SSC CGL 2026: Exam Date Out, 10731 Vacancies, Eligibility, Pattern, Cutoff and Selection Process

The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 commenced on September 30 and will continue until October 30, 2026. The examination is being conducted in computer-based mode across various exam centres in India. The SSC CGL admit cards are generally released 2–3 days before each candidate's scheduled examination date. Candidates who qualify for Tier 2 will proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which is tentatively scheduled for December 2026.

The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination is conducted in three shifts, with each shift lasting one hour. The exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 200 marks across four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. A negative marking of 0.50 marks applies for each incorrect answer. As per the available exam analysis, the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 has been reported as Easy to Moderate overall, although the difficulty level varies across shifts, with some questions being more conceptual, calculative, or time-consuming.

Candidates who qualify through the SSC CGL selection process can secure Group B and Group C positions in various Central Government ministries, departments, and organisations. The Staff Selection Commission has revised the tentative SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 from the earlier 12,256 posts to 10,731 vacancies. Candidates should refer to the latest official SSC vacancy notice for confirmation.

SSC CGL 2026 Highlights

SSC CGL Important Dates 2026

The SSC CGL 2026 important dates help candidates keep track of the examination schedule, admit card release, and other key events. Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL exam should check the Tier 1 and Tier 2 dates, along with past application deadlines, to stay updated on the recruitment process.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Dates and Schedule

Note: Application dates are completed. Candidates should check the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) website for the latest exam schedule and admit card updates.

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026

The SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 include educational qualifications, age limits, age relaxation, and nationality requirements. Candidates must check the eligibility conditions for their preferred posts before applying, as certain positions require specific subjects or additional qualifications. The following table summarises the key eligibility requirements for the SSC CGL examination.

Note: Age limits, educational qualifications, and relaxations may vary by post. Candidates should refer to the official SSC CGL 2026 notification for complete eligibility conditions before applying.

SSC CGL Application Process 2026

The SSC CGL application process 2026 involves online registration, filling out the application form, uploading the required details, and paying the application fee, if applicable. Candidates must apply through the official SSC website and ensure that all information is accurate before submitting the form.

How to Apply for SSC CGL 2026?

Candidates can follow these steps to complete the SSC CGL application process:

1. Visit the official website: Go to ssc.gov.in or use the My SSC mobile application.
2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Create an account on the new SSC website. Previous registrations on ssc.nic.in are not valid on the new portal.
3. Fill out the application form: Log in and enter the required personal, educational, and other details.
4. Capture your photograph: Follow the on-screen instructions to take a clear photograph against a plain background.
5. Upload your signature: Upload a scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format, sized 10–20 KB, with dimensions of approximately 6 cm × 2 cm.
6. Upload required certificates: Eligible PwBD/PwD candidates seeking applicable benefits must upload the prescribed disability certificate.
7. Pay the application fee: Pay INR 100 online, if applicable.
8. Review and submit: Preview the form, verify all details, and submit the application. Keep a copy for future reference.

SSC CGL Application Fee 2026

SSC CGL Admit Card 2026

The SSC CGL Admit Card 2026 is released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) through its official website. Candidates appearing for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam can download their hall tickets using their registration number and password. The admit card contains important details, including the exam date, shift timings, reporting time, and examination centre. Candidates should download their SSC CGL hall ticket before the examination and check all details carefully.

How to Download SSC CGL Admit Card 2026?

Candidates can follow these steps to download the SSC CGL admit card from the official website:

1. Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
2. Click on Login or Register and enter your registration number and password.
3. Log in to your candidate account and select Check Status of Admission Certificate.
4. Select Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 – Tier 1 Admit Card.
5. Check your exam details and download the admit card.
6. Save and print a copy for examination day.

Important: The SSC CGL admit card is released approximately 2–3 days before each candidate's scheduled exam date. If it is not available yet, check your candidate login again closer to your examination date. Carry the required admit card and valid identification documents to the exam centre, following the instructions applicable to your Aadhaar authentication status.

SSC CGL City Intimation Slip 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 1 City Intimation Slip 2026 has been released from September 22, 2026 onwards to provide candidates with their allotted exam city and scheduled exam date. The SSC CGL Tier 1 Examination 2026 is scheduled from September 30 to October 30, 2026, with city details being released around 8 days before the respective exam date. Candidates can check their city intimation details by logging in to the SSC portal using their Registration Number and Password.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 explains the structure, marking scheme, sections, and duration of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers, with Tier 1 serving as a qualifying stage and Tier 2 determining final selection. Candidates should understand the exam pattern, sectional timings, and negative marking before starting their preparation.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 1 exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions divided equally across four sections. Each section carries 50 marks, and candidates get 15 minutes for each section, making the total examination duration 60 minutes. Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not counted towards final selection.

Negative marking: Candidates lose 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer in Tier 1.

Candidates can practise with an SSC CGL mock test to understand the question format and sectional timings. Solving an SSC CGL previous year question paper can also help them identify recurring topics and improve time management.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CGL Tier 2 exam includes Paper I, which is compulsory for all posts, and additional papers for candidates applying to specific posts. Paper II is for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) candidates who meet the applicable requirements, while Paper III is for candidates shortlisted for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts, as specified in the examination notice.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper I Exam Pattern 2026

Paper I is compulsory for all candidates. It includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, a Computer Knowledge Test, and a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).

The Computer Knowledge Test and DEST are qualifying modules. Candidates should check the official SSC notification for the applicable qualifying requirements and detailed instructions.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper II: Statistics

Paper II is intended for eligible candidates applying for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post.

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper III: Finance and Economics

Paper III covers General Studies (Finance and Economics) for candidates shortlisted for the applicable Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026: Negative Marking

Candidates should review the official notification for the exact marking rules applicable to each paper and module.

SSC CGL Syllabus 2026

Along with the exam pattern, it is utmost important for candidates to know the SSC CGL 2026 syllabus. The syllabus covers details like what important topics are covered in the exam, which topics are of more weightage, and more. Mostly, the SSC CGL Syllabus 2026 covers Class 10 and 12 topics. Knowing the syllabus properly can help candidates to prepare better for the exam.

SSC CGL 2026 Post Vacancy

The SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 includes 10,731 tentative posts across various Central Government ministries and departments. These vacancies cover Group B and Group C positions, including Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant, Accountant, and Sub-Inspector. Candidates can check the post-wise vacancies, pay levels, and departments before choosing their preferences during the SSC CGL recruitment process.

SSC CGL 2026 Post-Wise Vacancy

Total tentative vacancies: 10,731

Note: Vacancies are tentative and may change. Candidates should refer to the latest SSC CGL 2026 vacancy notice for the complete post-wise and category-wise breakdown.

SSC CGL Answer Key 2026

The SSC CGL Answer Key 2026 will help candidates verify their responses and estimate their marks in the Tier 1 examination. The provisional answer key and response sheet are expected to be released online after the exam concludes on October 30, 2026. Candidates can log in to the official SSC website using their registration number and password to check their answers and raise objections within the prescribed window.

How to Download SSC CGL Answer Key 2026?

1. Visit the official SSC website.
2. Open the notification for the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026.
3. Log in using your registration number or username and password.
4. Open your answer key and response sheet.
5. Download and save the documents for future reference.

SSC CGL Marks Distribution 2026

Candidates can use the provisional answer key and response sheet to calculate their estimated Tier 1 scores. The SSC CGL Tier 1 examination carries 200 marks across four sections, with negative marking for incorrect answers.

Marking scheme:

• Correct answer: +2 marks
• Incorrect answer: −0.50 marks
• Unattempted question: 0 marks

Candidates can estimate their scores using the formula:

Estimated Score = (Correct Answers × 2) − (Incorrect Answers × 0.50)

What Happens After the SSC CGL Provisional Answer Key?

After the provisional answer key is released, candidates can compare their recorded responses with the official answers and submit objections within the deadline specified by SSC. The commission will review the objections before publishing the final answer key. The final key will be used for the subsequent result-related process.

SSC CGL Result 2026

The final SSC CGL merit list 2026 will be prepared based on candidates’ performance in Tier 2, along with the applicable post-specific requirements and preferences submitted by candidates. Candidates need to visit their SSC regional website to check and download their SSC CGL result. There are certain details present on the SSC CGL result, such as candidates’ details, roll number, marks secured, etc. The SSC CGL Result 2026 is subject to normalisation as the exam will be held in multiple shifts. The final merit list will be prepared based on candidates' performance in Tier 2, along with the applicable post-specific criteria and preferences.

SSC CGL Cut Off 2026 (Expected)

The SSC CGL Cut Off 2026 will be released by the Staff Selection Commission along with the respective examination results. Since the Tier 1 exams are currently ongoing, candidates can refer to the SSC CGL previous year cut off marks to estimate their qualifying chances. The actual cutoff will depend on factors such as exam difficulty, vacancies, and the number of candidates appearing.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Cut Off 2025

The following table shows the SSC CGL Tier 1 cutoff for candidates shortlisted for Tier 2 for posts other than Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade II.

Note: The SSC CGL Cut Off 2026 has not been released yet. These previous-year marks are for reference only and should not be treated as the expected cutoff for 2026.

Is there any sectional cutoff in SSC CGL Tier 1 2026?

No, SSC CGL Tier 1 exam 2026 does not have sectional cut-offs. SSC has set overall minimum qualifying marks of 30% for UR, 25% for OBC / EWS, and 20% for other categories. The actual Tier 1 cut-off for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2 is determined category-wise or post-wise based on normalized marks.

SSC CGL 2026 FAQs