SSC CGL 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | ssc.nic.in |
| Notification | Expected Q1 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | Expected July–August 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Free for SC/ST/Women/Ex-Servicemen) |
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission every year to recruit officers and assistants for various central government ministries, departments, and organizations. It is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in India, offering stable employment, good salaries, and government benefits.
The exam is conducted in two tiers: Tier 1 (Computer Based Test) and Tier 2 (Computer Based Test with objective and descriptive components). Qualifying Tier 1 leads to Tier 2, and final merit is based on Tier 2 scores.
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
The minimum qualification is a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university in any discipline.
Note: Some posts like Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) require a Bachelor's with Statistics, and Compiler posts may require Economics/Statistics. Check the official notification for post-specific requirements.
Age Limit
- General / EWS18–32 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy)18–35 years (+3 years)
- SC / ST18–37 years (+5 years)
- PwBD (Unreserved)18–42 years (+10 years)
- PwBD (OBC)18–45 years (+13 years)
- PwBD (SC/ST)18–47 years (+15 years)
Age calculated as on 1st January of the exam year
Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India. Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962 may also be eligible subject to certain conditions. Check the official notification for complete details.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
1 Tier 1 — Computer Based Test
| Section | Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration: 60 minutes · Negative Marking: 0.50 per wrong answer
2 Tier 2 — Computer Based Test
| Paper | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Mandatory) | Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning + English + GK | 390 |
| Paper II (Statistics) | For JSO post only | 200 |
| Paper III (Finance) | For AAO post only | 200 |
Negative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in Paper I (MCQ sections)
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus (Detailed)
📐 Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System (LCM, HCF, Divisibility)
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Profit, Loss & Discount
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work / Pipes & Cisterns
- Speed, Distance & Time
- Algebra & Linear Equations
- Geometry (Lines, Circles, Triangles)
- Mensuration (2D & 3D)
- Trigonometry & Heights
- Statistics & Data Interpretation
- Surds & Indices
- Averages, Mixtures & Alligation
🔤 English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test (Fill in the Blanks)
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms & Phrases
- Spelling Errors
- Active/Passive & Direct/Indirect Speech
🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogy (Verbal & Non-Verbal)
- Series (Number, Letter, Figure)
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction & Distance
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Matrix & Paper Cutting/Folding
- Mirror & Water Images
- Cube & Dice
- Missing Number / Embedded Figures
🌍 General Awareness
- Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian & World Geography
- Indian Economy
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Current Affairs (Last 6 months)
- Government Schemes & Initiatives
- Sports (National & International)
- Awards & Honours
- Books, Authors & Important Appointments
SSC CGL Previous Year Cut-Offs (Tier 1)
| Year | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 160.88 | 156.50 | 144.80 | 131.10 |
| 2022–23 | 149.13 | 144.66 | 131.35 | 127.15 |
| 2021–22 | 152.78 | 147.78 | 135.17 | 120.19 |
| 2020–21 | 141.32 | 135.88 | 124.56 | 115.24 |
Target Score: For 2026, aim for 160+ if you are in the General category. The cut-off has been rising year on year as competition increases. With a good preparation plan, 160–170 is achievable in Tier 1.
SSC CGL Posts, Pay Scale & Departments
| Post Name | Department | Pay Level | Grade Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | MEA, Intelligence Bureau | Level 7 | ₹4,600 |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Level 7 | ₹4,600 |
| Inspector (Income Tax) | CBDT | Level 7 | ₹4,600 |
| Sub Inspector (CBI) | CBI | Level 6 | ₹4,200 |
| Junior Statistical Officer | M/o Statistics | Level 6 | ₹4,200 |
| Auditor / Accountant | CAG, CGDA, Others | Level 5 | ₹2,800 |
Starting gross salary ranges from ₹34,800 to ₹67,700 depending on post and city. HRA, DA, and other allowances are in addition to basic pay.