SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) — Syllabus, PYQs & Prep…

Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Group B and Group C posts in central ministries, departments and organisations, including Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Sub Inspector, Auditor and Tax Assistant. Two computer based tiers; Tier II decides the final merit. From the notice: "The questions in Parts A, B, & D will be of a level commensurate with the essential qualification viz. Graduation and questions in Part-C will be of 10th standard level" (Tier I). "Questions in Part A of Section-I of Paper-I (Mathematical Abilities) will be of Matriculation Level, in Part A of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language and Comprehension) of 10+2 Level and in Paper-II and Paper-III of Graduation Level" (Tier II).

Important dates

CGL 2026 Notice Published: 21 May 2026
Last Date to Apply: 22 Jun 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment: 23 Jun 2026
Application Correction Window Opens: 29 Jun 2026
Application Correction Window Closes: 1 Jul 2026

Eligibility

Qualification: All other posts: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. Junior Statistical Officer: Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% Marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level, or Bachelor's Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level. Stat…
Age: 18 to 32 years

Age relaxation for SC/ST: 5 years
Age relaxation for OBC: 3 years
Age relaxation for PwBD: 10 years
Age relaxation for PwBD (OBC): 13 years
Age relaxation for PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years

Age limit depends on the post: 18 to 27, 18 to 30, 20 to 30 or 18 to 32 years, reckoned on 1 August 2026 for CGL 2026. Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply, but must possess the Essential qualification as on 01.08.2026.

Selection process

Tier I: Computer based, 100 objective questions for 200 marks; used to shortlist category-wise for Tier II
Tier II: Computer based. Paper I for all posts (Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and Data Entry Speed Test); Paper II for JSO and Statistical Investigator; Paper III for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer
Final Selection: Merit list is prepared on overall performance in Tier II only; posts with physical and medical standards are tested by the user department after selection

Exam pattern

Tier I, 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, Online CBT, negative marking: 0.50 mark deducted for each wrong answer
Tier II Paper I, 150 questions, 450 marks, 150 minutes, Online CBT, negative marking: 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer in Sections I to III; Computer Knowledge (Section III) and Data Entry Speed Test (Section IV) are qualifying
Tier II Paper II (Statistics), 100 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes, Online CBT, negative marking: 0.50 mark deducted for each wrong answer
Tier II Paper III (General Studies - Finance and Economics), 100 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes, Online CBT, negative marking: 0.50 mark deducted for each wrong answer

How to apply

Applications must be submitted only in online mode at the website of SSC Headquarters i.e. https://ssc.gov.in or through the mySSC mobile application.

Application fee (General/OBC/EWS (male)): Rs 100
Application fee (Women/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen): Rs 0

Vacancies

Total vacancies: 12256
Year: CGL 2026 (tentative)

Pay scale

Post: Group B and Group C posts (Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Sub Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant and others)
Pay level: Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 8
Gross pay: Basic pay Rs 25500 (Level 4) to Rs 151100 (top of Level 8), depending on the post