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SSC CGL 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Syllabus, Mock Tests and Previous Papers

The SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) fills Group B and Group C posts in central ministries, departments and offices, such as Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, Central Excise, Examiner), Assistant Audit Officer, Junior Statistical Officer, Auditor and Tax Assistant. Any graduate within the age limit of the post can apply.

Selection runs in two computer-based tiers. Tier 1 (100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes) only shortlists candidates. Tier 2 Paper I decides the final merit for most posts, with Paper II (Statistics) for JSO and SI and Paper III (Finance and Economics) for AAO. The 2026 cycle's Tier 1 is being held from 30 September to 30 October 2026.

373
Tests
30
Full mocks
31
PYPs
Free SSC CGL mock tests (373)
Syllabus and patternPrevious year papers
Conducting body
Staff Selection Commission
Vacancies
10,731 (tentative, as on 24.09.2026)
Qualification
Bachelor's degree by 01.08.2026 (post-specific conditions for JSO, SI and AAO)
Age limit
18-27, 20-30, 18-30 or 18-32 years depending on the post, as on 01.08.2026
Application fee
Rs 100; no fee for women, SC, ST, PwBD and ESM
Selection
Tier 1 (qualifying) → Tier 2 → document verification

Latest SSC CGL notification and updates

SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 is running from 30 September to 30 October 2026. Each candidate's Admission Certificate opens in the candidate login a few days before their own exam date.

Source: SSC notice on exam city and Admission Certificate, CGL 2026 Tier-I (21.09.2026)

Official website: ssc.gov.in. Always confirm dates and eligibility in the official notice before applying.

SSC CGL key dates (official)

Only dates published by Staff Selection Commission. Anything not yet announced is marked "Awaited".

SSC CGL exam pattern

SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
General Intelligence and Reasoning255015 min
General Awareness255015 min
Quantitative Aptitude255015 min
English Comprehension255015 min
Total10020060 min
  • Each section has its own 15-minute timer; unused time does not carry over (80 minutes, 20 per section, for scribe-eligible candidates).
  • Questions are in English and Hindi, except English Comprehension.
  • Quantitative Aptitude is set at 10th standard level; the other sections at graduation level.
  • Tier 1 only shortlists for Tier 2. Separate cut-offs are drawn for JSO, Statistical Investigator and all other posts.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 notice, Para 13.8 and 13.10

SSC CGL Tier 2 Paper I Pattern 2026

SectionModuleQuestionsMarksTime
Section IMathematical Abilities30901 hour (whole section)
Section IReasoning and General Intelligence3090
Section IIEnglish Language and Comprehension4513540 min
Section IIGeneral Awareness257520 min
Section IIIComputer Knowledge Test206015 min
Section IVData Entry Speed Test1 taskQualifying15 min
  • 3 marks per correct answer and 1 mark deducted per wrong answer in Sections I, II and III.
  • Sections I and II (390 marks) decide the merit; CKT and DEST are qualifying only, but every section must be cleared.
  • Paper II (Statistics) and Paper III (General Studies, Finance and Economics) are only for JSO/SI and AAO candidates: 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours, −0.50 per wrong answer.

Source: SSC CGL 2026 notice, Para 13

SSC CGL free mock tests

373 tests: 30 full mocks, 68 sectional, 215 topic-wise, 29 mini mocks and 31 previous year papers.

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Full mocks (30)

Sectional tests (68)

SSC CGL previous year papers

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SSC CGL 2026: FAQs

When is the SSC CGL 2026 exam?

Tier 1 is being held from 30 September to 30 October 2026 in computer-based mode. The notice puts Tier 2 tentatively in December 2026; SSC will confirm the exact dates.

How many vacancies are there in SSC CGL 2026?

SSC's tentative vacancy list as on 24.09.2026 shows 10,731 vacancies. The notice of 21.05.2026 had estimated about 12,256. Vacancies are tentative and can change until final results.

What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?

It depends on the post: 18-27, 20-30, 18-30 or 18-32 years as on 01.08.2026, with relaxation for reserved categories as per the notice.

Who can apply for SSC CGL 2026?

Graduates from a recognised university, with the degree completed by 01.08.2026. A few posts add conditions, such as Statistics or Mathematics for JSO and Statistical Investigator.

Are Tier 1 marks counted in the SSC CGL final merit?

No. Tier 1 is for shortlisting only. Final merit is made on Tier 2: Sections I and II of Paper I for most posts, plus Paper II or III for JSO/SI and AAO (Para 16.10 of the notice).

What are the minimum qualifying marks in SSC CGL?

UR 30%, OBC and EWS 25%, all other categories 20%, in Tier 1 and in each qualifying section of Tier 2. Actual cut-offs are much higher than these minimums.

What was the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 cut-off?

For all posts other than JSO and SI, SSC's corrected 2025 Tier 1 cut-offs were UR 136.40, OBC 130.37, EWS 127.42, SC 115.03 and ST 106.39 out of 200, in normalised marks (corrigendum dated 14.01.2026).

Where can I download the SSC CGL 2026 admit card?

From the candidate login on ssc.gov.in. SSC opens each candidate's Admission Certificate two to three days before their exam date. Our admit card page tracks the latest notice.

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