SSC CGL
SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. It fills Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts in Government of India ministries, departments and organisations, and in various constitutional and statutory bodies and tribunals. It is a computer-based examination in two tiers: Tier-I shortlists candidates for Tier-II, and the final merit list is based on Tier-II only. Some posts also require Paper-II (Statistics) or Paper-III (General Studies — Finance and Economics). Posts, pattern, vacancies and dates are set in the official notice each year.
Frequency
Once a year (CGL 2026: Tier-I, computer-based, scheduled for 30 September–30 October 2026 per SSC's notice of 12 September 2026; Tier-II tentatively December 2026)
Duration
Tier-I: 1 hour. Tier-II Paper-I: 2 hours 15 minutes (Session I), plus a 15-minute Data Entry Speed Test (Session II). Paper-II (Statistics) and Paper-III (General Studies — Finance and Economics): 2 hours each, only for the posts that require them (CGL 2026 notice)
Format
Computer-based
Score range
Tier-I: 200 (four sections of 50; used only to shortlist for Tier-II). Tier-II Paper-I: Sections I and II carry 390 marks (180 + 210) and decide merit. Section III (Computer Knowledge Test, 60 marks) and Section IV (Data Entry Speed Test) are qualifying only. Paper-II and Paper-III: 200 each, for the posts that require them. The final merit list uses Tier-II only (CGL 2026 notice)
Eligibility
Citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, and certain persons of Indian origin named in the notice (the latter need a Government of India eligibility certificate). A bachelor's degree from a recognised university is required. Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II need specified subjects, and the state-cadre audit and accounts posts need proficiency in the state's language. Final-year students may apply if they hold the degree by 1 August 2026. Age limits vary by post — 18–27, 20–30, 18–30 or 18–32 years as on 1 August 2026 — with upper-age relaxation for reserved categories (CGL 2026 notice)
Conducting body
Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Registration fee
₹100. Women candidates, and SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates eligible for reservation, pay no fee (CGL 2026 notice)
Source: Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: Staff Selection Commission — Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 notice (PDF); Staff Selection Commission — Important notice: CGL 2026 Tier-I schedule, 12 September 2026 (PDF); Staff Selection Commission — Tentative calendar of examinations 2026-27 (PDF); Staff Selection Commission (SSC) — official site.
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
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