If you’ve been waiting for a solid government job opportunity after graduation, your moment is here. The Staff Selection Commission has officially dropped the SSC CGL 2026 notification, and the numbers are big.
A total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced, with the application window already open from May 21, 2026, and the last date to apply being June 22, 2026. Testbook
Table of Contents
What Is SSC CGL?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is India’s premier national-level recruitment test for Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries and departments. Lakhs of graduates compete for it every year — and for good reason.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | May 21, 2026 |
| Application Opens | May 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 22, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | June 23, 2026 |
| Correction Window | June 29 – July 1, 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | August–September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | December 2026 |
Eligibility in Brief
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) from a recognised university — valid as on August 1, 2026
- Age Limit: 18 to 32 years depending on the post, calculated as on August 1, 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories FreeJobAlert
- Application Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS (male); SC/ST/PwBD/Women are exempt

Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
SSC CGL salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 (basic pay), with in-hand salary typically between ₹33,000 and ₹80,000+ per month after adding DA, HRA, and TA. FreeJobAlert
| Pay Level | Basic Pay Range | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Lower Division Clerk, DEO |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Assistant, Inspector |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | JSO, AAO (entry) |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | AAO (full scale) |
Selection Process
The exam is conducted in two stages — Tier 1 (qualifying/screening, CBT) and Tier 2 (merit-based, CBT). A key change in SSC CGL 2026 is the introduction of sectional timing in both tiers. No interview round exists — your Tier 2 score decides everything. Career Power
How to Apply
- Register via One-Time Registration (OTR) at ssc.gov.in
- Log in and fill the application form
- Upload documents and pay the fee online
- Download and save your form
FAQs
Q: Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply provisionally, but must hold a valid bachelor’s degree by August 1, 2026, for eligibility to be confirmed.
Q: Is there a negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes — Tier 1 carries a 0.50-mark deduction per wrong answer, while most sections in Tier 2 Paper 1 deduct 1 mark per incorrect response.





