SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date Out Overview
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date Out Live: The wait is finally over for lakhs of graduate job aspirants across India. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date through an important notice released on 12th September 2026. As per this notice the SSC CGL Tier 1 Examination 2026 will be conducted in Computer Based Examination (CBE) mode from 30th September to 30th October 2026 across various centres in the country.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date Updates: This announcement comes as major relief for candidates since the exact date wise and shift wise schedule was awaited for weeks after the SSC CGL 2026 notification was released. It is important to note that this is an examination window not individual candidate wise dates the Commission has not described it as a postponement and candidates will get their specific date shift and exam city details through the admit card and city intimation slip released a few days before their exam.
The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is conducted every year to recruit eligible graduates into various Group B and Group C posts across Ministries Departments and Organizations of the Government of India. This year’s recruitment drive covers 12,256 tentative vacancies. This article brings you complete updated information on the SSC CGL 2026 exam date schedule eligibility pattern salary and everything else you need to know.
Also Read: UPSSSC Lekhpal Result 2026 Out: Check Merit List @upsssc.gov.in, Cut Off & Download Scorecard
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date Quick Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2026 |
| Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 22 June 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 tentative |
| Exam Date Notice Released | 12 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Dates | 30 September to 30 October 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Examination (CBE) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1, Tier 2 Document Verification |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates Full Timeline
Here is the complete timeline of the SSC CGL 2026 recruitment cycle so far
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Total Applications Received | 28,52,665 |
| Exam Date Notice Released | 12 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Window | 30 September – 30 October 2026 |
| Admit Card & City Intimation | Released 4–7 days before individual exam dates |
| Tier 1 Result | To be announced |
| Tier 2 Exam | Tentatively December 2026 |
| Final Result | To be announced |
Note: SSC has announced an examination window rather than individual dates for each candidate. Date wise and shift wise details will be available through the admit card and city intimation slip.
Also Read: SSC CPO 2026 Notification OUT: Check SI Vacancy, Eligibility, Exam Date & Apply Online
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details
SSC has announced a total of 12,256 tentative vacancies this year across various Group B and Group C posts. Out of the total applications received
| Category | Applications Received |
|---|---|
| Total Applications | 28,52,665 |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 8,24,211 |
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | 13,11,781 |
The exact post wise and department-wise vacancy breakup will be released closer to the result declaration as is standard SSC practice.
Key Posts Under SSC CGL 2026
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- Income Tax Inspector
- Central Excise Inspector
- Inspector Examiner in various departments
- Sub-Inspector in CBI
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Statistical Investigator Grade-II
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Tax Assistant
- Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before appearing for the exam candidates should be aware of the eligibility conditions since these vary post to post.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Graduation with Statistics as a subject OR minimum 60% marks in Mathematics at Class 12 level |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Degree with Statistics Mathematics Economics Data Science or related subjects |
| Other Posts | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in any discipline |
Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply provided they possess the required qualification by the specified cut off date.
Also Read: SBI Clerk Admit Card 2026 OUT: @sbi.bank.in: Download Prelims Hall Ticket
SSC CGL Age Limit 2026 Post Wise
| Age Bracket | Applicable Posts |
|---|---|
| 18 – 27 years | Group C posts like Auditor Accountant Tax Assistant UDC |
| 18 – 30 years | Popular Group B posts like Central Excise Inspector Inspector Examiner Assistant Section Officer |
| 20 – 30 years | ASO in Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Sub Inspector in CBI |
| Up to 32 years | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) |
Age is generally reckoned as on 1 August 2026 as per the official notification.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government rules |
| Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women | As per post category rules |
SSC CGL 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women All Categories Ex-Servicemen | Exempted ₹0 |
The application fee, wherever applicable can be paid online via BHIM UPI net banking or debit/credit cards. Additional gateway charges ₹5–15 may apply depending on the payment mode.
Also Read: UPTET Certificate 2026 OUT: Download Certificate, Check Details & Direct Link
SSC CGL 2026 Selection Process
The SSC CGL recruitment follows a two tier examination process followed by document verification
- Tier 1 Computer Based Examination objective type qualifying in nature
- Tier 2 Computer Based Examination objective + skill test typing test wherever applicable
- Document Verification (DV)
While Tier 1 is largely qualifying candidates’ performance in Tier 2 determines the final merit list and post allocation. Certain posts also require additional skill tests such as the Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) or Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
| Exam Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Examination Online |
| Duration | 60 minutes extra time for eligible PwBD candidates |
| Negative Marking | 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Exam Window | 30 September 30 October 2026 |
| Expected Shift Timing | Entry between 7:45 AM–8:30 AM CBT from 9:00 AM–11:15 AM based on previous trends exact shift timings will be on the admit card |
Also Read: SSC CHSL Notification 2026 Out: 2,536 Vacancies, Eligibility, Dates & How to Apply
SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2 Exam Pattern Overview
Tier 2 is more comprehensive and includes multiple sections depending on the post applied for broadly covering
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning and General Intelligence
- English Language and Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
- Statistics for JSO posts
- General Studies Finance and Economics for AAO posts
Tier 2 is tentatively expected around December 2026 and the detailed pattern will be confirmed in the official notice closer to the exam.
Also Read: RRB Group D Answer Key 2026 OUT: Download PDF, Check Response & Raise Objection
How to Download SSC CGL 2026 Admit Card
Once released 4–7 days before an individual’s exam date the admit card can be downloaded as follows
- Visit the official SSC regional website or ssc.gov.in
- Click on the Admit Card link for CGL 2026 Tier 1
- Log in using your registration number and password date of birth
- Your admit card will display your exam date shift reporting time and exam centre
- Download and take a clear printout
- Carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre
Documents Required at the SSC CGL 2026 Exam Centre
- Printed copy of the SSC CGL Admit Card
- One original valid photo ID proof Aadhaar Card Passport Voter ID Driving Licence etc.
- Two recent passport size photographs
- A photocopy of your ID proof as backup
Important: Ensure the name on your ID proof exactly matches the name on your admit card. Mobile phones calculators and other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
SSC CGL 2026 Salary Structure
SSC CGL posts fall mostly under Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8 of the 7th Pay Commission matrix.
| Pay Level | Approx. Salary Range (per month) | Example Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Tax Assistant UDC |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | Auditor Accountant |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Various Assistant level posts |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | Inspector ASO, AEO SI CBI |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | Senior posts like Assistant Audit Officer |
In-hand salary after adding Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA) typically ranges from approximately ₹45,000 to ₹85,000 per month depending on the post and posting city.
Also Read: PFRDA Grade A Notification 2026 Out: 30 Vacancies, Apply Online
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1
With less than three weeks remaining before the examination window begins candidates should
- Shift focus from syllabus completion to revision and mock tests
- Practice previous years question papers under timed conditions
- Work on accuracy and speed especially in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning
- Revise current affairs of the last 6–8 months for General Awareness
- Strengthen English grammar and comprehension basics
- Take at least one full length mock test every alternate day in the final stretch
- Avoid learning new topics prioritize consolidating existing preparation
Important Notes from the Official SSC Notice
- The notice dated 12 September 2026 confirms the examination period not individual dates.
- SSC has not described this as a postponement candidates should disregard unverified social media claims suggesting otherwise unless a separate official notice is issued.
- Any information marked to be announced should only be updated once SSC releases an official communication.
- Candidates should rely only on ssc.gov.in for authentic updates regarding admit cards exam city and shift details.
Also Read: SSC JE 2026 Notification OUT: Check How to Apply Online
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam date? The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 will be conducted from 30 September to 30 October 2026 in Computer Based Examination mode.
Q2. When was the SSC CGL 2026 exam date notice released? The Staff Selection Commission released the official notice confirming the exam dates on 12 September 2026.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026? A total of 12,256 tentative vacancies have been announced across various Group B and Group C posts.
Q4. Is the SSC CGL 2026 exam postponed? No. SSC has clarified that this is the announced examination window and has not described it as a postponement.
Q5. When will the SSC CGL 2026 admit card be released? The admit card and city intimation slip will be released 4 to 7 days before each candidate’s individual exam date.
Q6. What is the SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern for Tier 1? Tier 1 consists of 100 questions worth 200 marks across four sections Reasoning General Awareness Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension in a 60 minute duration.
Q7. What is the application fee for SSC CGL 2026? ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Women and SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-servicemen candidates are exempted.
Q8. What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026? The age limit ranges from 18 to 32 years depending on the post with standard relaxation for reserved categories.
Q9. When is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 2 exam expected? Tier 2 is tentatively expected to be conducted in December 2026 though the official date will be confirmed later.
Q10. Where can I check the latest updates on SSC CGL 2026? All authentic updates are available only on the official SSC website ssc.gov.in.
The release of the SSC CGL 2026 Exam Date on 12th September 2026 marks a crucial milestone for the nearly 28.5 lakh candidates who applied for this year’s Combined Graduate Level Examination. With the Tier 1 exam window now confirmed for 30 September to 30 October 2026 candidates should immediately shift their focus toward final revision regular mock tests and staying updated through their admit card for exact date shift and exam city information. Keep visiting ssc.gov.in regularly as the Commission is expected to release admit cards on a rolling basis ahead of the exam window.
Also Read: UPSC CMS Result 2026 Out Now: 2,923 Qualify for Interview, PDF Download & Next Steps
Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on the official SSC notice dated 12 September 2026 and related updates available at the time of writing. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details including their individual exam date shift and centre directly from their admit card on ssc.gov.in.
Author Profile
- Abdul is the lead editor at Exam Results Updates bringing over 7 years of experience covering education news board exam results and admission updates across India. He's passionate about making exam related information fast accurate and easy to access for students and parents alike.
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