SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Age & Education

SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria form the essential requirements for aspirants aiming for Group B and Group C positions in various central government ministries and departments. Fulfilling these criteria allows candidates to participate in the multi-stage selection process without risk of disqualification. The requirements cover nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, and, where applicable, physical standards.

SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit Overview

• • For SSC CGL 2026, the eligible age range is 18 to 32 years as of August 1, 2026. The age limit varies depending on the post.

  • Positions such as Tax Assistant or Auditor typically require candidates to be between 18 and 27 years old.

  • Assistant Section Officer roles may allow ages from 20 to 30 years, with a maximum age of 30 years.

  • Age is a crucial eligibility criterion for SSC CGL.

  • The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) provides specific cut-off dates in the official notification.

  • Candidates must calculate their age based on the date of birth mentioned in their matriculation certificate, as any discrepancies may result in disqualification

SSC CGL 2026 Age Relaxation Details

Reserved category candidates are granted significant age relaxations in accordance with government equity policies. SC/ST candidates receive 5 years, OBC candidates receive 3 years, and Persons with Disabilities (General) are eligible for up to 10 years. For PwD-OBC candidates, the relaxation extends to 13 years, and for PwD-SC/ST candidates, it reaches 15 years.

Additional relaxations apply as follows: candidates domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir receive 5 years for General, 8 years for OBC, and 10 years for SC/ST. Widows, divorced women, or judicially separated women who have not remarried and are applying for Group C posts can receive up to 35 years. Ex-servicemen and defense personnel also benefit from specific age extensions.

Educational Qualifications for SSC CGL 2026

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the minimum requirement for most SSC CGL 2026 posts.

• Statistics-related posts:

  • Require a degree with Statistics as a subject.

  • Junior Statistical Officer requires Statistics plus basic computer proficiency.

• Assistant Audit Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer:

  • Candidates need a Commerce or Mathematics degree at graduation or postgraduate level.

  • Equivalent professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or ICWA are also acceptable.

  • Final-year students are provisionally eligible, provided they complete their degree before the cutoff date mentioned in the official notice.

• Physical education-related posts:

  • Rare posts like Inspector (Central Bureau of Narcotics) require 10+2 along with Physical Education.

• All qualifications are verified through mark sheets and provisional certificates during the document verification process.

Post-Wise Age and Qualification Details

Different posts under SSC CGL have specific eligibility criteria, enabling candidates to choose preferences during the application process:

• Assistant Section Officer (CSS/MEA): Age 20-30 years; any graduate degree.

• Inspector (Income Tax/Central Excise): Age 18-27/30 years; graduate in any discipline.

• Junior Statistical Officer: Age 18-32 years; graduate with Statistics and computer knowledge.

• Tax Assistant: Age 18-27 years; bachelor's degree.

Candidates should refer to the official notification for the complete list of 30+ posts, as eligibility criteria may change slightly each year. Applying for a post without meeting the required qualifications can lead to cancellation of candidature.

SSC CGL 2026 Document Verification Process

After Tier-II, shortlisted candidates undergo a detailed document verification. Key requirements include:

• Matriculation certificate to verify age

• Degree mark sheets or provisional certificate

• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) as applicable

• Proof of nationality such as Aadhaar card or voter ID

• Two recent passport-size photographs matching the application

• Valid photo ID for identity verification

• OBC certificates must comply with the latest non-creamy layer format

Important Note: Submission of any forged or false document may lead to disqualification and legal action.

Preparation Tips for Eligibility Compliance

• Verify all personal details against official documents well in advance.

• Final-year graduates should note provisional eligibility but ensure degrees are obtained before verification.

• Applicants in reserved categories must collect updated certificates from the relevant authorities.

• Keep track of the SSC website for the 2026 notification, expected around June or July 2026, which will outline any changes.

• Use reliable online tools, such as age calculators, to compute age accurately based on the August 1 cutoff.

SSC CGL 2026 Career Prospects

• Meeting the SSC CGL 2026 eligibility opens doors to prestigious government positions.

• Salaries range from Level 4 (Rs 25,500) to Level 8 (Rs 47,600), along with additional allowances.

• Roles provide job security, opportunities for promotions, and pensions under the National Pension System (NPS).

• For law students or graduates exploring LLB pathways, positions like Assistant Section Officer in legal ministries match well with analytical and legal skills.

• Career success depends on strict adherence to eligibility requirements due to competition from millions of candidates.

• Information is based on verified 2025-2026 sources; the official SSC 2026 notification remains the final authority.