• Updated on 15 Oct, 2026 by Himanshu Singh
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The SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026 include nationality, educational qualifications, age limits, and category-wise age relaxation. Candidates must meet the requirements prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to apply for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination. Generally, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university and fall within the prescribed age limit of 18 to 32 years, depending on the post.
Candidates should also check the post-wise eligibility requirements, as certain positions require specific subject combinations or proficiency in a regional language. The age limit and educational qualifications are determined as of 1 August 2026. Meeting these eligibility conditions is essential for candidates to successfully apply for the SSC CGL 2026 examination.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for SSC CGL 2026?
The SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026 generally require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution. Candidates must also meet the prescribed nationality and age requirements. However, the exact age limit and educational qualifications vary depending on the post applied for.
The following table summarises the general eligibility requirements for SSC CGL 2026.
Post-Wise Educational Qualification for SSC CGL 2026
The educational qualification for SSC CGL 2026 varies depending on the post. While most posts require a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, certain positions have additional subject-specific or regional language requirements.
Additional requirements for specific posts
- Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer: CA, CMA, CS, Master's in Commerce, Master's in Business Studies, MBA (Finance) or Master's in Business Economics are desirable qualifications. Direct recruits must also qualify for the relevant Subordinate Audit/Accounts Service Examination during probation for confirmation and regular appointment.
- Regional language requirement: Candidates applying for the Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) and Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) must possess proficiency in the concerned state's regional or official language. A certificate of proficiency at the Secondary School Examination level from a recognised State/Central Board is required.
- Final-year students: Candidates who have appeared for their final-year graduation examinations can apply, provided they possess the essential educational qualification by 1 August 2026.
Candidates should also check the official notification for the applicable rules regarding degrees obtained through Open and Distance Learning.
SSC CGL Age Limit 2026
The SSC CGL age limit varies by post, with the minimum age generally being 18 or 20 years and the maximum age ranging from 27 to 32 years. The Commission determines candidates' ages as of 1 August 2026.
The following table provides the permissible date-of-birth range for each age group.
Candidates must check the age limit specified for their preferred post before applying. The applicable upper age limit may be extended for eligible candidates under the SSC CGL age relaxation rules.
SSC CGL Age Relaxation 2026
The SSC provides age relaxation to eligible candidates belonging to reserved categories and certain other groups. The relaxation is applied to the prescribed upper age limit, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
The following table lists the permissible age relaxation for SSC CGL 2026.
Additional Age Relaxation for Group C Posts
Additional age relaxation applies to certain Group C posts for eligible candidates who meet the conditions specified in the notification.
Also Read: SSC CGL Application Process 2026
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs
What is the SSC CGL eligibility criteria for 2026?
Candidates generally need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university and must meet the prescribed nationality and post-wise age requirements.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
The age limit is 18–27, 20–30, 18–30, or 18–32 years, depending on the post, as of 1 August 2026.
Is graduation compulsory for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution is required for most SSC CGL posts.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply if they obtain the required educational qualification by 1 August 2026.
What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates in SSC CGL?
Eligible OBC candidates receive 3 years of relaxation in the upper age limit, subject to the official notification's conditions.
What is the age relaxation for SC/ST candidates in SSC CGL?
Eligible SC/ST candidates receive 5 years of relaxation in the upper age limit.
Is there age relaxation for PwBD candidates in SSC CGL?
Yes, eligible PwBD candidates receive 10 years of relaxation, increasing to 13 years for OBC and 15 years for SC/ST candidates.
Is Mathematics compulsory for SSC CGL 2026?
No, Mathematics is not compulsory for every post. However, JSO applicants must meet specific Mathematics or Statistics requirements.
Can candidates from Nepal or Bhutan apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, eligible subjects of Nepal and Bhutan can apply, subject to the certificate-of-eligibility requirements specified by the Government of India.
What is the educational qualification for the Statistical Investigator Grade-II post?
Candidates need a bachelor's degree in a specified subject, such as Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Computer Science, or another eligible discipline.