SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria Explained – Age Limit, Qualification & Relaxation

SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria Explained – Complete Guide for Aspirants

If you are planning to apply for SSC CGL 2026, the first and most important step is understanding the eligibility criteria. Every year, thousands of candidates fill out the form without properly checking the requirements — and later face rejection.

Our team is constantly monitoring the announcements, so that candidates can be informed about new SSC updates quickly.

In this detailed guide, we will clearly explain the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria in simple language so you can confidently check whether you qualify or not.

What is SSC CGL?

The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination every year to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various central government ministries and departments.

Popular posts under SSC CGL include:

• Income Tax Inspector
• Assistant Section Officer
• Central Excise Inspector
• Auditor
• Sub Inspector (CBI)
• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

Now let’s understand the eligibility requirements in detail.

SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria Explained

The eligibility criteria for SSC CGL 2026 mainly include:

1. Nationality
2. Age Limit
3. Educational Qualification
4. Physical Standards (for specific posts)

Let’s break each of them down clearly.

1️⃣ SSC CGL 2026 Nationality Criteria

To apply for SSC CGL 2026, a candidate must be:

• A citizen of India
• OR a subject of Nepal or Bhutan
• OR a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962
• OR a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, East African countries, etc., with the intention of permanently settling in India

👉 Candidates other than Indian citizens must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

2️⃣ SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit (Post-wise)

The age limit varies depending on the post. The age is calculated as per the official notification date (usually January 1 of the exam year).

Here’s the general age limit structure:

Important Age Ranges for Major Posts

• Assistant Section Officer: 20–30 years
• Inspector (Income Tax): 18–30 years
• Sub Inspector (CBI): 20–30 years
• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Up to 32 years

⚠ Always verify the exact age limit once SSC releases the official SSC CGL 2026 Notification.

3️⃣ SSC CGL 2026 Age Relaxation

The government provides age relaxation for reserved categories as per rules.

Example:
If you belong to OBC category and the maximum age limit is 30 years, you can apply up to 33 years.

4️⃣ SSC CGL 2026 Educational Qualification

This is one of the most important parts of SSC CGL eligibility.

🎓 Basic Qualification (For Most Posts)

• A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university is mandatory.

You must complete your graduation before the specified cutoff date in the official notification.

📊 Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Qualification

For JSO post, you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree with 60% marks in Mathematics at 12th level
  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 / all six semesters.

💻 Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer

• Any Bachelor’s Degree
• Desirable qualification: CA / CMA / CS / MBA (Finance) / Masters in Commerce

Note: These additional qualifications are desirable, not mandatory.

5️⃣ Physical Standards (For Specific Posts)

Certain posts like Sub Inspector in CBI and other enforcement departments require physical standards.

For Male Candidates:

• Height: 157.5 cm (may vary for specific regions)
• Chest: 81 cm (with 5 cm expansion)

For Female Candidates:

• Height: 152 cm (relaxation for specific categories)

Physical tests are conducted only for certain posts.

SSC CGL 2026 Attempt Limit

Good news!
There is no limit on the number of attempts for SSC CGL.

You can apply as many times as you want until you reach the maximum age limit.

Important Points to Remember

✔ Final year students can apply, but they must complete graduation before the cutoff date.
✔ All educational qualifications must be from recognized universities.
✔ Age proof should match your Class 10 certificate.
✔ Always read the official notification carefully before applying.

SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility – Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates make simple mistakes that lead to rejection:

❌ Filling incorrect category details
❌ Entering wrong date of birth
❌ Applying for posts without required qualification
❌ Ignoring physical standards

Double-check everything before submitting the online form.

Why Understanding SSC CGL Eligibility is Important?

Every year, lakhs of students apply for SSC CGL. Competition is intense. But many applications get rejected during document verification because candidates ignore eligibility conditions.

So before starting preparation, confirm:

• You meet the age criteria
• You have the required educational qualification
• You qualify for your chosen post

Expected SSC CGL 2026 Notification Date

The official notification is expected to be released in mid-2026 on the official website of the Staff Selection Commission.

Once released, you should carefully read:

• Detailed post-wise age limit
• Category-wise relaxation
• Educational qualification cutoff date
• Physical standard requirements

SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility – Quick Summary

Here’s a quick recap:

✅ Nationality: Indian or eligible categories
✅ Age Limit: 18–32 years (depending on post)
✅ Graduation required
✅ Age relaxation available
✅ No attempt limit
✅ Physical standards required for selected posts

FAQ – SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria Explained

Q1. What is the minimum qualification for SSC CGL 2026?

A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Q2. What is the age limit for SSC CGL 2026?

Generally between 18–32 years depending on the post.

Q3. Is there any attempt limit for SSC CGL?

No, you can attempt until you reach the maximum age limit.

Q4. Can final year students apply?

Yes, but they must complete graduation before the cutoff date.

Q5. Is Mathematics compulsory for SSC CGL?

No, except for specific posts like Junior Statistical Officer.

Final  Says

Understanding SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the first and most crucial step in your government job journey. Before investing months in preparation, make sure you meet all the requirements.

SSC CGL offers stable government jobs, attractive salary, and career growth opportunities. But eligibility compliance is mandatory.

Stay updated with the official notification and prepare smartly.

For official updates, candidates are advised to visit the official SSC website.