What is the SSC CGL 2026 Exam Schedule and Key Details?

The official notification was made live on the portal on May 21, 2026. Candidates can start applying right away. Do not wait for the closing dates because the server usually gets very busy. Below is the complete timeline for the recruitment cycle:

Who is Eligible to Apply for SSC CGL 2026?

Before filling the registration form, it is very important to check if you satisfy the basic criteria. SSC is quite strict regarding eligibility parameters, which include your educational degree and age limits.

1. Educational Qualifications

The general requirement for most profiles is a basic Bachelor's Degree from any recognized university in India. No minimum percentage or marks restriction is applied. However, a few specialized posts need extra qualifications:

• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Degree in any subject with minimum 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level, OR a Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as a major subject.
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor's degree with Statistics as one of the core subjects in all semesters/years.
• All Other Posts (Inspector, Income Tax, ASO, Auditor, Assistant): Any graduation degree (BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, etc.) is fully acceptable.

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

The age bracket depends heavily on the post you are selecting. Generally, the age range is 18 to 32 years. For instance, Auditor and Clerk posts usually have an age limit of 18–27 years, while Inspector profiles allow up to 30 years.

Category-wise age relaxation will be provided to candidates as per government orders:

• OBC Candidates: 3 years relaxation
• SC / ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation
• PwBD Candidates: 10 to 15 years relaxation depending on category

How to Fill SSC CGL 2026 Application Form Online?

SSC has moved all activities to its new web portal. If you have not registered on the new website yet, you need to perform a One-Time Registration (OTR) first. Follow these simple steps below carefully:

1. Go to the official online website portal at ssc.gov.in.
2. Click on the "Login or Register" link on top right side and complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) by filling your basic details and doing Aadhaar verification.
3. Once your OTR profile is generated, login using your new Registration Number and Password.
4. Find the "Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026" section under active live applications and hit the "Apply" button.
5. Check your pre-filled information from OTR, and fill out your preferred exam center choices, academic details, and post preferences.
6. Capture your live photograph using a webcam or mobile app (ensure a clean background and no caps/spectacles) and upload your clear scanned signature.
7. Pay the application fee of ₹100 via online banking, debit card or UPI (Women, SC, ST, and PwBD are totally exempted from fee).
8. Review your full form and submit it. Take a printout copy of the confirmation page for your records.

What is the Exam Pattern for SSC CGL 2026?

The selection process consists of two major computer-based testing stages (Tier 1 and Tier 2), followed by a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) wherever required. Let's look at the basic scheme of Tier 1 exam:

• The Tier 1 exam will have 100 objective multiple-choice questions carrying 200 marks in total.
• The complete duration provided is exactly 1 hour (60 minutes).
• There are four main sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section contains 25 questions.
• Be careful while marking answers because there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong response. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, but clearing the cut-off is mandatory to appear in Tier 2.

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