SSC CGL 2026 — Notification, Vacancies, Application & Eligibility
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SSC CGL 2026 — the Combined Graduate Level Examination — opened for applications on 21 May 2026 and closes 22 June 2026. The Staff Selection Commission has tentatively notified 12,256 vacancies across 40 posts spanning Pay Levels 4 to 8, with the new Assistant Audit Officer posts entering CGL for the first time. Apply at ssc.gov.in or via mySSC.
Apply now
Applications open — closes 22 June 2026
Full 7-step guide: see FAQ below. Fee: ₹100 (women, SC/ST/PwBD: exempt).
Track your application progress
Check off each step as you complete it. Progress saves in your browser (or to your account if you're signed in).
- Go to ssc.gov.in OTR1OTR (One Time Registration) completed
Complete OTR at ssc.gov.in — one-time step for all SSC exams.
Est. time: 15–20 min
- Open mySSC2mySSC login verified
Log in to mySSC portal and verify your credentials work.
Est. time: 5 min
- 3Application form filled
Open CGL 2026 application → fill personal, educational, and post-preference details.
Est. time: 20–30 min
- 4Photo + signature uploaded
Upload JPEG photo (10–20 KB, 3:4 ratio) and signature as per SSC specifications.
Est. time: 5–10 min
- 5Fee paid
Fee: ₹100. Exempt: Women, SC/ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen. Pay via UPI/Net Banking/Debit Card.
Est. time: 5 min
- 6Application submitted — acknowledgement saved
Submit the form and save the acknowledgement number (PDF). You will need this for all future correspondence.
Est. time: 5 min
- 7Correction window actionoptional
If a correction window is announced, review and correct your application. Check ssc.gov.in for dates.
Est. time: If applicable
- 8Admit card downloaded
Download Tier-I admit card from ssc.gov.in when announced (approx. 2 weeks before exam).
Est. time: 5 min
- 9Tier-I exam attended
Attend SSC CGL Tier-I (Computer Based Test). Carry admit card + valid photo ID.
Est. time: 75 min exam + travel
- 10Answer key reviewed
SSC releases provisional answer keys. Review and raise objections if any (paid objection window).
Est. time: 1–2 hours
- 11Result released — next step planned
Check Tier-I result on ssc.gov.in. If selected, prepare for Tier-II.
Est. time: Check when announced
Progress is saved in this browser session. All dates are indicative — verify on ssc.gov.in.
Am I eligible?
Answer 7 quick questions to see which of the 40 CGL 2026 posts you are eligible for. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to our servers unless you choose to save or share your results.
What changed in 2026
Pay Level-8 enters the Combined Graduate Level Examination for the first time
Assistant Audit Officer (Central & State) and Assistant Accounts Officer — all at Pay Level-8 — have been added to the CGL 2026 vacancy list. These posts previously had a separate SSC exam. From 2026, if you sit Tier-I, you automatically compete for the highest-paying posts in CGL history alongside every other post.
AAO deep dive →2025 vs 2026 — at a glance
| What changed | CGL 2025 | CGL 2026 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | ~14,582 (final) | 12,256 (tentative) | Neutral Lower than 2025 final count; 2026 tentative — final will be higher once ministry-wise breakdown is confirmed. |
| AAO / AAccO Posts | Not in CGL (separate SSC AAO exam) | In CGL — Pay Level-8 (AAO Central, AAO State, AAccO State) | Positive Biggest structural change. Commerce graduates and CA/ICWA holders now compete for the highest-paying CGL posts without a separate exam. |
| Tier-II Paper-III | Did not exist | Finance & Economics — mandatory for AAO/AAccO aspirants only | Action needed If you opt for AAO/AAccO, add Paper-III prep (NCERT Class 12 Economics + M. Laxmikanth + Ramesh Singh Indian Economy) to your schedule. |
| Tier-I Section Timing | Free navigation — 60 min total, any section any time | Sectional timers — 15 min per section, auto-advance, no return | Action needed Previous strategy of "do GK last if time remains" no longer works. Each section needs its own pacing strategy. Adjust your mock-test practice now. |
| Exam Centre Selection | Three centre choices anywhere in the country | Three centre choices must lie within a single SSC Region (you pick the region) | Action needed Plan travel + accommodation around centres in one region. Post preference remains nationwide; this only affects where you sit the exam. |
| Post Allotment Sliding | Casual mention of "single round of allotment sliding" | Formalised as FRTA — First Round of Tentative Allocation (separate notices 03.03.2026 + 08.04.2026) | Neutral SSC does not maintain a traditional waiting list. "FRTA / result" wording replaces "result" throughout the notification. Affects post allotment after selection, not application. |
Plan your exam — all posts
Inspector of Income Tax
CBDT
Tax Assistant (CBDT)
CBDT
Auditor (C&AG)
C&AG
Accountant (C&AG)
C&AG
Assistant Section Officer (CSS)
Central Secretariat Service
Inspector (Examiner) CBIC
CBIC
Inspector (Preventive Officer) CBIC
CBIC
Assistant Enforcement Officer (ED)
Directorate of Enforcement
Sub-Inspector (CBI)
Central Bureau of Investigation
Assistant Audit Officer (Central)
NEW · seats TBD by SSCC&AG
AAO/AAccO post aspirants must also prepare for Tier-II Paper-III (Finance & Economics).
Pick your exam centres
Centre list is indicative. Always verify the final list on the official ssc.gov.in notification before applying.
Important dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL 2026 — Notification Released | 20 May 2026 | Confirmed |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Online Applications Open | 20 May 2026 | Confirmed |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Last Date to Apply | 22 Jun 2026 | Confirmed |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Last Date to Pay Fee | 23 Jun 2026 | Confirmed |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Correction Window Opens | 28 Jun 2026 | Confirmed |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Correction Window Closes | 01 Jul 2026 | Confirmed |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Tier-I Examination (Tentative) | 14 Aug 2026 | Tentative |
| SSC CGL 2026 — Tier-II Examination (Tentative) | 30 Nov 2026 | Tentative |
Deep dives
Assistant Audit Officer (Central)
Pay Level-8 · C&AG · New in CGL 2026. Commerce degree advantage explained.
NEWTier-II Paper-III — Finance & Economics
100 Qs · 200 marks · 120 min · for AAO/AAccO aspirants only.
Check your photo & signature
Aadhaar authentication — what you need to know
Read as plain text (screen reader / text-only)
Step 1 — Are you Visually Impaired (VH)? If yes: you follow the OTP authentication path. You will receive a One-Time Password on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Biometric verification is done at the exam centre by the invigilator. You do not need to complete face authentication before the exam.
Step 2 — Not VH (general candidates): Aadhaar face authentication is optional but strongly recommended. If you complete it before the exam, you save approximately 2 hours of waiting at the exam centre for manual identity verification.
Step 3 — If you choose not to authenticate: You must upload a valid Proof of Name, Date of Birth, and Address during the application process. You must carry the original documents to the exam centre. Arrive at least 2 hours before your reporting time to allow for manual verification.
Note: Aadhaar is not mandatory for applying. The authentication is only for streamlining entry at the exam centre.
Are you a Visually Impaired (VH) candidate?
Yes — I am a VH candidate
- Authentication method: OTP path (no face authentication required)
- An OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number during the application process.
- At the exam centre: Biometric verification (fingerprint) is done by the invigilator. Arrive on time — no extra 2-hour early arrival needed.
- Per SSC CGL 2026 notification Para d, Note: Visually Impaired candidates are exempt from face authentication and follow the OTP + biometric path.
No — I am a general candidate
Continue to Step 2 →
Will you complete Aadhaar face authentication? (optional — general candidates)
Yes — I will complete face authentication
- Complete it during the application window on SSC's portal.
- Benefit: Entry at the exam centre is fast — you save approx. 2 hours of manual queue time.
- No additional documents needed at the centre for identity verification.
No — I will skip Aadhaar authentication
Continue to Step 3 →
Not using Aadhaar authentication — what to prepare
- 1.Upload proof documents during application: Proof of Name, Date of Birth, and Address (Aadhaar card image, Voter ID, or other SSC-accepted document).
- 2.Carry original documents to the exam centre — a government-issued photo ID matching the one uploaded.
- 3.Arrive 2 hours early before your reporting time. Manual identity verification takes longer than Aadhaar-authenticated entry.
Source: SSC CGL 2026 notification Para d and official FAQ. Verify on ssc.gov.in.
Frequently asked questions
When was SSC CGL 2026 notification released?
SSC released the CGL 2026 notification on 21 May 2026. The official PDF is available on ssc.gov.in. Online applications opened the same day and close on 22 June 2026.
How many vacancies in SSC CGL 2026?
SSC CGL 2026 has 12,256 tentative vacancies across 40 posts spanning Pay Level-4 to Pay Level-8 (Para 3.1 of the notification). Final vacancy counts will be updated by SSC before Tier-I.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL 2026?
The last date to submit the SSC CGL 2026 online application is 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM). The last date for fee payment is 23 June 2026 (11:00 PM). Apply at ssc.gov.in or via the mySSC portal.
Is AAO a new post in SSC CGL 2026?
Yes. Assistant Audit Officer (Central), Assistant Audit Officer (State), and Assistant Accounts Officer are new to CGL in 2026. These Pay Level-8 posts — the highest in CGL history — were previously filled via a separate SSC exam.
Who needs to appear for Paper-III in SSC CGL 2026 Tier-II?
Only candidates who opt for Assistant Audit Officer (Central), Assistant Audit Officer (State), or Assistant Accounts Officer posts are required to sit Tier-II Paper-III. All other CGL aspirants face only Papers I and II in Tier-II.
What is the syllabus for SSC CGL 2026 Paper-III?
Paper-III covers Part A: Finance & Accounts (80 marks — financial accounting, accounting principles, company accounts) and Part B: Economics & Governance (120 marks — Comptroller & Auditor General of India, Indian economy, Micro/Macro economics). Total 100 Qs, 200 marks, 120 minutes.
What are the sectional timers in SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I?
SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I has four sections each with a 15-minute timer. When the clock expires for a section, the system auto-advances. You cannot revisit a section. Total time is 60 minutes (unchanged), but you cannot over-invest in one section.
What is region locking in SSC CGL 2026 exam centres?
You may still apply from anywhere, but all three centre preferences must lie within a single SSC Region (Northern / Eastern / Western / Southern / KKR / NWR / Central / NER / MPR). You choose the region; the three picks all stay inside it. Post preference remains nationwide.
What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
Age limits vary by post: 18–27 years for most posts; 18–30 years for Inspector IT (CBDT), CBIC Examiner/Preventive Officer, AAO/AAccO, and Statistical Investigator. Cut-off date is 1 August 2026. Standard relaxations apply: 5 years SC/ST, 3 years OBC.
What is the educational qualification for SSC CGL 2026?
A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the basic qualification for most CGL posts. Some posts require specific disciplines: AAO requires B.Com or CA/ICWA, Statistical Investigator requires Statistics at degree level. Check the notification for post-specific requirements.
What is the SSC CGL 2026 application fee?
The SSC CGL 2026 application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates are exempted. Payment can be made online via BHIM UPI, net banking, or Visa/Mastercard/RuPay debit card. No offline fee payment is accepted.
How to apply for SSC CGL 2026 online?
Register at ssc.gov.in or mySSC app. Fill Part I (basic info + upload photo/signature) and Part II (post preferences + centre + payment). Candidates must hold a valid One Time Registration (OTR). Applications close 22 June 2026.
When is SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I exam date?
Tier-I is tentatively scheduled for August–September 2026. SSC will announce specific dates after the application window closes. The date shown on PeakMocks is tentative (15 August 2026) and will be updated when SSC's admit card / exam schedule notice is published.
When is SSC CGL 2026 Tier-II exam date?
Tier-II is tentatively scheduled for December 2026. SSC will announce specific dates after Tier-I results. Tier-II has Papers I (Math & Reasoning), II (English), and III (Finance & Economics, for AAO/AAccO opted candidates only).
What is the negative marking in SSC CGL 2026?
Tier-I: 0.5 marks deducted per wrong answer (2-mark questions). Tier-II Paper-I & II: 1 mark deducted per wrong answer (3-mark questions). Tier-II Paper-III: 0.5 marks deducted per wrong answer (2-mark questions). No negative marking for unattempted questions.
What are the top posts in SSC CGL 2026 and their pay levels?
Top posts by pay: AAO Central, AAO State, AAccO State (Pay Level-8, ₹47,600–1,51,100); Inspector IT/CBIC/CSS/CBI/AEO-ED, ASO-CSS (Pay Level-7, ₹44,900–1,42,400); Auditor, Accountant (Pay Level-5); Tax Assistant (Pay Level-4).
What is FRTA in SSC CGL 2026?
FRTA stands for First Round of Tentative Allocation — SSC's post-allotment sliding mechanism. Governed by SSC notices dated 03.03.2026 and 08.04.2026. No traditional waiting list; FRTA happens before final selection. "FRTA / result" replaces the older "result" wording in 2026.
What is OTR in SSC CGL 2026 and how to register?
OTR is One Time Registration — a mandatory SSC-wide profile you create once. If you've applied for any SSC exam since 2023, your OTR exists. New candidates register at ssc.gov.in/OTR. Your OTR profile populates form fields automatically. Keep it updated.
Should I apply via mySSC app or ssc.gov.in for CGL 2026?
Both mySSC (Android/iOS app) and ssc.gov.in (website) accept CGL 2026 applications and link to the same OTR system. Use whichever you find easier — there is no difference in process or priority. PeakMocks links to ssc.gov.in as the authoritative source.
Can I correct mistakes in my SSC CGL 2026 application?
SSC CGL 2026 has a correction window from 29 June 2026 to 1 July 2026. You can correct most fields except registered email, mobile number, and date of birth. Name corrections require supporting documents. One-time correction is permitted per application.
Current affairs relevant to CGL 2026
Stories tagged as high-relevance for SSC CGL, updated daily.
- environment
India's CAFE-3 fuel-efficiency norms finalised for passenger vehicles — to tighten fleet CO₂ limits from April 2027 through March 2032.
- history
On 15 May 2026, India observed the birth anniversary of Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar (1907–1931), key HSRA strategist hanged with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru in the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
- polity
India advances its world-class dam-safety push — 6,628 dams, DRIP Phase-III rehabilitation, the Dam Safety Act 2021 institutional structure and DHARMA digital monitoring.
- international-relations
Iran's IRGC-backed proposal to charge undersea-cable operators in the Strait of Hormuz spotlights global vulnerability of submarine fibre carrying 95–99% of international data.
- economy
India sets up the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool — a US$1.5 billion pool with ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee, run by GIC Re, covering hull, cargo, P&I and war risks.
Exams CGL aspirants also prepare for
SSC GD Constable recruits for the largest vacancy count among SSC exams — Constables in central paramilitary forces. Ideal for 10th pass candidates seeking uniformed service.
SSC MTS recruits for Multi-Tasking Staff and Havaldar posts. One of the most popular SSC exams for 10th pass candidates with large vacancy counts.
IBPS PO is a common recruitment process for Probationary Officers in 11 participating public sector banks. Selection through Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
SSC CHSL recruits for LDC, JSA, Postal/Sorting Assistant, and DEO posts across central government offices. Ideal for 12th pass candidates seeking government jobs.