SSC CGL 2026 Notification: 12256 Vacancies, Apply by — Explained

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2026, presenting a significant opportunity for graduates aspiring to secure central government jobs. This crucial announcement, made on 21 May 2026, details approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies across various Group B and Group C posts. Candidates can begin submitting their online applications from the notification release date itself, with the application window closing on 22 June 2026, at 11:00 PM. This article, last updated on 8 June 2026, serves as a comprehensive guide for candidates, providing essential information on vacancies, important dates, eligibility criteria, application fees, the selection process, and direct links to official resources.

The SSC CGL examination is one of the most sought-after recruitment drives in India, attracting lakhs of graduates each year. The 2026 cycle, with its substantial number of tentative vacancies, offers a wide array of roles within different ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. These posts range from desk-based administrative positions to field-oriented roles, some requiring specific educational backgrounds or meeting certain physical and medical standards. It is imperative for candidates to understand that the figure of 12,256 vacancies is currently tentative. This means that while it represents the initial vacancy position communicated by user departments to the SSC, the final post-wise and category-wise breakup may be subject to updates later.

Aspirants are advised to consider this figure as the current official count while also monitoring the SSC website for any revised vacancy notices before finalizing their post preferences.

Understanding the timeline is critical for a successful application. The online application process commenced on 21 May 2026, coinciding with the notification release. Candidates have until 22 June 2026, 11:00 PM, to complete their applications. Following this, the last date for making online fee payments is 23 June 2026, 11:00 PM. Recognizing that errors can occur during application submission, SSC has also provided an application correction window, scheduled from 29 June to 1 July 2026. This period is vital for rectifying any mistakes and ensuring the validity of the application. The examination itself is structured in two tiers: Tier 1 Computer-Based Examination (CBT) is tentatively scheduled for August-September 2026, and Tier 2 CBT is tentatively planned for December 2026.

Specific day-wise schedules for these exams, along with details regarding exam city information and admit card downloads, will be announced separately by SSC as the respective stages approach.

Eligibility for the SSC CGL 2026 primarily requires a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institute for most posts. However, candidates must be aware that certain specialized posts, such as Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator, and various audit/account-related positions, may have additional or desirable qualifications. It is crucial for applicants to consult the detailed post-wise eligibility criteria provided in the official notification before assuming that a general graduation degree suffices for every available post. The age limit for candidates is also post-specific, with common brackets including 18-27 years, 20-30 years, 18-30 years, and 18-32 years.

Candidates must carefully compare their date of birth with the specific age bracket for each post they intend to apply for, as eligibility can vary significantly between different positions. Furthermore, reserved category candidates can avail age relaxation benefits, provided they possess the correct and valid certificate in the format prescribed by SSC.

The application fee for the SSC CGL 2026 is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. However, significant exemptions are provided to ensure wider participation: women candidates, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and eligible Ex-Servicemen are completely exempted from paying the application fee. The selection process is entirely computer-based, comprising Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. Tier 1 serves as the initial screening stage, while Tier 2 is the primary stage for determining merit. Notably, there is no interview component in the SSC CGL selection process. Document verification, category claim checks, and physical/medical standards assessments are conducted by the relevant authorities as per the requirements of each stage and post.

For all official actions, including applying online, downloading admit cards, checking results, or submitting post preferences, candidates are strongly advised to rely solely on the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in. This TrueJobs article aims to simplify the complex information presented in the official notice, acting as a working checklist. However, the final and authoritative source for all details and actions remains the SSC's official portal. Any corrections, revised vacancy notices, updated cut-off tables, or new instructions issued by SSC will supersede information from any other source. Therefore, maintaining a habit of regularly checking the official website and keeping a personal exam folder with all essential documents, login details, application numbers, and payment proofs is paramount for navigating the multi-stage SSC CGL cycle successfully.

SSC CGL 2026 Quick Status

Here is a quick overview of the SSC CGL 2026 examination:

SSC CGL 2026 Quick Status	Details
Conducting body	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam name	Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026
Post category	Group B and Group C posts
Total vacancies	Approx. 12,256 tentative vacancies
Application mode	Online
Qualification	Bachelor's degree from a recognised university/institute
Age limit	18 to 32 years, depending on post
Application fee	₹100; women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ESM are exempt
Selection stages	Tier 1 and Tier 2 computer-based examination
Official website	ssc.gov.in

Important Dates

Candidates should note the following key dates for the SSC CGL 2026 examination cycle:

Event	Date / status
Notification release	21 May 2026
Online application start	21 May 2026
Last date to apply online	22 June 2026, 11:00 PM
Last date for online fee payment	23 June 2026, 11:00 PM
Application correction window	29 June to 1 July 2026
Tier 1 CBT	August-September 2026, tentative
Tier 2 CBT	December 2026, tentative
Exam city / centre information	About 10 days before the exam
Admission Certificate / admit card	2-3 days before the exam

Vacancy Details

SSC has announced approximately 12,256 tentative vacancies for the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026. It is important to note that this figure is subject to change, and the final post-wise and category-wise breakup may be updated by SSC at a later stage. Candidates should monitor the official SSC website for any further announcements regarding vacancy details.

Eligibility Details

The essential qualification for most posts under SSC CGL 2026 is a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institute. However, certain posts, such as Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator, and audit/account-related positions, may have specific additional or desirable conditions. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for detailed post-wise qualification requirements.

Age Limit Details

The age limit for SSC CGL posts is post-wise, with common brackets being 18-27, 20-30, 18-30, and 18-32 years. Candidates must verify their eligibility for specific posts based on their date of birth against the official notice. Reserved category candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per government rules, provided they have the necessary certificates in the prescribed format.

Post age bracket	Birth-date condition as per SSC notice
18 to 27 years	Born not earlier than 02-08-1999 and not later than 01-08-2008
20 to 30 years	Born not earlier than 02-08-1996 and not later than 01-08-2006
18 to 30 years	Born not earlier than 02-08-1996 and not later than 01-08-2008
18 to 32 years	Born not earlier than 02-08-1994 and not later than 01-08-2008

Application Fee Details

The application fee for SSC CGL 2026 is structured as follows:

Category	Fee
General / OBC / EWS	₹100
Women candidates	Exempted
SC / ST	Exempted
PwBD	Exempted
Eligible Ex-Servicemen	Exempted

Selection Process

The selection process for SSC CGL 2026 is entirely computer-based and consists of two main stages: Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. Tier 1 acts as a screening test, while Tier 2 is the primary stage for merit determination. There is no interview component in this recruitment. Document verification, category claims, and physical/medical standards will be checked by the relevant authorities as per the stage and specific post requirements.

How to Apply

To apply for the SSC CGL 2026 examination, candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
2. Complete or check your One Time Registration (OTR) details. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
3. Locate and open the relevant SSC CGL 2026 exam link on the website.
4. Read the official notification carefully to understand all instructions, eligibility criteria, and post details.
5. Fill out the online application form with all required personal, educational, and other details as per official instructions.
6. Upload recent photograph and signature as per SSC rules.
7. Pay the application fee, if applicable, through the online payment gateway.
8. Submit the application before the last date, 22 June 2026, 11:00 PM.
9. Save and print the final confirmation page or application PDF for future reference. Also, keep the payment proof if a fee was paid.

Documents and Details Candidates Should Keep Ready

Good preparation extends beyond studying; it also involves having all necessary documents and login details organized. Candidates should keep the following items ready in both physical and digital formats:

Item	Why it is needed
SSC registration number and password	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Active mobile number and email ID used in One Time Registration	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Class 10 certificate for date of birth	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Graduation mark sheet or degree details, where applicable	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC, EWS or PwBD benefit, if applicable	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Recent photograph and signature as per SSC rules	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Payment proof or application confirmation page	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification
Original photo ID for exam day, with date of birth where required	For application, admit card, result, DV or identity verification

Official Links

For all official information and actions related to SSC CGL 2026, please refer to the following links:

Resource	Link
SSC official website	https://ssc.gov.in
SSC CGL 2026 official notice PDF	https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/NoticeBoards/Notice_of_adv_cgl_2026.pdf
SSC login / apply online	https://ssc.gov.in/login
TrueJobs SSC hub	https://truejobs.co.in/ssc-jobs-2026
TrueJobs latest government jobs	https://truejobs.co.in/latest-government-jobs-2026

Full Details: SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

The Tier 1 examination is a crucial stage in the SSC CGL selection process. It is a one-hour computer-based test with four subjects, each having a sectional timer. Candidates should be aware of the negative marking scheme, where 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Effective preparation requires focusing on each subject individually due to the sectional timing, which prevents unlimited switching between sections.

Subject	Questions	Marks	Time
General Intelligence and Reasoning	25	50	15-minute sectional timer
General Awareness	25	50	15-minute sectional timer
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50	15-minute sectional timer
English Comprehension	25	50	15-minute sectional timer
Total	100	200	1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Checks to complete before you apply

The SSC CGL 2026 Notification, with its 12,256 tentative vacancies and application deadline of 22 June 2026, represents a significant opportunity for graduates. It is essential for candidates to seek clear, actionable information rather than relying on rumors. Utilize the tables and details provided in this guide to understand each stage of the process, and always use the official SSC links for all final actions. A diligent candidate will save the official notice, meticulously track all deadlines, prepare necessary documents well in advance, and avoid waiting until the last day for any task. This disciplined approach will safeguard your application and significantly enhance your chances of successfully navigating the recruitment cycle.