SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Detailed Course and Stream Requirements

INTRODUCTION

The SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the fundamental gateway for any graduate student aiming for a prestigious Group B or Group C position in the Central Government. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination is not just a test of aptitude but a test of meeting precise academic and age-related standards.

Understanding the specific stream requirements and degree types is crucial, as the SSC offers a variety of posts, each with its own niche educational mandate. From the specialized statistics required for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) to the general degree flexibility for Income Tax Inspectors, your eligibility determines your entire career trajectory for 2026.

Detailed Overview: SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To successfully navigate the application process on the official portal, students must align their academic background with the post-wise requirements. The 2026 cycle continues the trend of strict verification, where even a slight mismatch in the subject stream or graduation date can lead to disqualification.

1. Educational Qualifications by Stream

While the general eligibility for most posts is a simple graduation, certain specialized roles require specific undergraduate subjects.

Post Name	Required Educational Qualification / Stream
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)	Bachelor’s Degree in any subject. Desirable: CA, CS, MBA (Finance)
Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)	Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with 60% in Math's at 12th level OR Bachelor’s Degree with Statistics as one of the subjects.
Statistical Investigator Gr-II	Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with Statistics as a subject in all three years of graduation.
All Other Posts (Inspector, Auditor, etc.)	Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (B.A., B.Sc., BBA, etc.)

Many aspirants miss out on the JSO post because they aren't aware the age limit is higher (32 years) compared to most Inspector posts (30 years). If you have a background in Mathematics or Statistics, this is a major advantage for your SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria profile.

2. Post-Wise Age Limits for 2026

The age reckoning for 2026 is expected to be based on August 1, 2026. Understanding the bracket for your specific stream of interest is vital.

• 18 to 27 Years: Ideal for entry-level Group C roles like Auditor, Accountant, and Tax Assistant.

• 20 to 30 Years: Applicable for high-profile roles like Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in MEA or CSS.

• Up to 30 Years: The standard limit for most Inspector posts (Central Excise, Income Tax, Preventive Officer).

• Up to 32 Years: Exclusively for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.

3. Number of Attempts in SSC CGL 2026

A common query among students is the "Number of Attempts." Unlike the UPSC CSE, the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria does not impose a numerical cap on attempts. You can appear for the exam as many times as you wish, provided you fall within the age bracket and meet the qualification standards. This makes it a highly accessible "course" for consistent improvers.

Category-Wise Age Relaxations

The Commission provides significant age extensions for reserved categories. This allows students from various backgrounds more time to clear the examination.

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years

• SC / ST: 5 Years

• PwD (Unreserved): 10 Years

• Ex-Servicemen: 3 Years after deduction of military service.

Essential Physical Standards for 2026

For posts like Inspector (Central Excise/Examiner) and Sub-Inspector in CBI/NIA, the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria includes physical fitness benchmarks:

• Chest of 81 cm.

• Female Candidates: Height of 152 cm and Weight of 48 kg.

• Physical Test: Typically involves walking (1600m in 15 mins) and cycling (8km in 30 mins) for specific roles.

• Male Candidates: Height of 157.5 cm (with relaxations for certain regions) and

Plan Your Career Path: If you are still in your final year of graduation, you can still apply! Visit collegesimplified.in to explore how your current degree aligns with government job prospects and other higher education streams.

FAQs: SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Q1: What is the minimum educational qualification for SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A1: The minimum qualification for SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria is a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final year students can apply if they obtain their degree by the cut-off date.

Q2: Is there a specific percentage required in graduation for SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A2: For most posts, there is no minimum percentage. However, for the JSO post under SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria, you need 60% in Mathematics at the 12th-grade level or a degree in Statistics.

Q3: What is the maximum age for the JSO post in SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A3: The maximum age for the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) post in the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria is 32 years, which is higher than the 30-year limit for most other Group B posts.

Q4: How are the number of attempts calculated in SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A5: There is no limit on the number of attempts. As long as you meet the age and qualification requirements of the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria, you can apply every year.

Conclusion

Navigating the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the first and most important step in your preparation journey. Whether you are a commerce graduate aiming for the AAO post or a science student eyeing the JSO role, ensuring your stream and age align with the 2026 guidelines is paramount.

Success in SSC CGL begins with the right information. For more detailed guides on top colleges, degree selection, and stream-wise career advice, stay tuned to our updates.

Ready to start your journey?

If you're looking for the best undergraduate courses to help you crack government exams, check out our comprehensive guides at collegesimplified.in. We help you simplify your college search so you can focus on your future career!