SSC CGL Complete Guide 2026 Notification Salary Syllabus

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of India's most prestigious competitive exams, conducted annually to recruit thousands of candidates for central government positions. With lakhs of applicants competing for coveted posts in ministries, departments, and agencies, SSC CGL opens doors to stable, high-paying government careers with excellent job security, pension benefits, and social respect. Whether you're aiming for assistant positions in income tax departments, statistical officer roles, or other Group B positions, this comprehensive 2026 guide covers every aspect you need to know—from notification dates to salary breakdowns, syllabus details to preparation strategies.

Quick Answer: SSC CGL 2026 is expected to be announced by mid-2026 with approximately 13,000+ vacancies. Selection involves 4 tiers: Tier 1 (online MCQ), Tier 2 (online descriptive + MCQ), Tier 3 (skill test/typing), and Tier 4 (document verification). Selected candidates earn ₹25,000-₹47,000 in-hand monthly salary depending on the post, with comprehensive government benefits. Eligibility: 12th pass minimum for most posts, age 18-30 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC). Registration typically opens 4-6 weeks before exam.

---

What is SSC CGL? — Complete Overview

Details	Information
Full Form	Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level
Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam Level	National
Frequency	Once per year (typically)
Total Vacancies 2026	Expected 13,000+ (varies yearly)
Vacant Posts	~50 different categories
Official Website	www.ssc.nic.in
Application Mode	Online only
Exam Mode	Computer-based (Online)
Medium of Exam	English & Hindi

SSC CGL is the gateway examination for recruiting skilled personnel to fill Group B and Group A (junior posts) positions in various central government departments and organizations. These include the Ministry of Finance (Income Tax Department), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Personnel & Training, Ministry of External Affairs, and numerous other prestigious departments. The exam tests candidates across General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness—skills essential for administrative and technical government roles.

---

Exam Calendar 2026 — Important Dates

Event	Expected Date 2026
Official Notification Release	Mid-May 2026
Application Portal Opens	Late May 2026
Last Date to Apply	Late July 2026
Admit Card (Tier 1)	September 2026
Tier 1 Exam Dates	October-November 2026
Tier 1 Result	December 2026
Admit Card (Tier 2)	December 2026
Tier 2 Exam Dates	January 2027
Tier 2 Result	February 2027
Tier 3 (Skill Test)	March-April 2027
Final Result & Document Verification	May 2027

Important Note: These dates are projected based on SSC CGL's historical examination calendar. The 2026 exam typically follows a similar timeline each year. However, SSC may announce official dates slightly earlier or later. Always monitor www.ssc.nic.in for the official notification. Subscribe to official SSC notifications and download the official calendar once released.

---

Eligibility Criteria 2026

Age Limit

Category	Age Limit	Upper Age Relaxation
General/Unreserved (UR)	18-30 years	No relaxation
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	18-30 years	+3 years (up to 33 years)
SC/ST	18-30 years	+5 years (up to 35 years)
PwD (General)	18-40 years	+10 years relaxation
PwD (OBC)	18-40 years	+13 years relaxation
PwD (SC/ST)	18-40 years	+15 years relaxation
Ex-Servicemen	Age limit as per MoD rules	Check official notification

Age Calculation: Age is calculated as on the official closing date of the application form. Birth certificate or matriculation certificate is required as proof during document verification.

Educational Qualification

The basic educational requirement for most SSC CGL posts is Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university. However, specific qualifications vary by post:

• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor's degree with Mathematics as one subject
• Income Tax Inspector/Excise Inspector: Any Bachelor's degree
• Assistant Audit Officer: Any Bachelor's degree
• Assistant Section Officer: Any Bachelor's degree
• Auditor: Any Bachelor's degree
• Compiler/Steno: 12th pass (for some posts)
• Divisional Accountant: 12th pass with some posts requiring graduation

Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination before the official closing date of applications. Provisional/temporary degrees are generally not accepted.

Nationality

• Citizenship: Indian citizens only
• Exception: Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan can apply for certain SSC examinations, but SSC CGL specifically requires Indian citizenship
• Dual nationality candidates must hold Indian citizenship as primary nationality

---

Vacancy Details 2026 — Post-wise Breakdown

SSC CGL 2026 is expected to announce vacancies across approximately 50 different posts. Based on historical patterns, here's the estimated distribution:

Post Category	Approximate Vacancies	Pay Level	Eligibility
Junior Accountant/Junior Audit Officer	2,000-2,500	Level 5	Bachelor's degree
Auditor	1,500-2,000	Level 5	Bachelor's degree
Assistant Audit Officer	200-300	Level 6	Bachelor's degree
Junior Statistical Officer	100-150	Level 6	B.A./B.Sc. with Mathematics
Inspector (Income Tax/Customs/GST)	400-600	Level 6-7	Bachelor's degree
Inspector (Central Excise)	200-300	Level 6	Bachelor's degree
Assistant Section Officer (Central Secretariat)	800-1,000	Level 4	Bachelor's degree
Compiler/Steno	1,000-1,500	Level 4	12th pass
Divisional Accountant	1,000-1,200	Level 4	12th pass
Sub-Inspector (CBI)	300-400	Level 5	Bachelor's degree

Reservation Policy: As per GoI norms, vacancies are reserved for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), and EWS (10%). A portion of vacancies are also reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)—at least 4% across all categories.

---

SSC CGL Exam Pattern 2026 — 4-Tier Selection Process

SSC CGL follows a rigorous 4-stage selection process designed to test candidates comprehensively:

Tier 1: Objective Type Test (Online)

Component	Details
**Mode**	Computer-based Online
**Total Duration**	60 minutes
**Number of Questions**	100
**Total Marks**	200
**Marking Scheme**	+2 marks per correct answer
**Negative Marking**	-0.5 marks per wrong answer
**Language**	English & Hindi

Subjects in Tier 1:

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions, 50 marks)
• Analogies, analogies, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, classification, analogy, syllogisms, semantic analogy, symbolic operations, symbolic/number analogy, trends, space visualization, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision-making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, figure matrix reasoning, etc.

1. General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks)
• Current events, static GK (history, culture, geography, economy), science, polity, sports, awards, international organizations, budgets, fiscal policies, government schemes, environment, etc.

1. Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks)
• Number systems, integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, profit/loss, simple/compound interest, time & work, time & distance, pipes & cisterns, averages, ratios, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, data interpretation, etc.

1. English Comprehension (25 questions, 50 marks)
• Reading comprehension, cloze test, spelling errors, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, pairing of words, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, etc.

Tier 1 Selection: Top candidates (typically 10:1 ratio) from each category are shortlisted for Tier 2.

Tier 2: Descriptive & Objective Test (Online)

Component	Paper	Mode	Duration	Marks	Medium
**Paper 1**	English Language & Comprehension	Online	60 minutes	200	English only
**Paper 2**	Quantitative Abilities	Online	120 minutes	200	English & Hindi
**Paper 3**	Statistics (only JSO candidates)	Online	120 minutes	200	English & Hindi
**Paper 4**	General Studies (Finance & Economics)	Online	120 minutes	200	English & Hindi

Tier 2 Details:

Paper 1 - English Language & Comprehension (200 marks):

• Reading comprehension passages
• Active/passive voice
• Direct/indirect speech
• One-word substitution
• Synonyms & antonyms
• Spelling error identification
• Sentence improvement
• Cloze tests
• Jumbled sentences
• Idioms & phrases

Paper 2 - Quantitative Abilities (200 marks):

• Algebra, geometry, trigonometry
• Data interpretation (graphs, tables, charts)
• Number systems & equations
• Percentages, profit/loss
• Time & work, distance & speed
• Simple/compound interest
• Ratio & proportion
• Sequences & series
• Averages & statistics

Paper 3 - Statistics (JSO candidates only, 200 marks):

• Collection & classification of data
• Presentation of data (graphs, tables)
• Measures of dispersion
• Moments, skewness, kurtosis
• Probability distributions
• Hypothesis testing
• Sampling & estimation
• Correlation & regression
• Index numbers
• Time series analysis

Paper 4 - General Studies (Finance & Economics, 200 marks):

• Principles of accounting & auditing
• Finance & management
• Economics (macro & micro)
• Government schemes & budgets
• Banking system
• International organizations
• Public finance
• Fiscal policy

Tier 2 Selection: Candidates scoring above the cutoff in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 are shortlisted for Tier 3.

Tier 3: Skill Test / Computer Proficiency Test

Applicable to: Selected candidates for specific posts

Post	Test Type	Duration	Duration
Stenographer Grade C/D	Stenotypy/Speed Test	10-15 minutes	80 WPM (Grade C), 40 WPM (Grade D)
Data Entry Operator	Data Entry Skill Test	15 minutes	8,000 KKHPM
Compiler	Computer Proficiency Test	30 minutes	Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Qualification in Tier 3: Candidates must qualify (not just score) in the skill test. Merit is determined primarily by Tier 1 + Tier 2 scores.

Tier 4: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination (for PwD)

Document Verification includes:

• Educational certificates (10th, 12th, Bachelor's degree)
• Birth certificate or matriculation certificate (age proof)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Character certificate
• Medical fitness certificate
• Discharge certificate (if applicable—Ex-Servicemen)

Medical Examination: Mandatory for all selected candidates. Those not meeting medical fitness standards are rejected.

---

Complete SSC CGL Syllabus 2026

Tier 1 Syllabus

General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions)

Verbal Reasoning:

• Analogies & analogies
• Odd one out
• Directions
• Blood relations
• Alphabetical/number series
• Coding-decoding
• Mathematical operations
• Classification

Non-Verbal Reasoning:

• Matrix reasoning
• Figure completion
• Cube unfolding
• Pattern recognition
• Visual similarities
• Spatial relations

Quantitative Aptitude (25 Questions)

• Number systems
• Fractions & decimals
• Percentages
• Ratio & proportion
• Powers & roots
• Averages
• Simple/compound interest
• Profit, loss & discount
• Mixtures & allegations
• Time & work
• Time & distance
• Pipes & cisterns
• Set theory
• Permutation & combination
• Probability
• Mensuration (area, volume, perimeter)
• Geometry & trigonometry
• Co-ordinate geometry
• Data interpretation

English Language (25 Questions)

• Spot the errors
• Fill in the blanks
• Synonyms & antonyms
• One-word substitution
• Idioms & phrases
• Sentence improvement
• Cloze tests
• Reading comprehension
• Spellings

General Awareness (25 Questions)

History & Culture:

• Ancient India
• Medieval India
• Modern India
• Indian freedom struggle
• Indian constitution
• Culture & heritage

Geography:

• Physical geography
• Economic geography
• Indian geography
• World geography
• Climate & weather

Polity:

• Indian government structure
• Constitution
• Parliamentary system
• Judiciary system
• Electoral process

Economics:

• Microeconomics basics
• Macroeconomics basics
• Banking system
• Currency & inflation
• Government budgets
• Taxation

Science:

• Physics (motion, forces, energy)
• Chemistry (atomic structure, bonding)
• Biology (cells, heredity, evolution)
• General science

Current Affairs:

• Recent events (last 6-12 months)
• Government schemes
• International events
• Sports & awards
• Appointments & resignations
• Environment & climate

Tier 2 Syllabus

Paper 1: English Language & Comprehension (200 marks, 60 minutes)

Reading Comprehension (35-40 marks):

• Passages of 300-350 words
• 8-10 questions per passage
• Inference-based questions
• Vocabulary in context
• Main idea identification

Grammar (50-60 marks):

• Active & passive voice
• Direct & indirect speech
• Subject-verb agreement
• Tense consistency
• Article usage
• Prepositions

Vocabulary (40-50 marks):

• Synonyms & antonyms
• One-word substitution
• Idioms & phrases
• Word associations

Sentence Improvement (30-40 marks):

• Grammatical errors
• Structural errors
• Idiomatic usage

Miscellaneous (20-30 marks):

• Spelling errors
• Cloze tests
• Jumbled sentences
• Paragraph arrangement

Paper 2: Quantitative Abilities (200 marks, 120 minutes)

Arithmetic (60-70 marks):

• Number systems
• Simplification
• Ratio & proportion
• Percentage
• Profit, loss, discount
• Simple & compound interest
• Time & work
• Pipes & cisterns
• Time, speed & distance

Algebra (35-45 marks):

• Linear equations
• Quadratic equations
• Inequalities
• Logarithms
• Sequences & series
• Sets & functions

Geometry (30-40 marks):

• Lines & angles
• Triangles
• Quadrilaterals
• Circles
• Coordinate geometry
• Mensuration

Trigonometry (15-20 marks):

• Trigonometric ratios
• Heights & distances
• Trigonometric identities

Statistics & Data Interpretation (40-50 marks):

• Averages
• Variance & standard deviation
• Probability
• Permutation & combination
• Data interpretation (graphs, tables, charts)
• Bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs

Paper 3: Statistics (200 marks, 120 minutes) — JSO Candidates Only

Statistics Fundamentals:

• Definition & scope
• Collection of data (primary & secondary)
• Classification of data
• Tabulation & presentation

Measures of Central Tendency:

• Mean, median, mode
• Weighted mean
• Quartiles & percentiles

Measures of Dispersion:

• Range
• Variance
• Standard deviation
• Coefficient of variation

Probability:

• Basic concepts
• Conditional probability
• Bayes' theorem
• Random variables
• Probability distributions

Sampling:

• Sampling techniques
• Estimation theory
• Confidence intervals
• Sample size determination

Hypothesis Testing:

• Null & alternative hypotheses
• Type I & Type II errors
• t-test, z-test, chi-square test
• ANOVA

Correlation & Regression:

• Pearson correlation
• Linear regression
• Multiple regression

Index Numbers & Time Series:

• Index number construction
• Trend analysis
• Seasonality
• Forecasting

Paper 4: General Studies (Finance & Economics, 200 marks, 120 minutes)

Principles of Accounting:

• Double-entry system
• Journalizing & posting
• Trial balance & balance sheet
• Final accounts
• Depreciation

Principles of Auditing:

• Audit objectives & procedures
• Internal controls
• Audit risk
• Evidence & working papers
• Management letter

Finance & Management:

• Time value of money
• Capital budgeting
• Cost of capital
• Leverage & capital structure
• Working capital management
• Cash management

Economics (Macro):

• National income & GDP
• Inflation & deflation
• Unemployment
• Monetary policy & RBI
• Fiscal policy & budgets
• Balance of payments

Economics (Micro):

• Demand & supply
• Consumer behavior
• Production & costs
• Market structures
• Price determination

Banking & Finance:

• Banking system in India
• RBI functions & policies
• Commercial banking
• Credit management
• Payment systems
• Financial inclusion

---

Salary & Pay Scale 2026 — Complete Post-wise Breakdown

Based on the 7th Central Pay Commission (effective January 2016), here's the comprehensive salary structure for SSC CGL posts:

Post-wise Pay Levels & In-Hand Salary

Post	Pay Level	Basic Pay (2026)	In-Hand Salary (Approx.)
**Junior Accountant**	Level 5	₹25,500	₹28,000-₹30,000
**Junior Audit Officer**	Level 5	₹25,500	₹28,000-₹30,000
**Auditor**	Level 5	₹25,500	₹28,000-₹30,000
**Assistant Audit Officer**	Level 6	₹35,400	₹38,500-₹41,000
**Junior Statistical Officer**	Level 6	₹35,400	₹38,500-₹41,000
**Inspector (Income Tax)**	Level 6-7	₹35,400-₹44,900	₹38,500-₹48,000
**Inspector (Central Excise)**	Level 6	₹35,400	₹38,500-₹41,000
**Inspector (Customs)**	Level 6-7	₹35,400-₹44,900	₹38,500-₹48,000
**Assistant Section Officer**	Level 4	₹18,000	₹20,000-₹22,000
**Compiler**	Level 4	₹18,000	₹20,000-₹22,000
**Divisional Accountant**	Level 4	₹18,000	₹20,000-₹22,000
**Steno (Grade C)**	Level 4	₹18,000	₹20,000-₹22,000
**Steno (Grade D)**	Level 3	₹13,500	₹15,500-₹17,000
**Data Entry Operator**	Level 1	₹13,500	₹15,500-₹17,000
**Sub-Inspector (CBI)**	Level 5	₹25,500	₹28,000-₹30,000

Monthly Salary Calculation Example: Junior Accountant (Pay Level 5)

Salary Component	Amount (Approx.)
**Basic Pay**	₹25,500
**Dearness Allowance (DA @ 42%)**	₹10,710
**House Rent Allowance (HRA @ 9%)**	₹2,295
**Transport Allowance (TA)**	₹3,600
**City Compensatory Allowance**	₹1,500
**Gross Salary**	**₹43,605**
**(-) Employee Provident Fund**	₹3,060
**(-) Income Tax (approx.)**	₹5,200
**(-) National Pension Scheme**	₹4,080
**(-) Professional Tax**	₹200
**IN-HAND SALARY (Approx.)**	**₹30,965**

Monthly Salary Calculation Example: Inspector (Pay Level 6)

Salary Component	Amount (Approx.)
**Basic Pay**	₹35,400
**Dearness Allowance (DA @ 42%)**	₹14,868
**House Rent Allowance (HRA @ 9%)**	₹3,186
**Transport Allowance (TA)**	₹3,600
**City Compensatory Allowance**	₹2,000
**Gross Salary**	**₹59,054**
**(-) Employee Provident Fund**	₹4,248
**(-) Income Tax (approx.)**	₹7,500
**(-) National Pension Scheme**	₹5,610
**(-) Professional Tax**	₹200
**IN-HAND SALARY (Approx.)**	**