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SSC CGL Eligibility 2026 - Latest Updates
Who Can Apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Candidates must generally hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and meet the prescribed post-wise age limit. The age range varies from 18 to 32 years, depending on the post, with relaxation available for eligible categories.
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Age Limit
SSC CGL Age Limit Varies by Post
The SSC CGL 2026 age limit is not the same for every post. Depending on the post, candidates may fall under the 18-27, 18-30, 20-30, or 18-32 years age bracket, calculated as on 1 August 2026.
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Special Qualification
JSO & Statistical Investigator Have Separate Criteria
For the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post, candidates need either 60% marks in Mathematics at Class 12 level or Statistics as a subject in graduation. Statistical Investigator Grade-II has separate subject-specific graduation requirements.
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Physical Standards
Physical Eligibility Applies Only to Selected Posts
Physical standards are required only for certain Inspector, Sub-Inspector and Junior Intelligence Officer posts. Candidates applying for these posts must satisfy prescribed height, chest/weight and physical endurance requirements.
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The SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on 21st May 2026, and with it, the complete eligibility criteria for all Group B and Group C posts. This page covers the complete SSC CGL Eligibility 2026 including post-wise age limits, category-wise age relaxation, qualification requirements for AAO, JSO and Statistical Investigator posts, physical standards for Inspector-level posts, and the number of permissible attempts.
Who is eligible for SSC CGL 2026 Exam?
Candidates applying for SSC CGL 2026 must fulfil the eligibility conditions related to nationality, age limit and educational qualification prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission. The age limit varies according to the post and ranges from 18 to 32 years as on 1st August 2026. For most posts, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent, while some posts have additional qualification requirements.
| Eligibility Parameter | SSC CGL 2026 Requirement |
|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or eligible Person of Indian Origin as prescribed by SSC |
| Minimum Age | 18 years for most posts |
| Maximum Age | 27, 30 or 32 years depending on the post |
| Age Reference Date | 1st August 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognized University or equivalent for most posts |
| JSO Qualification | Bachelor's degree with at least 60% in Mathematics at Class 12 level OR Statistics as a subject at degree level |
| Age Relaxation | Available to eligible reserved categories as per Government rules |
| Number of Attempts | No fixed attempt limit; eligibility is governed by the applicable age limit and other conditions |
What's New in SSC CGL Eligibility 2026?
The SSC CGL 2026 Notification has introduced some important changes in the educational qualification requirements for specific posts. Candidates should carefully review the latest eligibility criteria before submitting their application form, especially if they are applying for Assistant Audit Officer (AAO), Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO), Junior Statistical Officer (JSO), or Statistical Investigator Grade-II posts.
| Eligibility Parameter | Previous Structure | SSC CGL 2026 Update |
|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | Single AAO category | Divided into Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) and Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) | Single AAO category | Introduced as Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) with language proficiency requirement |
| Regional Language Requirement | Not applicable for AAO posts | State Cadre posts require proficiency in the Regional/Official Language of the concerned State at Matriculation level |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II Qualification | Limited subject combinations | Expanded to include Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Applications, and related disciplines |
| Final Year Eligibility | Graduation required before cut-off date | Final-year candidates can apply but must possess the required qualification on or before 1 August 2026 |
| JSO Qualification | Statistics or 60% in Mathematics | No major change |
| Graduation Requirement | Bachelor's degree for most posts | Continues for all general SSC CGL posts |
What is SSC CGL Age Limit?
The SSC CGL age limit varies according to the post. The crucial date for determining age is 1st August 2026. Depending on the post, candidates must fall within one of four age brackets: 18–27 years, 20–30 years, 18–30 years, or 18–32 years.
| Age Limit | Required Date of Birth |
|---|
| 18–27 years | Born not earlier than 02-08-1999 and not later than 01-08-2008 |
| 20–30 years | Born not earlier than 02-08-1996 and not later than 01-08-2006 |
| 18–30 years | Born not earlier than 02-08-1996 and not later than 01-08-2008 |
| 18–32 years | Born not earlier than 02-08-1994 and not later than 01-08-2008 |
What is SSC CGL Age Relaxation 2026?
SSC provides relaxation in the upper age limit to eligible candidates belonging to specified categories. Candidates should calculate relaxation against the upper age limit prescribed for the particular post, rather than using a common maximum age.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deduction of military service rendered from actual age as on 01.08.2026 |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof | 3 years |
| Defence Personnel in the above category belonging to SC/ST | 8 years |
What is SSC CGL Group B Posts Wise Age Limit?
The SSC CGL Group B post-wise age limit varies for different posts and departments. The details of the SSC CGL Group B post-wise age limit are as follows:
| Category | Permissible Age Limit |
|---|
| Central Government Civilian Employees who have rendered at least 3 years of regular and continuous service as on the closing date | Up to 40 years |
| Central Government Civilian Employees belonging to SC/ST with at least 3 years of regular and continuous service | Up to 45 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and not remarried | Up to 35 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and not remarried belonging to SC/ST | Up to 40 years |
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What is SSC CGL Group C Posts Wise Age Limit?
The SSC CGL Group C post-wise age limit varies for different posts and departments. The details of the SSC CGL Group C post-wise age limit are as follows:
| Post | Ministry/Department/Office | Age Limit |
|---|
| Auditor | Offices under C&AG | 18–27 years |
| Auditor | Offices under CGDA | 18–27 years |
| Auditor | Other Ministries/Departments | 18–27 years |
| Accountant | Offices under C&AG | 18–27 years |
| Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | 18–27 years |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant | Other Ministries/Departments | 18–27 years |
| Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | 18–27 years |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerk | Central Government Offices/Ministries other than CSCS cadres | 18–27 years |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | 18–27 years |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT | 18–27 years |
| Tax Assistant | CBIC | 18–27 years |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | 18–27 years |
What is SSC CGL Age Limit Criteria?
SSC CGL age limit is provided for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. The details of age relaxation are as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|
| SSC CGL Age Limit For OBC | 3 years (18 to 35 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For ST/SC | 5 years (18 to 37 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For PH+Gen | 10 years (18 to 42 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For PH + OBC | 13 years (18 to 45 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For PH + SC/ST | 15 years (18 to 47 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For Ex-Servicemen (Gen) | 3 years (18 to 35 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 6 years (18 to 38 Years) |
| SSC CGL Age Limit For Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years (18 to 40 Years) |
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What is SSC CGL Educational Qualification 2026?
Candidates applying for SSC CGL 2026 must possess the prescribed educational qualification on or before 1st August 2026. A Bachelor's degree from a recognized University or Institute is required for most posts, while JSO, Statistical Investigator Grade-II, Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer have specific or additional requirements.
| Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer – Central Cadre | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institute |
| Assistant Audit Officer – State Cadre | Bachelor's Degree plus proficiency in the Regional/Official language of the concerned State at matriculation level with the required certificate |
| Assistant Accounts Officer – State Cadre | Bachelor's Degree plus proficiency in the Regional/Official language of the concerned State at matriculation level with the required certificate |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at Class 12 level, OR Bachelor's Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Technology, Computer Application, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence |
| All Other Posts | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
Candidates must possess the required educational qualification as on 1st August 2026, which is the cut-off date specified in the SSC CGL 2026 notification. Final-year graduation students may apply but must complete their degree by this date.
What is SSC CGL Eligibility 12th Percentage?
SSC CGL Eligibility 12th Percentage for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) position, candidates must have scored at least 60% in Mathematics in 12th grade. For other posts, the 12th percentage does not play a major role in eligibility.
What is SSC CGL Eligibility Graduation Percentage?
If you're wondering, "Is graduation required for SSC CGL eligibility?". SSC CGL eligibility does not require a specific graduation or 12th percentage for most posts, except for JSO, which needs 60% in Maths in Class 12.
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What is SSC CGL Nationality 2026?
A candidate applying for SSC CGL 2026 must be one of the following:
| Eligible Category | Condition |
|---|
| Citizen of India | Eligible |
| Subject of Nepal | Certificate of eligibility issued by Government of India required |
| Subject of Bhutan | Certificate of eligibility issued by Government of India required |
| Person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India | Certificate of eligibility issued by Government of India required |
The specified countries are Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam.
Note: Only male candidates are eligible for vacancy/vacancies, if any, reported in the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
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What are SSC CGL Physical Standards?
Physical Standards, Physical Tests and Medical Standards are applicable only to specified SSC CGL posts. Candidates who intend to give preference to these posts should ensure that they meet the applicable post-specific requirements before submitting their preferences.
The posts identified in the SSC CGL 2026 notification are:
| Post | Department/Organisation |
|---|
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC |
| Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC |
| Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance |
| Sub-Inspector/Junior Intelligence Officer | Narcotics Control Bureau, MHA |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation |
| Sub-Inspector | National Investigation Agency |
| Posts in BRO | Border Roads Organisation |
The physical measurement standards prescribed for SSC CGL 2026 for the above posts are as follows. Candidates must note that these standards are in addition to the written examination performance and are mandatory for final selection. The details of the SSC CGL Physical Measurement test are as follows:
| Criteria | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|
| Height | 157.5 cms | 152 cms |
| Chest | 81 cm (completely expanded, with a minimum expansion of 5 cm) | – |
| Weight | – | 48 Kgs |
| Exemptions | Garwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas, and Scheduled Tribe members might have their height relaxed by 5 cm | Height relaxable by 2.5 cm, Weight relaxable by 2 Kg for Gorkhas, Garwalis, Assamese, and members of Scheduled Tribes |
Physical tests are part of the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria to assess candidates for different SSC CGL positions. These tests primarily include walking and cycling. Below is detailed information about the physical test:
| SSC CGL Physical Test Parameters | Duration for Male Candidates | Duration for Female Candidates |
|---|
| Walking | 1600 metres in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
| Cycling | 8 km. in 30 minutes | 3 km in 25 minutes |
Download the SSC CGL Physical Standards Details PDF
What are SSC CGL number of attempts?
SSC does not prescribe a fixed SSC CGL Number of Attempts for the Combined Graduate Level Examination. Candidates can apply as long as they satisfy the post-specific age limit, educational qualification and other eligibility conditions applicable in that examination cycle.
Therefore, candidates should not calculate the number of permissible attempts simply by subtracting the minimum age from the maximum age.
| Post | Number of Attempts |
|---|
| General | 14 |
| OBC | 17 |
| SC | 19 |
| ST | 19 |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 24 |
| PwBD (OBC) | 27 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 29 |
What are the Key Takeaways?
Below are the key takeaways from this article:
- The age limit varies by post and is 18–27 years, 20–30 years, 18–30 years or 18–32 years.
- Age is calculated as on 1st August 2026.
- A Bachelor's degree from a recognized University or equivalent is required for most posts.
- JSO candidates need 60% in Mathematics at Class 12 level OR Statistics as a subject at degree level.
- Statistical Investigator Grade-II accepts degrees in specified disciplines including Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Technology, Computer Application, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
- Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer State Cadre posts have an additional regional/official-language proficiency requirement.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation can apply, provided they acquire the required qualification by 1st August 2026.
- Category-wise upper-age relaxation is available according to SSC rules.
- SSC does not prescribe a fixed number of attempts.
- Specific CBIC, CBN, NCB, CBI, NIA and BRO posts have post-specific Physical/Medical requirements.
- Only male candidates are eligible for BRO vacancies, if any are reported.
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