SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online: Direct Link, Last Date, Step-by-Step Process & Fee Payment

Apply Online for SSC CGL Recruitment 2026 now! SSC CGL 2026 Online Application has started from 21 May 2026. The Staff Selection Commission has officially opened the registration portal for the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026. If you are a graduate aiming for a Central Government job in 2026, the application window is open right now and closes on 22 June 2026 (11:00 PM).

This detailed guide covers the complete SSC CGL 2026 online application process — from registration to fee payment — along with important dates, required documents, photo/signature guidelines, correction window, and common mistakes to avoid.

SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online — Notification PDF

The SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF provides complete details regarding the online application process, including registration steps, required documents, application fee, photograph guidelines, correction window dates, and important instructions. Candidates should carefully read the notification before submitting their application to avoid errors and ensure successful registration.

SSC CGL 2026 Mock Question Paper PDF

SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online — Details

SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online Date 

Who Can Apply Online for SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment?

Before you begin the online application, confirm that you meet the basic eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized University or Institute. Final year students can also apply, but the degree must be completed by 01 August 2026.

Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026):

• 18–27 years for Pay Level 4 and Level 5 posts (Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant, UDC, Postal Assistant)
• 18–30 years for most Pay Level 6 and Level 8 posts
• 20–30 years for CSS, MEA, Railways, AFHQ ASO posts and Sub Inspector CBI
• 18–32 years for Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

Nationality: Indian Citizen (or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or person of Indian origin from specified countries with permanent settlement intent).

SSC CGL 2026 Online Application — Complete Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Visit the Official SSC Website

Go to https://ssc.gov.in on your desktop, laptop, or the mSSC mobile app. Do not use any other website.

Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)

This is a one-time process for first-time users on the new SSC portal.

• Click on “New User? Register Here” or the OTR link on the homepage.
• Enter your basic details: Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Category.
• Provide a valid mobile number and email ID — OTPs will be sent to both.
• Enter your Aadhaar number (strongly recommended — it enables Aadhaar-based authentication and protects your application from photo/signature rejection).
• Verify via OTP and complete OTR.
• Note down your Registration ID and Password carefully.

Once OTR is created on ssc.gov.in, it remains valid for ALL future SSC exams on this portal. You do not need to register again.

Step 3: Log In to Your Account

• Go to https://ssc.gov.in and click “Login”.
• Enter your Registration ID / Roll Number and Password.
• Complete the CAPTCHA and log in.

Step 4: Click on “Apply” for SSC CGL 2026

• In your dashboard, find the SSC CGL 2026 notification under the “Latest Notifications” or “Apply” section.
• Click “Apply Now” against the CGL 2026 exam.

Step 5: Fill the SSC CGL 2026 Application Form

Fill in the following details carefully:

Personal Details:

• Name (as per Matriculation certificate)
• Date of Birth (as per 10th certificate)
• Father’s Name / Mother’s Name
• Gender
• Nationality
• Category (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwBD / ESM)
• Sub-category if applicable (for age relaxation)

Contact Details:

• Correspondence address (permanent and present)
• Mobile number (must be active — admit card and updates will be sent here)
• Email ID

Educational Qualification:

• Graduation details — University/Institute name, pass year, percentage/CGPA
• Select “Appearing” if in final year

Examination Details:

• Select preferred Exam Centre(s) — up to 3 choices in order of preference
• Select post preferences (to be submitted at a later stage as per SSC instructions)

Category-wise Details:

• If claiming SC/ST/OBC/EWS/ESM/PwBD, provide certificate details
• For OBC: Confirm non-creamy layer status for the current financial year

Step 6: Capture Your Live Photograph

This is a unique feature of the new SSC portal — no pre-existing photograph upload is required.

When prompted by the application module:

• Sit or stand in front of your device’s camera
• Ensure good lighting and a plain background
• Keep the camera at eye level
• Face the camera directly — no cap, no mask, no glasses/spectacles
• Make sure your entire face is clearly visible within the frame

Do NOT capture a photo of your existing photograph. Applications where candidates upload a photo-of-photo will be summarily rejected.

Candidates who opt for Aadhaar-Based Authentication will NOT face rejection due to photo quality issues.

Step 7: Upload Scanned Signature

• File format: JPEG / JPG only
• File size: 10 KB to 20 KB
• Dimensions: 6.0 cm (width) × 2.0 cm (height)
• The signature must be your own handwritten signature on white paper, scanned clearly
• Blurred or miniature signatures will cause summary rejection

Aadhaar-authenticated candidates are exempt from signature rejection issues as well.

Step 8: PwBD/PwD Candidates — Upload Disability Certificate

If you are a PwBD/PwD candidate wishing to avail reservation or scribe benefits, upload your Certificate of Disability (as per the prescribed annexure format from the notification) at this stage.

Step 9: Preview and Verify the Application

Before final submission:

• Click “Preview / Print” to review every field you have filled
• Verify your Name, Date of Birth, Category, Exam Centre choices, and Educational Qualification details
• Check that the photograph is clear and signature meets specifications
• Correct any errors at this stage itself — it is much cheaper than using the correction window later

Step 10: Submit the Application

• Once satisfied with all details, click “Final Submit”
• After submission, the application is locked

Step 11: Pay the Application Fee

Who needs to pay fee?

How to pay SSC CGL 2026 application fee:

• BHIM UPI
• Net Banking
• Visa / Mastercard / Maestro / RuPay Debit Card

Fee payment deadline: 23 June 2026 (11:00 PM)

If fee is not paid, the application status will show as “Incomplete” and will be summarily rejected. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.

After payment, check the “Payment Status” link on your login dashboard to confirm that the fee has been received by SSC.

Step 12: Download and Save the Application Form

• After successful submission and fee payment, download a PDF printout of your application form
• Save it to your device and/or take a printout
• Keep the application form safely for at least 3 years as per DoP&T instructions
• The printout will also contain your Application Reference Number — note it down

Aadhaar-Based Authentication — Why You Should Use It

SSC strongly recommends enabling Aadhaar-Based Authentication during OTR. Here’s why it benefits you:

• Your application will not be rejected due to photograph quality issues (even if the live photo is slightly blurry or has minor lighting issues)
• Your application will not be rejected due to signature quality issues
• You will not need to carry photo ID proof to the exam centre at the time of the Computer Based Examination
• You will not need to carry a recent colour photograph to the exam venue

This makes the entire process smoother and reduces the risk of application rejection.

Documents Required for SSC CGL 2026 Online Application

Keep these ready before you begin filling the form to avoid interruptions:

Mandatory for Registration (OTR):

• Valid mobile number (for OTP verification)
• Active email ID (for OTP verification)
• Aadhaar number (recommended for Aadhaar-based authentication)

For Filling the Application Form:

• 10th/Matriculation certificate (for date of birth)
• Graduation degree/marksheet details
• Category certificate number (if SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/ESM)
• Scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format — 10 to 20 KB, dimensions approximately 6.0 cm (width) × 2.0 cm (height)

For Photo: You do NOT need to upload a pre-existing photograph. The application module captures your photograph live via camera at the time of filling the form. Keep a clean, well-lit background ready.

SSC CGL 2026 Apply Online — Direct Link

Apply online at the official SSC website only: https://ssc.gov.in

Important: Do NOT apply on the old website (https://ssc.nic.in). The old website is no longer active for new applications. Your earlier OTR (One-Time Registration) generated on ssc.nic.in is also NOT valid on the new website. You must create a fresh OTR on ssc.gov.in.

You can also apply through the mSSC mobile application, available for download on the Google Play Store.

How to Check SSC CGL 2026 Application Status

1. Visit https://ssc.gov.in
2. Log in with your Registration ID and Password
3. Go to “My Application” or “Application Status”
4. Check whether status shows “Complete” (fee received) or “Incomplete” (fee not received / form not submitted)

SSC CGL 2026 Application Form Correction — Window Details

Made a mistake in your application? SSC provides a 3-day correction window after the application closes.

Key rules about the correction window:

• Correction is allowed only if you have already submitted a complete application and paid the fee before 22 June 2026.
• The latest corrected application is treated as final — all previous versions are cancelled.
• If correction charges are not paid, the correction does not go through and the previous application remains valid.
• After the correction window closes on 1 July 2026, no change will be allowed under any circumstances — not by post, fax, email, or in person.
• Correction charges are applicable to all candidates regardless of category or gender.

Double-check everything during Step 9 (Preview) to avoid paying ₹200–₹500 for corrections later.

If status shows “Incomplete” even after fee payment, check the “Payment Status” link. Allow 24–48 hours for payment reconciliation.

SSC CGL 2026 Exam Centres — How to Select in the Application

During the application form, you must choose your preferred exam centre(s). The exam is conducted across India through SSC Regional Offices.

Major Exam Centres by Region:

Choose centres closest to your home city. The Commission does not guarantee your preferred centre, but tries to allocate accordingly.

Things to Do After Submitting SSC CGL 2026 Application

1. Confirm Application Status: Log in and verify that your status shows “Complete” — not “Incomplete”.
2. Save the Application Form PDF: Keep it in a secure folder and also take a printout.
3. Note your Registration Number: You’ll need it throughout the selection process.
4. Start Tier-I Preparation Immediately: The exam is tentatively in August–September 2026. That gives you approximately 2–3 months.
5. Keep checking ssc.gov.in: Admit cards, answer keys, results, and all communications are published on the official website only.
6. Bookmark the official website: ssc.gov.in is the only authentic source — do not rely on unofficial websites or WhatsApp forwards for updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in SSC CGL 2026 Online Application

These are the most common errors candidates make — avoid them at all costs:

• Using the old SSC website (ssc.nic.in): Applications cannot be submitted there. Use only https://ssc.gov.in.
• Applying with old OTR from ssc.nic.in: Old OTR is invalid on the new portal. Create a fresh OTR.
• Entering wrong Date of Birth: DOB once submitted is extremely difficult to change. Verify it against your 10th certificate.
• Selecting wrong category: Claiming SC/ST/OBC/EWS wrongly can get your candidature cancelled at document verification.
• Capturing a photo of your existing photo: This is explicitly prohibited and leads to summary rejection.
• Uploading oversized or undersized signature: Keep it between 10–20 KB in JPEG format.
• Not paying the fee on time: The fee deadline is 23 June 2026, one day after the application deadline. Missing it results in automatic rejection.
• Not saving the application form: Always download and save a copy of your submitted application for future reference.
• Waiting till the last day to apply: SSC websites experience heavy traffic near deadlines. Apply early to avoid technical issues.
• Selecting wrong exam centre: Choose a centre you can actually travel to during the exam period.