). - Negative marking hoti hai?
Yes; Tier-2 negative marking rules are specified in SSC’s official CGL syllabus framework. - Eligibility kya hai?
Graduation required (post-wise specifics in notification). - Age limit kya hai?
18–32 overall, post-wise varies. - JSO ke liye qualification?
Maths/Stats eligibility as per SSC notification rules (confirm in 2026 PDF). - SSC CGL salary kitni hoti hai?
Pay Level 4–7; post and city dependent. - Best post kaunsa hai?
ASO/Income Tax Inspector/CBI SI/CBIC Inspector are top preferences. - Form filling me sabse badi mistake?
OTR details mismatch + wrong eligibility selection. - Tier 2 kaise crack kare?
Time-bound quant + English + GA revision + mocks + analysis + qualifying module practice.

