Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially published the competitive recruitment notice for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 exam cycle. This massive drive aims to fill 12,256 vacancies across essential Group 'B' and Group 'C' administrative, executive, and secretarial cadres throughout various Central Ministries, Departments, and Statutory Bodies. Eligible Indian nationals holding a valid Bachelor's degree can submit their applications online starting May 21, 2026, through the newly updated unified SSC web platform. The final date for online submission and fee processing is set for June 22, 2026. Selection relies purely on a rigorous competitive matrix divided into two separate Computer Based Examinations: Tier-I (Qualifying/Screening) and Tier-II (Final merit selection). The Tier-I computer-based testing schedule is tentatively mapped across August and September 2026.
12,256
Total Posts
7th Pay CPC Matrix Level-4 to Level-8 (₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 starting basic structures depending on designated post)
Salary
18–32
Age (yrs)
All India
Location
About This Notification
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has initialized the recruitment process for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026. Positioned as one of the largest central government job cycles, this notification caters to 12,256 high-profile vacancies in prestigious central divisions.
Key highlights of the 2026 recruitment notification include:
- Prominent Executive Roles: Assistant Section Officer (ASO), Inspector of Income Tax, Central Excise Inspector, Sub-Inspector (CBI), and Assistant Enforcement Officer.
- Administrative Support Frameworks: Auditing specialists, Senior Secretariat Assistants, and Tax Assistants across core central offices.
Eligible and interested candidates must submit their online applications directly through the new integrated portal at ssc.gov.in. The application window is accessible between May 21, 2026, and June 22, 2026. Tier-I computer-based examination windows are slated to launch around August–September 2026.
Key Details
Organization
Staff Selection Commission
Department
Various Central Ministries and Government Departments
Exam Name
Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026
Total Posts
12,256
Job Location
All India
Selection Process
Stage 1: Tier-I Computer Based Examination (Objective Screening) → Stage 2: Tier-II Computer Based Examination (Objective Merit + Mandatory Data Entry Speed Test) → Stage 3: Post-Preference Filing & Document Verification by Indenting Departments
Official Website
https://ssc.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship Requirements
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan.
Age Parameters
Varies by specific designated post profile: 18-27 years, 20-30 years, 18-30 years, or up to 32 years depending on department guidelines.
Educational Benchmark
Must possess graduation degrees across designated streams. Final year appearing status accepted conditionally provided results clear before the reference date.
Physical Standards
Certain specialized field assignments (e.g., Inspector Central Excise/Examiner/Preventive Officer/Sub-Inspector in CBI or NIA) enforce unique physical and medical fitness rules.
Educational Qualification
- Essential Requirement: Must hold a completed Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or equivalent institute as of the specified crucial cutoff date.
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% Marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level OR Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the major subjects at degree level.
- Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects.
Age Limit
General Category: 18–32 years
- Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST): 5 years relaxation
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years relaxation
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Unreserved: 10 years, OBC: 13 years, SC/ST: 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age
