The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will close the reopened application window for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 today, June 25, at 11 PM. The commission had reopened the registration portal for two days following multiple requests from candidates seeking an extension of the original deadline. According to SSC, more than 28 lakh candidates have already registered for the examination.
With the SSC CGL 2026 Registration window shutting tonight, candidates who have yet to apply must act immediately. This is the final and absolute deadline — no further extensions have been announced. Every eligible graduate who aspires to secure a coveted central government posting must complete their application before the clock runs out.
Why Was SSC CGL 2026 Registration Reopened?
SSC originally opened the CGL 2026 application window on 21 May 2026, with the form submission deadline set for 22 June 2026. During this period, more than 28 lakh candidates successfully submitted their applications. However, the Commission received numerous representations from candidates who stated they were unable to submit their applications within the original timeline due to various reasons. Taking a considerate view of the matter, SSC decided to reopen the application window for a short additional period.
The closing date for eligibility purposes — such as age limit and qualification cut-off — now shifts to 25 June 2026 instead of the earlier date. The fee payment deadline has been extended to 26 June 2026 (23:00 hrs). A fresh Application Form Correction Window will open from 01 July 2026 to 03 July 2026.
SSC CGL 2026 Vacancy Details — 12,256 Posts Across India
SSC has announced a total of 12,256 vacancies through the SSC CGL 2026 Notification for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organisations. The SSC CGL vacancy includes posts such as Assistant Section Officer (ASO), Income Tax Inspector, Central Excise Inspector, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, and several other posts.
The two major changes made by SSC that have attracted widespread attention are: reintroduction of the AAO (Assistant Audit Officer) post after a few years, and the introduction of sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CGL 2026
For most posts, the minimum qualification required is a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University. The age limit generally ranges from 18 to 32 years as of 1 August 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories. For specific posts like JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade-II, additional subject requirements are applicable.
Candidates belonging to the General category are required to pay an application fee of Rs 100. However, women candidates and applicants belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories are exempted from paying the fee.
How to Complete SSC CGL 2026 Registration — Step-by-Step
Candidates can follow these simple steps to complete SSC CGL 2026 Registration before tonight’s deadline:
- Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user, using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Log in to the Candidates’ Dashboard using the ID provided by SSC
- Click on the SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online link and fill in your personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the prescribed dimensions
- Complete Aadhaar-based verification as mandated in this year’s notification
- Pay the application fee of Rs 100 online through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI (exempted categories need not pay)
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference
Exam Pattern and New Changes for 2026
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Computer-Based Examination will be conducted between August and September 2026, while the Tier 2 Examination is scheduled for December 2026.
The SSC CGL Examination 2026 will be conducted in two stages — Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both stages will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Tier 1 will consist of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 200 marks and will have a duration of 60 minutes. This stage is qualifying in nature. Candidates shortlisted in Tier 1 will be eligible to appear for Tier 2, which plays a major role in determining the final merit list.
For the first time, SSC has introduced sectional timing in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations. In Tier 1, candidates will get 15 minutes for each section. Once the allotted time for a section ends, the system will automatically move to the next section. This change makes balanced preparation more important, as candidates will no longer be able to spend extra time on stronger sections to compensate for weaker ones.
SSC CGL 2026 Salary Structure
The SSC CGL salary structure varies by post, with entry-level posts starting at Pay Level-4 (Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100) and going up to Pay Level-7 (Rs 44,900 to Rs 1,42,400). The Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer posts carry a pay scale of Rs 47,600 to Rs 1,51,100 — the highest among all CGL posts — making them one of the most sought-after positions in the examination. In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other perks as per the 7th Pay Commission.
What Comes Next After SSC CGL 2026 Registration Closes?
Final selection will be based on candidates’ performance in the examination, merit ranking, and the preferences submitted during the recruitment process. There is no interview stage — Tier 2 marks are the sole basis for merit ranking and post allocation.
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts as long as the candidate is within the age limit. Candidates should carefully choose their exam centre while filling the SSC CGL 2026 Registration form, as no requests for centre changes will be entertained later.
The SSC CGL 2026 Registration deadline tonight at 11 PM is truly the last opportunity for every eligible graduate to apply for one of India’s most prestigious central government examination cycles. With 12,256 vacancies across top departments and the highest-ever registration figure of 28 lakh applications, competition will be intense. Do not wait — visit ssc.gov.in right now, complete your SSC CGL 2026 Registration, pay the fee before June 26, and begin your preparation for the Tier 1 exam scheduled in August–September 2026.
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