SSC CGL Eligibility 2026
Complete SSC CGL 2026 eligibility criteria — age limits, educational qualifications, nationality rules, attempt limit, and category-wise age relaxation. Always cross-check with the official SSC notification before applying.
Age Limit (Post-Wise)
Age is calculated as on 1st August of the year of examination. Different posts have different age windows, so check the band that applies to the post you want.
| Age Band | Applicable Posts |
|---|---|
| 18-27 yrs | Auditor, Accountant, Junior Accountant, UDC, Tax Assistant, Sub-Inspector (NIA) |
| 18-30 yrs | Assistant Section Officer (CSS, IB, MEA, AFHQ), Inspector of Income Tax, Inspector (CGST/Examiner/PO), Assistant Enforcement Officer, Sub-Inspector (CBI), Divisional Accountant, Statistical Investigator Grade-II |
| 20-30 yrs | Assistant Section Officer (Railway, IMD, IM, AFHQ Cypher), Junior Statistical Officer |
| 18-32 yrs | Junior Statistical Officer (some cadres), Research Assistant (National Human Rights Commission) |
Age Relaxation (Category-Wise)
Reserved categories, ex-servicemen, PwBD candidates, and certain government employees get additional years above the maximum age limit.
Educational Qualification
A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university is the baseline. Some posts have additional subject requirements.
Most posts (Assistant, Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, UDC, Tax Assistant)
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Bachelor's degree with Statistics as a subject in 12th + 60% in Mathematics (Class 12), OR Bachelor's degree with Statistics as one of the subjects at degree level.
Statistical Investigator Grade-II
Bachelor's degree with Statistics as one of the subjects.
Research Assistant (NHRC)
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institute.
Final-year students can apply — but you must have completed your degree by the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification, and produce proof at document verification.
Nationality
A candidate must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Non-Indian citizens must produce an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
Number of Attempts
SSC CGL does not prescribe a limit on the number of attempts. You can appear as many times as you want — the only constraint is the maximum age limit (including any applicable age relaxation for your category).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age limit for SSC CGL 2026?
The minimum age limit for SSC CGL is 18 years for most posts and 20 years for a few posts like Assistant Section Officer (Railway, IMD) and Junior Statistical Officer. The age is calculated as on 1st August of the year of examination, per the official SSC notification.
What is the maximum age limit for SSC CGL?
The maximum age limit varies by post — 27 years for posts like Auditor, Accountant, UDC, and Tax Assistant, 30 years for Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, and most other posts, and 32 years for a few specialist posts. Age relaxation applies for reserved categories, ex-servicemen, PwBD, and government employees.
What is the educational qualification for SSC CGL?
You need a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university for most posts. Junior Statistical Officer requires either Statistics as a subject in Class 12 with 60% in Mathematics, or Statistics as a degree-level subject. Statistical Investigator Grade-II requires Statistics as a subject at degree level.
Can final-year students apply for SSC CGL 2026?
Yes. Final-year graduation students can apply for SSC CGL, but they must possess the qualification on or before the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Proof of qualification must be produced at the document verification stage.
Is there any limit on the number of attempts for SSC CGL?
No — SSC CGL has no specific limit on the number of attempts. You can appear as many times as you want, provided you fall within the prescribed age limit (including applicable age relaxation).
Can a candidate from Nepal or Bhutan apply for SSC CGL?
Yes, subjects of Nepal and Bhutan can apply for SSC CGL. However, for posts requiring Indian citizenship as a service condition, candidates must produce an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
What are the physical eligibility requirements for SSC CGL?
Physical standards (height, chest, vision) apply only to specific posts — Sub-Inspector in CBI, Sub-Inspector in NIA, Inspector (Central Excise/Preventive Officer/Examiner), and Inspector of Income Tax. Other posts do not have specific physical standards beyond the SSC medical fitness check.
Does category change after applying affect SSC CGL eligibility?
You must declare your category at the time of online application. Category change is generally not permitted after the application close date, and any age relaxation or reservation is calculated based on the category declared at application.
Eligible? Start preparing.
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