SSC CGL Eligibility 2026, Know Age Limit, Qualification, Age Relaxation & Physical Standards

The SSC CGL 2026 notification was released on 21st May 2026, and with it, the complete eligibility criteria for all Group B and Group C posts. Before filling the application form, every candidate must verify that they meet the age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and physical standards as prescribed by SSC. This page covers the complete SSC CGL Eligibility 2026 including post-wise age limits, category-wise age relaxation, qualification requirements for AAO, JSO and Statistical Investigator posts, physical standards for Inspector-level posts, and the number of permissible attempts.

Who is eligible for SSC CGL 2026 Exam?

SSC CGL Eligibility 2026 requires candidates to be Indian nationals, hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university, and be aged between 18 to 32 years (age varies by post, with category-wise relaxation as per government rules). Before checking the detailed post-wise criteria, here is a quick summary of the essential eligibility conditions every SSC CGL 2026 applicant must meet:

What is SSC CGL Age Limit?

The SSC CGL 2026 age limit varies by post, ranging from 18 to 32 years as on the reference date of 1st August 2026. Most Group C posts require candidates to be between 18–27 years, while Group B posts like Inspector and ASO allow up to 30 years. The JSO post has the highest age limit at 18–32 years. Check the exact date of birth range for each age bracket below:

What is SSC CGL Group B Posts Wise Age Limit?

The SSC CGL Group B post-wise age limit varies for different posts and departments. The details of the SSC CGL Group B post-wise age limit are as follows:

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What is SSC CGL Group C Posts Wise Age Limit?

The SSC CGL Group C post-wise age limit varies for different posts and departments. The details of the SSC CGL Group C post-wise age limit are as follows:

What is SSC CGL Age Limit Criteria?

SSC CGL age limit is provided for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. The details of age relaxation are as follows:

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What is SSC CGL Educational Qualification 2026?

The SSC CGL 2026 educational qualification is a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with specific posts like JSO and Statistical Investigator requiring Mathematics or Statistics. The specific educational requirements for each post in SSC CGL Exam are provided in the table below: 

Candidates must possess the required educational qualification as on 1st August 2026, which is the cut-off date specified in the SSC CGL 2026 notification. Final-year graduation students may apply but must complete their degree by this date.

What is SSC CGL Eligibility 12th Percentage?

For the Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) position, candidates must have scored at least 60% in Mathematics in 12th grade. For other posts, the 12th percentage does not play a major role in eligibility.

What is SSC CGL Eligibility Graduation Percentage?

SSC CGL eligibility does not require a specific graduation or 12th percentage for most posts, except for JSO, which needs 60% in Maths in Class 12.

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What is SSC CGL Nationality 2026?

The SSC CGL 2026 nationality criteria is that the candidates must be Indian citizens or meet specific conditions if from Nepal, Bhutan, or are persons of Indian origin from select countries, with a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. A candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

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What are SSC CGL Physical Standards?

Physical standards are mandatory only for specific Inspector and Sub-Inspector level posts in SSC CGL 2026. Candidates applying for any of the following posts must meet the prescribed height, chest, and weight criteria and must also qualify the physical endurance test:

The physical measurement standards prescribed for SSC CGL 2026 for the above posts are as follows. Candidates must note that these standards are in addition to the written examination performance and are mandatory for final selection. The details of the SSC CGL Physical Measurement test are as follows:

Physical tests are part of the SSC CGL 2026 Eligibility Criteria to assess candidates for different SSC CGL positions. These tests primarily include walking and cycling. Below is detailed information about the physical test:

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What are SSC CGL number of attempts?

SSC does not specify a fixed SSC CGL Number of Attempts. Candidates can appear for the exam any number of times until they reach the upper age limit prescribed for the post they are applying for. The indicative number of attempts based on age limit and category (assuming a candidate starts appearing from age 18) is as follows:

What are the Key Takeaways?

Below are the key takeaways from this article:

• Nationality: Candidate must be an Indian citizen or eligible as per government norms.
• Education: Bachelor's degree is mandatory for all posts.
• JSO Post: Requires 60% in Maths in 12th or graduation with Statistics.
• Statistical Investigator Grade-II eligibility has been expanded in 2026 to include graduates in AI, Data Science, Computer Science, and IT — in addition to Statistics graduates.
• Age Limit: Ranges from 18 to 32 years, depending on the post.
• Group B Posts: Age limit ranges from 18–30 years for most posts, with 20–30 years for CSS/CBI/Railways/MEA/AFHQ posts.
• Group C Posts: Most require age between 18–27 years.
• Age Relaxation: Up to 15 years for reserved categories and PwD.
• No 12th/Graduation % Criteria: Except for JSO post, marks are not a barrier.
• Physical Standards: Mandatory for posts like CBI, NIA, CBIC, and CBN.
• Physical Tests: Include walking and cycling with time limits.
• Attempts Limit: General – 14, OBC – 17, SC/ST – 19, PwD (UR) – 24, and so on.

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