SSC CGL 2026 — 12,256 Posts | Apply by 22 June
The Staff Selection Commission has released the CGL 2026 notification with 12,256 vacancies across dozens of central government departments. This is one of the biggest and most sought-after graduate-level central government recruitments every year. Online applications are open from 21 May to 22 June 2026 at ssc.gov.in. The Tier I CBT exam is expected in August–September 2026, and Tier II in December 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Any graduate from a recognized university (any stream) can apply for most CGL posts. For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade II, a degree in Maths/Statistics at graduation level is mandatory. Age limit is generally 18–27 years for posts like Tax Assistant, UDC, and Auditor — and up to 30–32 years for higher posts like ASO, Inspector, and JSO. Age relaxation: SC/ST get 5 years, OBC 3 years, PwD 10 years.
Top Posts & Salary
SSC CGL covers a wide range of roles across central departments. The most preferred posts are:
- ASO in CSS/MEA — Level 7, ₹44,900/month + allowances. Fast promotions, prestigious posting.
- Inspector (Income Tax / Central Excise) — Level 7, ₹44,900/month. Field role with government authority.
- Sub-Inspector in CBI / NIA — Level 6, ₹35,400/month. Highly competitive investigation roles.
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) — Level 6, ₹35,400/month. Needs Maths in graduation.
- Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC) — Level 4, ₹25,500/month. Stable central govt desk job.
- UDC / Auditor / Accountant — Level 4–5, ₹25,500–₹29,200/month.
HRA (8–24%), DA, and TA significantly increase take-home pay. In metro cities, Level 7 posts can effectively pay ₹60,000–₹80,000+ per month.
Exam Pattern — What to Expect
Tier I is a 60-minute CBT with 100 questions (200 marks): Reasoning (25Q), General Awareness (25Q), Quantitative Aptitude (25Q), and English (25Q). Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Important: Tier I is only qualifying — final merit is based entirely on Tier II marks.
Tier II (December 2026) is the main exam. It includes papers on Maths, English, Statistics (for JSO), and General Studies (for some posts). Certain posts also require a Skill Test — Typing Test for Tax Assistant, DEST for Data Entry Operator.
How to Apply
Register and apply at ssc.gov.in. Create a One-Time Registration (OTR) if you haven't already. Fill the application, upload photo and signature, pay ₹100 (if applicable), and submit before 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM). A correction window is available from 29 June to 1 July 2026 for minor edits.