SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1: Exam Window 30 Sep to 30 Oct, 28 Lakh Candidates, Answer Key Next
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has invited applications for Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026, Tier 1, Revised to 10,731 posts from 12,556, as reported on 24 September 2026. Check the SSC notice for the final count. vacancies, All India. The last date to apply is 30 October 2026. Age is counted as on Check the SSC notice for the cut-off date and age limit for CGL 2026. Details below are from the official notice: Based on Testbook's report on SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 (read 24 October 2026). Candidate count, vacancy revision, admit card timing and answer key timing are as Testbook reports them. The SSC calendar on ssc.gov.in gave different months for CGL in an earlier check, so confirm dates there.
- Organization
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Post Name
- Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026, Tier 1
- Total Vacancy
- Revised to 10,731 posts from 12,556, as reported on 24 September 2026. Check the SSC notice for the final count.
- Application Mode
- Online at ssc.gov.in. Tier 1 is a computer-based test.
- Job Location
- All India
- Official Website
- ssc.gov.in
More from Staff Selection Commission.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 window opens | 30 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 window closes | 30 October 2026 |
| Admit card | 2 to 3 days before each exam shift, as reported |
| Answer key | First week of November 2026, as reported |
What the Tier 1 window was
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) ran the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 Tier 1 exam as a computer-based test. Testbook reports that the application window ran from 30 September to 30 October 2026, and that 28,52,665 candidates took part.
The Tier 1 round is screening. Your result depends on your score in each section, so the sectional timing matters as much as the total.
Vacancy change
Testbook reports that the number of posts was revised on 24 September 2026, from 12,556 to 10,731. A change like this can alter the cut-off, so check the revised number in the SSC notice before you plan any post-wise strategy.
Admit card and exam day
Testbook reports that the admit card is released two to three days before the exam date. Download it from ssc.gov.in, check your name, roll number, centre and shift, and carry it to the test centre along with a photo ID.
Sectional timing is the rule that most candidates miss. The paper is timed by section, so a student who spends too long on one section cannot move the spare time to another. Read the sectional timing in the official notice, and practise with a timer for each section.
Answer key and next steps
Testbook reports the answer key in the first week of November 2026. Once it is out:
- Download the answer key from ssc.gov.in and check your attempts question by question.
- Raise any objection within the window the SSC gives, and keep a note of the question number and the option you believe is correct.
- Calculate your raw score using the marking scheme in the notice, and compare it with the previous year's cut-off once the results are out.
Why students should act now
If you are a candidate, the timeline is short. The admit card comes two to three days before your exam, so keep your login details ready. If you did not appear, the next SSC cycle will open on its own calendar, so watch ssc.gov.in.
Frequently asked questions
When was SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1? The window ran from 30 September to 30 October 2026, as reported.
How many candidates appeared? 28,52,665, as reported by Testbook.
How many posts are there now? The count was revised to 10,731 on 24 September 2026, as reported.
When is the answer key? First week of November 2026, as reported.
Sources
Testbook report on SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1, read 24 October 2026. The SSC calendar on ssc.gov.in was checked earlier and gave different months, so confirm the answer key and result dates on the official site.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on Check the SSC notice for the cut-off date and age limit for CGL 2026)
| Category | Age Relaxation | Max Age |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates | As per the SSC notice | Check the SSC notice |
Educational Qualification
- Graduation from a recognised university, as per the SSC CGL notice. Check the post-wise qualification.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee | As per the SSC notice. Check the category-wise fee. |
How to Apply
- 1Check your admit card on ssc.gov.in two to three days before your exam, as reported.
- 2Note your exam shift and the sectional timing in the notice.
- 3Carry the admit card and photo ID to the test centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tier 1 window ran from 30 September to 30 October 2026, as reported by Testbook.
Testbook reports 28,52,665 candidates for CGL 2026 Tier 1.
The count was revised from 12,556 to 10,731 on 24 September 2026, as reported. Check the SSC notice for the final number.
Testbook reports the answer key in the first week of November 2026. The SSC calendar should confirm the date.