⚠ 4 Major Changes
What's New in SSC CGL 2026 - Must Know Before You Apply
▶ Paper-III added in Tier-2 for AAO & Assistant Accounts Officer (Finance & Economics)
▶ Sectional timing introduced in Tier-I - 15 min per section for all candidates
▶ Vacancies reduced to 12,256 (down from ~14,582 in 2025) - higher competition ahead
▶ Statistical Investigator eligibility expanded - AI, Data Science, CS & IT graduates now eligible
Know More
Correction Window
Application Correction Window - 29th June to 1st July 2026 (11 PM)
Use this window to fix errors in your submitted form (including fee payment). No changes allowed after 1st July 2026.
Details
Deadline
Last Date to Apply Online - 22nd June 2026 | Fee Payment by 23rd June
12,256 vacancies | Age: 18-27 yrs (as on 01 Aug 2026) | Fee: Rs. 100/- (SC/ST/Female exempted). Apply at ssc.gov.in.
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Exam Schedule
Tier-I: Aug-Sep 2026 | Tier-II: December 2026 (Tentative)
Tier-I is only a screening test. Final merit is based entirely on Tier-II performance. Tier-II now has Paper-I, II & III.
Details
New
SSC CGL 2026 Official Notification Released - 21st May 2026
SSC released the CGL 2026 notification with 12,256 vacancies across Group B & C posts. Applications open from 21st May 2026.
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The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the SSC CGL Notification on ssc.gov.in. The notification was out on 21st May 2026. A total number of 12256 vacancies across Group B and Group C posts have been released. The application window of SSC CGL 2026 recruitment is open from 21st May 2026 to 22nd June 2026. Candidates who want to have a good career in Government jobs after graduation should apply today for this recruitment and start preparing for this exam.
When did SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment Notification came out?
The SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on 21st May, 2026. The full form of SSC CGL is Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level. This exam is conducted on a national level. The purpose of this exam is to recruit Group B & C officers for various departments in central government.
How to download official SSC CGL Notification PDF 2026?
The official SSC CGL Notification PDF 2026 is now available at ssc.gov.in. The candidates can download the notification PDF by navigating to the official website or from the link given below. Once you open the official website, you will see a "Notice Board". You now need to scroll down on May 21, where you will find "Notice of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026". Just click on it and you will be able to download the official notification PDF for SSC CGL exam.
Download the SSC CGL Notification 2026 PDF
SSC CGL 2026 Notification Overview
Beginners who will be appearing for this exam for the first time must have the complete knowledge about this exam. So, here is a basic overview every aspirant must have:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Notification Release Date | 21st May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 21st May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22nd June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23rd June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 29th June to 1st July 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | August–September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| Total Vacancies | 12,256 |
| Posts | Group B & Group C (Pay Level 4 to 8) |
| Age Limit | 18–32 years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM exempted) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Document Verification |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
What are the important dates for SSC CGL 2026?
The application dates have been released by SSC but the exam dates are released tentatively. Check out the complete timeline for SSC CGL 2026 recruitment below:
| Particulars | Dates |
|---|
| Notification Release Date | 21st May, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 21st May, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22nd June, 2026 |
| Last date and time for making online fee payment | 23rd June, 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | 29th June to 1st July, 2026 |
| Application Status (Tier 1) | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release Date (Tier 1) | To be announced |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Date | August-September, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Tier 1 Result Release | To be announced |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Date | December 2026 (Tentative) |
Before moving on to the further details, let me tell you that they key to clear this exam is practice. For your practice, we have launched SSC CGL Free Topic Wise Quizzes.
How many Vacancies are released in 2026 for SSC CGL?
There are approximately 12,256 vacancies announced this year for SSC CGL Recruitment. The post wise and category wise vacancies have not been released yet. Once SSC collects the vacancy data from all the departments, then the data will be made available on the official website under the "For candidates" section.
SSC CGL Vacancy Trend (2014 to 2026)
The SSC CGL vacancy trend has shown significant fluctuations over the past few years. In the table below, along with the number of vacancies, you will also find the PDF for each year. These PDFs will help you understand the distribution of vacancies along different posts and categories.
| Year | Vacancy | Vacancy PDF |
|---|
| 2026 | 12,256 | To be released |
| 2025 | 14,582 | Download PDF |
| 2024 | 18,236 | Download PDF |
| 2023 | 7,859 | Download PDF |
| 2022 | 36,001 | Download PDF |
| 2021 | 7,621 | Download PDF |
| 2020 | 7,108 | Download PDF |
| 2019 | 8,428 | Download PDF |
| 2018 | 12,613 | Download PDF |
| 2017 | 8,121 | Download PDF |
| 2016 | 10,661 | Download PDF |
| 2015 | 8,561 | Download PDF |
| 2014 | 17,166 | Download PDF |
Which pay level posts have been announced in SSC CGL 2026 ?
SSC CGL Posts have been announced for pay levels 4 to 8.This year, SSC has introduced Pay Level-8 posts. Pay level 8 includes Assistant Audit Officer in state and central cadre and Assistant Accounts officer in state cadre. Pay level 7 includes Assistant Section Officer, Inspector and Sub Inspector posts in various departments. The pay level 6 includes Assistant ASO, research assistant, JSO, statistical investigator, section head, etc. The pay level 5 includes auditor and accountant posts. Finally, the pay level 4 posts includes tax assistant, postal assistant, clerks, SSAs, etc. You can check out the detailed SSC CGL post list here and you will get to know the posts name, departments/ ministry, classification, age limit and pay scale.
SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
The SSC CGL eligibility includes educational qualification, age limit, nationality, and other required conditions prescribed in the official notification. Candidates must fulfill all eligibility requirements before applying for the SSC CGL exam.
SSC CGL Nationality
Candidates applying for SSC CGL must be an Indian citizen, or a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries, and candidates other than Indian citizens must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Check out the detailed SSC CGL Eligibility.
| Eligible Candidates | Additional Requirement |
|---|
| Citizen of India | No additional requirement |
| Citizen of Nepal | Certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India |
| Citizen of Bhutan | Certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India |
| Person of Indian origin who has migrated from: Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India | Certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India |
SSC CGL Age Limit
The SSC CGL age limit is 18 to 32 years as on 01-08-2026. However, the age limit differs on the basis of the post applied for. Check out the detailed post wise age limit in the sections below.
Attempt Free SSC CGL Mock Test
SSC CGL Group B Posts Age limit
The SSC CGL Group B posts-wise age limit varies for different posts and departments. The details are as follows:
| Name of Post | Ministry/Department/Office/Cadre | Age Limit |
|---|
| Assistant Section Officer | Intelligence Bureau | 18-30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | 18-30 years |
| Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Other Ministries/Departments/Organizations | 18-30 years |
| Inspector (Central Excise) | CBIC | 18-30 years |
| Inspector (Preventive Officer) | CBIC | 18-30 years |
| Inspector (Examiner) | CBIC | 18-30 years |
| Assistant Enforcement Officer | Directorate of Enforcement, Department of Revenue | 18-30 years |
| Inspector Posts | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | 18-30 years |
| Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | 18-30 years |
| Executive Assistant | CBIC | 18-30 years |
| Research Assistant | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | 18-30 years |
| Divisional Accountant | Offices under C&AG | 18-30 years |
| Sub Inspector | National Investigation Agency (NIA) | 18-30 years |
| Sub-Inspector/ Junior Intelligence Officer | Narcotics Control Bureau (MHA) | 18-30 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer | Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation | 18-32 years |
| Assistant Section Officer | Central Secretariat Service | 20-30 years |
| Sub Inspector | Central Bureau of Investigation | 20-30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of Railways | 20-30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer | Ministry of External Affairs | 20-30 years |
| Assistant Section Officer | AFHQ | 20-30 years |
SSC CGL Group C Posts Age Limit
Check out the detailed SSC CGL Group C posts-wise age limit for different posts and departments in the table below:
| Name of Post | Ministry/Department/Office/Cadre | Age Limit |
|---|
| Auditor | Offices under C&AG | 18-27 years |
| Auditor | Offices under CGDA | 18-27 years |
| Auditor | Other Ministries/Departments | 18-27 years |
| Accountant | Offices under C&AG | 18-27 years |
| Accountant | Controller General of Accounts | 18-27 years |
| Accountant/ Junior Accountant | Other Ministries/Departments | 18-27 years |
| Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | 18-27 years |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/ Upper Division Clerks | Central Govt. Offices/ Ministries other than CSCS cadres | 18-27 years |
| Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | 18-27 years |
| Tax Assistant | CBDT | 18-27 years |
| Tax Assistant | CBIC | 18-27 years |
| Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance | 18-27 years |
| Inspector of Income Tax | CBDT | 18-30 years |
SSC CGL Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must have the essential educational qualifications for various posts including:
| Post | Essential Qualifications | Desirable Qualifications | Additional Requirement |
|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer (Central Cadre) | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institute | Chartered Accountant (CA) / Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) / Company Secretary (CS) / Master's in Commerce / Master's in Business Studies / MBA (Finance) / Master's in Business Economics | Must qualify the "Subordinate Audit/ Accounts Service Examination" during probation for confirmation |
| Assistant Audit Officer (State Cadre) | 1. Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institute2. Proficiency in the Regional/Official language of the concerned State at matriculation level with certificate from recognized Board | Chartered Accountant (CA) / Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) / Company Secretary (CS) / Master's in Commerce / Master's in Business Studies / MBA (Finance) / Master's in Business Economics | Must qualify the "Subordinate Audit/ Accounts Service Examination" during probation for confirmation |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (State Cadre) | 1. Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institute2. Proficiency in the Regional/Official language of the concerned State at matriculation level with certificate from recognized Board | Chartered Accountant (CA) / Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) / Company Secretary (CS) / Master's in Commerce / Master's in Business Studies / MBA (Finance) / Master's in Business Economics | Must qualify the "Subordinate Audit/ Accounts Service Examination" during probation for confirmation |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 12thORBachelor's Degree with Statistics as a subject at degree level | — | — |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II | Bachelor's Degree in Statistics / Mathematics / Economics / Demography / Population Studies / Operation Research / Information Technology / Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Computer Technology / Computer Application / Data Science / Artificial Intelligence | — | — |
| All Other Posts | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or equivalent | — | — |
| Final Year Candidates | Candidates appearing in final year of graduation can apply | — | Must possess the essential qualification on or before 01.08.2026 |
Note: Candidates who are in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply. However, they must have the required qualification by the cut-off date released in the SSC CGL 2026 Notification which is 01-08-2026.
Download SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers
SSC CGL Apply Online 2026 Process
The procedure to be followed is explained below as per the SSC CGL Notification 2026.
Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication & Document Verification Process
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) had introduced Aadhaar Based Biometric Authentication. Below are the key points and requirements related to registration and document verification:
| Document Type | Accepted Documents (Any One) |
|---|
| Proof of Name | - Aadhaar Card- Voter ID Card- PAN Card- Driving License- Government ID Card- Government Service Identity Card- Pension Document |
| Proof of Date of Birth | - Birth Certificate- School Leaving Certificate- Certificate of DOB issued by Gazetted Officer- Aadhaar Card |
| Proof of Address | - Aadhaar Card- Voter ID Card- Driving License- Bank Statement with attested photo- Rent Agreement- Income Tax Assessment Order |
| Photograph | - Recent, clear photograph is mandatory |
| Proof of Gender | - Aadhaar Card- Voter ID Card- Birth Certificate- School Leaving Certificate |
Important notes on Eligibility & Document Verification
Before appearing for the SSC CGL 2026 examination and final selection, candidates must be aware of the key guidelines related to eligibility and document verification. The Commission adopts a provisional approach during the exam phase, and final eligibility will be confirmed only after document verification by the respective departments. Review the table below for essential points:
| Point | Details |
|---|
| Scrutiny at Exam Stage | No detailed eligibility check will be done at the time of written exam. |
| Candidature Status | Candidature is provisional until document verification is completed. |
| Must Meet Conditions | Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions:• Educational Qualification• Age Limit• Work Experience (if applicable)• Physical/Medical Standards (if applicable) |
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the SSC website (ssc.gov.in) and click on "APPLY" to start the application process.
- New User Registration: If candidates do not have an account click "New User, Register Now" and create a new account.
- Fill Registration Form: Enter details like name, birth date, email, and phone number. Create a strong password.
- Log In: Use your registration number and password to log in.
- Complete Application Form: Fill in personal details, education, and address. Check for accuracy.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your signature and live photograph.
- Review Application: Verify all details before submitting to avoid errors.
- Pay Application Fee: The SSC exam application fee is Rs. 100 for General/OBC candidates, with SC/ST/Women/Ex-Servicemen exempted, and payment can be made online via debit/credit card or net banking.
- Final Submission: Submit the form and keep a copy of the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
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SSC CGL Signature Size 2026
The format for the photograph and signature should be in JPEG or JPEG format. The size required for the same is as follows:
| Image Specifications | Size |
|---|
| Signature | 10-20 KB |
| Photograph | A live image of yourself must be uploaded using your mobile webcam or laptop camera. |
What is SSC CGL Application Form Fees 2026?
The SSC CGL 2026 application fee can be ₹100 for General and OBC candidates, while SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
| Category | Fee |
|---|
| General/OBC | Rs.100/- |
| SC/ST/Ex-Serviceman/Females | Fee exempted |
What is the SSC CGL Selection Process 2026 ?
The SSC CGL Selection Process consists of two stages, preliminary and main examination. Candidates who are preparing to appear for the examination must be aware of the detailed selection procedure.
| Stage | Description |
|---|
| Tier-I Examination | This is a computer-based test covering various subjects. |
| Tier-II Examination | Tier 2 is also a computer-based exam, consisting of three papers: Paper 1 (compulsory for all posts), Paper 2 (for Junior Statistical Officer applicants only), and |
| Document Verification | Candidates who qualify must attend document verification. |
Check SSC CGL Toppers Mock Test Analysis
What is SSC CGL Exam Pattern?
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern consists of two: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Each tier evaluates candidates' skills and knowledge through various formats like computer-based tests, descriptive exams, and skill tests. Tier 1 is an online exam with multiple-choice questions, assessing General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 2 is more advanced, consisting of two papers focused on Quantitative Abilities and English Language & Comprehension.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam is a qualifying exam, and the score obtained in this exam will not be considered for the final selection. A new change this year is the introduction of sectional timing, where each section must be attempted within a fixed time limit. The details of the SSC CGL Exam Pattern are as follows:
- Exam Duration: 1 hour
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
- Qualification Process: Tier-1 is qualifying; Tier-2 determines final merit.
- Paper 1: Must qualify each section separately.
- Merit List: Based only on Tier-2 performance.
- Time: 1 hour (with sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject), 1 hour and 20 minutes (with sectional timer of 15+5=20 minutes for each subject) for the candidates eligible for scribe. The subject wise weightage for Tier 1 is as follows:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 1 hour (with sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject) (1 hour and 20 minutes (with sectional timer of 15+5=20 minutes for each subject) for the candidates eligible for scribe |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 2 is given below. The key details about the merit list preparation, exam duration, and negative marking policy:
- Merit List: Based only on Tier-2 performance.
- Exam Duration: Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes; Paper 2: 2 hours.
- Negative Marking: Paper 1 – 1 mark per wrong answer; Paper 2 – 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
The subject wise weightage for Tier 2 is as follows:
| Session | Subject | Questions & Marks | Time |
|---|
Paper 1 Session I | Section I Module I – Mathematical Abilities Module II – Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 30 60 x 30 = 180 | 1. 1 hour (with sectional timer of 30 minutes for each subject) 2. 1 hours and 20 minutes (with sectional timer of 30+10=40 minutes for each subject) for the candidates eligible for scribe |
Section II Module I – English Language Comprehension Module II – General Awareness | 45 25 70 x 3 = 210 | 1. 1 hour (with sectional timer of 40 minutes for Subject A i.e. English Language & Comprehension and 20 minutes for Subject B i.e. General Awareness) 2. 1 hours and 20 minutes(with sectional timer of 40+15=55 minutes for Subject A i.e. English Language & Comprehension and 20+5=25 minutes for Subject B i.e. General Awareness) for the candidates eligible for scribe |
Section III Module – I – Computer Knowledge module | 20 x 3 = 60 | 1. 15 Minutes (For Section-III & IV each) 2. 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe |
| Session II (15 minutes) | Module – II: Data Entry Speed Test | One data entry task |
| Paper 2 | FOR JSO: Paper 2 - Statistics | 100 x 2 = 200 | 1. 2 hours 2. 2 hours and 40 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe |
| Paper 3 | FOR AAO: Paper 3 - General Studies (Finance and Economics) | 100 x 2 = 200 | 1. 2 hours 2. 2 hours and 40 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe |
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SSC CGL 2026 Syllabus
The SSC CGL 2026 syllabus consists of four major sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English Comprehension. Candidates can plan their preparation based on the key topics listed below.
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Alphabetical Series, Coding-Decoding, Direction & Distance, Order & Ranking, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Sitting Arrangement, Analogy, Classification, Number Series, Missing Numbers, Arithmetical Reasoning, Symbols & Notations, Word Formation, Clock & Calendar, Cube & Dice, Statement & Assumption, Statement & Conclusion, Mirror Image, Paper Folding & Cutting, Figure Completion, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Matrix, Statement & Argument |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematics) | Number System, LCM & HCF, Surds & Indices, Algebra, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Average, Ratio & Proportion, Partnership, Problems on Ages, Time & Work, Pipe & Cistern, Mixture & Alligation, Speed Time Distance, Train/Boat Problems, Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry, Height & Distance, Data Interpretation |
| General Awareness (GA/GK) | Current Affairs, Environment & Society, Scientific Awareness, India & Neighbouring Countries, History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Geography (Physical & Indian), Economics (Basic Concepts, Budget, Demand-Supply), Polity (Constitution, Governance), General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| English Comprehension | Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Tenses, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Articles, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms & Antonyms, Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Improvement, Spelling Correction, Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution, Active/Passive Voice, Direct & Indirect Speech |
SSC CGL Salary
The salary structure of SSC CGL varies from 25,500 to 1,42,400. In addition to the basic pay, the SSC CGL post also offers allowances in the form of a dearness allowance, HRA, travel allowance, Grade Pay, and more. Further details about the SSC CGL Salary is as follows:
| Pay Levels | Pay Scale |
|---|
| 4 | 25,500-81,100 |
| 5 | 29,200-92,300 |
| 6 | 35400-1,12,400 |
| 7 | 44,900-1,42,400 |
What should you do after SSC CGL Notification?
Now that the SSC CGL 2026 notification is out, the next 30 days are important, from verifying your eligibility and filling the application form correctly to kickstarting your preparation before the competition heats up. Here is exactly what to do, in order:
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
Carefully review age limit, educational qualification, and other criteria.
Check whether you are eligible for SSC CGL or not with SSC CGL Eligibility Tool
- Step 2: Fill the Application Form
Apply online before the last date and ensure all details are correct. - Step 3: Start Mock Test Practice
Begin solving mock tests and previous year papers to improve accuracy and speed. - Step 4: Revise the Syllabus
Focus on important topics from Quant, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness.
What are the key takeaways?
Below are the key takeaways:
- SSC has released notification for over 12000 CGL Vacancies
- A total of 12,256 vacancies have been announced for various Group B and Group C posts.
- Online application process started from 21st May, 2026 and the last date to apply is 22nd June, 2026.
- SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2026 is expected to be conducted in August-September 2026.
- This year, SSC has officially announced Pay Level-8 posts including Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO).
- The salary range in SSC CGL varies from ₹25,500 to ₹1,51,100 depending on the pay level and post.
- The SSC CGL Selection Process consists of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Document Verification.
- Tier 1 is qualifying in nature, while final merit will be prepared on the basis of Tier 2 marks.
- SSC CGL 2026 introduces sectional timing in Tier 1 examination.
- SSC has continued Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and live photo upload process in the application form.
- Application fee for General/OBC candidates is ₹100, while SC/ST/Female/Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted.
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