SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026
The SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 requires candidates to be Indian citizens (or meet specified nationality conditions), hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university, and fall within the post-specific age limits generally ranging from 18 to 32 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination to recruit for various Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organizations. Eligibility ensures only suitable candidates apply, avoiding disqualification later.
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026 mainly covers four key areas: Nationality, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, and Physical Standards (for certain posts). These parameters remain largely consistent with previous years until the official SSC CGL 2026 Notification releases (expected in April 2026 as per the latest SSC updates).
Nationality / Citizenship for SSC CGL 2026
A candidate must satisfy one of the following to meet SSC CGL eligibility criteria 2026:
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- Subject of Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- Person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates in categories 2–5 must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. This requirement prevents disqualification during document verification.
Age Limit for SSC CGL 2026 (Post-Wise)
SSC CGL age limit 2026 varies by post. The general range is 18–32 years (calculated as on the crucial date mentioned in the notification, typically 01.08.2026). Most posts fall under 18–27, 18–30, or 20–30 years.
| Name of Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (CSS) | 20-30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer (IB) | 18-30 years |
| Inspector of Income Tax (CBDT) | 18-30 years |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | 18-30 years |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | 18-30 years |
| Sub Inspector (CBI) | 20-30 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 18-32 years |
| Auditor / Accountant / Tax Assistant | 18-27 years |
| Sub Inspector (NIA / Narcotics) | 18-30 / 18-27 years |
Age Relaxation Table
| Category | Relaxation in Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years (after deduction of service) |
| Central Govt. Employees (3+ years service) | Up to 40 years (45 for SC/ST) |
| Widows / Divorced Women (Unreserved) | Up to 35 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years |
Candidates must calculate age precisely as on the crucial date mentioned in the notification. Over-age candidates get rejected at any stage.
Educational Qualification for SSC CGL 2026
The basic SSC CGL educational qualification 2026 is a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent institution. Candidates appearing in the final year can apply provisionally but must produce proof of passing before the specified date.
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks in Mathematics in 12th standard OR Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as one of the subjects. |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor’s degree with Statistics as a subject in all three years. |
| Research Assistant (NHRC) | Bachelor’s degree; research experience or additional qualification in law/human rights is desirable. |
| Other Posts | Any Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. |
Correspondence or distance education degrees are accepted if recognized by UGC / Distance Education Bureau. No minimum percentage is required for general posts unless specified.
Ensure your degree is from a recognized institution to avoid rejection during verification.
Physical Standards and Medical Requirements for SSC CGL 2026
Physical standards apply only to specific posts such as Inspector (Central Excise/Examiner/Preventive Officer), Inspector & Sub-Inspector in Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Sub-Inspector in National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Sub-Inspector/Junior Intelligence Officer in Narcotics Control Bureau.
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height (Inspector CE/PO/Examiner & CBN) | 157.5 cm (relaxable) | 152 cm (relaxable) |
| Chest (Male) | 81 cm (5 cm expansion) | - |
| Weight (Female) | - | 48 kg (relaxable) |
For Sub-Inspector (NIA):
- Male: Height 170 cm (relaxable), Chest 76 cm with expansion
- Female: Height 150 cm (relaxable)
Vision standards and medical fitness tests are mandatory. Candidates with disabilities may get relaxations as per rules. A walking/cycling test may also apply for certain posts.
If you apply for these posts, prepare for physical and medical tests conducted after Tier-2.
How to Check and Apply Under SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Visit the official website ssc.gov.in.
- Read the detailed notification carefully.
- Verify your age, qualification, and category documents.
- Fill the online application only if you fully meet the criteria.
