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SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is one of India's most sought-after central government exams, recruiting for posts like Inspector (Income Tax), Assistant Section Officer, Tax Assistant, and Statistical Investigator across central ministries and departments. With over 30 lakh applicants competing for a few thousand posts each year, SSC CGL demands focused, systematic preparation. This guide covers everything you need for SSC CGL 2026.
The SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected between February and April 2026 on ssc.gov.in. Tier 1 exam is typically held in June–July. Tier 2 in October–November. Final results in March–April 2027. Candidates must check the official SSC calendar released each year for exact dates. The notification PDF contains post-wise vacancies, eligibility, and exam schedule.
Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Age limit varies by post: Most posts — 18–27 years (General). Statistical Investigator Grade II and Research Assistant — 18–30 years. Some Group B posts — 20–30 years. OBC: 3 years relaxation. SC/ST: 5 years relaxation. PwBD: 10 years relaxation. There is no limit on the number of attempts — you can appear every year until you exceed the age limit.
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Assistant Section Officer (MEA/AFHQ) — Level 7, in-hand ₹70,000–₹75,000 in metro. Inspector (CBIC/CBI/Narcotics) — Level 7, in-hand ₹65,000–₹72,000. Junior Statistical Officer — Level 6, in-hand ₹58,000–₹63,000. Tax Assistant — Level 4, in-hand ₹42,000–₹46,000. All posts include DA, HRA, TA, NPS pension, CGHS medical, and LTC — making total compensation significantly higher than private sector equivalents at the same basic pay.
Tier 1 (CBT): 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes — General Intelligence & Reasoning (25Q), General Awareness (25Q), Quantitative Aptitude (25Q), English Comprehension (25Q). Negative marking: 0.50 per wrong answer. Tier 2 (CBT): Paper 1 (Math & Reasoning — 390 marks, 3 hrs) and Paper 2 (English & Comprehension — 200 marks, 2 hrs 15 min). Paper 1 is mandatory for all posts. Tier 3: Descriptive paper in English/Hindi (100 marks, 1 hour). Tier 4: Skill test or document verification for specific posts.
Quantitative Aptitude is the most important subject — it carries maximum weight in Tier 2 Paper 1. Start with basic arithmetic (NCERT Class 6–10), then move to SSC-specific topics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Data Interpretation. English: Focus on Grammar rules, Reading Comprehension, and Vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms). Reasoning: Practice daily — it is highly scorable if practised consistently. Current Affairs: 2–3 months before the exam, cover monthly current affairs magazines. Mock tests: Start full-length mocks 2 months before Tier 1.
Quantitative Aptitude: Rakesh Yadav (Class Notes), R.S. Aggarwal. Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal, M.K. Pandey. English: SP Bakshi (Arihant), Norman Lewis Word Power Made Easy. General Awareness: Lucent GK, monthly current affairs from reputed sources. Previous Year Papers: Kiran SSC CGL Previous Year Papers (compulsory — do all 10+ years). Practice on SSC official mock test portal (sscselection.ssc.gov.in).
About this article: Written and reviewed by the Sarkaari Saathi Editorial Team. Information verified against official government sources. Last updated: 12 July 2026.
Always verify from the official government portal before taking action.
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