The Staff Selection Commission has opened applications for its flagship Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 exam, offering 12,256 vacancies across some of the most respected departments in the central government. For graduates across the country, SSC CGL remains one of the most reliable routes into a secure, well-structured government career — one that offers a clear pay progression, job security, and postings in departments ranging from Income Tax to Central Excise and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Age limit varies by post, generally between 18-30 or 20-30 years, with standard government relaxation for reserved categories
Vacancy & Pay Scale
- Total Posts: 12,256 vacancies across Group B and Group C posts
- Pay Scale: Rs 25,500 – 1,51,100 depending on the post applied for
- Application Period: 09 June 2026 to 04 July 2026
Application Process
Candidates must apply online through the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in), complete the one-time registration if not already registered, fill in the CGL-specific application form, and pay the requisite fee. Since CGL draws millions of applicants nationally, submitting your form well ahead of the deadline helps avoid server congestion on the final day.
Exam Pattern & Selection Stages
The selection process consists of Tier 1 (Computer Based Test), Tier 2 (Computer Based Test with multiple papers depending on the post), and document verification/skill test where applicable. A disciplined study plan covering quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English, and general awareness is essential given the scale of competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many attempts are allowed for SSC CGL?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts as long as you meet the age and educational eligibility criteria.
Q: Which posts offer the highest pay level under CGL?
Posts like Assistant Audit Officer and Income Tax Inspector typically fall in the higher pay brackets — refer to the post-wise pay matrix in the notification.
Always check the detailed post-wise vacancy breakup and eligibility in the official SSC CGL notification before applying.