SSC Exam Calendar 2026 Explained: Full Dates, Tier 1 & Tier 2 Schedule, Notification & Preparation Strategy
The SSC Exam Calendar 2026 is the official schedule released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) outlining the SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, JE, JHT and other recruitment timelines, including notification dates, application windows, Tier-1 and Tier-2 exam dates, admit card releases, and result announcements. The SSC Exam Calendar 2026 helps aspirants plan preparation and mock schedules. You can download the official SSC 2026 calendar from the SSC official website (ssc.nic.in). The most important SSC calendars expected in 2026 include CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, JE and other national recruitment cycles.
Section 1: What Is SSC Exam Calendar 2026?
The SSC Exam Calendar is the official timetable that SSC publishes to announce upcoming examinations, recruitment cycles, and important application and exam dates.
It lists all major SSC exams such as:
• SSC CGL
• SSC CHSL
• SSC GD
• SSC MTS
• SSC JE
• SSC JHT
• SSC Stenographer
• Other SSC notifications
It provides:
✔ Tentative notification dates
✔ Online application start/last dates
✔ Exam dates (Tier-1 / Tier-2 / Skill Test)
✔ Admit card timeline
✔ Result announcement timeline
Official SSC website:
https://ssc.nic.in/
Section 2: SSC Exam Calendar 2026 – Expected Schedule
The following SSC calendar is based on past years (2023–2025) and current recruitment cycles trending in 2026. Final dates will be confirmed by SSC.
SSC Tentative Calendar 2026
Exam | Notification | Apply Start | Apply End | Tier-1 | Tier-2 | Skill Test / Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SSC CGL | Jan 2026 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | Apr–May 2026 | Aug–Sep 2026 | – |
SSC CHSL | Feb 2026 | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | May–June 2026 | Sep–Oct 2026 | Skill Test |
SSC GD | Mar 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | Jun–Aug 2026 | – | PST / PET |
SSC MTS | Apr 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 | July 2026 | – | – |
SSC JE | May 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | Sept 2026 | Nov 2026 | – |
SSC Steno | June 2026 | July 2026 | Aug 2026 | Oct 2026 | – | Skill Test |
Note: These are estimated based on historical trends and pattern consistency. Actual dates are confirmed with official SSC notifications.
Section 3: How to Download SSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
- Visit SSC official website: https://ssc.nic.in/
- Click “Calendar” or “News & Events”
- Look for “Exam Calendar 2026” link
- Download PDF
- Save for preparation planning
SSC calendars are generally released around January–March each year.
Section 4: Why SSC Exam Calendar 2026 Matters
The calendar is not just a date sheet — it is your preparation backbone:
✔ Helps plan monthly study targets
✔ Permits early start for difficult sections
✔ Aligns mocks with real timeline
✔ Avoids last-minute rush
✔ Helps GA planning (monthly current affairs)
✔ Keeps you updated with official changes
Without calendar clarity, preparation becomes guesswork.
Section 5: Official SSC Authority Links
SSC Official Website:
https://ssc.nic.in/
SSC Candidate Login:
https://ssc.nic.in/SSCOnline/
SSC Calendar & Notification Archive:
https://ssc.nic.in/notifications
Employment News (Central Govt Recruitments):
https://www.employmentnews.gov.in/
Section 6: Mahendra’s Student Support Links
For calendar-aligned preparation with mock systems, revision plans and structured monitoring:
Mahendra’s Official Website:
https://www.mahendras.org
Mahendra’s Branch Locator:
https://branch.mahendras.org
These links help you explore structured offline & hybrid options.
Section 7: How to Use SSC Exam Calendar 2026 for Smart Preparation
Plan Your Year
• Set study targets based on tier dates
• Schedule mock tests accordingly
• Identify weak topics early
• Maintain revision cycles
Create Monthly Study Blocks
Month 1–2:
Concept Building + Shortcuts
Month 3–4:
Sectional Tests + Mid-Level Mocks
Month 5–6:
High-Intensity Full Mocks
Month 7:
Revision + Current Affairs
Section 8: SSC CGL 2026 Calendar – Detailed Breakdown
SSC CGL remains the most popular SSC recruitment. Expected timelines are:
• Notification: Jan 2026
• Apply Start: Jan 2026
• Apply End: Feb 2026
• Tier-1: Apr–May 2026
• Tier-2: Aug–Sep 2026
• Skill/Typing Test if applicable
Use this calendar to structure Tier-1 + Tier-2 preparation.
Section 9: SSC CHSL 2026 Calendar – Detailed Breakdown
• Notification: Feb 2026
• Apply Start: Feb 2026
• Apply End: Mar 2026
• Tier-1: May–June 2026
• Tier-2: Sep–Oct 2026
• Skill Test: After Tier-2
Plan speed + accuracy early.
Section 10: SSC GD 2026 Calendar – Detailed Breakdown
• Notification: Mar 2026
• Apply Start: Mar 2026
• Apply End: Apr 2026
• Tier-1: Jun–Aug 2026
• PST / PET: After Tier-1
Physical tests come after written exam.
Section 11: SSC MTS & SSC Stenographer 2026 Calendar
Expected SSC MTS 2026:
• Notification: Apr 2026
• Apply Start: Apr 2026
• Apply End: May 2026
• Tier-1: July 2026
Expected Stenographer 2026:
• Notification: June 2026
• Apply Start: July 2026
• Apply End: Aug 2026
• Tier-1: Oct 2026
• Skill: After Tier-1
Section 12: Common Calendar Mistakes Aspirants Make
Mistakes:
• Preparing without calendar alignment
• Starting too late
• Ignoring skill tests
• Not syncing mocks with exam windows
• Doing only syllabus without scheduling
The calendar is your strategy engine.
Section 13: SSC Exam Calendar & Mock Test Strategy
Mock tests must align with calendar:
• Start mocks 8–10 weeks before exam
• Keep performance logs
• Review sectional vs full mock performance
• Simulate real test timings
• Track percentile trends
Calendar signals when to escalate intensity.
Section 14: How to Track Calendar Changes from SSC
SSC occasionally revises dates. To stay updated:
• Subscribe to official SSC notifications
• Check Employment News
• Save SSC email alerts
• Join official SSC portals and notifications section
Official Portal:
https://ssc.nic.in/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC Exam Calendar 2026?
It is the official schedule for SSC exams planned for 2026.
Where can I download SSC Exam Calendar PDF?
From the official SSC website (ssc.nic.in).
When will SSC CGL 2026 notification be released?
Expected around January 2026.
When is SSC CGL 2026 Tier-1 exam?
Expected April–May 2026.
Does SSC Exam Calendar include syllabus?
No, syllabus is in separate notifications.
Is SSC CHSL 2026 notification released?
Expected February 2026.
What exams are covered in SSC 2026 calendar?
CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS, JE, Steno, JHT, etc.
Can beginners start preparation after calendar release?
Yes — calendar helps plan preparation.
Does SSC GD have physical test?
Yes, PST/PET after Tier-1.
Is SSC JE part of SSC calendar?
Yes — usually May 2026 cycle.
How many months needed for SSC CGL 2026?
6–9 months recommended.
Is the SSC calendar release date fixed?
SSC officially announces it, but dates may vary slightly.
Does SSC Stenographer require skill test?
Yes, after written exam.
Where to check official SSC updates?
ssc.nic.in and Employment News.
How to plan current affairs for SSC?
Cover last 6–12 months from calendar reference points.
(Continue 30+ additional unique FAQs in final published page — this block will be extended in your final CMS.)
Official Authority Backlinks
SSC Official Website:
https://ssc.nic.in/
SSC Candidate Login Portal:
https://ssc.nic.in/SSCOnline/
SSC Calendar & Notifications:
https://ssc.nic.in/notifications
Employment News (Govt Job Calendar):
https://www.employmentnews.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau (Official Govt Notifications):
https://pib.gov.in/
Mahendra’s Student Support Authority Links
For calendar-aligned preparation:
Mahendra’s Official Website:
https://www.mahendras.org
Mahendra’s Branch Locator:
https://branch.mahendras.org
These links help aspirants get structured classroom and online support aligned with SSC calendar windows.