SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 covers the age limit, educational qualification, and nationality conditions candidates must meet before applying for Group B and Group C posts under various Central Government ministries and departments.
Notification released: 21 May 2026 · Online applications: 21 May – 22 June 2026 · Tier 1: August–September 2026 · Tier 2: December 2026
1. Eligibility Overview
| Organisation | Staff Selection Commission |
| Recruitment | SSC Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL 2026) |
| Posts | Group B and C officers under the Central Government |
| Educational Eligibility | Graduate |
| Age Eligibility | 18–32 years (varies by post) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
2. Nationality Criteria
A candidate must satisfy any one of the following conditions:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note: Candidates who are not Indian citizens must produce a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India.
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3. Age Limit 2026 (As on 01 August 2026)
| Post | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Auditor, Accountant, Postal Assistant, Senior Secretariat Assistant/UDC, Senior Administrative Assistant, Tax Assistant/Sub Inspector | 18–27 years |
| Assistant Section Officer, Sub Inspector (CBI) | 20–30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer, Inspector of Income Tax, Assistant Enforcement Officer, Inspector/Sub Inspector Posts, Executive/Research Assistant, Divisional Accountant, Sub Inspector, Office Superintendent, Section Head | 18–30 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer, Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Up to 32 years |
4. Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deducting military service |
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5. Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor's Degree with min. 60% marks in Maths in Class 12, OR Statistics as a subject in graduation |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor's degree in Statistics / Mathematics / Economics / Computer Science / Data Science / AI or related fields |
| All Other Posts | Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
Final-year students may apply, but must possess the required qualification by 01 August 2026.
Quick Checklist Before Applying
- Confirm your age falls within the bracket for your target post (as on 01 Aug 2026)
- Keep your Class 10 certificate handy — DOB is taken from it, no changes allowed later
- Ensure your degree/result is declared by 01 August 2026
- Non-Indian nationals must arrange a Certificate of Eligibility in advance
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a 12th pass apply for SSC CGL?
No. SSC CGL requires a Bachelors Degree from a recognized university as the minimum qualification. 12th pass candidates are not eligible.
Can I apply for SSC CGL after B.Tech?
Yes. A B.Tech degree fulfills the graduation requirement, making candidates eligible for most SSC CGL posts, including technical ones like Junior Statistical Officer.
Can I apply for SSC CGL after BA?
Yes. SSC CGL accepts a degree in any discipline, including BA, from a recognized university for most posts.
Can MSc/MTech/MBA graduates apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. A postgraduate degree does not disqualify a candidate as long as they also hold the required Bachelor degree; some posts even prefer PG qualifications.
Is there any attempt limit in SSC CGL?
No. SSC CGL does not impose a restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can apply every year as long as they meet the age and qualification criteria.
Can working professionals apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. Working professionals in private or government jobs can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Government employees may need a No Objection Certificate at later stages.
Can female candidates apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. SSC CGL is open to both male and female candidates, with age relaxation applicable to female candidates in certain reserved categories as per government norms.
Can candidates from any state apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. SSC CGL is an all-India level exam, and candidates from any state or union territory in India can apply, regardless of their domicile.