Official Exam Guide

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026

Check complete SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026 including age limit, qualifications, and nationality. Prepare using PrepMe247 with 100% Free Practice.

✍️ Reviewed by PrepMe247 Exam Editorial Board ⏱️ Updated 2026-09-13 🛡️ Verified Official Commission Source

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026

Check complete SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026 including age limit, qualifications, and nationality. Prepare using PrepMe247 with 100% Free Practice.

✓ 100% Free Practice ✓ TCS iON CBT Format ✓ No Paywall ✓ Bilingual

The SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 has been released along with the official SSC CGL Notification 2026. The eligibility criteria consists of key details about the age limit, educational qualifications, nationality etc.Candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria to fill the SSC CGL Application forms. Those candidates who do not meet the criteria won’t be allowed to fill the application forms and if filled their forms will be rejected.To appear in the SSC CGL 2026 exam, candidates should have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university before the last date of the application.

For most of the posts candidates between 18 and 32 years of age are allowed, though the exact age limit can change depending on the post. The commission also gives age relaxation to reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, and PwD as per government rules. Read below to know the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria in detail. Candidates will clearly know whether they are eligible to apply and how to check their eligibility correctly.

SSC CGL Eligibility 2026

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for various Group B and Group C posts through the SSC CGL 2026 recruitment. Before applying aspirants must ensure they meet the required eligibility conditions set by SSC. These criteria are classified under the following major parameters.

  • Educational Qualification – Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution. Some posts may require specialized subjects such as Statistics, Mathematics or Commerce.
  • Nationality / Citizenship – Applicants must be citizens of India or fulfill the nationality conditions prescribed by SSC including subjects of Nepal, Bhutan or Tibetan refugees who settled in India before 1st January 1962.
  • Age Limit - The SSC CGL age limit 2026 varies depending on the post. It generally ranges between 18 to 32 years. Age relaxations are also provided for reserved categories as per government norms.
  • Physical Standards - For some posts of SSC CGL such as Inspector or Sub-Inspector, candidates need to meet the physical and medical fitness standards including parameters like height, chest measurement and eyesight.

What is the SSC CGL Age Limit 2026?

For filling the SSC CGL Application Form 2026, candidates must fall within a specified age limit. The details about the SSC CGL Age Limit are given below. The SSC CGL age limit varies for different posts with specific age relaxations granted to the reserved category candidates. The detailed post-wise age criteria has been mentioned below. Candidates can read it to understand for which post they are eligible to apply.

Read more about the SSC CGL Apply Online process here

SSC CGL Age Limit Post Wise 2026

Each post in the Combined Graduate Level examination has a different age limit based on the SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026. Before submitting an application, candidates must carefully review the SSC CGL age requirements by post. The table below shows the SSC CGL eligibility 2026 requirements for different posts in terms of age. Aspirants can check if they are eligible for the post they are applying for or not.

Name of the Post

Ministry/Department/Office/Cadre

Age Limit

Auditor

Offices under C&AG, CGDA, and Other Ministries/Departments

18 to 27 years

Accountant / Junior Accountant

Offices under C&AG, Controller General of Accounts, and Other Ministries/Departments

18 to 27 years

Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant

Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications

18 to 27 years

Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerks (UDC)

Central Govt. Offices/Ministries other than CSCS cadres

18 to 27 years

Senior Administrative Assistant

Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence

18 to 27 years

Tax Assistant

CBDT and CBIC

18 to 27 years

Sub-Inspector

Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance

18 to 27 years

Assistant Audit Officer

Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. (Central & State Cadre)

18 to 30 years

Assistant Accounts Officer

Indian Audit & Accounts Dept. (State Cadre)

18 to 30 years

Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

Intelligence Bureau, MeitY, and other Ministries/Departments

18 to 30 years

Assistant / Assistant Section Officer

Other Ministries/Departments/Organizations

18 to 30 years

Inspector of Income Tax

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

18 to 30 years

Inspector (Central Excise, Preventive Officer, Examiner)

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

18 to 30 years

Assistant Enforcement Officer

Directorate of Enforcement (Department of Revenue)

18 to 30 years

Inspector Posts

Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications

18 to 30 years

Inspector

Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance

18 to 30 years

Executive Assistant

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

18 to 30 years

Research Assistant

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

18 to 30 years

Divisional Accountant

Offices under C&AG

18 to 30 years

Sub Inspector

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

18 to 30 years

Sub-Inspector / Junior Intelligence Officer

Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA)

18 to 30 years

Statistical Investigator Grade-II

Ministry of Home Affairs

18 to 30 years

Office Superintendent

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

18 to 30 years

Section Head

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

18 to 30 years

Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

Central Secretariat Service (CSS)

20 to 30 years

Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

Ministry of Railways

20 to 30 years

Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

Ministry of External Affairs

20 to 30 years

Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ)

20 to 30 years

Sub Inspector

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

20 to 30 years

Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation

18 to 32 years

SSC CGL Age Relaxation

As per the SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026, candidates from reserved categories are eligible for age relaxations in accordance with government regulations. These exceptions are made by the SSC to make sure that all applicants have the same chances. For more information on SSC CGL age relaxation categories, see the table below.

Category

Age Relaxation Permissible

SC/ST

5 years

OBC

3 years

PwBD (Unreserved)

10 years

PwBD (OBC)

13 years

PwBD (SC / ST)

15 years

Ex-Servicemen (ESM)

3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age

Defence Personnel disabled in operation

3 years (8 years for SC/ST)

Central Govt. Civilian Employees (Group ‘C’ posts)

Up to 40 years of age (Up to 45 years for SC/ST)

Widows/Divorced Women (Group ‘C’ posts)

Up to 35 years of age (Up to 40 years for SC/ST)

Read the process to download your SSC CGL Admit Card here.

SSC CGL Educational Qualification 2026

To apply for the SSC CGL Exam, the candidate must be a Graduate from a recognized University/ Institution. Go through the educational qualification for SSC CGL various posts and note the qualifications required for applying against these posts. Check the desirable and essential qualifications necessary for the candidates. 

Post

Essential Qualification

Desirable Qualification

Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre)

Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University/Institute.

CA, CMA, CS, or Masters in Commerce/ Business Studies/ Business Admin (Finance)/ Business Economics.

Assistant Audit Officer & Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre)

1. Bachelor’s Degree.<br>2. Proficiency in the Regional/official language of the State at the matriculation level.

CA, CMA, CS, or Masters in Commerce/ Business Studies/ Business Admin (Finance)/ Business Economics.

Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with at least 60% Marks in Mathematics at 12th standard level; OR Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects.

Not Required

Statistical Investigator Grade-II

Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Demography, Population Studies, Operation Research, IT, Computer Science/Engineering/Technology/Application, Data Science, or AI.

Not Required

All other Posts

Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.

Not Required

You should also check the SSC CGL Preparation Tips to improve your practice.

SSC CGL Nationality

Nationality is one of the important eligibility criteria in SSC CGL exam. Candidates need to check before they apply. To be eligible for the exam, you need to be-

  • A Citizen Of India (or)
  • A Citizen Of Nepal (or)
  • A Citizen Of Bhutan (or)
  • A Tibetan refugee who came over to India, before the 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (Formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Also download the SSC CGL Previous Year Papers in PDF Now!

Junior Statistical Officer Eligibility

One of the most sought-after positions under SSC CGL eligibility 2026 is the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post. In the Subordinate Statistical Service (SSS), it is a Group "B" non-gazetted post. For many government projects and surveys, the JSO is indispensable for data collection, compilation, processing, and analysis. The table below shows the full list of SSC CGL JSO eligibility requirements, which includes the minimum age and educational level needed to apply.

SSC CGL Physical Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for certain posts must also meet the physical and medical requirements listed in the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026. The SSC CGL physical standards differ for male and female candidates based on various parameters such as height, weight, and chest measurements. For candidates who live in particular areas or communities, certain regional relaxations are also offered. For full information on the SSC CGL physical eligibility criteria 2026, see the table below

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria - Physical Fitness Standards

Read more about, best SSC CGL coaching in India

Physical Standards for SSC CGL: Inspector (Central Excise/Examiner/Preventive Officer), Inspector & Sub-Inspector in CBN."

The physical standards for eligibility for the posts of Inspector (Central Excise/Examiner/Preventive Officer), Inspector & Sub-Inspector in the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) are as follows:

For Male Candidates:

Here are the physical standards and physical test requirements for male candidates applying for SSC CGL:

Criteria

Requirements

Height

157.5 cm. Height relaxable by 5 cm in the case of Garwalis, Assamese, Gorkhas and members of Scheduled Tribes.

Chest

81 cm (fully expanded with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.)

Physical Test

Walking - 1600 meters in 15 minutes. Cycling - 8 Kms. in 30 minutes.

The height requirement is relaxable by 5 cm for certain categories of candidates. The physical standards and physical test requirements may vary for different posts and regions

Learn using the SSC CGL Online Coaching and secure your seat as an officer

For Female Candidates:

Here are the physical standards (minimum requirement) criteria and requirements for female candidates applying for SSC CGL Exam 2026:

Criteria

Requirements

Height

152 cms. Height relaxable by 2.5 cms.

Weight

48 Kgs. Weight relaxable by 2 Kg. for Gorkhas, Garwalis, Assamese, and members of Scheduled Tribes.

Physical Test

Walking - 1 Km. in 20 minutes. Cycling - 3 Kms. in 25 minutes.

The height and weight requirements are relaxable by 2.5 cm and 2 Kg respectively, for certain categories of candidates

You should also check the SSC CGL Cut Off to know final cutoffs.

NOTE: For the candidates applying for the post of Inspector (Central Excise/ Examiner/ Preventive Officer), people with disabilities will have to meet the physical standards i.e. height, chest, and weight as prescribed for the relevant post. However, for orthopedically disabled candidates, the following relaxation in Physical Test is allowed:

  • (a) The test of “Walking” shall not be insisted in the case of OL and OAL categories.
  • (b) The test of “Cycling” shall not be insisted in case of OA, OL and OAL categories.
  • (OL - One Leg affected, OAL - One Arm and one Leg affected)

Keep a track of the SSC CGL Latest Updates here.

Physical Standard for SSC CGL Eligibility: Post of Sub-Inspector in the Central Bureau of Investigation:

The physical standards for SSC CGL eligibility 2026 for the post of Sub-Inspector in Central Bureau of Investigation are as follows:

Physical Standards for Sub Inspector Post in CBI

SSC CGL Height (Height relaxable for Hillsmen and Tribals: 5 cms)

For Men - 165 cm

For Women - 150 cm

Chest

76 cm with expansion (There shall be no such requirement in case of female candidates)

Vision: Eye-sight (with or without glasses)

Distant vision: 6/6 in one and 6/9 in the other eye.

Near vision: 0.6 in one eye and 0.8 in the other eye.

Physical Standard for SSC CGL Eligibility: Post of Sub-Inspector in the National Investigation Agency:

The physical standards for SSC CGL eligibility for the post of Sub-Inspector in the National Investigation Agency are as follows:

Physical Standards for Sub Inspector Post in CBI

SSC CGL Height (Height relaxable for Hillsmen and Tribals: 5 cm)

For Men - 170 cm

For Women - 150 cm

Chest

76 cm with expansion (There shall be no such requirement in case of female candidates)

Vision: Eye-sight (with or without glasses)

Distant vision: 6/6 in one and 6/9 in the other eye.

Near vision: 0.6 in one eye and 0.8 in the other eye.

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria for People With Disabilities

People With Disabilities (PwDs) are eligible to appear for the SSC CGL exam with special eligibility criteria. Candidates must have 40% or more disability to be eligible to come under persons with disability. They are provided with certain relaxations in the criteria set by SSC. The applicant must attach the disability certificate issued by the Medical Board along with the application form. 

SSC CGL Number Of Attempts

There is no set number of attempts. It is determined by the candidate's age and position. For example, if starting at 21 and ending at 30, an inspector in central excise has 9 attempts. Specific attempt limits will be updated here.

Check out SSC CGL Admit Card by visiting the link.

Also Read -

SSC CGL AAO Eligibility

SSC CGL ASO Eligibility

SSC CGL Income Tax Inspector Eligibility

This was everything you would need to know about the SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026. We hope the article provided you with details about the SSC CGL posts and eligibility. Keep following our page to receive all the updates on the SSC CGL recruitment exam. Download our app PrepMe247 from Google Playstore and get access to quizzes, mock tests, live classes and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the SSC CGL Notification 2026 released?

The SSC CGL Notification 2026 was released on 21st May 2026 on the official SSC website. Aspirants can practice for the exam completely free with no paywall using PrepMe247's bilingual mock tests.

What are the SSC CGL eligibility criteria for 2026?

The SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026 include three main factors - educational qualification, age limit, and nationality. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, fall within the age limit of 18 to 32 years (depending on the post), and meet the citizenship requirements set by the Staff Selection Commission. Practice freely on PrepMe247 to test your readiness.

How many SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 posts have been announced?

Around 12,256 tentative vacancies have been announced under SSC CGL Vacancy 2026 for various Group B and Group C posts. Candidates can practice with 100% free practice sets on PrepMe247.

What is the age limit as per SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026?

The SSC CGL requirements of age limit for different posts are different. For more details please refer to the article and explore bilingual resources on PrepMe247.

What is the level 7 salary in SSC?

The Gazetted/Non-Gazetted Group 'B' posts like ASO and Inspectors receive a level 7 salary in SSC CGL, with a basic pay of ₹44,900 per month.

What is the minimum educational qualification for SSC CGL 2026?

For most of the posts the educational qualification is a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Some posts require specific subjects like Statistics or Mathematics.

Can I crack SSCCGL 2026 in 30 days?

To clear the SSC CGL exam in 30 days, a candidate must have a well-managed and organised study plan, utilizing PrepMe247 for high-speed TCS iON CBT format practice with zero paywalls.

What is the SSC CGL age limit for 2026?

The age limit varies according to the post. However, for most of the posts, the age limit to apply for the SSC CGL vacancy is 18 to 32 years.

What is the last date to apply for SSC CGL Recruitment 2026?

The Commission has reopened the SSC CGL Application window. Candidates can apply from 23rd June 2026 to 25th June 2026.

Are the SSC CGL Physical Standard Tests applicable for all the posts?

No, it is applicable for some posts as mentioned in the details above.

What are SSC CGL jobs?

The SSC CGL examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit eligible candidates for various posts across the departments of the Central Government, such as Assistant Audit Officer, Assistant Accounts Officer, Inspector (Central Excise), and more.

Do female candidates have to undergo a Physical Test?

For some posts, a physical test is required for female candidates as well. Check the above details for more information.

What is the SSC CGL qualification?

The basic SSC CGL qualification is that the aspirant needs to possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. PrepMe247 offers specialized resources for all eligible candidates.

Can candidates who are in their final year of graduation apply for SSC CGL exam?

Yes, candidates who are in their final year of graduation can apply for SSC CGL, provided they must have completed their Bachelor's degree before the SSC CGL Tier-II examination.

What is the SSC CGL salary?

There are several posts for which candidates are recruited through the SSC CGL examination, paid as per Level 4 to Level 8 of the CPC.

Are candidates with gap in education eligible to apply for SSC CGL?

Yes, candidates with a gap in their education can apply for SSC CGL. However, they must meet the minimum educational qualification criteria and provide valid reasons for the gap in their education.

Is SSC CGL easy to pass on the first attempt?

Yes, with a good preparation strategy, consistent effort, and regular practice on PrepMe247's bilingual platform featuring the TCS iON CBT format.

Is there any reservation for ex-servicemen in SSC CGL?

Yes, there is a reservation for ex-servicemen in SSC CGL. They are eligible for age relaxation and reservation in certain posts as per government rules.

What is the highest post in SSC?

The highest post in the SSC is of the Assistant Audit Officer or Assistant Accounts Officer which falls under Group B of the Gazetted post.

What is the SSC CGL height for males applying for Sub-Inspector in the Central Bureau of Investigation?

The SSC CGL height for males applying for SI in CBI is 165 cm.

Which SSC post has the highest salary?

The post that has the highest-paid salary is of the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO).

Is there any limit on the number of SSC CGL attempts?

No. There is no fixed attempt limit. Candidates can apply as long as they meet the age criteria.

Is SSC CGL tough?

SSC CGL Exam is a competitive examination and can be a tough nut to crack due to limited vacancies, but it becomes manageable with PrepMe247's 100% free practice and no paywall policy.

Related Competitive Exam Guides & Test Series

SSC CGL

SSC CHSL

SSC GD Constable

SSC MTS

SSC CPO SI

SSC Stenographer

Practice 100% Free Mock Tests for SSC CGL (Tier I & Tier II)

Real CBT interface, countdown timer, bilingual questions & All-India ranking.

Start Free Practice →