SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) 2026 — Age Limit, Eligibility & Syllabus
Staff Selection Commission · SSC
Quick highlights
- Qualification
- Graduate
- Age limit
- 18 – 32 years
- Age as on
- 2026-08-01
- Salary
- ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 per month (Pay Level 4 to 8) plus HRA and DA
- Typical vacancies
- Roughly 14,000 – 18,000 posts per cycle
- Notification window
- Notification usually releases between April and June; Tier 1 is held around September.
About this exam
SSC CGL is the single biggest graduate-level government exam in India, filling Group B and Group C posts like Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer, Excise Inspector, Auditor and Tax Assistant across central ministries. Age limits differ by post, so the widest band is 18-32 years; most popular posts cap at 30.
Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university.
Age limit and category relaxation
| Category | Relaxation | Upper age |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 0 years | 32 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years | 35 years |
| SC | 5 years | 37 years |
| ST | 5 years | 37 years |
Ex-servicemen get 3 years and PwD candidates up to 10 years additional relaxation as per rules.
Selection process
1. Tier 1 (Prelims)
Computer-based objective test, 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, negative marking 0.50.
2. Tier 2 (Mains)
Multi-session paper covering Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer module and a Data Entry Speed Test.
3. Document Verification
Original certificates, category proof and post preference verification.
Recommended mock tests & books for SSC CGL
Previous year papers, full-length mock tests and Hindi-medium books from trusted platforms.
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Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude
Number system, percentage, profit & loss, ratio, time-speed-distance, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, data interpretation.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, syllogism, mirror images, paper folding, non-verbal reasoning.
General Awareness
History, geography, polity, economy, static GK, general science, current affairs of the last 8-10 months.
English Comprehension
Reading comprehension, cloze test, error spotting, fillers, synonyms and antonyms, idioms, para jumbles, active-passive.
Computer Knowledge (Tier 2)
Computer basics, MS Office, internet and networking basics, cyber security fundamentals.
Cut-off trend
Tier 1 cut-offs in recent years stayed near 145-155 for General, 135-145 for OBC/EWS and 115-130 for SC/ST out of 200. Final selection for Inspector posts usually needs 350+ out of 450 in Tier 2.
Official links
ssc.gov.inAlways download notifications and apply only through the official website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC CGL?
The overall band is 18 to 32 years as on the cut-off date, but each post has its own cap (18-27, 18-30 or 20-30). OBC candidates get 3 years and SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation.
Can final year students apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. Final year students can apply, but the degree must be completed and the result declared before the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.
Is there negative marking in SSC CGL?
Yes. Tier 1 deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer and Tier 2 objective papers deduct 1 mark per wrong answer in most sections.
Keep a Plan B ready
Your CGL preparation is heavy on data interpretation, accounting basics and audit logic — exactly what corporate MIS Analyst, Accounts Executive, Internal Audit and Business Analyst roles hire for.