The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has extended the application window for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 until June 25, 2025. The announcement comes as the commission has already received over 28 lakh applications for the coveted recruitment exam.
Extended Deadline and Application Details
Originally, the last date for submitting online applications was June 18. However, due to persistent demand from candidates and to ensure wider participation, the SSC has decided to extend the deadline by one week. Candidates can now apply online through the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in, until 11:50 PM on June 25. The fee payment window will also remain open until the same date.
According to an official notice, the extension applies to all categories of applicants. The commission has urged candidates to complete their registration and payment before the new deadline to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
Exam Schedule and Pattern
The SSC CGL 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in multiple tiers, starting with Tier-I (computer-based examination) likely in July or August 2025. The exam is held annually to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
The Tier-I exam will consist of four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section carries 50 marks, with a total of 200 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.5 marks for each wrong answer.
Eligibility and Vacancies
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university to be eligible. The age limit varies from 18 to 32 years depending on the post. The exact number of vacancies for CGL 2026 will be announced later, but based on previous trends, it is expected to be around 20,000 to 25,000 posts.
The SSC has also clarified that the application correction window will be opened after the closure of the application process. Candidates will be allowed to make limited corrections to their application forms for a specified period.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply online by visiting the SSC website and clicking on the CGL 2026 application link. They must register with a valid email ID and mobile number, fill in personal and educational details, upload scanned copies of photograph and signature, and pay the application fee online. The fee for general and OBC candidates is Rs. 150, while women and candidates from SC/ST/PwD categories are exempted.
The commission has advised candidates to keep a printout of the application form and fee receipt for future reference.
