SSC CGL 2026 tentative vacancies stand at 10,731 posts across 59 departments (as released on 24 September 2026). These cover 59 post types across pay levels 4–8 under the 7th CPC, with monthly gross salaries ranging from Rs.25,500 (Tax Assistant/UDC, Level 4) to Rs.1,51,100 (Assistant Audit Officer, Level 8). Tier 1 Computer-Based Test runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026.
- Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026
- Tentative Vacancies: 10,731 (as on 24 September 2026)
- Post Types: 59 (Group B Gazetted, Group B Non-Gazetted, Group C)
- Pay Levels: Level 4 to Level 8 (7th CPC Pay Matrix)
- Salary Range: Rs.25,500 – Rs.1,51,100 per month (gross, X-city)
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university
- Age Limit: 18–32 years (varies by post; reckoned as on 01-08-2026)
- Application Fee: Rs.100 (SC/ST/Women/PwBD/ESM — Nil)
- Tier 1 Exam Date: 30 September – 30 October 2026 (CBT)
- Tier 2 Exam Date: December 2026 (tentative)
- Official Website: ssc.gov.in
SSC CGL 2026 vacancy has been officially updated by the Staff Selection Commission with 10,731 tentative posts across 59 departments and ministries of the Government of India, as on 24 September 2026. This guide is for graduate job seekers aged 18–32 who want a Group B or Group C central government job with a salary up to Rs.1,51,100 per month. Below you will find every detail — post-wise vacancy, salary, eligibility, exam pattern, and how to prepare — all from official SSC sources.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is SSC CGL 2026?
- Who Should Apply for SSC CGL 2026?
- SSC CGL 2026 Post-Wise Vacancy Details
- SSC CGL 2026 Salary — Pay Level Wise Breakdown
- Eligibility Criteria & Application Fee
- Exam Pattern — Tier 1 and Tier 2
- How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
- SSC CGL 2026 vs SSC CHSL 2026 — Key Differences
- Advantages and Disadvantages of SSC CGL
- Important Terms Related to SSC CGL 2026
- Important Dates & Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is SSC CGL 2026 and Why Does It Matter for Graduates?

The SSC CGL 2026 (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026) is India’s largest annual graduate-level central government recruitment exam. It selects candidates for Group B Gazetted, Group B Non-Gazetted, and Group C posts across 50+ central government ministries, departments, and organisations — including CBDT, CBIC, CBI, NABARD, C&AG, Intelligence Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, and Department of Posts.
A single application under SSC CGL allows you to be considered for up to 59 different post types — from Inspector of Income Tax (Level 7, Rs.85,310/month gross) to Assistant Audit Officer (Level 8, Rs.90,440/month gross) — making it the most efficient recruitment gateway for graduate job seekers in India. The 2026 cycle carries 10,731 tentative vacancies as released on 24 September 2026, covering every major central ministry.
Who Should Apply for SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL 2026 is ideal for a wide range of candidates. Check whether you fall into one of these profiles:
- 🎓 Fresh graduates (any stream) who want a stable central government job with pension, HRA, and DA benefits
- 💼 Commerce and accounts graduates targeting Accountant, Auditor, or Assistant Accounts Officer posts under C&AG
- 📊 Statistics graduates or post-graduates aiming for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) under MoSPI
- 🔍 Law enforcement aspirants seeking Sub-Inspector (CBI) or Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED) posts
- 📬 Arts/Science graduates looking for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) roles in CSS, IB, MEA, or EPFO
- 🏦 Finance-oriented graduates targeting Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT) or Inspector (Central Excise) under CBIC
- 🖥️ Working professionals under 32 who want to switch to a central government role with job security
- ♿ PwBD, ESM, SC/ST, and OBC candidates eligible for horizontal reservation and fee waiver
SSC CGL 2026 Post-Wise Vacancy Details — 10,731 Posts Across 59 Departments
The Staff Selection Commission released the tentative vacancy list for SSC CGL 2026 on 24 September 2026. The total stands at 10,731 posts across UR, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. Below is the category-wise and key post-wise breakdown from the official vacancy PDF:
| Category | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 4,412 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 1,715 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 804 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 2,772 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 1,028 |
| Total | 10,731 |
The top vacancy-generating posts in the 2026 cycle are:
| Post Name | Department | Pay Level | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | Level 7 | 2,366 |
| ASO (CSS) | DoPT | Level 7 | 668 |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT | Level 4 | 1,400 |
| Tax Assistant | CBIC | Level 4 | 841 |
| Auditor | CGDA (Defence) | Level 5 | 875 |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | Level 7 | 595 |
| Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | C&AG | Level 8 | 504 |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | C&AG | Level 8 | 504 |
| Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | C&AG | Level 8 | 513 |
| Office Superintendent | CBDT | Level 6 | 426 |
| Executive Assistant | CBIC | Level 6 | 340 |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | MoSPI | Level 6 | 158 |
| Accountant | C&AG | Level 5 | 396 |
| ASO — Intelligence Bureau | MHA | Level 7 | 78 |
| ASO — EPFO | Labour Ministry | Level 7 | 93 |
⚠️ Note: The official SSC notification states that final vacancies may vary from tentative vacancies. Always check the official SSC notification PDF at ssc.gov.in for updated figures.
SSC CGL 2026 Salary — Pay Level Wise In-Hand Breakdown
SSC CGL is not one job with one salary — it spans pay levels 4 to 8 of the 7th CPC pay matrix. At the current Dearness Allowance (DA) of 60%, here is what each level pays gross per month in an X-class (metro) city:
| Pay Level | Posts | Basic Pay | DA (60%) | HRA (30% — X city) | Gross/Month (X city) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | AAO, Assistant Accounts Officer (C&AG) | Rs.47,600 | Rs.28,560 | Rs.14,280 | Rs.90,440+ |
| Level 7 | Income Tax Inspector, ASO, AEO, SI-CBI | Rs.44,900 | Rs.26,940 | Rs.13,470 | Rs.85,310+ |
| Level 6 | JSO, Sub-Inspector NCB, Office Supt. | Rs.35,400 | Rs.21,240 | Rs.10,620 | Rs.67,260+ |
| Level 5 | Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant | Rs.29,200 | Rs.17,520 | Rs.8,760 | Rs.55,480+ |
| Level 4 | Tax Assistant, UDC/SSA | Rs.25,500 | Rs.15,300 | Rs.7,650 | Rs.48,450+ |
The figures above are for X-class cities (HRA 30%). In Y-class cities HRA drops to 20% and in Z-class cities to 10%, which reduces the monthly gross by Rs.4,000–Rs.7,000. However, TA (transport allowance) and NPS employer contribution add back a portion. Always check posting-city HRA class before comparing pay packages across departments.
Additionally, selected officers receive Mediclaim cover, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Children’s Education Allowance (CEA), Group Insurance (CGEIS), and access to central government housing — making the total compensation package significantly higher than the gross monthly figure.
SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria and Application Fee
Before applying, verify all eligibility conditions against the official SSC CGL 2026 notification PDF at ssc.gov.in. Key eligibility parameters are:
- Nationality: Indian citizen (certain posts allow citizenship of Nepal/Bhutan or OCI)
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university. For JSO: Bachelor’s in Statistics or Mathematics (with Statistics). Degree must be completed on or before the cut-off date.
- Age Limit: 18–32 years (most Level 7 posts); 18–30 years (some Level 7 posts); 20–30 years (SI-CBI, AEO); 18–27 years (certain posts). Age reckoned as on 01 August 2026.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 3 years after deduction of military service |
| Government Servants | Up to 5 years (as per post conditions) |
Application Fee:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs.100 |
| SC / ST | Nil (Exempted) |
| Women Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| PwBD Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Nil (Exempted) |
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern — Tier 1 and Tier 2 Explained
The selection process for SSC CGL 2026 consists of two computer-based tiers, followed by document verification. Tier 1 is a qualifying/screening stage; Tier 2 determines the final merit list.
Tier 1 — Computer-Based Examination (Screening Stage):
| Section | Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration: 60 minutes | Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer | Mode: Online CBT
Tier 2 — Computer-Based Examination (Merit-Deciding Stage):
Tier 2 Paper 1 is compulsory for all posts. Paper 2 (Statistics) is only for JSO candidates. The paper tests Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Proficiency. Negative marking is 1 mark per wrong answer in Paper 1 Section I (3 marks per question). Tier 1 score is used only for shortlisting to Tier 2; final merit is based entirely on Tier 2 performance.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
Application for SSC CGL 2026 was conducted online at ssc.gov.in. Applications for the initial window closed on 22 June 2026 (extended to 25 June 2026). The Tier 1 exam is now scheduled; candidates who already applied should download their admit card from ssc.gov.in. If SSC opens any supplementary or re-open window, follow these steps:
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) — Visit ssc.gov.in, click “Register”, and create your OTR profile with a valid mobile number and email. OTR is mandatory before applying for any SSC exam.
- Log in and select SSC CGL 2026 — After OTR, log in to the candidate portal and click on the CGL 2026 notification to begin your application form.
- Fill in personal, educational, and post-preference details — Enter your name, DOB, qualification, category, and preferred exam centre. Cross-check all details carefully before proceeding.
- Upload photograph and signature — Use a recent passport-size photograph (20–50 KB, JPEG) and a clear signature scan. Ensure both meet the SSC specifications.
- Pay the application fee — General/OBC/EWS candidates pay Rs.100 via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card. SC/ST/Women/PwBD/ESM are exempted.
- Submit and download confirmation page — After successful payment, your form is submitted. Download and save the confirmation page / application receipt for future reference.
- Use the correction window if needed — SSC provided a correction window from 29 June to 1 July 2026 (extended to 1–3 July 2026). Minor errors in the application can be corrected during this window only.
- Download admit card before Tier 1 — SSC releases city intimation slips and admit cards on ssc.gov.in a few days before the exam. Keep checking the official portal regularly.
SSC CGL 2026 vs SSC CHSL 2026 — Which Is Right for You?
| Parameter | SSC CGL 2026 | SSC CHSL 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree | Class 12 (Intermediate) |
| Post Level | Group B (Gazetted/Non-Gaz.) & Group C | Group C & Group D |
| Pay Levels | Level 4 to Level 8 | Level 2 to Level 6 |
| Salary Range (Gross) | Rs.48,450 – Rs.90,440/month | Rs.25,500 – Rs.67,260/month |
| Top Posts | Income Tax Inspector, ASO, AAO, AEO | LDC, JSA, DEO, PA/SA |
| Exam Difficulty | Higher (more competition, harder syllabus) | Moderate |
| Number of Tiers | 2 tiers (CBT) | 2 tiers (CBT) |
| Promotion Prospects | Faster (start at higher level) | Slower (start lower, move up) |
| Best For | Graduates targeting officer-level roles | 12th pass candidates or lower-post preference |
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree, always choose SSC CGL over CHSL. The pay advantage of Rs.20,000–Rs.40,000/month at the same experience level, the gazetted officer status, and the long-term career trajectory make CGL the superior choice for graduates. CHSL makes sense only if you missed the CGL age bracket or need an immediate job while pursuing graduation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SSC CGL 2026
✅ Advantages:
- Single exam, 59 post options — one application covers posts across 50+ ministries
- Job security — permanent central government post with pension (NPS) and gratuity
- Pay growth — DA increases every 6 months; career pay levels up with each promotion
- Non-monetary perks — government housing (if available), medical benefits, LTC, CEA, CGEIS
- Social prestige — Gazetted officer status for Level 7–8 posts (AAO, IT Inspector)
- Transfer policy — central government transfer rules allow pan-India posting with controlled locations
❌ Disadvantages:
- High competition — over 30–50 lakh applicants compete for roughly 10,731 posts (ratio ~300:1)
- Long recruitment cycle — from notification to joining can take 18–24 months
- Limited post preference control — you rank preferences but final allocation depends on merit and vacancy
- Starting salary moderate — Level 4 gross of Rs.48,450/month is lower than many private-sector starting salaries in metros
Important Terms Related to SSC CGL 2026
Understanding these high-value terms will strengthen your preparation and help you navigate the recruitment process:
- 7th CPC Pay Matrix: The salary structure implemented by the 7th Central Pay Commission in 2016. SSC CGL posts sit on pay levels 4–8, with Level 8 basic pay starting at Rs.47,600.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently 60% of basic pay (as of mid-2026). DA is revised every 6 months based on the All India CPI-IW index — it increases your in-hand salary every January and July.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 30% of basic in X-class cities, 20% in Y-class, and 10% in Z-class. Your city of posting determines which HRA slab applies.
- One Time Registration (OTR): Mandatory profile registration on SSC’s new portal. Without OTR, you cannot apply for SSC CGL or any other SSC exam.
- Combined Graduate Level (CGL): The full name of the SSC CGL exam; it is “combined” because one exam fills posts across multiple departments simultaneously.
- Gazetted Officer: Posts at pay levels 7–8 (AAO, AAuO, IT Inspector) carry Gazetted Officer status — allowing you to attest documents, a significant administrative privilege.
- Group B Non-Gazetted: Posts at level 6–7 that are Group B but not gazetted — examples include ASO (CSS), Inspector (CBIC), and Inspector of Posts.
- National Pension System (NPS): All central government recruits joining after 2004 are covered by NPS. Employee contributes 10% of basic+DA; government contributes 14%, creating a retirement corpus.
- Transport Allowance (TA): Paid based on city category. Level 7–8 posts in X-class cities receive Rs.7,200+DA per month as TA.
- ESM (Ex-Servicemen): A horizontal reservation category with fee exemption and age relaxation. ESM reservations exist across multiple posts in the 2026 vacancy list.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 June 2026 (Extended to 25 June 2026) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (Extended to 26 June 2026) |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 (Extended to 1–3 July 2026) |
| Tentative Vacancy Update (SSC) | 24 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date (CBT) | 30 September – 30 October 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date (CBT) | December 2026 (tentative) |
| Document Verification | After Tier 2 result (date to be notified) |
Important Links — SSC CGL 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| SSC Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF | Download at ssc.gov.in → Notices |
| Official Telegram Notification | t.me/agrijob_in/834 |
| SSC CGL Tentative Vacancy PDF | ssc.gov.in → Tentative Vacancies → CGL 2026 |
| NCS (National Career Service Portal) | ncs.gov.in |
| Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions | dopt.gov.in |
Conclusion — Should You Prepare for SSC CGL 2026?
The SSC CGL 2026 vacancy release of 10,731 posts (as on 24 September 2026) confirms this as one of the strongest central government recruitment cycles in recent years. With Tier 1 already scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026, candidates who have applied must now focus entirely on their exam preparation — especially Tier 2, which decides the final merit list. If you missed the application window, bookmark the official SSC website and our Agrijob.in Government Jobs section for the SSC CGL 2027 notification, which typically releases in the first quarter of the following year.
- SSC CGL 2026 tentative vacancies: 10,731 posts across 59 departments (released 24 September 2026)
- Highest vacancy post: Inspector Central Excise (CBIC) — 2,366 seats; highest pay post: AAO/AAuO at Level 8 — Rs.90,440+/month gross
- Eligibility: Any graduate aged 18–32; application fee is just Rs.100 (free for SC/ST/Women/PwBD/ESM)
- Tier 1 CBT runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026; Tier 2 in December 2026
- SSC CGL beats SSC CHSL at every pay level — always prefer CGL if you hold a degree
- Download the official notification PDF from ssc.gov.in and cross-verify all vacancy figures before making career decisions
Frequently Asked Questions About SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy
How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?
The Staff Selection Commission released 10,731 tentative vacancies for SSC CGL 2026 on 24 September 2026. This covers UR (4,412), SC (1,715), ST (804), OBC (2,772), and EWS (1,028) categories across 59 post types and 50+ central government departments. Note that SSC has stated that final vacancies may differ from tentative figures, so check ssc.gov.in regularly for updates.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The initial last date was 22 June 2026, which SSC extended to 25 June 2026. The fee payment deadline was 26 June 2026, and the correction window ran from 1–3 July 2026. The application window is now closed for the 2026 cycle. Candidates who applied should download their admit card from ssc.gov.in before the Tier 1 exam starting 30 September 2026.
What is the salary of an SSC CGL 2026 selected candidate?
SSC CGL 2026 salary depends on the post and pay level. At current DA of 60%, the gross monthly salary in an X-class city ranges from Rs.48,450 (Level 4 — Tax Assistant/UDC) to Rs.90,440+ (Level 8 — AAO/AAuO under C&AG). Inspector of Income Tax at Level 7 earns approximately Rs.85,310 per month gross. Additional perks including HRA, TA, medical, LTC, and NPS employer contribution further enhance the total compensation.
What is the educational qualification required for SSC CGL 2026?
A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution is the minimum educational qualification for most SSC CGL 2026 posts. For the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post under MoSPI, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree with Statistics or Mathematics (with Statistics) as a subject. Candidates who appear in their final year exams can provisionally apply but must produce their degree certificate before document verification.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
The age limit varies by post. Most Level 7 posts have an upper age limit of 30–32 years, reckoned as on 01 August 2026. Sub-Inspector (CBI) and Assistant Enforcement Officer have an upper limit of 30 years, while the Inspector of Posts has a 27-year cap. Standard age relaxations apply: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10–15 years for PwBD candidates depending on category.
When is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 exam?
The SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Computer-Based Test is scheduled from 30 September to 30 October 2026, as announced by SSC in its important notice issued on 12 September 2026. Candidates will be assigned individual exam dates within this window. City intimation slips and admit cards are published on ssc.gov.in a few days before each candidate’s scheduled exam date. Tier 2 is tentatively scheduled for December 2026.
Which post has the most vacancies in SSC CGL 2026?
The Inspector (Central Excise) under CBIC has the highest number of vacancies in the 2026 cycle with 2,366 posts at Level 7. The second largest is Assistant Section Officer (CSS/DoPT) with 668 posts, followed by Tax Assistant (CBDT) with 1,400 posts and Tax Assistant (CBIC) with 841 posts. Among Level 8 posts (highest pay), the three AAO/AAuO roles under C&AG together have 1,521 vacancies.
Is SSC CGL 2026 better than SSC CHSL 2026?
Yes — for graduates, SSC CGL is consistently the better choice. CGL posts start at Level 4 (with the highest posts at Level 8), while CHSL posts top out at Level 6. The monthly pay difference at the same experience can be Rs.20,000–Rs.40,000. Additionally, CGL includes gazetted officer posts and faster promotion prospects. CHSL is relevant only for 12th-pass candidates or those who do not meet the degree requirement for CGL.
How is the SSC CGL 2026 merit list prepared?
The final SSC CGL merit list is based entirely on Tier 2 performance. Tier 1 serves only as a qualifying/screening stage to shortlist candidates for Tier 2 — the Tier 1 score does not count toward the final merit. After Tier 2, SSC prepares a combined merit list, and posts are allocated based on merit rank and candidate preference order. Document verification follows for finally selected candidates.
Where can I download the SSC CGL 2026 vacancy PDF?
The official tentative vacancy list for SSC CGL 2026 is available on the SSC official website at ssc.gov.in under the “Tentative Vacancies” section. The document released on 24 September 2026 lists all 59 post types with department-wise and category-wise vacancy counts. You can also download the official notification PDF from the same portal. The Agrijob.in Telegram channel (t.me/agrijob_in/834) shared the vacancy PDF directly for quick reference.






