SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 – Apply for 17,727+ Posts
Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination for recruitment to over 17,727 Group 'B' and 'C' Gazetted and Non-Gazetted posts in various Ministries, Departments, and Attached Offices of the Government of India. Graduate candidates across India can check eligibility, tier pattern, syllabus, and official links.
Total Vacancies
17,727+ Posts
Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or Institute
Age Limit
18 Years - 30 Years / 32 Years (post-dependent variation)
Salary / Pay Level
Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 - ₹81,100) to Pay Level-8 (₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100)
Application Fee
₹100/- (Male Candidates)
Selection Mode
Stage 1
5. Important Dates
- Official Notification Date: Published on ssc.gov.in
- Online Application Start Date: Active / Portal Schedule
- Online Application Last Date: Check Official Schedule
- Last Date for Fee Payment: Check Official Schedule
- Application Form Correction: Available in Correction Window
- Examination Date: Tier-1 CBT & Tier-2 CBT Phases
- Admit Card Release Date: 4 to 7 Days Before Exam Date
- Result Declaration Date: Tier-Wise Result & Cutoff Lists
6. Application Fee & Payment
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100/- (Male Candidates)
- SC / ST Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted)
- All Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted for all women candidates)
- Other Reserved / PwD: ₹0/- for PwD and Ex-Servicemen
- Payment Modes: Online via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, RuPay Credit/Debit Cards.
8 & 9. Educational Qualification & Post-Wise Eligibility
General Requirement: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or Institute. (For Junior Statistical Officer: Bachelor's Degree with at least 60% Marks in Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects).
| Post Name / Cadre | Total Vacancies | Minimum Prescribed Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (CSS, MEA, IB, Rail) | 3,200+ Posts | Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. |
| Inspector of Income Tax & Central Excise | 4,500+ Posts | Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. |
| Sub Inspector (CBI, NIA, Narcotics) | 450+ Posts | Bachelor's Degree in any discipline + Physical standard. |
| Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, Postal Assistant | 9,577+ Posts | Bachelor's Degree in any discipline + DEST Typing. |
10. Physical Standard & Endurance Requirements
| Category / Cadre | Height | Chest Standard | Running Race Test | Other Tests / Walking / Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male (For Inspector Central Excise, Examiner, PO, and CBI) | 157.5 cms (fully expanded with 5 cm expansion) | 81 cms | Not Applicable | Walking 1600 meters in 15 Minutes; Cycling 8 Km in 30 Minutes |
| Female (For Inspector Central Excise, Examiner, PO) | 152 cms | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Walking 1 Km in 20 Minutes; Cycling 3 Km in 25 Minutes |
Note: Physical standards and walking/cycling endurance tests apply only to specific executive uniformed posts (Central Excise, Customs, Preventive Officer, CBI, NIA). For all other desk posts, no physical test is required.
11. Selection Process & Stages
- Stage 1: Tier-I Computer Based Examination (Objective MCQ - Qualifying in Nature)
- Stage 2: Tier-II Computer Based Examination (Paper-I Compulsory for all posts + DEST Data Entry Speed Test)
- Stage 3: Paper-II for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) candidates
- Stage 4: Post Preference Submission & Document Verification by Indenting Departments
- Stage 5: Final All-India Merit List based on Tier-II Paper-I marks
12. Examination Pattern & Marking Scheme
Exam Mode: Two-Tier Computer Based Test (CBT) •
Duration: Tier-1: 60 Minutes | Tier-2: 2 Hours 15 Minutes •
Total Questions: Tier-1: 100 Questions | Tier-2 Paper-1: 130 Questions + 20 Computer Qs + DEST •
Total Marks: Tier-1: 200 Marks | Tier-2 Paper-1: 390 Marks (+ 60 Qualifying Computer Marks) •
Negative Marking: Tier-1: 0.50 Marks | Tier-2: 1 Mark per incorrect answer
| Subject / Examination Section | Total Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1: Reasoning (25 Qs | 50 M), GA (25 Qs | 50 M), Maths (25 Qs | 50 M), English (25 Qs | 50 M) | 100 | 200 |
| Tier-2 Sec-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Qs | 90 M) + Reasoning (30 Qs | 90 M) | 60 | 180 |
| Tier-2 Sec-II: English Language (45 Qs | 135 M) + General Awareness (25 Qs | 75 M) | 70 | 210 |
| Tier-2 Sec-III: Computer Knowledge Module (20 Qs | 60 M - Qualifying) + DEST Data Entry (15 Mins) | 20 | 60 |
13. Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus
📚 Tier-1 & Tier-2 General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence.
📚 Tier-1 & Tier-2 Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematics
Number Systems, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Interest, Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership, Mixture & Alligation, Time and Distance, Time & Work, Basic Algebra, Linear Equations, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circles, Right Prism, Cone, Sphere, Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances, Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram & Pie Chart.
📚 Tier-1 & Tier-2 English Language & Comprehension
Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Narration, Shuffling of Sentence Parts, Cloze Passage, Reading Comprehension.
📚 General Awareness & Computer Proficiency
History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research, Current Affairs. Computer: Basics of CPU, Memory, Windows OS, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Internet, Web Browsing, Email, Networking & Cyber Security.
14. Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
15 & 16. Category-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | UR (Gen) | OBC | EWS | SC | ST | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group B & C Central Ministries Posts | 7,250 | 4,786 | 1,772 | 2,658 | 1,261 | 17,727+ |
17. How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Open the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if applying on the new portal for the first time.
- Step 3: Log in using your Registration Number and Password.
- Step 4: Click 'Apply' under Combined Graduate Level Examination.
- Step 5: Fill in your university, degree details, graduation percentage/CGPA, and select exam cities.
- Step 6: Capture a live photograph through the webcam/mobile camera and upload your signature (10KB - 20KB).
- Step 7: Pay the application fee (₹100 for Gen/OBC/EWS Male; ₹0 for SC/ST/Female) and submit.
- Step 8: Download and retain the printout of the application form.
18. Required Documents for Online Registration & Verification
- Graduation Degree Certificate or Provisional Certificate and All Year/Semester Marksheets
- 10th Class (Matriculation) Certificate & Marksheet (for Date of Birth verification)
- Valid Government Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport)
- Live Photograph captured via SSC application interface
- Scanned copy of signature (JPG format, 10 to 20 KB)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) in Central format if claiming reservation
- EWS Certificate valid for the financial year (if applicable)
19. Important Instructions for Candidates
- Tier-1 examination is now purely qualifying in nature. Final merit is determined strictly on the basis of marks scored in Tier-II Paper-I (390 marks).
- Qualifying both the Computer Knowledge Module and DEST (Data Entry Speed Test - 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes) is mandatory for final appointment.
- Candidates must inspect the photo preview to ensure the live capture is sharp and properly illuminated without headgear or spectacles.
- Post preferences are submitted online after Tier-II results are declared.
20 - 25. Official Direct Links & Application Action Buttons
| 21. Official Online Application Portal | 🚀 Apply Online (Official SSC Portal) |
|---|---|
| 20. Download Official Notification PDF | 📄 Download Official SSC CGL Notification PDF |
| 22. Official Board Website | 🌐 Visit Official SSC Website |
| 23. Admit Card / Exam City Intimation | Download Tier-1 / Tier-2 Admit Card |
| 24. Official Answer Key & Response Sheet | SSC CGL Official Answer Key & Response Sheet |
| 25. Examination Result & Merit List | Check Tier-1 / Tier-2 Merit List & Cutoffs |
| Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus | Check Revised SSC CGL Tier 1 & 2 Syllabus |
26. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Tier-1 marks counted in the final merit of SSC CGL?
No. Under the revised exam scheme, Tier-1 marks are purely qualifying in nature. The final merit list is prepared strictly based on aggregate marks scored in Tier-II Paper-I (maximum 390 marks).
Q2. Is Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) compulsory for all candidates in SSC CGL?
Yes. Module-II of Section-III in Tier-II (Data Entry Speed Test) is mandatory for all posts. Candidates must achieve a typing speed of 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
Q3. Can appearing final year graduate students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, candidates appearing in their final year can apply provided they acquire the essential educational qualification (degree completion) on or before the crucial cutoff date specified in the official notification.