🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

SSC CGL 2026: Combined Graduate Level — Eligibility, Pattern & Apply

SSC CGL is the most prestigious Staff Selection Commission exam, offering Group B and C posts like Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, and Assistant Section Officer with pay scales up to ₹1,51,100. This guide covers eligibility, 4-tier exam pattern, post preferences, documents, and the step-by-step application process.

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Verified by NagrikIQ Research Team
Sources: Official .gov.in portals only · Updated June 2026
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🔗SSC CGL Official — ssc.gov.in — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is the most prestigious exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, leading to Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries, departments, and organisations. Posts filled through SSC CGL include: Assistant Section Officer (MEA, CSS), Income Tax Inspector (CBDT), Excise Inspector (CBIC), Auditor (CAG, CGDA), Accountant (CGA), Sub-Inspector (CBI, NIA), Statistical Investigator (M&SPI), Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED), and many more. The exam has 4 Tiers: Tier 1 (CBT, 200 marks, 60 min), Tier 2 (CBT, 3 papers — Paper 1: Math, Reasoning, English, GK compulsory for all; Paper 2: Statistics for JSO posts; Paper 3: General Studies Finance & Economics for AAO posts), Tier 3 (Descriptive — essay, letter writing, 100 marks, 60 min), Tier 4 (Computer Proficiency/Data Entry Speed Test — qualifying). The final merit is based on Tier 1 + 2 + 3 combined. Pay Scale: Level 4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) to Level 8 (₹47,600–₹1,51,100) depending on the post allocated. Most sought-after posts are at Level 7 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400): Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, and ASO MEA. In addition to basic pay, central government employees receive DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), TA (Transport Allowance), and other perks. Visit ssc.gov.in for the current notification, exact dates, and vacancy details. NagrikIQ is not affiliated with SSC or any government body — this guide is for informational purposes only.

✅ Eligibility

  • ✓Educational: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university (as on the closing date of application)
  • ✓Age: 18–32 years for most posts. Some posts have different limits: 20–30 years for Tax Assistant, 20–27 for some others — check official notification
  • ✓Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 years, OBC (NCL) +3 years, PwD +10 years, Ex-Servicemen as per rules
  • ✓Nationality: Indian citizen. Some posts open to Nepal/Bhutan nationals or OCI
  • ✓Some posts (CBI Sub-Inspector, Statistical Investigator) require specific graduation subjects — check post-wise eligibility
  • ✓Physical fitness: Medical examination required after final selection. Some posts (CBI, NIA) require higher physical standards

📁 Documents Required

▸10th certificate/mark sheet — for Date of Birth (no other DOB document accepted by SSC)
▸Graduation degree certificate and all semester/year mark sheets
▸Aadhaar card for online CBT registration and Admit Card
▸Category certificate: SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer from competent authority
▸EWS income and asset certificate from SDM/Tehsildar (for EWS candidates)
▸Passport-size photo (JPEG, white background, 20–50 KB) and signature scan
▸NOC from employer for government servants

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100. SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Serviceman/Women: FREE. Payment: debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI via SSC portal.
Processing Time
Tier 1 to Tier 4 and final result: approximately 12–18 months. Tier 1 result typically within 6 weeks of exam. Posting orders issued 3–6 months after document verification.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

  1. 1Register at ssc.gov.in → 'One Time Registration (OTR)' — enter name, DOB, Aadhaar, mobile, email
  2. 2Upload passport photo (20–50 KB JPEG) and signature scan (10–20 KB JPEG)
  3. 3When CGL notification is live, log in → Apply for SSC CGL from your OTR dashboard
  4. 4Select preferred exam centres (3 choices), post preferences, and exam medium (Hindi/English)
  5. 5Pay ₹100 application fee (free for SC/ST/PwD/Women) — save payment receipt
  6. 6Download and print Registration/Application confirmation
  7. 7Download Tier 1 Admit Card from ssc.gov.in 10–14 days before exam
  8. 8Appear for Tier 1 CBT (100 questions, 200 marks, 60 min — GK, Reasoning, Quantitative, English)
  9. 9After Tier 1 result, shortlisted candidates apply/report for Tier 2 (no separate application needed)
  10. 10Appear for Tier 2 (Math, English compulsory + optional papers by post), Tier 3 (descriptive), Tier 4 (computer test)
  11. 11Document Verification: bring all originals to SSC regional office when called

🏢 How to Apply Offline

  1. 1No offline mode — SSC CGL is fully online from application to Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Only Tier 3 (descriptive) is pen-and-paper at the exam centre.

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Admit Card not generated despite successful payment
→Check that your photo and signature were uploaded in the correct format (JPEG, within the KB limit). Log in to OTR and verify your profile is complete. If admit card still not available 3 days before exam, contact the respective SSC regional office with your Registration Number.
✗Wrong exam centre allotted
→SSC allots exam centres based on availability. You cannot request a change after allotment. Plan travel in advance — many students book accommodation near the allotted centre city.
✗Tier 1 qualified but Tier 2 registration not opening
→After Tier 1 result, SSC shortlists candidates and sends SMS/email for Tier 2. You typically do NOT need to apply separately for Tier 2. Log in to your SSC portal dashboard to check Tier 2 status using your Tier 1 Registration ID.
✗Document verification called but original degree not yet issued by university
→Carry your official provisional degree certificate or final year mark sheet along with a letter from your university confirming degree completion. SSC generally accepts provisional certificates at DV stage. Keep a notarised copy of all documents. If degree is genuinely delayed, contact your SSC regional office in advance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What posts are available in SSC CGL and which is the best?

SSC CGL fills 30+ post types. Most sought-after (for pay and career): Income Tax Inspector (CBDT) at Level 7 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400) with direct field work and good promotion prospects. Assistant Section Officer (MEA/CSS) at Level 7 — desk job in Delhi ministries with excellent promotions. Excise Inspector (CBIC) at Level 7. Sub-Inspector CBI at Level 6 (₹35,400–₹1,12,400) with detective/investigation work.

Q.Is coaching mandatory for SSC CGL?

No. Thousands of candidates crack SSC CGL through self-study using SSC-specific books (Lucent GK, Kiran Mathematics, SP Bakshi English) and previous year question papers. Coaching helps for structured study but is not necessary. Free resources: SSC Adda, Oliveboard, Testbook mock tests available online.

Q.What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 pattern after 2023 changes?

After 2023 restructuring: Tier 2 has 2 sessions on the same day. Session 1: Paper 1 (Math + Reasoning + English + GK — 3 hours, 390 marks). Session 2: Paper 2 (Statistics — for Statistical Investigator post only) + Paper 3 (General Studies Finance/Economics — for AAO post only). Only Paper 1 is mandatory for all.

Q.How is the final merit calculated in SSC CGL?

Final merit = Tier 1 marks + Tier 2 Paper 1 marks + Tier 3 (descriptive) marks. Tier 4 (computer test) is qualifying — it does not add to merit. Tier 1 is primarily used as a screening test to shortlist 25–30 times the vacancies for Tier 2. Your Tier 1 marks DO count in the final merit.

Q.What is the SSC CGL posting location?

Posting depends on the post and department, not solely on your preference. Offices are spread across India. ASO (CSS) posts are primarily in Delhi ministries. Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector postings can be anywhere in India based on department vacancies. You can state your location preference during document verification but it is not guaranteed.

📞Helpline & Support

  • ▸SSC HQ: 011-24360840
  • ▸For regional office contacts: ssc.gov.in → Contact Us
  • ▸Result/cutoff notifications: ssc.gov.in → 'Results'
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.