SSC CGL 2026 — At a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Notification Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Application Start | 31 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 April 2026 |
| Expected Vacancies | 17,000+ |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | May-June 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 27 years (for most posts)
- Some posts go up to 30 years (CSS, MEA posts)
Age Relaxation:
- OBC: +3 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- PwD (General): +10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government norms
Educational Qualification:
A Bachelor's degree from any recognized university — in any stream. Arts, Commerce, Science — all are eligible. Final year students can also apply, but they must provide their degree certificate by the time of document verification.
Post-Wise Vacancy and Salary
This is why you're here. Here's a clear picture of what you're competing for:
| Post | Department | Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Assistant | CBDT / CBIC | Level 4 | Rs.25,500 | Rs.35,000+ |
| Auditor | CAG / CGDA | Level 5 | Rs.29,200 | Rs.38,000+ |
| Sub-Inspector | CBI | Level 6 | Rs.35,400 | Rs.48,000+ |
| Inspector (Income Tax) | CBDT | Level 7 | Rs.44,900 | Rs.55,000+ |
| Assistant (CSS) | Central Secretariat | Level 6 | Rs.35,400 | Rs.50,000+ |
| Inspector (Preventive) | CBIC / Customs | Level 7 | Rs.44,900 | Rs.58,000+ |
| Statistical Investigator | MoSPI | Level 7 | Rs.44,900 | Rs.52,000+ |
Best posts: Inspector IT (CBDT), Inspector Preventive (CBIC), and Assistant CSS are considered the crown jewels of CGL.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 (Preliminary - CBT):
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Time: 60 minutes | Negative marking: 0.5 marks per wrong answer | Qualifying for Tier 2 is the goal.
Tier 2 (Mains - CBT):
- Paper I: Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning + English + GK — for all posts
- Paper II: Statistics — for JSO/Statistical Investigator posts
- Paper III: General Studies (Finance and Economics) — for AAO posts
Syllabus — Topic by Topic
Quantitative Aptitude:
Number System, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Time Speed Distance, Mensuration (2D and 3D), Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Data Interpretation
General Intelligence and Reasoning:
Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Matrix, Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations, Directions, Statement-Conclusion, Syllogism, Non-Verbal Reasoning (Paper Folding, Mirror Image)
English:
Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases), Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech
General Awareness:
Current Affairs (last 6 months), History (Modern India focus), Geography (India + World), Polity (Indian Constitution, Parliament), Economics (basic), Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology — NCERT level), Static GK
