SSC CGL Notification 2025-26: Official Date, Vacancy Details & Eligibility Criteria
The complete guide to the SSC CGL 2025-26 Notification. Get details on the official application dates, exam dates, vacancy details for top posts, and the complete eligibility criteria (age limit and education).
For lakhs of graduates across India, the Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam is the gateway to a prestigious and secure career in the Government of India. It is one of the most anticipated recruitment examinations, opening doors to coveted Group-B and Group-C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations. The release of the official notification marks the true beginning of this journey.
This article serves as your definitive guide to the upcoming SSC CGL 2025-26 notification. We will provide a comprehensive overview of all the critical information you need: the official dates for application and examination, a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria including age limits, and a look at the most sought-after posts and vacancies. Let's decode the notification to ensure you are perfectly prepared to apply.
SSC CGL 2025-26: Important Dates (As per Official Calendar)
The Staff Selection Commission releases an annual calendar of examinations. While specific dates can be subject to change, this provides a reliable timeline for your preparation and application process. Based on the latest calendar, here are the expected dates for the CGL 2025-26 exam.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | August - September 2025 |
| Online Application Window | September - October 2025 |
| Tier-I Examination (CBE) | November - December 2025 |
| Tier-II Examination | To be notified after Tier-I results |
*Note: These dates are tentative and based on the typical SSC schedule. Please refer to the official notification on ssc.nic.in once it is released for confirmed dates.
Eligibility Criteria: Can You Apply for SSC CGL 2025?
Before applying, it is crucial to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria to avoid disqualification at a later stage.
Educational Qualification
The fundamental requirement for most posts is a **Bachelor's Degree** from a recognized University or equivalent in any discipline. For certain specialized posts, there are additional requirements:
- Assistant Audit Officer/Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO): A Bachelor's Degree is essential. A desirable (but not mandatory) qualification is CA/CS/MBA/Cost & Management Accountant/M.Com.
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): A Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics at the 12th standard level, OR a Bachelor's Degree in any subject with Statistics as one of the subjects at the degree level.
Age Limit
The age limit varies for different posts. The crucial date for age calculation is typically August 1st of the notification year. Here’s a general breakdown:
- For most posts (e.g., Auditor, Accountant, UDC): 18-27 years.
- For most Inspector/Sub-Inspector posts: Up to 30 years.
- For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Up to 32 years.
- For Assistant Audit/Accounts Officer (AAO): Up to 30 years.
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules (typically 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC).
Vacancy Details: The Posts on Offer
The SSC CGL recruits for Group-B (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) and Group-C posts. The final number of vacancies is announced with the official notification, typically ranging from 7,000 to 10,000+ posts across all categories. Some of the most sought-after posts include:
- Pay Level 8 (Group-B Gazetted): The highest-paying posts, Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO).
- Pay Level 7 (Group-B): This includes the highly popular inspector roles like Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT), Inspector (Central Excise, GST), Inspector (Preventive Officer), and Assistant Enforcement Officer (in ED). It also includes the coveted post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Pay Level 6 (Group-B): This includes roles like Divisional Accountant, Sub Inspector (NIA), and Junior Statistical Officer (JSO).
- Pay Level 5 & 4 (Group-C): This includes roles like Auditor, Accountant, and Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in various ministries and departments.
How to Apply for SSC CGL 2025-26
The application process is completely online through the new official SSC portal.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): First-time users must complete the OTR on the official website (ssc.gov.in) by providing basic details. This is a one-time process.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with your registration details and fill out the specific application form for the CGL 2025 examination.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scan of your signature as per the specified dimensions and size.
- Pay Application Fee: The fee is typically ₹100 for General/OBC male candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-servicemen candidates are usually exempted from the fee.
- Submit and Print: After final submission, save a PDF and take a printout of the application form for your records.
Your Training Starts Now
The time between the notification and the Tier-I exam is short. Don't wait to start your preparation. A smart, adaptive study plan is key to success.
Conclusion: The First Step to a Prestigious Career
The SSC CGL notification is the official starting gun for one of the country's most competitive recruitment races. By understanding the eligibility criteria, key dates, and the incredible career opportunities on offer, you can approach the application process with clarity and confidence.
However, the most crucial takeaway is that the preparation journey must begin long before the notification is released. The competition is immense, and consistent, strategic preparation is the only way to secure one of these prestigious government posts. Use this information to plan your next steps and embark on your journey to becoming a central government officer.