SSC CGL Age Limit for OBC, SC, ST 2026 – Detailed Eligibility Guide
Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) Examination is one of the most competitive central government recruitment exams in India. It is conducted to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India.
Age limit is one of the most important eligibility criteria in SSC CGL. Many candidates get confused about upper age relaxation rules for OBC, SC, and ST categories. The age limit varies depending on the post applied for, and relaxation benefits are provided as per Government of India rules.
In this article, we explain the SSC CGL 2026 age limit, category-wise age relaxation, and post-wise upper age requirements in simple terms.
Important Dates
The official SSC CGL 2026 notification is expected to be released between April and June 2026 on the official SSC website.
The tentative timeline is as follows:
Notification Release: April–June 2026
Online Application Start Date: April–June 2026
Last Date to Apply: Around 30 days after notification release
Tier 1 Exam Date: Expected in July–August 2026
Tier 2 Exam Date: To be announced after Tier 1 results
Candidates must check the official notification for the exact age calculation date. Age is usually calculated as on 1st August of the examination year unless specified otherwise.
Eligibility
The minimum age required to apply for SSC CGL is 18 years. However, the upper age limit depends on the post.
For most Group B and Group C posts, the upper age limit ranges between 27 years and 32 years.
Here is the general age relaxation rule for reserved categories:
OBC candidates get 3 years of upper age relaxation.
SC/ST candidates get 5 years of upper age relaxation.
For example, if a post has an upper age limit of 30 years:
General category: Maximum 30 years
OBC category: Maximum 33 years
SC/ST category: Maximum 35 years
For posts with 27 years upper limit:
General: 27 years
OBC: 30 years
SC/ST: 32 years
For posts with 32 years upper limit:
General: 32 years
OBC: 35 years
SC/ST: 37 years
Age relaxation is applicable only if the candidate has valid category certificates issued by competent authorities.
Other relaxations such as for PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Central Government employees are also available as per SSC norms.
Application Process
The application process for SSC CGL 2026 will be conducted entirely online through the official SSC website.
Candidates need to complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done. After registration, they must log in using their credentials and fill out the application form.
During the application process, candidates must carefully select their category (General/OBC/SC/ST). Category selection must match the documents that will be presented during document verification.
Applicants need to upload:
Recent passport-size photograph
Signature
Relevant category certificate (if applicable during verification stage)
Application fees are usually exempted for SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates. OBC and General category male candidates typically pay the prescribed application fee.
Selection Process
The SSC CGL selection process consists of multiple tiers.
Tier 1 is an objective computer-based examination that includes General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
Tier 2 is also a computer-based examination with papers depending on the post applied for. Some posts require additional papers like Statistics or General Studies (Finance and Economics).
After clearing Tier 2, candidates may be called for document verification.
Age eligibility and category relaxation documents are verified during the document verification stage. If a candidate fails to produce valid age or category proof, their candidature may be cancelled.
Final selection is based on merit, category-wise cut-off, and post preference.
Salary
SSC CGL posts fall under Pay Level 4 to Pay Level 7 as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Pay Level 4 posts generally have a starting basic pay around ₹25,500 per month.
Pay Level 6 posts have a starting basic pay around ₹35,400 per month.
Pay Level 7 posts have a starting basic pay around ₹44,900 per month.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Transport Allowance
Other government benefits
The in-hand salary varies depending on the posting location and allowances.
Direct Official Link
For the official SSC CGL 2026 notification, detailed age limit information, and category-wise relaxation rules, candidates must refer only to the official website of the Staff Selection Commission:
Always verify eligibility details from the official notification before applying.