SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026:Check Educational Qualifications, Age Limit & Other Details

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most preferred exams among all government exams conducted in India. Each year, lakhs of applicants fill applications for this examination for securing employment in central government ministries/departments. However, knowing the eligibility criteria becomes essential prior to filling the application form. These eligibility criteria cover details such as age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and physical standards. Candidates, failing to satisfy these criteria, will have their applications rejected by the examination conducting authorities. This article discusses the entire eligibility criteria of SSC CGL in an easy-to-understand manner.

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026: Highlights

Candidates must meet all the given eligibility criteria. If anyone fails to do or mention any incorrect or incomplete information, then this may lead to cancellation of the application at any stage of the selection process. Check the given table for SSC CGL Eligibility criteria key highlights as follows:

SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational qualification is one of the most important parts of the SSC CGL eligibility. Before applying, candidates should meet the educational qualifications mentioned below:

Before applying for SSC CGL 2026, candidates need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

 Nationality

• The applicant should be a citizen of India.

• The candidates of Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan origin (if migrated to India before 01.01.1962) are also eligible.

• The applicants having Indian origin but migrated from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam are also eligible.

• Candidates of such type require a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

 Age Limit

• Minimum age limit is 18 years.

• Maximum age limit is 27 to 32 years, depending on the post applied for.

 Age Relaxation 

 Eligible candidates fromreserved categories are given some relaxation in the age limit as per rules

• OBC candidates: 3 years 

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years 

• PwBD candidates: 10 years 

 Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognised University.

• For “Statistical Investigator Grade II”, a graduate degree in any subject with statistics is mandatory.

• For “Junior Statistical Officer” (JSO), a graduate degree with a statistics subject is mandatory.

 Physical and Medical Criteria

• Some posts in SSC CGL need applicants to satisfy physical fitness criteria.

• Sub-Inspector post at CBI, Inspector post at CBN, and Inspector (Central Excise) need a certain height, chest, and eyesight of the candidate.

 No. of Attempts

• There is no limit to the number of attempts in SSC CGL

• Applicants can take the exam as many times as they want till they are not above the upper age limit.