SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility — Age, Qualification & Attempts
Full eligibility rules for SSC CGL 2026 — age, degree, attempts, and category-wise relaxation.
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SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission every year to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries and departments. The 2026 notification is expected in March–April with the Tier-1 exam in June–July. Posts include Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer, Auditor, Statistical Investigator, and many more.
Benefits
Starting salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹47,600 (Pay Level 4–7) plus DA, HRA, TA. Job security, central government pension, medical benefits via CGHS, paid leave, and clear promotion ladder to Group A within 8–10 years for most posts.
Eligibility criteria
- ✓Indian citizen (or Nepal/Bhutan citizen, or Tibetan refugee settled before 1962)
- ✓Age 18–32 years as on 1 August 2026 (varies by post — 18–30 most common)
- ✓Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any stream
- ✓Final-year students can apply but must produce degree by document verification
- ✓Statistical Investigator post requires Statistics/Maths in graduation
- ✓Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3, PwD +10, ex-servicemen as per rules
- ✓No fixed attempt limit for general category (only age bar applies)
Documents required
- ✓10th, 12th and Graduation marksheets and certificates
- ✓Aadhaar card and a valid photo ID
- ✓Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) — if applicable
- ✓PwD certificate — if applicable
- ✓Recent passport-size photograph (20–50 KB JPG)
- ✓Scanned signature (10–20 KB JPG)
How to apply — step by step
- Register on ssc.gov.in with email, mobile and basic details
- Fill the application form, upload photo and signature
- Pay fee ₹100 (free for women, SC/ST, PwD, ex-servicemen) via UPI/Net Banking
- Download the application receipt and admit card when released
- Appear for Tier-1 (CBT), then Tier-2, then document verification
- Final merit is based on Tier-1 + Tier-2 marks
Important dates
Notification: March–April 2026. Application window: ~30 days. Tier-1 exam: June–July 2026. Tier-2: September–October 2026. Final result: early 2027. Always confirm dates on ssc.gov.in — corrigenda are common.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✓Applying with wrong category — once submitted, category cannot be changed
- ✓Uploading photo/signature in wrong size — leads to rejection
- ✓Not preparing for Tier-2 in advance — most candidates underestimate it
- ✓Skipping PET/PST verification documents for specific posts
- ✓Missing the document verification slot — leads to disqualification
Frequently asked questions
Can a final-year student apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes. You can apply if you will hold a degree before the document verification stage. Carry your provisional certificate if final marksheet is delayed.
How many attempts are allowed for SSC CGL?
There is no fixed attempt limit. You can apply every year as long as you are within the age limit for your category.
Is there a height or physical test in SSC CGL?
Only for specific posts like Inspector (CBIC), Sub-Inspector (CBI) and Inspector (Examiner). For other posts, no PET is needed.
What is the SSC CGL 2026 salary?
Posts fall in Pay Level 4 to 7. In-hand salary ranges from approximately ₹35,000 to ₹65,000 per month depending on post and city.
Can a B.Com graduate apply for all SSC CGL posts?
Most posts are open to any graduate. JSO/Statistical Investigator and a few specialised posts require Statistics or Mathematics in graduation.
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