SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Qualification, Age Limit & Relaxation

The SSC CGL 2026 eligibility criteria determine whether a candidate can apply for the Combined Graduate Level Examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. Meeting the eligibility requirements is mandatory — applications from ineligible candidates are summarily rejected, and even if a candidate clears the exam, appointment can be cancelled during document verification if eligibility is not met.

The eligibility criteria cover four main dimensions: nationality, educational qualification, age limit, and physical standards (for certain posts only). Each post under SSC CGL may have slightly different age limits and qualification requirements, so candidates must carefully check the specific posts they are applying for.

Nationality: A candidate must be either (a) a citizen of India, or (b) a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or (c) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or (d) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates in categories (b), (c), and (d) must possess an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.

Educational Qualification: The minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution. Candidates who are appearing in their final year/semester of graduation can also apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing the degree within the specified timeline (usually by a cut-off date mentioned in the notification). For specific posts like Statistical Investigator Grade-II, additional subject requirements apply — candidates need Statistics as one of the subjects in graduation. For the post of Compiler in the Registrar General of India (RGI), candidates need Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics as a compulsory or elective subject in graduation.

Age Limit: The age is calculated as on 1st January 2026 (or the cut-off date mentioned in the notification). Different posts have different age ranges. For most Group C posts (UDC, LDC, DEO), the age range is 18–27 years. For Group B posts like Assistant Section Officer and Tax Assistant, it is 20–30 years. Inspector-level posts (Central Excise, Customs, CBI) have an age range of 18–30 years. The maximum age limit is the most critical factor, as the minimum age is usually easy to meet for graduate candidates.

Age Relaxation: Category-wise age relaxation is provided as per government rules: SC/ST candidates get 5 years, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years, PwD candidates get up to 10 years (General), 13 years (OBC), or 15 years (SC/ST). Ex-Servicemen receive 3 years relaxation after deduction of military service rendered. Government employees get up to 5 years relaxation (as per specific conditions). Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated who are not remarried may get relaxation up to 35 years (General) or 40 years (SC/ST).

Physical Standards: Certain posts like Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer), Sub-Inspector in CBI, and Inspector of Posts require candidates to meet physical standards including minimum height and chest measurements. These standards differ for male and female candidates and vary by region (e.g., candidates from hill areas, tribal areas, and northeastern states may have relaxed standards). Detailed physical standards are specified in the official notification.

We strongly recommend using our Government Job Age Calculator to check your exact age eligibility after applying all applicable relaxations. This tool accounts for category, disability status, ex-serviceman status, and the specific age cut-off date.

Educational Qualification by Post

• All Posts (General): Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Bachelor's Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects; OR Mathematics in 12th + Statistics in final year
• Compiler (RGI): Bachelor's Degree with Economics/Statistics/Mathematics as compulsory or elective subject

Age Limit (as on 01-01-2026)

• UDC, LDC, DEO, Court Clerk: 18–27 years
• Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant: 18–27 years
• Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC): 18–27 years
• ASO (CSS/MEA/AFHQ), Assistant (CSSS/IB): 20–30 years
• Inspector (Central Excise/Customs/Preventive Officer): 18–30 years
• Sub-Inspector (CBI): 20–30 years
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II: 20–30 years

Use our Age Calculator to verify your eligibility with applicable relaxations.