SSC CGL 2026 — Complete Guide: Syllabus, Eligibility, Salary & Cut-off
Last Updated: 23 August 2026 · By SarkariPaper Editorial
SSC CGL 2026 Overview
SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) is one of India's most competitive government examinations, conducted annually to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts across various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organisations.
SSC CGL 2026 has announced 17,727 vacancies — one of the highest in recent years. The exam is conducted in two tiers: Tier 1 (Computer Based Test) and Tier 2 (Computer Based Test). The selection process is purely merit-based with no interview round since 2016.
Top posts include Income Tax Inspector, Excise Inspector, Assistant Section Officer in MEA, Inspector (Central Excise), and Statistical Investigator Grade II — all offering strong career growth, perks, and all-India postings. The in-hand salary ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹80,000+ per month depending on post and city.
With 20–25 lakh candidates applying each year, the competition is fierce. However, with the right preparation strategy targeting high-weightage topics in Reasoning, Quant, English, and General Awareness, clearing the cut-off is achievable within 4–6 months of dedicated preparation.
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
| Notification Release | 20 August 2026 |
| Application Opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | 10 December 2026 |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Age Limit
18–32 years (as on 1st January 2026)
OBC: +3 years, SC/ST: +5 years, PwD: +10 years, Ex-Servicemen: as per rules
Nationality
Indian Citizen
SSC CGL Selection Process
Tier 1 — Computer Based Test (CBT): 200 marks, 60 minutes
Tier 2 — Computer Based Test: Papers I, II, III depending on post
Document Verification
Medical Examination (for certain posts)
SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier 2 (Paper I — Compulsory)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 45 | 135 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 450 |
SSC CGL Syllabus 2026
Full Syllabus →General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English Language
Download the complete SSC CGL topic-wise syllabus PDF →Premium (₹199/yr)
SSC CGL Posts — Which is Best?
SSC CGL offers 6+ posts across different departments. Here's a comparison to help you decide your target post before filling the form.
| Post | Salary | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
Assistant Section Officer (MEA) Group B Gazetted TOP PICK | ₹44,900 – ₹77,000 | fast |
Income Tax Inspector Group C Non-Gazetted | ₹44,900 – ₹65,000 | fast |
Preventive Officer (Customs) Group C Non-Gazetted | ₹35,400 – ₹60,000 | medium |
Sub-Inspector (CBI) Group C Non-Gazetted | ₹35,400 – ₹60,000 | medium |
Statistical Investigator Gr. II Group B Non-Gazetted | ₹35,400 – ₹60,000 | slow |
Auditor (CAG) Group C Non-Gazetted | ₹29,200 – ₹50,000 | medium |
SSC CGL Salary Structure
Salary varies based on post, city tier (X/Y/Z) for HRA, and DA rate. Figures above are indicative for 2026 DA rates.
SSC CGL Cut-off Marks
All Cut-offs →SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Cut-off
SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Cut-off
Cut-offs vary by post. Detailed post-wise cut-offs (2015–2026) available withSarkariPaper Premium →
SSC CGL Preparation Strategy
Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1–2)
- ›Start with NCERT Mathematics (Class 9-10) for Quant base
- ›Daily vocabulary — 20 new words, revise next day
- ›Reasoning: Coding-Decoding, Analogies, Blood Relations are highest-weightage
- ›GK: Focus on Static GK (History, Geography, Polity) first
Phase 2: Mock Test Mode (Month 3–4)
- ›Attempt 1 full mock daily — timing and accuracy both matter
- ›Analyze errors by topic — hit weakest topic with 2hr targeted practice
- ›Current Affairs: 30 min daily newspaper + monthly digest
- ›Start Tier 2 Computer Knowledge prep from Month 1 — 30 min on alternate days