SSC CGL 2026
Check age eligibility for SSC CGL 2026 posts — from LDC and DEO to AAO and Junior Statistical Officer.
LDC, DEO, PA/SA, JSA, Tax Assistant, Data Entry Operator
Select your date of birth to check eligibility.
Age limits vary by post group. Category relaxation added on top of post-group base limit. Cutoff: August 1, 2026.
Official Age Limits — SSC CGL
Cutoff Date
Age is calculated as of
Quick Tips
- Exact Calculation
Age is counted to the day on the cutoff date.
- Category Proof
Submit caste/category certificate at application time.
SSC CGL Age Limit 2026 — Complete Post-wise Guide
The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment into Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries and departments. Age eligibility is calculated as of August 1, 2026, and the limit varies by post group.
SSC CGL 2026 Age Limit — Post-wise Table
| Post Group | Min Age | Max Age (Gen) | Key Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Posts | 18 Years | 27 Years | Tax Assistant, DEO, JSA, PA/SA |
| Inspector / SI Posts | 18 Years | 30 Years | Inspector Income Tax, SI CBI, Central Excise |
| AAO | 21 Years | 30 Years | Assistant Audit / Accounts Officer (C&AG) |
| JSO | 21 Years | 32 Years | Junior Statistical Officer (M/o Statistics) |
SSC CGL 2026 Age Relaxation — Category-wise
| Category | Age Relaxation | Max Age (Most Posts) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | No relaxation | 27 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 Years | 30 Years |
| SC / ST | +5 Years | 32 Years |
| PwBD | +10 Years | 37 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (Gen/OBC) | +3 Years (min 3 yrs service) | 30 Years |
How is SSC CGL Age Calculated?
SSC counts your age as of August 1 of the exam year. For SSC CGL 2026, the cutoff date is August 1, 2026. If you turn 18 on or before August 1, 2026, you meet the minimum age requirement. If you turn 28 on August 2, 2026 or later (General category, most posts), you are still eligible.
SSC CGL 2026 — Key Eligibility Rules
- Education: Graduation from a recognized university in any discipline is mandatory for all posts.
- For JSO: Degree with Statistics or Mathematics as a subject (at graduation level) is required.
- For DEO in C&AG: Science graduate with Mathematics as a compulsory subject in 12th is preferred.
- No Attempt Limit: SSC CGL has no cap on number of attempts. You can apply every year within the age window.
- OBC Certificate: Must be from the current financial year — check validity before applying.
- EWS: Income and asset certificate from a competent authority is required at the time of document verification.
Top SSC CGL Posts 2026 — At a Glance
- Inspector (IT/CE/Customs): One of the most preferred posts — Grade Pay 4600, field work, government perks.
- Sub-Inspector (CBI): Central investigative posting, Grade Pay 4200.
- AAO (C&AG): Audit and accounts, higher minimum age (21), limited seats.
- Junior Statistical Officer: Data and statistics role under M/o Statistics, needs Math background.
- Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC): Office-based, popular among candidates preferring desk work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for SSC CGL 2026 if I am in my final year of graduation?
No. SSC CGL requires candidates to be a graduate at the time of applying. Final-year students are generally not eligible unless the notification specifically permits it (rare). Always check the official notification.
Is the age limit the same for all SSC CGL posts?
No. Most posts have an 18–27 age limit. Inspector/SI posts go up to 30, AAO up to 30 (min 21), and JSO up to 32 (min 21). The relaxed upper limit for each post also depends on your category.
How many times can I appear in SSC CGL?
There is no attempt limit for SSC CGL. You can appear every year as long as you meet the age criteria and educational qualification. Many candidates appear 4–5 times before clearing.
What is the SSC CGL 2026 exam pattern?
SSC CGL 2026 is expected to follow the Tier I (CBT — 200 marks, 1 hr) and Tier II (CBT — Paper I mandatory, Paper II for JSO/AAO) pattern introduced in recent years. There is no Tier III (Descriptive) or Tier IV (Skill Test) as a separate stage.