Updated on 21 October 2026: This page now covers SSC CGL 2026 instead of the old 2019 cycle. Tier-I is running from 30 September to 30 October 2026, admit cards open 2 to 3 days before each exam date, and SSC has revised the tentative vacancies to 10,731 (as on 24.09.2026).
SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I is now under way. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is holding the computer-based Tier-I of the Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 from 30 September to 30 October 2026. Admit cards are released in phases, so many candidates are still waiting for theirs. This guide explains the verified dates, admit card steps, revised vacancies, fee, age limit and exam pattern, using only SSC’s official notices.
SSC CGL 2026: Overview
| Organisation | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam | Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 |
| Posts | Group B and Group C posts in central ministries and departments |
| Tentative vacancies | 10,731 (revised list as on 24.09.2026) |
| Tier-I dates | 30.09.2026 to 30.10.2026 |
| Apply mode | Online (closed on 22.06.2026) |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notice published | 21.05.2026 |
| Online application | 21.05.2026 to 22.06.2026 (23:00) |
| Last date for fee payment | 23.06.2026 (23:00) |
| Correction window | 29.06.2026 to 01.07.2026 (23:00) |
| Tier-I (CBE) | 30.09.2026 to 30.10.2026 |
| Admit card | About 2 to 3 days before each exam date |
| Tier-II (CBE) | Tentatively December 2026 (as per notice) |
SSC CGL 2026 Admit Card: How to Download
SSC confirmed in its notice of 21.09.2026 that the exam city and the admission certificate are shown through a login module on its website. However, the admit card opens only 2 to 3 days before your own exam date. So, if your date is late in the window, wait and check again.
- First, visit ssc.gov.in and log in with your registration number and password.
- Next, open the admit card section for CGL Tier-I.
- Then check your exam city, date and shift.
- Download and print the admission certificate.
- Finally, verify your name, photo and venue before the exam day.
If you have trouble logging in, our SSC OTR registration guide explains the account steps.
Documents to carry
- A printout of the admission certificate.
- An original valid photo ID with date of birth, such as Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence, PAN card or passport.
- Candidates without Aadhaar-based authentication must report two hours early. They must also bring two recent passport-size colour photographs.
Revised SSC CGL Vacancy List
The notice first mentioned about 12,256 tentative vacancies. Later, SSC published a revised tentative list. As on 24.09.2026, it shows 10,731 posts.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 4,412 |
| OBC | 2,772 |
| SC | 1,715 |
| EWS | 1,028 |
| ST | 804 |
| Total | 10,731 |
The list also shows 373 vacancies for Ex-Servicemen. Vacancies may change again, so check the final list on the official site.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (male) | Rs 100 |
| Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
The age limit depends on the post. The notice uses four bands:
- 18 to 27 years, for example Auditor and Accountant.
- 18 to 30 years, for many Group B posts.
- 20 to 30 years, for some Assistant Section Officer and Sub-Inspector posts.
- 18 to 32 years, for Junior Statistical Officer.
| Category | Age relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service |
Eligibility
Most posts need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university by 01.08.2026. However, a few posts need more. For example, Junior Statistical Officer needs 60% in Mathematics at Class 12 or Statistics in the degree. Statistical Investigator Grade-II needs a degree with Statistics, Mathematics, Economics or a related subject.
SSC CGL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier-I
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier-I lasts one hour, with a 15-minute timer for each section. Each wrong answer costs 0.50 marks. Also, scores from different shifts are normalised.
Tier-II
Paper-I is common to all posts. It covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, a Computer Knowledge Test and a Data Entry Speed Test. In addition, Paper-II (Statistics) is only for JSO and Statistical Investigator posts. Paper-III (Finance and Economics) is only for AAO posts. For subject details, see our exam syllabus section.
Other SSC Exams Coming Up
SSC has also scheduled the SI in Delhi Police and CAPFs exam from 20 to 28 November 2026. Read our SSC CPO exam date 2026 page and the SSC CHSL exam date 2026 guide for details.
Important Links
| CGL 2026 official notice | Download PDF |
| Tier-I schedule notice (12.09.2026) | Download PDF |
| City and admit card notice (21.09.2026) | Download PDF |
| Revised tentative vacancies (24.09.2026) | Download PDF |
| Admit card login | ssc.gov.in |
FAQs on SSC CGL 2026
When is the SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I exam?
SSC is holding Tier-I from 30 September to 30 October 2026, as per its notice dated 12.09.2026.
When will my CGL admit card come?
It opens about 2 to 3 days before your exam date. You download it by logging in at ssc.gov.in.
How many vacancies are there this year?
The revised tentative list dated 24.09.2026 shows 10,731 vacancies. The final number may change.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL Tier-I?
Yes. Each wrong answer in Tier-I costs 0.50 marks.
When is the CGL Tier-II exam?
The notice says Tier-II is tentatively planned for December 2026. SSC will announce exact dates later.
Sources
- Staff Selection Commission, Notice: Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026: application dates, fee, age, relaxation, eligibility, exam scheme and admit card rules.
- Staff Selection Commission, Important Notice dated 12.09.2026: Tier-I schedule.
- Staff Selection Commission, Notice dated 21.09.2026: exam city and admission certificate release.
- Staff Selection Commission, Tentative vacancies as on 24.09.2026: revised vacancy totals.
Always confirm details on the official website before applying.