SSC Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) 2026–27 – Complete Guide
Introduction
The SSC Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination 2026–27 is one of the most popular national-level competitive examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment into various Group B and Group C posts in the Government of India.
The SSC CGL exam recruits candidates for several prestigious central government departments including the Income Tax Department, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ministry of External Affairs, Central Secretariat, Enforcement Directorate, and many other ministries and departments.
The exam is conducted in multiple stages including Tier-I, Tier-II, and sometimes Tier-III depending on the post. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next phase of the selection process.
SSC CGL offers stable government careers with attractive salaries, job security, promotions, and opportunities to work in various ministries of the central government.
Latest Notification
The SSC CGL 2026–27 notification is expected to be released on 31st March 2026 or 1st week of April 2026 on the official Staff Selection Commission website.
The official notification will include details such as eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, vacancy details, application process, and important dates.
Candidates interested in applying for SSC CGL should regularly check the official SSC website for the latest updates and announcements regarding the recruitment process.
Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL Notification Release | 31st March or 1st week of April 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 31st March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th April 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Last Week of April 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam | May-June 2026 |
| Tier-II Exam | Sept 2026 |
| Final Result | Nov / Dec 2026 |
Exam Pattern
Tier-I Exam Pattern
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Type: Objective
Duration: 60 minutes
Total Marks: 200
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier-II Exam Pattern
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Note: Paper structure varies depending on the post
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I |
Mathematical Abilities Reasoning and General Intelligence English Language and Comprehension General Awareness Computer Knowledge Data Entry Speed Test (where applicable) |
Varies (Core Paper) |
| Paper II | Statistics (for statistical posts) | 200 |
| Paper III | General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 200 |
Syllabus
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogies (number, word, symbolic)
- Coding and Decoding
- Series (number, alphabet, mixed)
- Classification (odd one out)
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Syllogism
- Statement and Conclusion / Inference
- Order and Ranking
- Alphabet Test
- Word Formation / Word Building
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Data Sufficiency
- Mathematical Operations
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- Puzzle and Seating Arrangement
- Matrix Problems
- Logical Sequence of Words
- Statement–Assumption
- Cause and Effect
- Assertion and Reason
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Speed Time Distance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
English Language
- Grammar (Tenses, Modals, Voice, Speech)
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Correction and Error Detection
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Indian Polity
- Indian Economy
- Geography
- General Science
- Science and Technology
Tier-II Additional Subjects
- Advanced Mathematics
- Advanced English and Comprehension
- Statistics (for specific posts)
- Finance and Economics (for specific posts)
- Computer Knowledge
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: Typically 18–32 years with age relaxations for reserved categories as per rules.
Exact details (age relaxation categories, essential qualifications, etc.) will be in the official notification.
Educational Criteria
Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
Selection Process
- Tier-I (Qualifying) – Computer Based Examination
- Tier-II (Main) – Computer Based Examination
- Tier-III (Descriptive Test) – for specific posts
- Tier-IV (Skill Test / Data Entry / Computer Proficiency) – where applicable
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
Apply Online
Official Website
Application Steps
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Register for SSC One Time Registration.
- Fill the SSC CGL application form.
- Upload documents and photograph.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the form.
Vacancy
SSC releases thousands of vacancies every year for various Group B and Group C posts under SSC CGL recruitment.
Vacancies vary depending on departmental requirements and government approvals.
For SSC CGL 2026, the expected number of vacancies is approximately 15,000 – 20,000 posts, based on recent recruitment trends. However, the exact number of vacancies will be officially released along with the notification and may be revised later.
The vacancies are distributed across multiple departments such as Income Tax, Central Excise, CBI, Ministries, and other Central Government offices, covering posts like Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, and Tax Assistant.
Expected Cut Off
| Category | Expected Cut Off |
|---|---|
| General | 150 – 170 |
| OBC | 140 – 160 |
| SC | 120 – 135 |
| ST | 110 – 125 |
Previous Year Cut Off (Tier-I)
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 150 – 165 |
| OBC | 145 – 160 |
| SC | 130 – 145 |
| ST | 120 – 135 |
The cut-off marks vary every year depending on factors such as number of vacancies, difficulty level of the exam, and number of candidates appearing.
Candidates are advised to aim significantly above the cut-off to ensure selection, as final selection depends on Tier-II performance and overall merit.
Salary
- Assistant Section Officer: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
- Inspector Posts: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
- Auditor / Accountant: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300
- Tax Assistant: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
SSC CGL Mock Test Series
Practice latest SSC CGL mock tests with detailed analysis.
Latest Quizzes
- SSC Reasoning Quiz
- SSC Quantitative Aptitude Quiz
- SSC English Quiz
- SSC General Awareness Quiz
FAQs
- Q: What is SSC CGL?
A: SSC CGL is a national-level exam for recruitment into central government departments. - Q: What is the qualification for SSC CGL?
A: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. - Q: Is there any age limit?
A: Yes, it varies depending on the post. - Q: Is SSC CGL conducted every year?
A: Yes, usually once every year.